Earning real money on the side isn’t a fantasy - -

In fact, it’s never been easier to become a Business Owner. This series will introduce you to people just like you who dared to create extra income and security for themselves, often in surprising ways.

After coming across handmade scented candles in a boutique shop, Marc Gaskins decided to start his own candle-making company. This was a great departure from his full-time gig selling kitchen equipment. Most of his clients are log jammed during wedding season, which leaves large gaps in the calendar. Marc correctly resolved that he needed a side gig.  

During this downtime, Marc launched his Side Hustle: buying wholesale candles from a local company and selling them on Amazon.com. Marc would place orders with the manufacturer and they’d ship the product to Amazon’s warehouses. Customers would order and Amazon would ship the candles directly to the clients. This model is called: Fulfillment by Amazon.

Soon, Marc realized he’s make more profit by making and selling the candles himself. His “aha” moment occurred when he ventured into an upscale men’s store in Texas and saw a 9-ounce candle selling for $85. On the flight home, Marc began to develop his own brand: Meeting and Market.

Marc taught himself the candle-making process by watching YouTube Videos. Many of them were produced by Candle Science, America’s largest purveyor of DIY candle supplies.

In the beginning, he gave away free samples. Soon thereafter, he sourced a glassware firm and designed some innovative labels and sales took off!

Marc’s candles cost about $7.50 to make, wholesale for $16, sell at $25 at markets and $35 retail. He sells on Amazon, at farmer’s markets, at some retail locations, on eBay and through his website. Popular scents include: lavender chamomile, red ginger saffron and blackberry sage.

In his second year of business, Marc’s Side Hustle earned $43,000.

Startup Costs:  $200

Income:     $43,000

Website:     www.meetingandmarket.com

What to learn how to create your own Side Hustle?

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