Summary:
Mike O’Dell turned his quilting hobby into a $1.4 million business with Legit Kits.
His innovative quilting kits cater to beginners, making crafting accessible.
O’Dell balances his nursing career with running his business, dedicating one day a week to Legit Kits.
Despite high operational costs, he plans to pay himself $50,000 this year.
O’Dell's journey highlights the potential of turning hobbies into profitable ventures.
From Nurse to Entrepreneur
Meet Mike O’Dell, a 50-year-old nurse anesthetist from Oklahoma City who has turned his hobby of quilting into a thriving business, Legit Kits, generating over $1.4 million in revenue last year.
The Journey Begins
In 2018, O’Dell started quilting by creating a Star Wars stormtrooper quilt for his sons. Using a technique called foundation paper piecing, he found the process surprisingly easy. This sparked an idea: to streamline the process and sell quilting kits featuring licensed images of nature, animals, and characters.
The Birth of Legit Kits
By 2020, Legit Kits was born. O’Dell's innovative business model allows beginners to create beautiful quilts with ease. Last year, his company reported sales of over $1.25 million through Shopify, with an additional $150,000 from sales at Joann Fabrics and Crafts, despite the chain's bankruptcy announcement.
Balancing Act
O’Dell manages to balance his role as CEO and creative director of Legit Kits while working four days a week as a nurse. He dedicates one day to his business and oversees a team of seven full-time staff and four freelance designers. His marketing efforts, including promoting on social media and participating in crafting groups, have even landed him a spot on ABC’s Shark Tank.
The Financials
Despite impressive revenue, Legit Kits only broke even last year due to high costs, including a $4,500 monthly rent for a manufacturing space. O’Dell plans to pay himself $50,000 this year, alongside his $240,000 nursing salary. While he acknowledges the stress of juggling both roles, he finds the entrepreneurial journey rewarding.
Beyond Profit
For O’Dell, Legit Kits is more than just a source of income; it’s a labor of love that provides fulfillment beyond his healthcare career. His story illustrates that it’s possible to turn a hobby into a lucrative side business, especially with the rise of online platforms like Shopify. His innovative approach not only preserves a traditional craft but also inspires others to explore entrepreneurship.
O’Dell’s commitment to his passion and resilience in the face of challenges make Legit Kits a noteworthy venture to follow. His journey serves as a testament to the fact that entrepreneurship involves creativity, dedication, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, not just financial success.
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