How To Start A Side Hustle In College: Selling Custom Products ~ Sophisliving


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Starting a side hustle in college is one of the smartest ways to earn extra money while keeping up with your studies.

Selling custom products is a fun and creative way to stand out while building valuable business skills.

From designing personalized mugs to crafting unique jewelry, you can turn your hobbies into profit.

Plus, with social media and online marketplaces, it’s easier than ever to reach your audience.

If you’re ready to learn how to balance college life with running a side hustle, I’ll show you the steps to start selling custom products and make it work for you.

Case Studies of Successful Custom Products Creators

1. Ari’s SVG Empire

Ari started selling SVG files for cutting machines like the Cricut on Etsy during her college years.

She focused on simple but trendy designs, like floral patterns and motivational quotes.

Her shop grew fast because her files were affordable, easy to use, and fit what people were already searching for.

Within two years, she turned her side hustle into a six-figure income, allowing her to pay off her student loans before graduation.

2. PK’s Dorm-Friendly Prints

PK had a knack for creating digital art and decided to turn his hobby into a side hustle.

He started selling printable dorm decor on Etsy, offering trendy wall art with inspirational quotes and vibrant colors.

His low upfront costs (thanks to selling digital downloads) allowed him to reinvest profits into creating more designs.

By the end of his first semester, he had made over $5,000 and built a loyal following.

3. Eda’s Custom Party Favors

Eda used her Cricut to make personalized party favors for events like birthdays and weddings.

She marketed her products through Instagram and word of mouth, growing her side hustle into a full-fledged business.

Her products ranged from custom gift bags to themed keychains, and her attention to detail kept her customers coming back.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

The first thing you’ll need to start selling custom products is the right equipment.

A Cricut machine is a game-changer for creating everything from vinyl decals to personalized mugs.

Pair it with a heat press if you want to expand into custom t-shirts or tote bags.

For digital goods like printables or SVG files, all you need is a laptop, design software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, and a reliable internet connection.

Don’t forget supplies like cardstock, vinyl sheets, transfer tape, or blank items you can customize—depending on what you plan to sell.

Starting small with a few tools keeps things affordable but leaves room for growth.

In Summary, Supplies to Have on Hand:

For physical products, stock up on tools and materials like:

For digital products, keep:

Laptop or desktop
Design software (Canva or Adobe Illustrator)
High-quality images for product listings

Custom Product Ideas to Sell In College

1. Personalized T-Shirts and Hoodies

Custom apparel is always in demand, especially for events, teams, or inside jokes among friends.

Use your Cricut and a heat press to create designs people will love.

Choose catchy phrases or fun graphics and offer options like names or initials.

You can source blank shirts and hoodies in bulk to keep your costs low.

2. Custom Mugs and Tumblers

Personalized drinkware is another great product to sell.

Vinyl decals are easy to apply, and people love mugs with motivational quotes, funny sayings, or cute designs.

A Cricut makes these projects simple.

You can even experiment with sublimation printing for more professional results.

3. Dorm Room Decor

College students love decorating their spaces, so consider making custom dorm decor.

Wall art, name plaques, or monogrammed throw pillows are all great options.

Plus, these items are perfect for selling around back-to-school season when everyone’s sprucing up their rooms.

4. Printable Planners and Study Aids

If you prefer digital products, printable planners are a hit with college students.

You can design weekly schedules, goal trackers, or study templates that buyers can download and print at home.

Platforms like Etsy are filled with creators making money from these simple yet helpful products.

5. Holiday or Event-Themed Items

Think ahead to holidays or college events.

Custom ornaments, graduation caps, or themed party supplies can boost your sales at certain times of the year.

Seasonal products are a great way to tap into what people are already shopping for.

How to Market Your Products

Once you’ve created your custom products, you’ll need to get them in front of people. Here’s how:

1. Social Media Platforms

Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are perfect for showcasing your creations.

Use reels or short videos to demonstrate the process of making your products—it’s an easy way to grab attention and build trust.

Use hashtags like #CustomProducts or #EtsyShop to reach a larger audience.

2. Etsy or Online Stores

Selling on Etsy is a no-brainer for custom products.

It’s user-friendly, and people are already searching for unique items there.

You can also create your own website using platforms like Shopify if you want more control.

3. Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with college influencers can boost your visibility.

Send them a free product in exchange for a shoutout or feature on their social media.

A quick video of your custom dorm decor or personalized hoodie could lead to a surge in sales.

4. Word of Mouth

Don’t underestimate the power of your college network.

Tell friends about your side hustle, and encourage them to share your products.

Offering discounts for referrals can also help spread the word.

How To Balance Your Side Hustle with College

Running a side hustle in college is rewarding, but it does take time management.

Set aside specific hours each week for creating and fulfilling orders.

Automate as much as possible—like using pre-made templates for digital products or batch-producing physical items.

Remember, it’s okay to start small and scale up as you gain experience.

Why Selling Custom Products Is Worth It

Aside from the extra income, selling custom products teaches you skills you can use in any career.

You’ll learn about marketing, budgeting, and customer service, all while doing something creative.

Plus, the satisfaction of seeing someone love a product you made is unbeatable.

Conclusion

Starting a side hustle in college is an exciting way to earn extra money while flexing your creativity.

Selling custom products gives you the chance to learn valuable skills, connect with your college community, and even build a small business.

Whether you’re making personalized mugs, digital prints, or custom t-shirts, the possibilities are endless.

With a few tools, some smart marketing, and a bit of effort, you can create products people love.

Don’t wait for the “perfect time”—take that first step and see where your ideas take you.

Your future self will thank you for starting now.

Sophisliving