Mike O’Dell, 50, nurse anesthetist Mike O’Dell has made nearly $9,000 selling his hand-made ideas on eBay and Etsy. He only works on Legit Kits one day a week! In 2020, he founded this business, which focuses on providing kits for quilting. With a full-time job as an auto mechanic, O’Dell makes $240,000 a year. Despite that time-consuming new role, he’s found the success needed for Legit Kits to stand on its own, giving him the flexibility to dictate his own schedule.
O’Dell’s average week now consists of testing color swatches, approving design prototypes, and pitching his products to new customers and retailers. Each week, he cherishes simple pleasures, starting his day with a cup of coffee on his patio and driving his kids to school before diving into work.
Legit Kits has caught on in a big way since its start. They further built their momentum by bringing in another $150,000 in contributions through sales at the now shuttered Joann Fabrics and Crafts. Even with substantial continued spending this year, the company still managed to be profitable in 2023. Overall, last year, it had no profit, moving its operations to a new larger, 4,500 sq./ft. warehouse.
“I can eat breakfast, I can go to the gym. I set my own schedule,” O’Dell said, highlighting the freedom that comes with running his own business.
To further expand his offerings, O’Dell has brought on two graphic designers to develop art and quilting patterns for Legit Kits. As his business has grown, he’s brought on a second employee to help cut fabric and ship quilts. This serves as a fail-safe to ensure that operations can continue without interruption, even in his absence.
O’Dell’s Intent is for Legit Kits to reach a wider audience than just seasoned quilters. He is committed to making quilting accessible for all, stating, “I don’t want to price people out of a hobby.” The first part of that philosophy serves as the basis for his unique approach to pricing and origin product development.
Twenty years ago, O’Dell took her first steps into the quilting space. He first picked up a sewing machine while working on his own Braveheart kilt for a Halloween costume. What began as a passion project has since blossomed into a successful enterprise that becomes a major part of his income. This year, he intends to take a $50,000 salary from Legit Kits.
O’Dell finds his financial fortune through his creative side gig. It gives him an important counterweight to the stress of his day job. He explained, “The burnout I experience at the hospital acts as an energy production source to allow me to do the other thing that is for myself. It lowers the volume when everyone’s angry in the workplace. This sentiment captures the duality of his career: the demanding nature of healthcare contrasted with the fulfilling creativity found in quilting.
O’Dell’s story should be inspiring to every hobbyist looking to make a lucrative business out of their passion. He manages his time with an iron fist and focuses all his passion on his craft. Now, he has found a rewarding outlet that fulfills his personal life beyond work and brings great financial benefits as well.