Side Hustle School Ep. 3243 - First $1,000: Cozy Reading Gadget Turns Pages and Profit
Nov 17, 2025
A bedtime reader turns a simple paperclip into a cozy reading gadget. Struggling to read one-handed, she sketches a page holder and finds a manufacturer to bring her idea to life. After launching on Amazon, a viral video skyrockets sales, leading to improvements based on customer feedback. She now sells 40 units weekly without spending on ads, relying on creative content and engagement to drive her success. This journey highlights the power of innovation and responding to customer needs.
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From Paperclip Prototype To Product
- Ellie bent a paperclip into a page-holding clip, prototyped it, and sourced a soft-touch plastic version from Alibaba.
- She launched on Amazon FBA with a giftable bundle and reached $1,000+ after an influencer spike and steady weekly sales.
Customize Existing Molds And Add Bundles
- Source suppliers by messaging multiple manufacturers and request specific changes to an existing mold to save time and cost.
- Add gift packaging and small bundled items to raise perceived value and justify a higher launch price.
Launch Fast With Lifestyle Photos And Samples
- Launch quickly with simple images and lifestyle photos that show the product in use to validate demand.
- Send samples to niche creators and keep sending new sample boxes monthly to drive organic influencer spikes.