Valentina Zapata, a 27-year-old entrepreneur based in Las Vegas, has turned her side hustle of reselling sneakers into a full-time gig that brings in over $500,000 in revenue each month. In this Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A, we delve into Zapata’s journey, from the inspiration behind her business to the challenges she faced and the advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Zapata started her side hustle while working as a life insurance broker, but it was during the post-pandemic era that she decided to pick it back up, thanks to the encouragement of her girlfriend. The Shoe Game Co., Zapata’s brainchild, quickly gained traction, with revenue hitting $7,000 a month before exploding when she joined the live-selling platform Whatnot.
One of the first steps Zapata took to get her side hustle off the ground was leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook Marketplace. She and her team learned valuable lessons along the way, such as identifying fake sneakers and understanding what products sell quickly. These experiences helped them refine their business model and grow their revenue.
Despite facing challenges like sitting inventory and spotting counterfeit products, Zapata persevered and eventually decided to take her side hustle full-time within two months of joining Whatnot. The business now generates over $500,000 in monthly revenue, and Zapata has expanded her operation to a new 6,000-square-foot warehouse with seven employees.
What sets Zapata’s business apart is not just the financial success but also the sense of community she has built. She takes pride in seeing her team grow and succeed, and she values the relationships she has formed with her customers. Zapata’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on building a strong community and brand reach, as these are essential for standing out in a digital era.
In conclusion, Valentina Zapata’s journey from a side hustle to a thriving business is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and building meaningful connections. Her story serves as inspiration for young entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into a successful venture.
