Transforming a Side Hustle into a Global Brand: The Mustard Made Story
The Rise of Side Hustles
In today’s economy, side hustles are becoming increasingly popular. Recent research from Bankrate indicates that over one-third of U.S. adults engage in supplemental work, earning an average of $891 per month. Some side hustlers even achieve earnings comparable to or greater than their full-time jobs, highlighting the potential for entrepreneurial success.
Meet the Founders
Jess Stern, 33, and her sister Becca, based in London, have successfully established their business, Mustard Made, a homewares brand renowned for its vintage-inspired lockers and organizational items. Jess’s background includes a decade of experience in the corporate sector as a buyer for major UK brands, while Becca has a creative entrepreneurial spirit, having previously launched her own jewelry label.
Inception of Mustard Made
The concept for Mustard Made emerged from a shared aspiration to start a business, spurred by their long-distance relationship due to Becca’s move to Australia. During a visit, they discussed their shared love for vintage lockers, which led to the idea of reinventing these items to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Within months, they were sourcing manufacturers in China, and shortly thereafter, Mustard Made was launched.
Early Steps to Success
The launch of Mustard Made took place at a trade show in Sydney, Australia, where Jess and Becca invested AUD 25,000 from their personal savings into samples, marketing, and a booth. Their efforts paid off, resulting in orders exceeding AUD 200,000, far surpassing their initial expectations and serving as a pivotal moment in their business journey.
Lessons Learned and Operational Growth
One significant lesson highlighted by the founders is the importance of scalability. They adopted the philosophy of “Thinking 10x,” which encourages planning for future expansion. This methodology played a crucial role when Becca initially considered managing logistics from a shipping container in her backyard. Instead, they chose to partner with a third-party logistics provider, enabling their ability to scale effectively.
Challenges Faced
Jess emphasizes that entrepreneurship is rife with challenges. Unexpected hurdles, such as shipping crises and operational mishaps, have kept them agile and adaptive. An illustrative incident involved a customer receiving an empty box, which surprised them after six years of otherwise successful logistics. These experiences, while daunting, are integral to the entrepreneurial journey.
Consistent Revenue and Future Outlook
Since its inception in 2018, Mustard Made has seen steady growth. Jess dedicated six months to developing the brand alongside her full-time job before making the leap to focus on Mustard Made entirely. As of 2024, the brand has expanded to three continents and has a team of over 30 employees, achieving a remarkable 46% growth globally.
What Drives Their Passion
Jess finds joy in collaborating with her team, noting the positive impact of her first hires. Her commitment to fostering growth within her staff has been pivotal to Mustard Made’s ongoing success, as she continually seeks to surround herself with knowledgeable individuals in their respective fields.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Jess’s key advice for those embarking on a similar journey is to consider scalability right from the outset. The question, “What would we do if we were ten times larger?” serves as a guiding principle to ensure future readiness and adaptability.