The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner - 019: A $1,000 a Month Side Hustle Selling Mermaid Temporary Tattoos

Episode Date: September 21, 2023

Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.In today's episode, we're diving deep into the remarkable tale of one entrepreneurial endeavor that not only survived but thrived. We'll not only tell you the story but also dissect it to identify what went right, and most importantly, provide you with practical tips that you can implement in your own business.

Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories, and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, startup gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the remarkable tale of one entrepreneurial endeavor that not only survived, but thrived. We'll not only tell you the story, but also dissect it to identify what went right, and most importantly, provide you with practical tips that you can implement in your own business. Let's dive into the story of Ansela, the creator of Forgotten Mermaids. She started her business in June 2018, inspired by her mobile lifestyle while living out of her van as a freelance graphic designer. She realized her desire to work on something of her own and decided to explore the world of entrepreneurship. The idea for forgotten mermaids emerged when a friend shared a photo of a new mermaid tattoo on Twitter.

Ansley wondered if there was a temporary tattoo version available, but her search yielded no results. That's when she recognized an opportunity. She drafted the first mermaid scale design and armed with a print-your-own tattoo kit, peddled two miles to the nearest printer to create the first prototypes. Over the past year, Anslia expanded her product line, offering two tattoo design, in six colors, along with swimsuits and clothing, all centered around the mermaid scale theme, generating an average monthly revenue of $1,000. Before diving into mermaid tattoos, Anslia worked as a freelance graphic artist with a diverse

portfolio, from illustrations to website designs. Her background in design paved the way for creating her own brand, living in a touristy Florida town surrounded by mermaid-themed merchandise. She decided to leverage her digital illustration. skills to craft a product. The journey from concept of product involved partnering with a reliable U.S.-based manufacturer to produce 100 tattoos. Anslia also designed the packaging and marketing materials herself, keeping the startup costs around 100 bucks. Forgotten Mermaids made its debut on Etsy with a single product listing, followed by months of experimentation to fine-tune their Etsy

presence and search engine optimization. Ansley later recognized the need for a dedicated website and chose WordPress for its versatility and content marketing capabilities. As the business evolved, Ansley discovered several strategies for attracting and retaining customers. They leveraged Etsy's promoted listings and actively engaged with influencers in their niche. The use of Pinterest as a marketing platform unexpectedly led to significant traffic, with some pins generating over 80% of their social media visits. Currently, Anslia is in the process of transitioning away from Etsy to establish her own storefront, aiming for a seamless integration with content marketing. She's also exploring wholesale opportunities to scale her business further. In her entrepreneurial

journey, Anslia learned the importance of taking action and accepting done over seeking perfection. She emphasized the value of having something to present, even if it's not perfect, as those first impressions are critical to making a sale. For her business operations, Anslia relies on platforms such as Etsy, Pirateship for shipping, WordPress for her website, and MailChimp for building her mailing list. She also recommended resources like the My Wife Quit Her Job podcast and Shopify Masters for valuable insights. Ansley's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to build a business that aligns with their lifestyle and to be resourceful from the start. She emphasized the importance of understanding personal limits and building the business accordingly,

which can significantly impact its success. Now let's get specific with the inspiring journey of forgotten mermaids and detail what they did right. In their remarkable story, we can identify three key principles that have contributed to their success. Let's delve into these principles. Principle one, niche selection and adaptability. Forgotten mermaid's success story begins with their astute niche selection and adaptability. Ansela, the founder, recognized the potential of the mermaid theme, especially in a touristy Florida town. She leveraged her digital illustration skills to create a unique product,

Mermaid temporary tattoos, tapping into an existing niche market. Principle 2, resourcefulness and cost efficiency. Another principle that drove Forgotten Mermaid's success was their resourcefulness and cost efficiency. In the early stages, Ansley operated within tight budget constraints, ensuring every expenditure counted. She found a reliable U.S.-based manufacturer and designed her packaging, keeping the startup costs minimal. Principle 3. Diversified Marketing and Customer Engagement. Forgotten Mermaids effectively employed a diversified marketing approach. They initially launched on Etsy and later expanded to their own website.

Additionally, they engaged with influencers in their niche and created engaging content, such as the Mermaid Personality Quiz. Their Pinterest Pins unexpectedly became a significant source of traffic. In summary, the success of Forgotten Mermaids can be attributed to niche selection and adaptability. resourcefulness and cost efficiency, and diversified marketing and customer engagement. These principles can serve as valuable guidelines for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with the right strategy and determination, success is attainable in the world of business. Applying the principles that led to the success of forgotten mermaids to your

own business venture is not only possible, but also highly advisable. Here's how you can put these principles to work for you. One, niche selection and adaptability. Identify a niche that resonates with your interests, expertise, and the market's demand. Your niche should be specific enough to differentiate your business and attract a dedicated customer base. Start by conducting thorough market research to understand your target audience's preferences and pain points.

Adaptability is key. Be open to adjusting your product or service based on customer feedback in evolving market trends. Stay vigilant and ready to pivot when necessary. Remember that the market is dynamic, and your ability to adapt will set you apart from competitors. 2. Resourcefulness and cost efficiency. Embrace a mindset of resourcefulness. Look for cost-effective solutions and avoid unnecessary expenses, especially in the early stages of your business. Seek out reliable suppliers and explore options that allow you to maintain quality while managing costs. Consider bootstrapping, if

possible and prioritize your spending on activities that directly impact your business growth. This might include product development, marketing, and customer support. Three, diversified marketing and customer engagement. Create a diverse marketing strategy that leverages multiple channels and platforms. Begin with a strong online presence, including a professional website and active social media profiles. Taylor your messaging to resonate with your target audience on each platform. engage with influencers or brand ambassadors who align with your niche.

These partnerships can help increase your brand's visibility and credibility, develop unique and engaging content that speaks to your audience's needs and interests. Content marketing can help you build a loyal customer base and establish your authority in the niche. Incorporate analytics and data-driven decision-making into your marketing efforts. Monitor what works and what doesn't, and be ready to adjust your strategies accordingly. By applying these principles, you can pave the way for your business's success. Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities, and the ability to adapt and make informed decisions will be crucial to your long-term growth and sustainability.

Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you're listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow startup gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.