Her side hustle brings in $71,000 a month — here’s how much it costs to run the business

My Name is Bella Lynn. At just 17 years old, I’ve embarked on a journey that many strive for—a successful business venture. In 2023, my Amazon side hustle, Guinea Loft, has generated an astounding $49,000. This number isn’t just a figure; it represents countless hours of dedication, research, and the pursuit of a dream I never truly anticipated could come to fruition.

Launching a business is no small feat, and Guinea Loft was born from a desire to offer something unique, yet I quickly realized that the path to success was strewn with challenges and learning experiences. Reflecting on the initial launch, I can vividly recall the anticipation mixed with anxiety that surged through me as I prepared to unveil my first products. To my surprise, the first 100 units of Guinea Loft sold out on Amazon within a short span. It was an exhilarating moment, one that solidified my belief in the brand. Seeing that initial success compelled me to dive deeper into my venture—a decision that would lead to both personal growth and financial understanding.

Understanding the Financial Landscape of Guinea Loft

As with any business, understanding the financial obligations is paramount. Some of Guinea Loft’s most critical expenses include:

• Employee Payroll: Acknowledging the importance of a dedicated team is essential. Each employee plays a critical role in our operations, and maintaining their morale and salaries is a top priority.
• Supply Chain Costs: The intricacies of the supply chain often dictate how smooth the day-to-day operations run. From sourcing materials to ensuring everything arrives on time, these costs must be managed meticulously.
• Raw Materials and Manufacturing: The quality of products starts with raw materials. Understanding where to source these and how to manufacture efficiently can significantly impact both costs and product quality.
• Shipping Expenses: In e-commerce, shipping can eat into profits quickly. Balancing cost-effective shipping solutions while ensuring timely delivery is a constant challenge.
• Amazon Fees: Retail giants like Amazon have their fees, which can be complex. Being thorough about these costs has been critical as I’ve sought to maximize profitability.
• Marketing: Without proper marketing, even the best products can go unnoticed. Investing in marketing is essential for growth, so I have allocated a portion of our budget to ensure Guinea Loft reaches a wider audience.

All profits generated from Guinea Loft are currently reinvested back into the company. This decision might seem counterintuitive to many, especially for someone my age. However, I recognize that in the early stages of a business, pouring funds back into its development is crucial for sustainable growth. Many entrepreneurs face the dilemma of when to start taking profits versus reinvesting, but for me, the choice was easy.

The Decision to Forego Immediate Personal Profit

In this early stage of my entrepreneurial journey, I have decided not to pay myself a cut of Guinea Loft’s earnings. I view this as an investment in my future. I am incredibly fortunate to have supportive parents who provide for my basic needs, which allows me the freedom to focus on growing the business without the pressure of personal financial obligations. For many young entrepreneurs, this scenario may not be the reality, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system.

The decision to reinvest instead of withdrawing earnings has been fueled by a desire to enhance Guinea Loft through research and development. Each few thousand dollars saved is an opportunity to innovate and improve, whether it be through experimenting with new product lines or enhancing the manufacturing processes. This focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains is a fundamental principle for sustainable business practices.

Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Entrepreneurship

While the financial aspects of running a business are significant, the emotional toll can be equally impactful. Like many entrepreneurs, I experience moments of anxiety, particularly when I consider ambitious goals such as hitting $1 million in sales. This goal feels daunting, yet thrilling. There is undeniable pressure to succeed, but it is also an incredible motivator. Each milestone achieved pushes me closer, not just to the financial target, but to a deeper understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur.

What many people do not see in the entrepreneurial journey are the sleepless nights spent strategizing or the self-doubt that creeps in at unexpected moments. Some days, I oscillate between having unshakeable confidence and grappling with the fear of failure. However, I’ve come to appreciate these emotional highs and lows as part of the process. Recognizing that every entrepreneur faces these challenges has helped me find resilience.

Inspiration and Future Aspirations

As I look to the future, I am driven not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to inspire others. My journey illustrates that age should never be a limitation to pursuing one’s entrepreneurial aspirations. If anything, my youth allows me to embrace risks and explore creative ideas without the burden of preconceived notions of what “success” should look like.

A significant portion of my motivation comes from the stories of other young entrepreneurs who have forged their paths. Their successes remind me that with dedication, the pressure of hitting those large financial benchmarks—like $1 million—can be overcome with time, effort, and a willingness to learn and adapt. I often find that community and mentorship are invaluable resources. Engaging with others who have walked this path provides insights that are not readily available from textbooks or online courses.

Ultimately, each sale, every strategy, and the inherent hustle is part of a larger narrative: one of ambition, resilience, and the constant pursuit of growth. As I continue down this path with Guinea Loft, I am eager to see where the journey takes me and hope that by sharing my experiences, I can ignite a spark in others to embark on their own entrepreneurial adventures.