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What It's About
A woman uses her love of upcycled journals to help her transition into retirement.
Business Model
Product
Skills Required
Journal Making & Resourcefulness
Complexity
Low
Profit Potential
Medium
Words of Wisdom
Donna says that it’s important to create something you’ve never seen before, or at least somewhat different. There are all kinds of journals out there, but very few are hardbound. Hardly any are made of recycled materials like old cowboy boots and license plates.
Fun Fact
One time, a woman from Florida sent Donna a pair of her late husband’s cowboy boots to turn into journals for her and their two daughters. After that, Donna decided to find more cowboy boots and make that one of her signature styles of journals.
Notes from Chris
Episode 853
In 2012, Donna Erickson needed a change. There was nothing wrong with her job as an organizational development consultant … but it didn’t give her a chance to work with her hands or unleash her creativity. Twenty years earlier, she had learned how to bind books—and she realized that this could be the perfect way to fulfill her “maker” tendencies. She decided to create her own refillable journals, with recycled materials like license plates and old cowboy boots for her hardbound covers. Later that year, she wandered into a store in her hometown of Missoula, Montana called Upcycled. All of their products incorporate recycled materials in some way, and Donna couldn’t help but think of her journals. She struck up a conversation with the owner, and soon enough, she was bringing her journals to the store so he could take a look at them! He offered to sell them on consignment. In this model, Donna would get 40% of the retail price whenever they sold. She quickly agreed, and the journals went on sale soon after. Donna realized that her fun craft project could be more than that—it could be a profitable side hustle. In 2016, she made over $2,500 from her hustle, now called Just My Type. From there, she amped up the business by creating a website, a more professional looking booth for shows, and by hiring a graphic designer. It all paid off because her profits jumped to $10,000 in 2017. That was a pivotal year for Donna. She had slowly been taking on less work at her day job and decided to retire. While she could have retired without this project, it was Just My Type that has allowed her and her husband to have more recreational income. They have a new level of autonomy that allows them to live their retirement to their fullest, including more ability to travel. The one limitation is that from June to December, during craft fair season, there are certain dates that they must be in a particular place. So far, it’s been easy for them to schedule camping trips and visits to their grandchild around those dates. She loves the thrill of the hunt for new items to upcycle, and it also fits with her ethics. For her, a side hustle isn’t only about the money. It gives her a sense of purpose, allows her to connect with other creative people, and offers her plenty of chances to grow or slow down to suit her lifestyle.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Just My Type: If these journals are just your type, head on over to Donna's website to grab one for your own!
- Lorraine Wright: A Professor Emeritus of Nursing from the University of Calgary that is on a quest to visit 100 countries (78 so far) to learn about illness suffering and offer her knowledge to other professionals in healthcare
- If At First You Don’t Succeed, Make DIY Journals: Two friends try to start an online wedding platform, but they end up with a monthly subscription service offering personalized DIY journals
- Communications Teacher Turns Love of Journaling Into Etsy Shop: In her search for a side hustle, this college communications instructor turns to her love of journaling. She then learns to manufacture a custom product from overseas and sell it back at home
- Law Student Helps Create A $6,500/Month Morning Routine Journal: Three friends create a side hustle helping others hack their morning habits for more productive mornings
Quote of the Day
"If you're going to sell journals, create something different than what you usually see, and continue to make new lines instead of sticking with the same old thing. Mix it up a bit!"
—Donna Erickson #SideHustleSchool
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Side Hustles for Retirees: Stay Busy, Stay Earning (Real Stories)
Side hustle ideas for retirees and people over 50, backed by real stories. Low-barrier hustles that use your experience, keep you active, and bring in extra income.
