# Michigan Couple Shows How to Launch Profitable Side Hustles
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Chapter 1: The McCauleys' Journey
In 2020, Jamie and Sarah McCauley began documenting their process of refurbishing and selling used furniture. Their efforts paid off, yielding over $1,000 in profit, which they showcased on YouTube. Within just a week, their video amassed 20,000 views, prompting the couple, who juggled multiple part-time jobs, to seize this opportunity. They expanded their content to include various income streams, such as rental properties, house flipping, and reselling returned items from Amazon and Target.
Their educational approach to teaching others about starting similar ventures has been financially rewarding. Last year alone, the McCauleys generated $102,000 through YouTube and other social media platforms, as documented by CNBC Make It. This translates to an average monthly income of around $8,500, with their highest earnings in a single month reaching $9,000.
"We recognized that this was an excellent avenue for people looking to supplement their income, whether it's to cover bills, rent, or even save for a family vacation," Sarah explains. "It's something anyone can accomplish."
However, Jamie admits that managing their YouTube and social media presence can be quite stressful.
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Section 1.1: Building a Social Media Presence
The McCauleys leveraged their extensive knowledge of social media, a skill honed through running a successful wedding photography business that peaked at $150,000 annually. However, after welcoming their two children, they opted for a lifestyle change to avoid weekend work. They turned to buying, renovating, and renting properties across western Michigan to create a more flexible income source.
The couple ventured into the YouTube realm in 2019 but faced challenges from the start. Jamie devoted around 30 hours a week to the channel, while Sarah contributed an additional 10 hours, all while managing their photography business and selling two renovated houses. It took them an entire year to reach the threshold of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time, which allowed them to monetize their content through Google AdSense.
"We were uncertain about where our journey in home design, flipping, photography, or YouTube would lead us," Sarah shares. "But we knew it could open up new doors if we took the plunge."
Subsection 1.1.1: Advantages and Challenges of Reselling
Sarah highlights that reselling furniture and home goods online can be particularly advantageous during economic downturns. "In tough times, consumers tend to hunt for bargains on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace instead of frequenting traditional stores. During recessions, thrift stores often flourish, and so do resellers, as individuals seek to save money."
The McCauleys emphasize that the financial risks of flipping furniture are significantly lower compared to real estate investments. Sarah notes that she typically breaks even on each transaction.
One of their standout successes was flipping a mid-century dresser purchased on Facebook Marketplace for $50. After staging it and taking appealing photos, they sold it for $300.
"Sometimes, we discover that furniture has more defects than anticipated," Sarah explains. "In those instances, we usually manage to get our money back, but we rarely incur losses."
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Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey
By monetizing their YouTube presence, the couple was able to close their photography business, significantly lightening their workload. However, Jamie acknowledges the ongoing mental challenge posed by variable income. "When your earnings rely on advertising and brand deals, fluctuations in viewership can feel beyond your control," he explains. "There are discouraging times with minimal income, but also rewarding months with substantial earnings. It’s a long-term game that requires perseverance."
Despite the ups and downs, the McCauleys have no intention of abandoning their social media endeavors. Their diverse income streams enable them to earn a comfortable living while enjoying more quality time with their family than a traditional 9-to-5 job would allow.
"We want our work to fit seamlessly into our lives, which is why we pursued non-traditional careers," Sarah concludes. "It’s about having the freedom to choose our path."