Turning Passion into Profit: Emily Odio-Sutton’s Journey to a Six-Figure Side Hustle

In the ever-evolving landscape of side hustles, Emily Odio-Sutton stands out as a beacon of inspiration. Her story, part of CNBC Make It’s Six-Figure Side Hustle series, illustrates how a simple idea can blossom into a lucrative venture. With a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a dash of determination, Odio-Sutton transformed her life and finances through her Etsy shops.

The Spark of an Idea

Odio-Sutton’s journey began in 2022, sparked by a desire for flexibility in her life. As an internal operations manager at a teachers’ book publishing company, she found herself constrained by her 9-to-5 schedule, particularly when it came to picking up her daughter from kindergarten. Seeking a solution, she turned to the world of e-commerce, launching a print-on-demand shop on Etsy.

The pivotal moment came during a child’s birthday party in Melbourne, Florida. Amidst the festivities, her phone pinged with the notification of her first sale—a $22 T-shirt featuring a speech pathology-themed design. "This can work," she thought, and thus began her journey into entrepreneurship.

A Profitable Venture

Odio-Sutton’s Etsy store has proven to be a financial success, generating an impressive $220,300 in sales last year alone. With an estimated profit margin of 30%, she has utilized her earnings to pay off a $20,000 student loan, invest in the stock market, and even take her family on a cruise. Her success didn’t stop there; she opened a second Etsy shop in 2023, focusing on downloadable event materials, which has already brought in $17,200 in sales.

Balancing Work and Family

Now working part-time at her publishing job for $40 per hour, Odio-Sutton dedicates around 10 hours a week to her Etsy shops. She cleverly utilizes her time, often working from her laptop during her daughters’ gymnastics and swimming practices. This flexibility allows her to maintain a balance between her professional aspirations and family life.

Getting Started: Low-Cost Entry

For those looking to replicate Odio-Sutton’s success, she emphasizes that starting a print-on-demand or digital-resource side hustle is accessible and low-risk. With initial costs under $40—$10 for Canva Pro, $15 to open an Etsy shop, and $6 for research tools like eRank—it’s an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, she warns that the biggest investment is time, as establishing a shop and learning the ropes requires dedication.

Streamlining Workload

Odio-Sutton has developed an efficient system to manage her workload. By batching tasks—designing multiple candle labels in one session and creating listings the next—she keeps her efforts organized and productive. Her digital products shop has become almost entirely passive, requiring minimal customer service compared to her print-on-demand offerings.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

In a saturated marketplace, Odio-Sutton’s approach to design sets her apart. She employs a "template method," focusing on simple, relatable designs rather than intricate graphics. By researching popular themes and trends, she creates products that resonate emotionally with customers. For instance, she draws inspiration from memes and relatable experiences, ensuring her offerings are unique and appealing.

Common Pitfalls for Beginners

As a coach for aspiring Etsy sellers through Gold City Ventures, Odio-Sutton has identified common mistakes that newcomers often make. One major error is failing to narrow down their niche. While Etsy may seem oversaturated, she notes that generic listings struggle to gain traction. Instead, targeting specific audiences—like "twin mom Halloween" shirts—can significantly improve visibility and sales.

Another common misstep is underestimating the effort required. Many believe that posting a handful of designs is sufficient, but Odio-Sutton stresses the importance of experimentation. With over 1,500 designs retired due to poor sales, she emphasizes that success comes from trial and error, research, and persistence.

Conclusion: A Path to Financial Freedom

Emily Odio-Sutton’s journey from a constrained 9-to-5 job to a thriving side hustle serves as a testament to the power of creativity and determination. Her story highlights that with the right mindset, anyone can turn their passions into profits. For those looking to embark on a similar journey, her advice is clear: invest time, narrow your focus, and be willing to learn from failures.

If you’re inspired by Odio-Sutton’s success and want to explore the world of side hustles, consider signing up for CNBC’s online course, "How to Earn Passive Income Online," to gain insights and strategies for building your own financial freedom.