43-Year-Old Started a ‘Kitchen Island’ Side Hustle on Facebook Marketplace—Now It Brings in $379,000 a Year
Starting a side hustle can seem daunting, but with the right idea and a lot of determination, it can become a lucrative venture. This is the story of a 43-year-old who transformed a simple side hustle into a thriving business that now generates $379,000 a year—all starting from a kitchen island and a Facebook Marketplace account.
Background of the Entrepreneur
Meet Teyoshe Smith, a 43-year-old from Richmond, Virginia. Before her entrepreneurial journey began, Smith was working as a project manager at Capital One. Her previous job allowed her hour-long lunch breaks, which she used to personally deliver hand-assembled charcuterie boxes around Richmond. This seemingly small endeavor planted the seeds for what would become a highly successful business.
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The Genesis of the Side Hustle
Smith’s side hustle began organically in May 2022. She and her sister-in-law had been creating elaborate charcuterie spreads for family gatherings, which were well-received by friends and family. Realizing the potential, Smith decided to sell these spreads on Facebook Marketplace. Her first batch, made at her kitchen island, consisted of 25 boxes filled with hand-toasted crostini, cured meats, and cheese cut into flower shapes. To her surprise, the boxes sold out within two days.
Building the Business
With the positive response from her initial sales, Smith saw the potential to grow her side hustle. She continued to make and deliver charcuterie boxes while maintaining her full-time job. Within the first seven months, her side hustle brought in $84,000 in revenue. This impressive milestone gave Smith the confidence to leave her job in May 2023 and focus on her business full-time.
Business Growth and Development
Smith named her business Bite by Bite & Co. and quickly expanded its operations. Initially working from her house and a nearby church kitchen, she soon opened a storefront in Richmond and a commercial kitchen in Atlanta. Her company’s revenue soared to $379,000 in just one year. Bite by Bite & Co. now plans to open two additional franchise locations, further expanding its reach.
A key factor in the business’s growth was Smith’s ability to differentiate her products. She focused on providing a homemade experience, creating cheese balls and dips from fresh ingredients. Additionally, Smith reimagined the presentation of grazing tables by using custom boards up to 10 feet long, allowing her to set up quickly and efficiently at events.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Smith faced several challenges along the way, including legal and financial hurdles. Early in her business journey, she had to rebrand after a legal dispute over her initial business name, “Grazing Crazy.” This experience taught her the importance of thorough research and legal protection. She also emphasized the need for proper financial management, consulting with accountants and lawyers to ensure her business was legally and financially sound.
Keys to Success
Smith attributes her success to her passion for entertaining and creating memorable experiences. Her drive to provide high-quality products and excellent customer service set her apart in a competitive market. Efficient operational strategies, such as using custom boards for quick setup, also played a crucial role in her success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own side hustle, Smith offers several pieces of advice:
- Follow Your Passion: Focus on something you love and are passionate about.
- Research Thoroughly: Understand every aspect of your business, from product creation to legal requirements.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consult with accountants and lawyers to ensure your business is legally and financially protected.
- Stay Persistent: Don’t be discouraged by obstacles. Keep pushing forward and adapting as needed.
Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead, Smith has ambitious plans for Bite by Bite & Co. She aims to continue expanding through franchises, bringing her unique charcuterie experience to more cities. Her long-term vision is to create a business model that can be replicated and shared with others, helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their own success.
Conclusion
Teyoshe Smith’s journey from a modest kitchen island operation to a six-figure business is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and smart business strategies. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own side hustle and turn it into a profitable venture. If you have a passion and a good idea, don’t hesitate to take the first step. Your own success story could be just around the corner.
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