How 4 Young Entrepreneurs Grew Their Side Hustles into $1 Million+ Businesses Using Facebook

By: Shawn
A recent Bankrate study reveals that over a third of U.S. adults now have a side hustle, earning an average of $891 a month. While many are content with this additional income, a growing number of side hustlers are working hard to increase their earnings, sometimes aiming to replace their full-time salaries with the money they make from these side ventures.

'Persistence, creativity, and adaptability are key to building a profitable side hustle.'
Iuliia Burmistrova/Getty Images

The appeal of starting an online side hustle is clear, especially for individuals seeking flexible hours or the opportunity to work from home. With platforms such as Etsy, eBay, TikTok, Shopify, and Facebook, entrepreneurs can offer services or sell products that generate extra income. Freelance writing, tutoring, graphic design, web development, and product flipping are just a few examples of side hustles that have become lucrative for many.

This year, Success Above featured four individuals who used Facebook to successfully grow their side businesses into million-dollar ventures. These entrepreneurs shared their journeys, from jewelry design to junk removal to print-on-demand apparel, providing valuable advice for aspiring business owners.

1. Karen Frederick: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Jewelry Mogul

Karen Frederick launched her jewelry and accessories brand, Kole Jax Designs, in 2012 with the goal of creating a fulfilling, flexible career while being present for her children. Frederick was passionate about jewelry and, after learning how to cut glass and solder through online tutorials, she opened an Etsy shop and a Facebook page to promote her creations. Her Facebook page quickly gained popularity, attracting over 10,000 followers, which was instrumental in her brand's rapid growth.

By 2018, Kole Jax Designs reached its first seven-figure year, and has since generated more than $10 million in total revenue.

Frederick's Success Tip: "Don't overthink it—just start. There’s no perfect time to begin a business. Invest your earnings back into the company early on and embrace both failure and change as opportunities for growth."

2. The McKinney Brothers: Turning Junk Into a $1 Million Business

Kirk and Jacob McKinney, high school students, started Junk Teens in 2021 as a junk-removal business, initially flipping items they found on Facebook Marketplace. After quitting their grocery store jobs, the brothers expanded their operation to include junk removal, repurposing, reselling, and donations. By 2023, Junk Teens generated $910,000 in revenue and is projecting $1.2 million for 2024.

McKinney Brothers' Success Tip: "Keep it simple. Too many people overcomplicate things. For us, junk removal is as easy as picking up junk, getting paid, and moving on. Momentum is key—always build on your growth, and choose a business that aligns with your passions."

3. Carlos Ugalde: From Layoff to $3 Million in Revenue

After being laid off in 2018, Carlos Ugalde started House of Chingasos, a print-on-demand apparel brand. With limited knowledge of digital marketing, Ugalde took a trial-and-error approach, setting up a Shopify store, creating designs, and running Facebook ads. His business earned $2,500 in its first month and saw rapid growth, reaching nearly $3 million in revenue by 2023, with a nearly 70% increase from the previous year.

Ugalde's Success Tip: "Don’t let obstacles stop you. Make the decision to succeed and pursue it with determination. Stay flexible, and never stop learning."

How to Start Your Own Profitable Side Hustle

These success stories highlight the potential of side hustles in the digital age. Whether you're passionate about creating jewelry, offering services like junk removal, or selling custom apparel, online platforms provide the perfect opportunity to turn a hobby into a thriving business. As these entrepreneurs have shown, persistence, creativity, and adaptability are key to building a profitable side hustle.

For anyone looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey, take inspiration from these stories and remember: the time to start is now!

TRENDING!

Top 10 Highest-Paying Side Hustles in 2025 (No Experience Needed)

Image
‎Amid rising costs and an ever-changing economy, many Americans are increasingly concerned about job security. The current administration's budget cuts and rapid technological advancements have led to widespread layoffs, further adding to the economic strain. As financial pressures mount, consumers are searching for ways to make ends meet, turning to side hustles to supplement their income. ‎ ‎The most profitable side hustles in 2025. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Job insecurity often creates stress and limits employees' control over their work-life balance. Research indicates that two-thirds of laid-off workers find greater satisfaction in freelancing, appreciating the flexibility and autonomy it offers. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed that 5% of the workforce holds more than one job, with at least 12.8% of these individuals (approximately 1.1 million workers) engaging in freelance side hustles. ‎ ‎If you’re looking for a side hustle to alleviate financial p...
Read more

How to Score 360+ Marks Out of 400 in JAMB 2025: Expert Study Guides and Tips for Students

Image
‎Scoring 360 or higher in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam, one of Nigeria’s most crucial university entrance exams, can set the stage for your academic future. With a total score of 400 marks available, achieving a top score requires not only hard work but a smart, focused approach. ‎ ‎ What you need to do to score 360+ in JAMB 2025. ‎ Luis Alvarez/Getty Images ‎ ‎This article will provide you with expert tips, effective study guides, and strategies to help you score 360+ marks in JAMB and increase your chances of gaining admission to your preferred university. ‎ ‎1 . Understand the JAMB Exam Structure and Syllabus ‎ ‎The first step in excelling at JAMB is understanding the structure and syllabus of the exam. JAMB consists of four subjects—typically including English Language and three other subjects relevant to your course of study. It is crucial to know the weight of each subject and the areas that frequently appear in the exam. ‎ ‎I . Check the s...
Read more

The Ultimate FIRE Guide: How I Earned $2.6 Million and Retired Before 30

Image
‎At 32, Han Jung-soo achieved what many office workers aspire to: financial independence through the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. After joining Shinhan Card in 2018, Han leveraged the turbulence in global financial markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to generate significant returns. His investments in domestic and international stocks, as well as cryptocurrency, earned him 3.5 billion won (approximately $2.6 million). This success allowed him to resign from his job in March 2021, marking a milestone in his four-year journey to financial freedom. ‎ ‎ Han Jung-soo : A new perspective on financial independence and happiness. ‎ Hankook Ilbo ‎ ‎Han's new book, Fired: Financial Independence, Release Economic Dominion, co-written with fellow FIRE advocate Kang Ki-tae, takes a unique approach to the FIRE movement. Rather than offering a quick-money blueprint, the book delves into the deeper aspects of wealth and the pursuit of happiness. According...
Read more

3 Powerful AI Tools to Help You Make Money Online in 2025

Image
‎Artificial intelligence (AI) presents countless opportunities for Filipinos to enhance their careers and generate additional income. Even without technical expertise or coding skills, AI can significantly boost your earning potential. If you're not currently leveraging AI to supplement your salary or grow your business, you're missing out on valuable opportunities. ‎ ‎Maximize your income with AI tools like SEMrush, Mailchimp, and Fiverr's chatbot. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Professionals across various fields are discovering innovative ways to harness the power of AI, particularly generative AI, to increase their productivity and income. But with so many AI tools available, it’s important to focus on the ones that can truly make a difference in your work and financial growth. ‎ ‎While widely recognized apps like ChatGPT and Midjourney often dominate the conversation, there are many other AI-powered tools that can be just as beneficial, if not more, for driving re...
Read more

University of Abuja 100L Student Stella Ogbonna's Secrets to Earning 1 Million Naira Monthly on Facebook

Image
In today’s digital age, the opportunity to build wealth and create a thriving business is just a click away. Stella Ogbonna, a first-year student at the University of Abuja, transformed her university experience by harnessing the power of Facebook to create a sustainable income stream. What began as a side hustle to earn extra cash has turned into a lucrative venture that now generates over 1 million naira every month through product marketing and beauty testing. University of Abuja student Stella Ogbonna turns Facebook into a 1 Million Naira business. Mapodile/Getty images Stella’s inspiring success story proves that, with the right strategy and determination, anyone—especially university students—can turn their passions into profitable businesses. In this article, we delve deep into how Stella built her million-naira business, utilizing her digital marketing skills and love for beauty products to carve out a niche for herself on Facebook. The Beginning: A University Fre...
Read more

2 Effective Passive Income Ideas for Professionals with No Time to Spare

Image
After a challenging day in a high-pressure work environment, whether in the office or working from home, the last thing you want to do is continue working. You crave relaxation and personal time to unwind – something you certainly deserve. However, with rising living costs and economic uncertainty, it can be tough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without taking on additional work. Whether it's a side job, a part-time gig, or starting your own business, that much-needed "me-time" often gets pushed aside. Instead, you're left stressing about how to make ends meet, all while still feeling drained from your main job. No spare time? These 2 passive income ideas are for you. Valentin Russanov/Getty Images This is where passive income becomes especially appealing. For busy professionals like you, who don't have the time or energy to constantly work overtime, passive income provides a way to earn money without additional mental strain. Even if your salary ...
Read more

17 Easy and Legit Ways to Make Money Online in 2025 - for Entrepreneurs

Image
Do you want to start your own business or are you just searching for ways to make extra money on the side? There are more methods to earn money online than ever before because to the development of e-commerce. There are tools to assist you whether you're converting your pastime into an online company, making merchandise for your TikTok shop, or selling your old clothing on a marketplace. 17 easy and legit ways to make money online in 2025. Eva-Katalin/Getty Images Regardless of your level of experience, this list can inspire ideas for earning money online if you don't already have one. Discover 17 unique money-making ideas, ranging from side hustles and passive income websites to complex company structures. 1 . Monetize a YouTube channel Top YouTube influencers like Cassey Ho, Wil Yeung, and Katie Carson began where you are: with an idea. Prior to monetizing their channels, each of these YouTubers developed fans through original content. If you want to earn money ...
Read more

WORK FROM HOME AND EARN BIG! The Top 10 Apps to Make $3,000/Month from the Comfort of Your Own Home

Image
If you want to make additional money during the holidays and into the new year without taking on a second job or worrying about a promotion at work, you may be neglecting a valuable resource that you utilize every day. 10 apps to make $3,000/month from home and live the life you want. Getty Images In fact, your phone is most likely sitting in your hands while you read this post. With the development of the gig economy, millions of workers are using their phones to earn additional money. According to Statista data, the majority of gig economy workers are professionals who work full-time while managing their gig as a side hustle, so if you have a job but want more than what it has to offer, you're not alone. Aside from extra money, one of the most significant benefits of entering the gig economy is not the money itself. It is the overwhelming sense of job happiness, meaning, and fulfillment that most employees do not receive from their primary occupations. Often, we fin...
Read more

Bitcoin Investing 101: Expert Tips and Strategies for Beginners Before Buying BTC

Image
Bitcoin is undeniably back.  The initial cryptocurrency is now worth significantly more than $100,000, representing a 160% increase in value over the last year. Crypto aficionados are claiming that 2025 will be a breakout year for digital currencies, thanks primarily to President Donald Trump's vocal backing. Investing in Bitcoin: A step-by-step guide for newbies and beginners to get started. Getty Images There's no disputing that cryptocurrency has become one of the most exciting aspects of finance, especially since the asset's worldwide market value has surpassed $3 trillion. According to Scott Shapiro, senior product director at Coinbase, average investors should not dismiss the fast rise of cryptocurrency. He warns that if they do, they may come to regret it. "At some point, you're left on the sidelines if you don't become someone who has any crypto because the financial world is modernizing and becoming more open, and crypto is the way that...
Read more