Most of us have daydreamed about quitting our jobs and starting something of our own. But reality usually shows up with a mortgage, a family, and a full-time job that pays the bills. That’s why the idea of a side hustle — a business you build in your spare time — has exploded in popularity. It’s flexible, empowering, and (in the best-case scenarios) wildly profitable. Just ask Mike O’Dell, a 50-year-old nurse anesthetist who built a quilting side hustle that now brings in $117,000 per month — and he only works on it one day a week.
Here’s how he (and you) can turn passion into profit, without burning out or quitting your 9-to-5.
Step 1: Start With a Problem You Actually Care About Solving
O’Dell didn’t start by asking, “How can I make money?” He started with a hobby — quilting — that he fell into after making Star Wars-themed blankets for his kids. He discovered a technique called foundation paper piecing that made it more fun and easier than expected. That spark led to Legit Kits, a company that now designs and sells premium quilting kits.
Lesson: Start with something you enjoy or find value in. Look for where your skills meet a gap in the market. You don’t need a revolutionary idea — just a solid one with a unique spin.
Step 2: Build for Flexibility From Day One
O’Dell never intended to leave his high-paying hospital job. That meant Legit Kits had to operate mostly without him. He hired designers, fabric cutters, and shippers — and focused on building systems that didn’t need his constant attention.
Actionable Tip: As you build your side hustle, look for ways to automate or delegate early. You can’t do everything, especially if you have a full-time job. Identify tasks only you can do, and outsource the rest. Sites like Upwork or Fiverr are great places to start.
Step 3: Manage Your Time Like a CEO, Not an Employee
Time is your most valuable asset. O’Dell dedicates just one day a week to Legit Kits, using it to test colors, approve designs, and oversee marketing. The key? Prioritization.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Set a weekly “CEO Day” for your side hustle.
- Block off non-negotiable time (even if it’s just a few hours).
- Focus on growth tasks, not busywork — think marketing, product development, and partnerships.
Step 4: Build a Team That Grows With You
When your business starts making money, don’t immediately increase your hours — scale your team. O’Dell now manages a crew of 11 (7 full-time employees and 4 freelancers), but he started by hiring just one designer. With each new hire, he gained more time and space to focus on creative direction.
Hiring Tip: Start small. Hire freelancers or part-time help to handle repetitive tasks like customer service, order fulfillment, or social media. Create clear processes so your team can operate independently.
Step 5: Nail Your Supply Chain Early
A side hustle can fall apart quickly if you can’t fulfill demand. Legit Kits imports fabric from Southeast Asia, which makes tariffs and import policies a looming concern. O’Dell navigates this by staying informed, keeping inventory lean, and considering alternative suppliers.
Supply Chain Hacks for Side Hustlers:
- Source from multiple suppliers to reduce risk.
- Don’t overcommit to inventory — start small and iterate.
- Use inventory tools like ShipStation or Zoho Inventory to stay organized.
Step 6: Market Smarter, Not Harder
O’Dell uses Facebook ads to reach casual crafters, not just expert quilters. He also created “mini kits” that are lower-cost and easier to complete — an excellent way to attract beginners. His goal? Make the entry point to quilting as friendly and fun as possible.
Marketing Takeaways:
- Know your audience and talk to them directly.
- Use simple, visual marketing — especially for DIY or creative products.
- Don’t just focus on the “what” of your product — sell the lifestyle or emotion it offers.
Step 7: Don’t Rely on Immediate Profit — Use Your Day Job as a Launchpad
O’Dell’s $240,000 hospital salary lets him take risks with Legit Kits. He doesn’t have to squeeze the business for profit, which gives him space to reinvest in growth. That’s the beauty of a side hustle: your day job is your safety net.
Advice: Keep your job while your business grows. Use your income to fund smarter growth decisions — whether that’s hiring, advertising, or upgrading tools.
Final Thoughts: Burnout Is Real — So Is Freedom
O’Dell’s story isn’t just about quilting kits or making six figures on the side. It’s about building freedom into your life — and doing it on your terms. His full-time job may be intense, but his side hustle brings creativity, flexibility, and joy.
And that’s the goal, right? A business that works for you, not the other way around.
Your Next Step
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a side hustler looking to level up, or someone searching for financial freedom, start with this question: What would I build if I could set my own schedule, even for just one day a week?
Then build it, step by step — just like Mike did.
