Cashing In on Fashion

If you’ve ever dreamed about turning your passion into a career, you’re not alone. According to recent surveys, more than fifty percent of teens would like to run their own business. There are some definite perks to converting your hobby into a part-time job. You get to set your own hours, be your own boss, and do what you love. And, of course, you make money! But running your own business isn’t always fun. It can be a lot of work. 

Think you’re up for the challenge? We interviewed two teens who are converting their love of fashion into cash. Read on to learn more about the rewards and challenges of turning your hobby into a part-time job.

Passion: Sneakers

Side hustle: Restoring shoes

I’ve always had a thing for shoes. I prefer my shoelaces loose, a look that some people call “freaking” your shoes. But that doesn’t mean I like dirty shoes. I keep my shoes fresh and clean. 

A few years ago, I started cleaning shoes for my friends and family members. People began to leave me cash tips. I realized there was enough demand that I could turn shoe-cleaning into a side business. In early 2020, I started to focus on making a profit. I got customers through word of mouth and Instagram. I also was written about in a local paper. After that, the shoe store DSW gave me a workspace in a store so I could attract more customers, which was a great way to spread the word. 

It takes me about an hour to clean a pair of shoes. I use shoe-cleaning kits, which include brushes and leather conditioners. I also do research on different materials. For example, you can’t use water on suede (a type of soft leather) because it will ruin the material. I work on all kinds of shoes, including dress shoes.

These days, I spend about five to eight hours per week on my business. I charge about $20 for a simple clean and $30 for a deep clean. My customers usually drop off and pick up their shoes. If I drive over to pick them up, I charge more, because that’s an additional service. I have to think about the profit I can make after I account for my time and the money I spend on tools, but I also want my prices to reflect what I can offer. When you’re pricing your services, you have to make sure that you can deliver on your promises. 

In the future, I plan to attend community college and then transfer to a university in Florida. I’d like to major in business administration so that I can learn how to take my work to the next level. I think there could be a real demand for my services in Florida, since people will be out and about in the good weather, wanting their shoes to look nice and clean. 

Antonio’s Advice:

Get comfortable marketing yourself. Don’t just put yourself on social media. Pass out business cards and talk to people. Do whatever you have to do to get your name and business out there.