30 Business Ideas For Sneakerheads [2024]
Are you a sneakerhead with a knack for business? In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever to turn your passion for sneakers into a profitable venture. Whether you're into collecting, customizing, or even designing, the sneaker world offers various ways to make money.
You could start your own resale business, capitalizing on the booming market for limited edition and high-demand sneakers. Another option is to create a customization service, offering unique and personalized designs that cater to sneaker enthusiasts looking for one-of-a-kind pairs.
If you're more creatively inclined, you might consider designing and launching your own sneaker brand. With the right approach, your love for sneakers could transform into a successful business, allowing you to do what you love while making a profit.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sneakerhead businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a sneaker business ($122K/month)
For sneakerheads with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a sneaker business can be a practical and rewarding endeavor. The sneaker resale market is currently estimated at $2 billion and is projected to skyrocket to $30 billion in the next few years. Given the exponential growth and profitability of the sneaker resale industry, it’s a prime opportunity to turn your passion for sneakers into a lucrative business venture. To succeed, you’ll need to immerse yourself deeply in sneaker culture and build a dedicated client base.
You can read more about how to get started with a sneaker business on Starter Story.
Why starting a sneaker business?
- The sneaker market is booming, promising high profitability potential.
- As a sneakerhead, your deep knowledge of and passion for sneakers gives you a significant advantage.
- It allows you to be part of an exciting, ever-evolving culture, turning a beloved hobby into a sustainable income.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Meet Blake Barash, a custom shoe painter who grew his business from his bedroom to now making $50k per month and employing six people.
2. Start a shoe brand ($453K/month)
Starting a shoe brand would make perfect sense for a sneakerhead because it combines your passion for sneakers with entrepreneurial potential. The sneaker industry is well-established but still offers plenty of growth opportunities, especially if you can introduce something unique. You could capitalize on your insider knowledge and enthusiasm for sneakers to design a product that truly resonates with fellow sneaker enthusiasts. For more tips, check out this comprehensive guide on starting a shoe brand.
Why start a shoe brand?
- Your passion and expertise in sneakers give you a unique edge in understanding market trends and customer preferences.
- The initial investment can be minimal, allowing you to start small and scale as your brand grows.
- The shoe industry offers multiple revenue streams, from direct sales to reselling limited editions at a higher price.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
3. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an ecommerce store could be an exciting and lucrative side business for any sneakerhead. This allows you to buy, sell, and trade exclusive or hard-to-find sneakers on a platform that reaches beyond your local community, providing a vast customer base. By leveraging your deep knowledge of sneaker culture, trends, and value, you could differentiate your store as a go-to destination for collectors and enthusiasts.
Why start an ecommerce sneaker store?
- Lower overhead costs. You don't need a physical store, meaning you save on rent and utilities.
- Greater reach. You can sell to sneaker enthusiasts across the globe, not just in your local area.
- Market expertise. Use your sneaker knowledge to curate a unique inventory that attracts collectors.
Want to dive deeper? Check out these ecommerce store success stories for more inspiration.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
4. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)
Starting an online retail store could be a perfect match for a sneakerhead's entrepreneurial aspirations. As someone passionate about sneakers, you likely already have extensive knowledge about the latest trends, brands, and releases in the industry. This expertise can help you identify niche markets and curate a unique selection of products, which could attract fellow sneaker enthusiasts. Check out these success stories to inspire you: Starter Story's online retail store success stories.
Why starting an online retail store?
- Dive into an already familiar market, leveraging your passion for sneakers.
- Operate with minimal initial investment using dropshipping or small-scale inventory.
- Flexibility to work from anywhere, targeting sneakerheads worldwide through a digital platform.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
5. Start an ecommerce brand ($79.9K/month)
As a sneakerhead, starting an ecommerce brand could be a great way to turn your passion into a profitable venture. The flexibility of running an online store allows you to carefully curate your product offerings, sell exclusive or rare sneakers, and engage with a community that shares your enthusiasm for footwear. By leveraging platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you could build a brand that stands out, from product selection to customer service, all while managing everything from marketing to inventory.
Seeing success stories in the ecommerce space can be incredibly motivating. Whether you're selling new releases, vintage finds, or custom kicks, the possibilities are vast. Check out some inspiring success stories here.
Why consider starting an ecommerce brand?
- You'll have the creative freedom to build a brand that reflects your unique style and sneaker preferences.
- With direct customer engagement, you could tailor your offerings based on buyer feedback and market demand.
- The scalability of ecommerce means you could start small and expand as your brand gains traction in the sneaker community.
How much you can make: $450 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.
6. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)
Starting an Etsy shop makes sense for sneakerheads looking to supplement their income, as it provides a platform to tap into a niche market with high demand. Unlike traditional outlets, Etsy allows you to showcase custom sneaker accessories, vintage finds, or even your own sneaker art, giving you a creative space to build your brand and find dedicated clients. Moreover, setting up an Etsy shop is fairly straightforward, requiring just an account, a PayPal setup, a clear product idea, and inviting product photos.
Why launch an Etsy shop as a sneakerhead?
- Etsy’s niche market offers the perfect space to sell custom sneaker accessories and unique products that appeal to fellow sneaker aficionados.
- You could quickly start earning extra income by utilizing Etsy’s global audience, turning your passion for sneakers into a profitable side business.
- Establishing your brand on Etsy can lead to new opportunities and collaborations, expanding your reach in the sneaker community.
For more insights, check out some successful Etsy seller success stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
7. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog as a sneakerhead could be a fantastic way to share your passion for sneakers while supplementing your income. You'll have the chance to reach a broad audience, build a loyal following, and potentially earn money through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, or even sponsored posts. With consistent, engaging content, you could turn your interest in sneakers into a profitable side hustle or even a full-time business.
Why start a blog?
- Blogging is a proven way to build authority and trust in your niche, pulling in an audience of like-minded sneaker enthusiasts.
- You could monetize your blog through various channels, such as advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships, turning your hobby into income.
- Sharing your unique insights, reviews, and sneaker news could establish you as a go-to source in the sneaker community.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
8. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog devoted to sneakers is a fantastic way to engage with a passionate community of fellow sneakerheads while sharing your expertise. By creating content such as reviews, news updates, how-to guides, and interviews with industry insiders, you could establish yourself as a go-to resource in the sneaker community. Additionally, once you've built a significant following, monetization avenues such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and brand partnerships can turn your niche blog into a lucrative side hustle or full-time business. For more inspiration, you could look into niche blog success stories here.
Why start a sneaker-focused niche blog?
- You could influence and connect with a passionate, engaged audience that shares your love for sneakers.
- Writing about what you love could build your reputation as an industry expert and open up collaboration opportunities.
- Monetizing through affiliate links, sponsored content, and partnerships with sneaker brands could generate a significant income.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
9. Start a romance planning service ($4.33K/month)
As a sneakerhead, you could channel your passion for unique experiences into starting a romance planning service. Imagine helping clients celebrate special moments in style, perhaps even incorporating exclusive sneaker drops into anniversary gifts or proposal surprises. By leveraging your keen eye for detail and flair for creativity, you can create unforgettable romantic experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Why start a romance planning service?
- Tap into your creativity to design bespoke and memorable romantic moments.
- Utilize social media and word of mouth to attract clients seeking personalized, heartfelt experiences.
- Combine your love for logistics and detail to build a fulfilling side business or main hustle that makes people's dreams come true.
Discover more about starting a romance planning service here.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $13,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.
10. Start a social media marketing service ($100K/month)
Starting a social media marketing service could be an excellent business idea for sneakerheads looking to supplement their income and turn their passion for sneakers into a profitable side hustle. As a sneakerhead, your in-depth knowledge of sneaker culture and trends will allow you to create highly engaging and relevant content that resonates with fellow enthusiasts. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, you could help sneaker brands and sellers enhance their online presence and drive more sales.
This business not only offers flexibility in work hours but can also grow seamlessly as you acquire more clients. As you establish your expertise and build a portfolio, you could generate recurring revenue and potentially transition this side gig into a full-time, lucrative business. For more insights, you can check out Starter Story's profitability information.
Why starting a social media marketing service?
- You could leverage your sneaker knowledge to create targeted, engaging content for sneaker brands.
- Social media marketing allows for flexible hours, making it easy to balance with other commitments.
- The potential for recurring revenue can offer both financial stability and business growth.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
11. Start a social media content creator ($170K/month)
Thinking about blending your sneaker passion with the power of social media? Becoming a social media content creator could be your golden ticket. This role revolves around producing engaging and eye-catching content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
As a sneakerhead, you could showcase your latest finds, share reviews, and create visual stories that captivate fellow enthusiasts, potentially attracting collaborations and sponsorship deals. Companies are increasingly shifting their marketing strategies toward social platforms, providing ample opportunities for those mastering the digital realm.
Why start as a social media content creator?
- You could build a strong personal brand and engage with a large community of sneaker enthusiasts.
- Companies are looking for authentic influencers to promote their products, offering lucrative partnership opportunities.
- The demand for fresh, compelling content is high, and the sneaker community is always hungry for the latest news and trends.
For more ideas and inspiration, check out these social media content creator success stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $850,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Solopreneur Justin Welsh built a knowledge business through social media with over $2M in annual revenue and no full-time employees, offering flagship digital courses with a monthly revenue of $80K and $45K respectively, through LinkedIn and Twitter growth as well as organic and affiliate marketing.
12. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)
Starting a newsletter is a great way to share your passion for sneakers with an audience that shares your interests. In the past five years, there has been a notable increase of over 50% in the number of people who read newsletters, indicating a growing potential market. By creating a well-written newsletter, you could educate your subscribers on the latest sneaker releases, upcoming drops, rare finds, and industry trends, establishing yourself as a trusted expert in the sneaker community.
Why start a newsletter?
- Newsletters allow you to connect with fellow sneakerheads directly, fostering strong community ties and trust.
- You could market yourself as an expert and earn revenue through ads, affiliate links, or even paid subscriptions.
- With a booming interest in newsletters, the audience for niche topics like sneakers is expanding, offering lucrative opportunities.
For more insights, you can check out success stories or marketing tips for newsletter publishing businesses on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
13. Start an entrepreneurship blog ($30.2K/month)
Starting an entrepreneurship blog can be a smart move if you're a sneakerhead with an entrepreneurial mindset. As a sneaker enthusiast, you already understand the importance of passion, community, and staying ahead of trends. Sharing your journey and insights into starting and managing a business can be highly valuable to others who look up to your expertise. Plus, the growing demand for practical advice and real-life success stories makes this a potentially rewarding venture.
To build a successful entrepreneurship blog, you would need to create consistent, valuable content, have a good grasp of SEO, and leverage social media platforms to grow your audience. Over time, this blog can be monetized through various channels such as advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing, making it a sustainable income source. If you're passionate about both business and writing, this could be the perfect side hustle for you. For inspiration, check out some success stories here.
Why start an entrepreneurship blog?
- You can connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sneakers and entrepreneurship.
- You'll have the platform to share unique insights and tips, positioning yourself as an authority in both business and sneaker culture.
- Monetizing your blog through multiple streams can create a reliable income, allowing you to invest more in your sneaker business or other ventures.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $240,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
Consulting Success® is a 7-figure, highly profitable business that offers courses and coaching programs for consultants looking to start or grow their consulting business, built through iterative content creation and audience validation.
14. Become an online dating consultant ($15.9K/month)
As a sneakerhead, you could harness your passion for style and branding to thrive as an online dating consultant. Your expertise in sneakers could uniquely position you to help clients create appealing and authentic dating profiles, offering insights on style and presentation that reflect their personalities. By leveraging your keen eye for trends, you could also assist clients in making great first impressions, much like you do when selecting standout sneakers.
Why becoming an online dating consultant?
- You could translate your flair for sneaker fashion into personalized dating profile makeovers, ensuring clients stand out.
- The skills you use to stay ahead in the sneaker game translate well into the dynamic world of online dating, keeping you relevant and adaptable.
- Helping others navigate the dating scene is a rewarding way to supplement your income while maintaining your sneakerhead lifestyle.
Discover more about becoming an online dating consultant.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 47 days (?)
The Match Artist helps singles take amazing photos for their online dating profiles through a 3-hour executive shoot, coaching, and email course, pioneering a new genre of photography, with an average monthly revenue of $5,000-$6,000 and a plan to double down on paid ad campaigns in the future.
15. Become a tutorial video creator ($42.8K/month)
Starting a tutorial video creator business as a sneakerhead is an excellent way to leverage your passion and knowledge into a steady income stream. By creating engaging and informative sneaker tutorials, you could attract a large audience of fellow enthusiasts eager to learn more about sneaker care, customization, and the latest releases. Additionally, the growing demand for niche content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok makes this an opportune moment to share your expertise and build a loyal following.
Why becoming a tutorial video creator?
- You could easily monetize your passion. Sharing your sneaker expertise through videos can attract sponsorships, ad revenue, and audience donations.
- You could align your work with what you love. Turning your interest in sneakers into a business means you'll actually enjoy the content you create.
- There's growing interest in niche content. With an increasing number of sneaker enthusiasts online, there's a ready audience eager to learn from your detailed tutorials.
For more insights on how to get started, check out these tips for tutorial video creators.
How much you can make: $8,333 — $85,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,554 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Better Sheets is a Google Sheets tutorial providing screencasts to small businesses, earning $2,291 from 134 sales in May, with sales being mainly driven by AppSumo.
16. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move if you're a sneakerhead with a knack for creating compelling video content. You could share your expertise, passions, and insights about sneakers, while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel can focus on sneaker reviews, unboxings, styling tips, and interviews with other sneaker enthusiasts.
A successful YouTube channel requires consistency, quality content, and engagement with your audience. If you're ready to dedicate the time and effort, this could be a fulfilling way to supplement your income or even start a side business. To get started, you can check out how to launch a profitable YouTube channel.
Why start a YouTube channel as a sneakerhead? - You’ll turn your passion into content that could generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. - You’ll build a community of like-minded sneaker enthusiasts and position yourself as an expert in the sneaker world. - You’ll have the flexibility to share your unique voice and creative perspectives on sneakers, which might open doors to other opportunities in the sneaker industry.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
17. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)
If you live and breathe sneakers, starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. As a sneakerhead, you naturally understand the trends, the exclusive drops, and the community's pulse, which positions you perfectly to promote products effectively. Using social media marketing tools, you could develop and execute strategies that engage and grow your clients' customer base without spending all your time managing campaigns.
Link: For more information, check out this page on how to create a social media marketing business plan.
Why start a social media marketing agency?
- You already know the market. Your insights into sneaker trends and community dynamics give you a competitive edge.
- It's flexible and scalable. You can start small, handling a few clients, and grow your agency at your own pace.
- Minimal upfront costs. With the right social media tools, the initial investment is low, making it easier to get started.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
18. Start a SEO business ($72.7K/month)
Starting an SEO business could be a lucrative venture for a sneakerhead looking to diversify their income streams. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, involves optimizing websites to rank higher on search engines like Google, which is essential for any business striving for online visibility. If you have a knack for research, strategy, and analytics, you could help businesses improve their search rankings, attract more organic traffic, and achieve online success.
With the demand for SEO expertise constantly growing, you could set your own hours, take on a variety of clients, and build long-term business relationships. The skills you gain from analyzing and optimizing content could also benefit you in running your own sneaker-focused website or e-commerce store.
Why start an SEO business?
- You could help businesses gain more visibility online, driving their revenue growth.
- The SEO field offers flexible hours, allowing you to manage it alongside your sneaker interests.
- Your skills in SEO would make you a sought-after consultant, opening doors to long-term contracts and steady income.
For more details, check out SEO Business Success Stories.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $180,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Content writing company 411Writers started with $13.99 and now generates over $50,000 revenue per month, providing clients with unique website content for both search engines and human readers.
19. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
As a sneakerhead, starting a web scraping API business could be an intriguing and profitable venture. By developing an API that extracts data from various websites, you could help companies automate their market research, competitive analysis, and content aggregation efforts. Employing your coding skills and knowledge of web protocols can make this business both flexible and scalable, fitting into the bustling data analytics landscape.
This venture could cater to a multitude of industries, offering you a wider market base. Begin with a focus on a niche sector and expand as you grow, maximizing the potential of your technical prowess in a data-driven world. For more information on web scraping API, check out this link.
Why consider starting a web scraping API business?
- It’s a versatile service with applications in numerous industries, offering high demand.
- Automating data collection is immensely valuable; businesses will pay for efficiency and accuracy.
- It provides the opportunity to leverage your coding skills for substantial financial gain.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
20. Start a freelance marketplace business ($124K/month)
Starting a freelance marketplace business makes sense as a sneakerhead because it allows you to capitalize on your passion for kicks while leveraging the growing freelancing economy. As a sneaker enthusiast, you already understand the nuances of the industry, making it easier to connect businesses with talented freelancers specializing in sneaker design, marketing, or sales. This business model requires minimal initial investment and offers the flexibility to scale as demand grows.
Considering the corporate world shift toward freelancing, now is an ideal time to dive into this burgeoning market. By establishing a platform that focuses on sneaker-related freelancing, you can provide valuable opportunities for others while also carving out a niche for yourself. For more details, check out successful freelancer marketplace case studies on Starter Story.
Why starting a freelance marketplace business?
- You could leverage your industry knowledge to create a niche platform focused on sneaker-related freelancing.
- Entering a growing market, as over 50% of the US workforce is projected to shift to freelancing in the coming years.
- Minimal initial investment required, with potential for scalability as you attract more users and clients.
How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Flexiple is a customer-funded profitable business, generating $80K in gross monthly revenues on an average over the last 6-months, driven by their focus on connecting high-quality freelancers with companies looking for reliable and remote talent, while continuously iterating on their business model and expanding into complementary areas like tech hiring and content marketing.
21. Start a metal production business
Starting a metal production business might not be the immediate choice for a sneakerhead, but it offers solid and lucrative opportunities. Imagine crafting unique, metal-based sneaker display stands or limited-edition metal shoe accessories that appeal to fellow enthusiasts. The essence of a metal production business involves the manufacturing and fabrication of a variety of metal products, demanding precision, creativity, and technical know-how—skills that can set you apart in the sneaker community.
Venturing into this industry means investing in machinery, securing raw materials, and developing a skilled workforce. You’ll need to master the processes of sourcing, shaping, cutting, and ensuring the highest quality standards. Despite its hands-on nature, a metal production business can provide stability and growth potential for those willing to take the plunge.
Why starting a metal production business?
- The demand spans various industries, ensuring a steady market for your products.
- You could create bespoke, high-quality metal sneaker accessories that cater to niche markets.
- Combining technical skills with creativity can position you uniquely among sneakerheads and metal enthusiasts alike.
For specific details on starting this kind of business, check out the pros and cons of a metal pipes, fittings, and taps production business.
How much you can make: $600/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
DownHomeModern's Marc Staples turned his creativity into a successful business through handcrafting windbells and chimes with a rustic style that pays homage to American Southwest decor.
22. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a sneakerhead, starting a print-on-demand business can be an excellent way to supplement your income or establish a side business. By leveraging your passion for sneaker culture, you could create and sell unique designs inspired by your favorite kicks on apparel, phone cases, and home goods without the hassle of managing inventory. Moreover, platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy provide you with access to a global audience, allowing you to monetize your creativity while enjoying minimal startup costs.
If you want to explore how much you could earn from a print-on-demand business, be sure to check out how-much-do-they-make.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low initial investment: With minimal startup costs, you could launch your business without significant financial risk.
- Creative expression: Turn your sneakerhead passion into unique products that appeal to other enthusiasts.
- Scalability: Easily grow your business by offering new designs and reaching a broader audience through online marketplaces.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
23. Start a party rental business ($190K/month)
Starting a party rental business could be an exciting opportunity for sneakerheads looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-time venture. By tapping into trendy event needs like photo booths, sound equipment, or unique cake structures, you could fashion a profitable and engaging business. As you gain experience, diversifying into other rental items or partnering with experts further broadens your earning potential. For more details on starting a party rental business, check out Startup Costs for a Party Rental Business.
Why start a party rental business?
- Adapt your love for trends into a profitable business by renting out fashionable party essentials.
- Leverage your knack for spotting trends to offer in-demand items, keeping your inventory fresh and appealing.
- Build strong connections in the event planning industry, providing further opportunities for growth and partnerships.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
24. Start a water filter store ($101K/month)
Starting a water filter store might not seem like the obvious path for a sneakerhead, but consider the benefits of diversifying your ventures. With the rising concerns around water quality, there’s a significant demand for high-quality water filtration systems in both households and businesses. By tapping into this market, you could make extra income while contributing to the well-being of your community. Given your knack for trends and market needs, you might find this an interesting and profitable side gig or even a full-time business.
Why starting a water filter store?
- You’ll cater to a growing market need. As concerns around water quality increase, there’s a continuous demand for effective filtration solutions.
- You can leverage your existing marketing skills. Whether through local advertising or online platforms, your promotional tactics will drive traffic to your store.
- Customers appreciate eco-friendly choices. Offering advanced purification systems aligns with sustainability trends, attracting health-conscious buyers.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)
PureFilters is an online supplier of furnace filters in Canada with a focus on customer experience, boasting a wide selection of the best brands and a roster of 300 five-star reviews, all achieved through rigorous process building, investments in automation and use of outsourced help to manage this $60k/mo business with less than 10-12 hours spent per week.
25. Start a streetwear brand ($340K/month)
Starting a streetwear brand could be a seamless and lucrative venture for sneakerheads. As someone deeply invested in the sneaker culture, you already have a keen sense of fashion trends, exclusive drops, and the importance of brand loyalty. Streetwear, with its casual yet iconic aesthetic, offers a broad canvas for creativity, allowing you to express your unique style while connecting with a community that shares your passion.
One of the main advantages of launching a streetwear brand is that it requires relatively low startup capital, enabling you to turn your ideas into reality quickly. For more insights on how to get started, you might want to check out successful streetwear brand strategies and marketing tips on Starter Story.
Why start a streetwear brand?
- Combine your passion for sneaker culture with fashion to create a cohesive, attractive brand.
- Minimal startup costs mean you could begin your venture with just a compelling idea.
- Build a community around your brand and connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests.
How much you can make: $650 — $1,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Australian Lux Streetwear brand, Deal with Devil, was created by Lachlan Sonter as an outlet for his mental state, and has since become a popular brand, with its black long sleeve crewneck being the highest-selling garment.
26. Start a health technology company ($119K/month)
For sneakerheads with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a health technology company is an innovative way to leverage your passion for sneakers and modern tech. By designing technological solutions that benefit personal wellness and medical care, you could enter a growing market with high demand for remote health services and personalized treatments. From implementing wearable health trackers to creating apps for chronic condition management, there are countless avenues to explore.
Why start a health technology company?
- Merge interests: Combine your love for sneakers and advancing technology to innovate health products that people can use every day.
- Market potential: The health tech industry is rapidly expanding with a vast, untapped market looking for advanced solutions.
- Make an impact: Influence lives positively by creating tech-driven healthcare solutions that enhance day-to-day wellness and remote care management.
Explore more actionable tips and success stories on how to start your own health technology company here: Health Technology Startup Success Stories.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study article follows Vicki Mayo, who developed a stress-reducing wearable product for her company TouchPoint, which achieved over $2 million in sales in the first couple of years and has been used for stress relief over 3 million times.
27. Start a gardening classes business
Turning your passion for gardening into a profitable side business by offering gardening classes can supplement your income, especially if you’re well-versed in transforming landscapes or setting up kitchen gardens. As a sneakerhead, you likely appreciate details and aesthetics, which translates well into teaching others how to create beautiful garden spaces. Gardening classes are a low-capital business idea with a high-profit margin, making it feasible to start with minimal investment.
Why starting a gardening classes business?
- Diversify your income. With the seasonal nature of sneaker trends, gardening classes can provide a steady income year-round.
- Leverage your creativity. Just like you customize your sneaker collections, you could teach innovative gardening techniques that stand out.
- Community engagement. Sharing your expertise helps foster a local community interested in sustainable and aesthetically pleasing gardening practices.
For more details on starting a gardening classes business, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $700/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)
Ann Remo turned her love for urban gardening into a profitable blog, Blooming Anomaly, which earns her around $700 a month through Mediavine ads, Amazon affiliates, and other affiliate programs. She recommends focusing on writing great posts with keywords, and investing in SEO and social media through courses.
28. Start a livestock exports business
Most sneakerheads possess a keen eye for market trends and a head for strategic buying and selling. These skills can seamlessly transition into the livestock exports business, where market demand, quality assessment, and timing are also critical. By leveraging their knowledge of market fluctuations and negotiation skills, sneakerheads could find profitable opportunities in the livestock exports industry.
Learn more about the pros and cons of starting a livestock exports business.
Why consider starting a livestock exports business?
- You could capitalize on your market analysis skills to identify profitable livestock export opportunities.
- Your experience in logistics and international trade from sneaker reselling could help streamline the export process.
- You could diversify your income streams by tapping into a stable industry with global demand.
29. Start an audio mixing
For sneakerheads with a passion for music, starting a business in audio mixing could be an exciting way to merge interests and create a unique entrepreneurial path. Audio mixing involves adjusting and balancing individual audio tracks within a project, creating a polished and cohesive final product. With a keen ear for detail and creativity, you could transform this side hustle into a lucrative business while complementing your love for sneakers and style.
Why consider an audio mixing business?
- You could leverage your network within the sneaker and streetwear communities to gain clients interested in unique soundtracks or podcasts.
- This field allows you to infuse your sneaker culture knowledge into music projects, creating distinct audio experiences.
- Audio mixing has flexible hours, enabling you to balance it with other commitments, including sneaker releases and events.
To learn more about starting an audio mixing business, you can visit Starter Story's Audio Mixing Business Ideas.
30. Start a wedding band business
Starting a wedding band business can supplement your income as a sneakerhead by tapping into your eye for detailed design and fashion trends. As someone who values aesthetics and the collectible nature of items, you could channel those skills into creating or sourcing unique, trendy wedding bands that stand out in the market. This venture leverages the same design principles and passion for quality that drive your sneaker obsession.
Why consider starting a wedding band business?
- You could apply your keen understanding of fashion trends to create wedding bands that appeal to modern couples.
- The wedding industry is lucrative and growing, providing numerous opportunities for profit.
- Diversifying your income streams protects you against market fluctuations, just like diversifying your sneaker collection.
For more information about launching a wedding band business, you can check out detailed guides on Starter Story.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
