Kyle Needham, co-founder of Oyster Party, has turned his passion for oysters into a successful side hustle that has grown into a thriving business. Oyster Party specializes in shucking oysters on the half shell, creating raw bars and seafood towers, and providing caviar bumps for private parties, weddings, and corporate events. The company has gained popularity by hosting pop-up events at Smorgasburg, in Manhattan’s FiDi neighborhood, and the Hudson Valley, and has expanded its reach beyond New York to the Tri-State area.
Before starting Oyster Party, Kyle worked in the seafood industry, gaining valuable experience at a wholesale seafood company in Manhattan and retail fish markets in Columbus Circle and Grand Central. His love for oysters grew as he started shucking them at parties in Brooklyn, where he witnessed the enthusiasm people had for this delicacy. This passion and positive feedback inspired him to start his own side hustle focused on oysters.
The initial steps Kyle took to get Oyster Party off the ground included throwing a party with oysters and lobster rolls at a bar in Williamsburg. The overwhelming success of this event, where they sold out of their offerings, gave Kyle the confidence that they were onto something special. He then applied to Smorgasburg and established Oyster Party as an S corp, setting the stage for further growth and expansion.
Building Oyster Party presented its challenges, particularly in finding new ways to connect with customers and clients, especially during slower seasons. However, Kyle and his team persevered, focusing on grassroots efforts and selling at various events to gradually build a loyal customer base. Their commitment to quality and dedication to their craft paid off as more people began to appreciate what they had to offer, leading to increased business opportunities.
Despite the challenges, Oyster Party started seeing consistent monthly revenue early on, thanks to their proactive approach in reaching out to bars, markets, and corporate clients. Kyle’s decision to take his side hustle full-time came within a year of starting the business, as he realized that committing 100% of his time and effort was necessary for its success. This leap of faith paid off, resulting in an immediate increase in revenue and growth for Oyster Party.
Today, Oyster Party boasts a team of 15 members and operates across the Northeast, with yearly sales exceeding $1 million. Kyle finds joy in running a business that aligns with his passion for oysters and brings smiles to people’s faces. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their side hustles into successful ventures is to trust themselves, make the right decisions, stay curious, and never become complacent.
In conclusion, Kyle Needham’s journey with Oyster Party exemplifies the potential of turning a passion into a profitable business. By staying true to his love for oysters, taking calculated risks, and dedicating himself fully to his side hustle, Kyle has built a successful enterprise that continues to grow and thrive. His story serves as inspiration for others looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and turn their side hustles into fulfilling and lucrative ventures.
