Side Hustle School Ep. 3225 - TBT: A Guided Journal, a Friend in Need, and 1,000+ Sales
Oct 30, 2025
Discover how a creative project for a friend in recovery transformed into a thriving business. A 30-day guided journal was crafted to offer personal support, leading to a successful Etsy launch. Growth exploded thanks to influencer collaborations and savvy online marketing. Morgan shares details of a unique partnership with a DC nonprofit, fulfilling large bulk orders. A glimpse into the financial success reveals impressive profits without ad spend, all while balancing a full-time job. It's a story of helping others while thriving!
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From Gift To Product
- Morgan made a 30-day guided journal prototype in Canva as a gift for a friend in alcohol recovery.
- That prototype became an Etsy product and later a printed journal selling over 1,100 copies.
Design With Empathy
- Designing with empathy matters when existing tools feel cold or clinical.
- Aesthetic, human-centered prompts can make recovery tools feel more personal and useful.
Sell Digital First, Add Print Later
- Offer both digital and print versions to meet different customer preferences.
- Use print-on-demand to keep inventory low and prices accessible while testing demand.