Katya Eckert, a 41-year-old mother from Greenwich, Connecticut, transformed a personal postpartum challenge into a thriving business, earning $30,000 in just two months and scaling to nearly $500,000 annually. Her story highlights the power of side hustles, with over one-third of U.S. adults now pursuing supplemental gigs averaging $891 monthly, according to Bankrate. Eckert’s journey from a demanding day job to entrepreneurial success offers inspiration and practical lessons for aspiring business owners.
From Postpartum Struggles to Business Idea
While working in business development at Macro Risk Advisors, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, Eckert faced the exhaustion of postpartum life with her newborn daughter. Night sweats and constant wardrobe changes became a frustrating routine, and after another failed purchase, her husband suggested, “Why not make your own?” This sparked the idea for A DOMANI, a brand addressing the unmet needs of postpartum women with innovative, comfortable clothing.
It took nine months of reflection before Eckert began exploring the concept seriously, around her daughter’s first birthday. Her inspiration came from a desire to solve a real problem, blending personal experience with market opportunity.
Building the Foundation
Eckert’s first steps were methodical. She drafted a business plan, diving into research on textiles, sustainability, manufacturing, supply chains, e-commerce, marketing, legal structures, and accounting. Networking played a crucial role—she sought advice from industry experts, who eagerly shared knowledge and connections. “Successful people get excited about sharing their expertise,” Eckert noted.
She hired a law firm to handle legal formation and trademarking, and enlisted designers to create a collection with detailed tech packs for manufacturing. To fund the launch, Eckert invested personal savings, though specific startup costs weren’t disclosed. Her goal was an August 2022 launch to capitalize on the holiday shopping season, requiring careful coordination of fabric sourcing, production, and logistics.
Overcoming Challenges
The launch wasn’t without hurdles. Fabric delays and port bottlenecks pushed her timeline, with goods stuck until July 2022. This disrupted plans for a photoshoot, website development, and inventory readiness, as all elements were interdependent. Eckert navigated these setbacks by staying adaptable, ensuring the photoshoot and website were completed despite the delays.
Her persistence paid off. A DOMANI generated $30,000 in revenue within two months of launching, validating her vision. By focusing on quality and customer needs, the business grew steadily, reaching nearly $500,000 in annual revenue and eyeing $1 million in 2026.
Lessons from a Side Hustle Star
Eckert’s success underscores key strategies for side hustlers:
- Solve a Real Problem: Her product addressed a personal pain point, resonating with a clear audience.
- Leverage Networks: Connecting with experts accelerated her learning and opened doors.
- Plan Meticulously: A detailed business plan and research laid a strong foundation.
- Stay Resilient: Eckert adapted to supply chain disruptions, keeping her launch on track.
Her story aligns with a growing trend. Side hustles like those of Nashville mom Katy Allen, who built a multimillion-dollar business from a Facebook idea, or Valentina Zapata, earning $500,000 monthly reselling sneakers, show the potential for supplemental ventures to outpace traditional incomes.
The Road Ahead
Eckert’s business is now a full-time venture, with plans to surpass seven figures in 2026. Her journey from a sleep-deprived mom to a successful entrepreneur proves that with vision, grit, and strategic planning, a side hustle can become a life-changing enterprise. For those considering their own venture, Eckert’s advice is clear: start with a problem you’re passionate about solving, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.