A Unique Side Hustle That Generates Over $100,000 Per Month
Many people have hobbies that bring them joy and relaxation. For some, these activities are simply a way to unwind, but for others, they can evolve into something much more significant. Take the case of Mike O’Dell, a 50-year-old nurse anesthetist from Oklahoma City, who has turned his passion for quilting into a highly profitable side business that generates over $100,000 per month.
O’Dell’s primary job as a nurse anesthetist is demanding and requires extreme attention to detail. He works a four-day, 10-hour workweek, which allows him only limited time for personal pursuits. His job is so intense that he cannot even take a lunch break or use the bathroom without another employee covering for him. This high-stakes profession pays him $240,000 annually, but it also comes with a high level of stress.
To manage this stress, O’Dell found an outlet in sewing, a craft he learned 20 years ago to make a “Braveheart” Halloween costume. What began as a simple hobby eventually led to a groundbreaking business idea. In 2020, he created two custom Star Wars-themed quilts for his sons using an innovative technique called “foundation paper piecing.” This method involves drawing a large pattern on a piece of paper and using it as a guide for cutting and sewing fabric. The result was not only visually stunning but also surprisingly easy to execute.
Inspired by this success, O’Dell decided to turn his passion into a full-fledged business. He founded Legit Kits, a company that provides quilt-making kits to enthusiasts. The business model is built on simplicity and accessibility—customers receive all the materials and instructions needed to create high-quality quilts, regardless of their skill level. O’Dell approached the venture with the same meticulousness he applies to his day job, ensuring every detail was perfect.
Despite the potential for growth, O’Dell chose to keep his day job while building Legit Kits. He spends one day per week at the business, reviewing new designs and managing marketing efforts. This balance allows him to enjoy the benefits of both worlds: the stability of his nursing career and the creative freedom of his side hustle.
By 2023, Legit Kits had already become profitable, and by 2024, the company had moved into a 4,500-square-foot warehouse. Remarkably, the business broke even after making such a significant investment. In 2024 alone, Legit Kits generated $1.25 million in revenue, translating to over $100,000 per month in income.
O’Dell’s side hustle has provided him with more than just financial rewards—it has given him a sense of fulfillment and control over his schedule. On days when he works at Legit Kits, he enjoys simple pleasures like driving his sons to school and having a leisurely morning coffee. While his earnings from the business may not match his salary as a nurse anesthetist, the flexibility and creativity it offers are invaluable.
However, the future of his business is not without challenges. O’Dell sources his fabric from Vietnam and Indonesia, both of which are subject to high tariffs. Currently, products from Vietnam face a 46% tariff, while those from Indonesia carry a 32% tariff. These costs could impact his profitability. Fortunately, a new blanket 10% tariff is set to take effect in July, offering some relief. Despite this, O’Dell acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding trade policies and the importance of maintaining optimism.
For now, O’Dell continues to balance his roles as a nurse anesthetist and a successful entrepreneur. His story is a testament to the power of turning a passion into a profitable venture. As he often says, “I can eat breakfast, I can go to the gym. I set my own schedule.” This independence and flexibility are what make his side hustle so rewarding.
