Ali makes $ 55,000 a year selling Hula Hoops!
After Ali Fitzgerald lost 40 pounds doing a “hooping” workout, she decided to turn it into a business. Now she’s raking in cash! Here’s how:
About 10 years ago, I attended a music festival, and a group of women dancing with weighted Hula-hoops caught my attention. I learned that this was the newest dance and fitness craze. I bought one and learned how to do it by watching videos on Youtube. I started doing it regularly and lost 40 pounds! Then I came across a video tutorial about how to make the Hula-hoops, so I decided to start making my own using materials I bought online and at the hardware store. They were tricky to make, but eventually, I figured it out! At first, I sold my hoops in a local shop, but when they sold out quickly, I realized it could be a viable business.
“I opened an Etsy shop (Hoopmamas.etsy.com) and spent a lot of time taking pictures of the hoops to make sure my shop would attract customers. The hoops are custom-made for any age, ability or body type.
“After four years, I hired my first employee, and today I have three people on my team. I market my business on Instagram and Facebook and have sponsored affiliate hoopers: performers who post about our products on social media and make a commission on their sales.
“Since 2009, we’ve made $1 million in sales, and I take between $ 45,000 and $55,000 as a salary. This work brings me so much joy that I love sharing with others!”