When one person moved to New York City, they noticed a golden business opportunity that changed their life. Here’s how a former retail worker turned a side hustle into a thriving business, earning over $70,000 a month—and why they’re just getting started.
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
From a young age, this individual had a passion for technology and content creation. At just 12 years old, they launched a YouTube channel, which grew to an impressive 800,000 subscribers. They also experimented with game development, using platforms like Unity to create mobile games. While those early projects didn’t achieve massive success, they provided valuable experience and fueled a drive to keep exploring new ventures.
In 2020, they moved from Sweden to the U.S. to study computer science, hoping a change in environment would spark fresh ideas. While balancing studies with jobs at Whole Foods, Target, and Starbucks, they gained invaluable experience in customer service and overcame social anxiety by interacting with new people daily.
Spotting an Opportunity
The inspiration for their side hustle came from an unexpected place: the streets of New York City. The constant sight of moving trucks got them thinking about the moving industry. After doing some research, they discovered numerous stories of dissatisfied customers dealing with unreliable movers. This sparked an idea: create a moving company that prioritizes integrity, customer satisfaction, and affordability.
Determined to turn this vision into reality, they spent nights researching the moving business, watching videos, and reading articles to assess whether they could launch such a venture on their own.
Taking the Leap
In June 2023, they officially launched the moving business, investing over $20,000 to get started. This included purchasing a medium-sized box truck and covering costs like insurance, parking, and moving supplies. While it might have been wiser to start by renting a truck to gain experience, they decided to dive in headfirst, driven by a desire to see how much they could achieve in a single summer.
A key ally in this journey was a helper with years of moving experience, whom they connected with through a Facebook job posting. Additionally, their father provided moral support and assisted with back-end business tasks.
Overcoming Challenges
The early days of the side hustle were anything but easy. With $20,000 invested and no customers yet, they faced the daunting task of building a reputation from scratch. To attract clients, they set their rates low, making it difficult to stay financially afloat. The lack of prior moving experience also added to the challenge, as they juggled the physical demands of the job, sales, marketing, and managing finances.
But with persistence, things began to turn around. By August and September 2023, the business started to gain momentum. Improved communication skills and a better understanding of how to sell their services led to consistent growth. By the third month, they raised their rates and began to see profits, with revenue exceeding $10,000.
Explosive Growth
In November 2023, they discovered Taskrabbit, a platform that connects clients with service providers. Initially hesitant, they decided to give it a try when moving jobs slowed down. Taskrabbit proved to be a game-changer, offering a steady stream of clients without the high costs of traditional lead generation methods. By April 2024, they were making over $70,000 in gross revenue each month, solely through Taskrabbit.
The Joy of the Journey
Despite the challenges, this individual finds immense satisfaction in their work. Moving in New York City, one of the world’s busiest metropolitan areas, is no small feat, but they thrive on the energy and enjoy solving problems on the fly. The most rewarding part of the job is receiving positive feedback from clients who appreciate their efforts to make the moving process as stress-free as possible.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own side hustle, their advice is clear: manage your expectations. Success rarely happens overnight. It took nearly six months to see significant results, and for others, it might take even longer.
The quality of your work is paramount. To earn repeat customers and referrals, you must set high standards and consistently deliver. Communication is also key—keeping clients informed and being transparent when things go wrong can build strong relationships and foster trust.
Finally, don’t be afraid to fail. Mistakes are part of the journey, but how you learn from them and take responsibility will define your growth.
This story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a keen eye for opportunity. From a retail job to a thriving business, this entrepreneur has proven that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.
About the Author : Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is an American global advisor and business consultant, renowned for his strategic insights and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
Learn more: https://ceosadvisory.com
