Teacher earns substantial income monthly by customizing and selling Labubu products
In an unexpected twist, Ellis Stephens, a full-time assistant principal at a high school, has found a profitable side hustle in the world of Labubus, the popular collectible vinyl figures. Stephens' life has been significantly transformed by this customization venture, which has become his most lucrative endeavour yet, bringing in thousands of dollars in additional income each month.
The process of creating each individual toy can be time-consuming, with each Labubus taking up to an hour to personalize. Stephens uses a tattoo needle to meticulously tattoo these figures, a method that he has mastered to perfection. The Labubus hands, due to their soft vinyl material, are the hardest to tattoo, but Stephens' dedication and skill have made him a sought-after artist in the Labubus community.
Each Labubus that Stephens buys costs him $45, but he sells his customized versions for a substantial markup of $217 each. The first tattooed Labubus he sold fetched $60, a testament to the demand for his unique creations.
Customers have requested a wide variety of designs, from face tattoos and replicas of rappers to figures tied to personal stories. This diversity in requests reflects the broad appeal of Labubus and the creativity of Stephens' work.
The trend around Labubus exploded last year, with celebrities like Lalisa Manoban, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Emma Roberts being seen with the toy. This celebrity endorsement has undoubtedly contributed to the surge in popularity of Labubus, and Pop Mart, the Chinese parent company of Labubus, is on track to sell $1 billion worth of Labubu products this year, with a 667% increase in revenue this year compared to last year, largely due to Labubu toys and related merchandise.
Stephens' Labubus side gig has not only provided him with a substantial income but has also granted him financial freedom. He works from 3 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on weekdays for his Labubus business, fitting it around his full-time job as an assistant principal.
Looking ahead, Stephens plans to capitalize on the Labubu trend while it lasts. His ultimate goal is to have an art studio where he can make art and teach others, continuing to share his passion and skills with others. Despite his success, Stephens maintains several other side hustles, including selling burritos, operating a photo booth, and selling custom t-shirts, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and versatility.
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