Remember, it’s never too late to start your own online business journey. In fact, today’s guest is a perfect example of the power of determination and the magic of starting. She was at the lowest point, yet she climbed to the top. Let her journey inspire you, fuel your dreams, and guide you towards crafting your own success story. Embrace the challenge, because it’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything. So, let’s dive in!
Meet Hannah
Growing up in a Mormon household, Hannah adhered to the traditional path expected of her. Instead of immediately pursuing a career after college, she married and started a family. This was the norm ingrained in her from a young age — the belief that her role as a woman was to follow this trajectory. Her life seemed perfect, until the pandemic hit. During the pandemic, Hannah lost her job as an interpreter, as well as her marriage. However, she did not let those challenges set her back — instead, she used this experience to discover more about herself.
I knew I was gay. I was a late bloomer for sure
As Hannah came to terms with her identity and the challenges she faced, she prepared to rebuild her life and start providing for her family. It was an incredibly challenging period, but she held onto hope. Hannah found herself revisiting an old aspiration: to have her own business. After her divorce, she needed to secure a source of income to support her family and maintain their household.
I was determined to find a way to work while being present for my kids
So, this endeavor wasn’t originally just about herself but about crafting a new life for her and her children. Hannah was no stranger to hard work. From putting herself through college without taking out loans to juggling multiple jobs, she was accustomed to hustling. The idea of starting a business had lingered in her mind for over a decade, initially dismissed as an unrealistic fantasy. But as circumstances evolved, so did her perspective. Her vision for the business initially centered around a portable cart, allowing her to attend events and operate on weekends when childcare was available. It was a practical solution that aligned with her responsibilities as a parent.
The birth of Floof Cotton Candy
In 2020, Hannah began building her own business — Floof Cotton Candy. Finally, Hannah created the product that would change her life. She filled a container with cotton candy, creating what resembled a miniature cake.
Placing a candle on top, she found it adorable, despite not having cut it or decorated it further. Inspired by this, she sought out larger deli-style containers, eventually using a Costco-sized cottage cheese container from her mom. Upon successfully creating a larger cotton candy “cake,” she felt a surge of excitement and realization that her business was evolving in a new direction. This moment marked a significant shift, as she became confident that her focus would now be on these unique cakes.
She constructed the first cart using a jogging stroller and a wooden box placed on its frame. To dedicate time to her venture, she would put her children to bed and work from 8 p.m. to midnight, mixing sugars and testing flavors. Initially, she focused on building awareness by offering her creations to friends and members of her running club, seeking feedback. Slowly, this simple idea transformed into a beloved brand, cherished by both celebrities and customers.
Going viral
Recognizing the potential of TikTok early on, she joined the platform with the belief that it offered a unique opportunity for organic growth. At that time, TikTok was focused mostly on dance trends, but Hannah observed fellow small business owners thriving on the platform. Motivated by this, she began sharing videos to showcase her product, albeit without yet fully embracing the idea of going viral or expanding her shipping operations.
@floof.cottoncandy I get a lot of questions about how many people our Floof cake serves!🌈 10-12 slices depending on the size. My daughter doesn’t even like #cottoncandy but her mama owns Floof so it’s illegal to not bring a floofcake. #cottoncandycake #rainbowparty #rainbowcake #glutenfreecake #allergyfriendly #vegan
To address the need for instructions on caring for these cotton candy cakes, she produced a simple instructional video. Initially intended for cake recipients, the video unexpectedly gained traction on TikTok, going viral and attracting a flood of comments and inquiries. Although Hannah was still in the midst of experimenting with shipping methods, primarily handling local orders through email, the sudden surge in demand left her feeling both overwhelmed and exhilarated.
The challenges of entrepreneurship
Despite the chaos, she remained determined to seize the moment, recognizing the transient nature of trends. With the current popularity of her creations, she was driven to capitalize on the opportunity before it passed. So, she quickly started expanding her product line and perfecting her products. How much do you think people were willing to pay her for regular cheap cotton candy? A dollar? Try $70! That’s just free money.
However, navigating the business aspects all on her own proved to be overwhelmingly daunting for Hannah. She lacked any formal training or experience in business management, which she acknowledges as a common barrier for aspiring entrepreneurs. Despite her passion for her product and the demand it generated, she found herself confronted with the less glamorous tasks of running a business.
Transitioning from the creative process to dealing with administrative tasks, such as managing finances, was a significant adjustment. Initially, her to-do list seemed insurmountably long, with competing priorities demanding her attention daily. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with the demands of entrepreneurship added another layer of complexity. Hannah found herself juggling childcare duties while striving to fulfill orders and tackle mundane but necessary tasks, such as obtaining a seller’s permit from the state tax franchise board.
Advice for beginning entrepreneurs
For those who harbor a passion for art or a compelling idea they wish to share with the world, Hannah advocates wholeheartedly for pursuing it. She acknowledges that embarking on such a journey all on your own will present lots of challenges and hard work.
Hannah’s story is undeniably unconventional, especially in the realm of business success. A woman from a Mormon background who eschewed traditional career paths after college, she embarked on a journey marked by marriage, motherhood, self-discovery regarding her sexual orientation, and eventual entrepreneurship. Even her unique and strange choice of product proves that with enough courage, anyone can achieve success in online business.
@floof.cottoncandy I ran out of power twice too, but you have to keep going like everything is juuust peachy. It ended up being a great event with great people, but being an event vendor can be so stressful. #bts #cottoncandycart #cottoncandyvendor #floofcottoncandy #cottoncandy
The key takeaway from her experience is the importance of embracing a mindset devoid of self-imposed limitations. Hannah didn’t care about societal norms and listened to her inner voice, pursuing what truly resonated with her. This lesson applies universally: in business, one must cultivate the ability to think beyond perceived constraints and pursue what genuinely ignites passion. Whether it’s camping gear, pet products or even simple cotton candy, success lies in aligning business ventures with personal interests and values.
However, Hannah also offers a word of caution: while passion is crucial, entrepreneurs must consider the market and profitability. If monetary gain is the primary motivation, one must be strategic in selecting products or services. Great products may prove more lucrative, even if they don’t necessarily align with personal passions. Ultimately, success in business hinges on finding the balance between passion and profitability.
How to pick the right product?
- Quality over quantity: Our best-selling products are handpicked for their high quality and customer appeal. You can trust that your customers will love them!
- Higher profit margins: Imagine earning as much profit from selling one high-end smart home system as you would from hundreds of smaller gadgets. It’s efficient, effective, and financially rewarding.
- Cater to discerning customers: Best products always attract customers who value quality and are willing to pay a premium. They seek value, not just products. By offering high-ticket items, you tap into a market that appreciates excellence.
Let’s look at some examples.
Air pump shooting target game
Product cost: $8.10
Potential price at your store: $44.49
Profit per sale: $36.39
If you feel like bringing happiness to children is your purpose, don’t look any further, because Sellvia has just what you need! This game blends excitement and skill, offering endless hours of entertainment for everyone. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun evening at home, this air-powered shooting game is sure to be a hit.
Cosmetic case with a mirror
Product cost: $27.72
Potential price at your store: $81.49
Profit per sale: $53.77
If you’re passionate about makeup, there are plenty of best-selling beauty products for you to chose from! Crafted for the modern woman, this case isn’t just a storage solution; it’s a revolution in your beauty routine. Combining style, innovation, and practicality, it’s the perfect companion for both daily use and travel.
Compact 7-piece camping kitchen set with a portable carrying bag
Product cost: $10.12
Potential price at your store: $49.80
Profit per sale: $39.68
Do you love hiking? Even if you don’t, why not make some good money off it? What sets our product apart is its marriage of functionality and durability. It’s not just another utensil set; it’s a trusted companion for your outdoor culinary exploits. Invest in quality, convenience, and versatility.
Start dropshipping best-selling products with Sellvia
How it works:
- Product upload: We add high-ticket gems to your store’s catalog.
- Sale and payment: A customer buys a product from your store, and you receive a substantial sum in your account.
- Reordering: You reorder the same product from us at a lower cost.
- Fulfillment: We promptly pack and ship the product directly to your customer. No inventory headaches!
Why choose Sellvia?
- Expert guidance: We’re your ecommerce compass. Navigate the high-ticket waters with confidence.
- Premium products: Our selection includes top-notch items that resonate with discerning buyers.
- Seamless experience: From product upload to fulfillment, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to revolutionize your ecommerce journey? Dive into best-selling dropshipping with Sellvia! And remember: it is never too late to rediscover yourself and change your life for the better.
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