How the Online Store Came to Life

At first, starting an online store was not on my radar. I lacked a clear vision of how to step into entrepreneurship; all I knew was my desire to lead my own venture and enjoy the associated benefits.

I began experimenting with various concepts. My thought process was straightforward: if I discovered a profitable idea that could sustain me, I would pursue it. I was determined to ensure that my job would not define my life; it was merely a means to support my lifestyle. Ultimately, it had to be an improvement over the job I despised.

Financial gain was a significant motivator, and I was confident that any entrepreneurial endeavor would likely be more fulfilling than my corporate role.

Here are some of the ventures I explored:

• Offering services online
• Copywriting
• Reselling handbags
• Selling products on Amazon
• Operating a Yahoo store

I essentially tried my hand at numerous ideas to see what would resonate. When I launched the e-commerce store that would ultimately change my life, it was a spontaneous decision. A week later, I made my first sale, which amounted to $25. From that point onward, orders began to roll in, and within months, my earnings reached approximately $1,000 a month.

The Growth of the E-Commerce Store

Initially, I was utilizing a marketplace called Storenvy. As my business expanded, I found it necessary to migrate to Shopify. Social media played a pivotal role in my growth; my Instagram account flourished, skyrocketing from 4,000 to nearly 100,000 followers within a year.

I committed to daily posts, ran flash sales throughout the week, and engaged actively with customers and similar accounts. Once my e-commerce income surpassed my corporate paycheck, I realized it was time to resign.

Before making that leap, I meticulously planned how to transition out of my job.

Quitting and Embracing a New Lifestyle

The day I quit remains etched in my memory. Leaving my employee badge behind marked the beginning of a new chapter. The following week, I settled into my work-from-home routine, and I loved every moment of it.

Contrary to my expectations, I didn't sleep in as much as I thought I would. I relished the luxury of taking leisurely lunches without the stress of clock-watching. I scheduled medical appointments at my convenience, took vacations without seeking approval, and no longer faced micromanagement. It felt liberating!

However, after about a year of running my business post-resignation, I noticed a shift.

The Struggles of Balancing Life and Work

Managing everything became increasingly challenging. Although I wasn't unhappy like I had been in my corporate job, I found it tough to juggle work and family life. My passion for my business consumed my thoughts around the clock, leading to neglect of my personal relationships and nearly jeopardizing my marriage.

Stress also took a toll on my health, making work less enjoyable. Recognizing that a change was necessary, I began a side blog to explore the income potential of blogging before deciding to sell my store.

The Selling Process and Timeline

The selling process took approximately three months, which aligned with my broker's estimate. I used Empire Flippers, investing $350 to initiate the sale. After numerous emails and several calls with prospective buyers, I found a buyer willing to purchase my store.

In hindsight, I was more involved in the store's operations than I anticipated due to payout arrangements. However, about a year later, I was finally able to let go of the business entirely, with no further contact with the buyer.

Reflecting on My Experience

Overall, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It was humbling and filled with valuable lessons. Running an e-commerce business is both demanding and time-consuming, requiring more effort than one might expect given the nature of the work.

What are your thoughts on managing an online store? Would you consider it? If you're already in the game, what do you enjoy or dislike about it?

For more insights on side hustles, social media, content creation, and business, check out my Substack.

Note: This article contains affiliate links.