The Rise of the Side Hustle: How Katya Eckert Turned a Personal Challenge into a Thriving Business

In today’s economy, the concept of a side hustle has gained remarkable traction. More than one-third of U.S. adults are now engaged in side gigs, earning an average of $891 a month, according to recent research from Bankrate. For many, these supplemental incomes are not just a financial cushion but a pathway to entrepreneurship, with some side hustlers even generating earnings that rival their full-time jobs. One such inspiring story is that of Katya Eckert, founder of A DOMANI, who transformed her personal experiences into a successful business.

From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship

Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Katya worked in business development at Macro Risk Advisors, a broker-dealer specializing in derivatives strategy and trading. Her side hustle began as a solution to a personal challenge: the discomfort of postpartum hormonal changes, specifically relentless night sweats that disrupted her sleep and wardrobe.

The idea for A DOMANI was sparked one night when her husband suggested she create her own solution after yet another unsuccessful shopping attempt. This moment ignited a passion that would lead her to explore the viability of her business idea, particularly during the quiet months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laying the Groundwork

Katya’s initial steps involved extensive research and planning. She dedicated herself to writing a business plan, connecting with industry experts, and learning about textiles, sustainability, and manufacturing. This groundwork was crucial, as she realized that successful entrepreneurs often share their expertise and networks.

With a clearer vision, Katya hired a law firm for legal formation and trademarking, and enlisted designers to help create her product line. Sourcing fabric became a priority, especially since the pandemic forced fabric fairs online. Katya immersed herself in fabric technology, understanding that the right materials were essential for her product’s success.

Financial Commitment and Challenges

Launching a garment business is capital-intensive, requiring significant upfront investment. Katya self-funded A DOMANI, investing $200,000 to get it off the ground. She quickly learned that the garment industry demands large order quantities, which ties up capital and requires a solid go-to-market strategy.

Reflecting on her journey, Katya acknowledges the "dumb tax" of starting a business—costly mistakes stemming from a lack of knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and budgeting for unexpected expenses, such as retouching fees and shipping costs.

Navigating Setbacks

Like any entrepreneur, Katya faced her share of challenges. She aimed to launch A DOMANI in August 2022, but delays in fabric shipments and manufacturing pushed her timeline back. The interconnected nature of the garment supply chain meant that one delay could cascade into multiple issues.

Despite these setbacks, Katya remained resilient. When her fabric was delayed, her factory stepped in to create sample garments just in time for a crucial photoshoot. This adaptability was key to keeping her business on track.

Achieving Revenue Growth

Initially, A DOMANI was a side hustle, but as the business gained momentum, Katya left her finance job to focus on it full-time. In the first two months post-launch, the business generated $30,000 in revenue. However, personal challenges arose when Katya faced pregnancy complications and the loss of her mother to cancer. During this difficult time, she had to scale back operations but managed to maintain a steady flow of orders through word-of-mouth.

The turning point came when A DOMANI received media attention from outlets like Oprah Daily and CBS Mornings, significantly boosting visibility and sales. By 2025, the company experienced a staggering 700% increase in sales, projecting revenues of around $500,000 for the year and aiming for seven figures by 2026.

The Joy of Entrepreneurship

What drives Katya in her entrepreneurial journey? She finds joy in problem-solving, product creation, and the meaningful impact her products have on customers’ lives. A DOMANI’s pajamas are designed not just for comfort but to address the unique challenges faced by women experiencing menopause, postpartum, and cancer treatment.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Katya’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a side hustle:

Be Intentional: Clearly define your business goals, target market, and financial needs.
Research Thoroughly: Understand your industry, competitors, and potential challenges.
Budget Wisely: Prepare for unexpected costs and ensure you have a financial cushion.
Adaptability is Key: Be ready to pivot and adjust your plans as challenges arise.
Leverage Networks: Connect with industry experts and mentors who can provide guidance and support.

Conclusion

Katya Eckert’s story exemplifies the potential of side hustles to transform personal challenges into thriving businesses. As more individuals explore entrepreneurial opportunities outside their 9-5 jobs, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with passion, resilience, and strategic planning, success is within reach. If you’re intrigued by the world of side hustles and want to learn more, consider subscribing to Money Makers, a newsletter filled with creative ideas and strategies for your entrepreneurial journey.