I Made $150k Selling Stickers. Here's What I Learned... 

Dude, you dropped this video at the right time for me! I've been stuck in my planning stage for months because of fear. This video is the kick in the butt that I needed to move forward! Thank you ❣❣❣

1. Making money is a skill, and it can be learned Three steps: seek knowledge (from CEOs and people who have achieved what you wanted to achieve), practice (gotta apply knowledge to practice), reflection 2. The gold is in the whitespace. (Most of his success comes from going where everyone else isn't going). Or if you want to get into a competitive field, make your product stand out (color, design, etc) 3. Businesses is simply building and selling. Balance these two factors, don't be too focused on only one 4. Trends die hard (It's dangerous to simply chase trends and seek shortcut, like masks selling during the quarantine phase) 5. It's possible to make money, really. Achieve small milestones, start from $10, to $100, so on. Accumulate proof and confidence. Best wishes to everyone

Not a tutorial , but a testament to what is possible for everyone. I appreciate this. This is as organic as it gets. Awesome, continued blessings for all!

this was exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing your journey and what you've learned. Starting a business is exciting but it's so much work!! Knowing it took you YEARS not just months is really reassuring. This was exactly the motivation I needed to keep pushing! Thank you!!

I feel like an information collector…I collect all these pieces of knowledge and tools but don’t know how to execute…like having all the ingredients to bake a cake but not realizing it.

For those good at sewing and design, full body anthropomorphic mascot animal costumes ("fursuits") regularly sell for between $2k and $10k depending on quality and demand is so high that decent makers have waitlists for years.

I usually never comment on RU-vid videos, but this one left a great impression on me, so I had to drop a comment letting you know - thank you :) I love you described your journey so linearly, without exaggeration, emphasizing the importance of consistency and reflection. Hoping to hear more soon!

Truly over the moon for you, I came across your channel roughly a year ago when the itch to start an E-Comm business struck once again. Your success was definitely one of the factors that made me decide to go for it, our first product is set to ship on Sep 1st and we already have 250 ish sign-ups on the waiting list. So a wholehearted thank you!

Thanks for posting this! It's great to hear your business has been so successful. My Etsy has slowed down a lot since COVID restrictions were lifted, but it was also partly because I was not trying to create new products or market my stuff. The video was great motivation and I'll be working on my art again to get my business going. Miss your videos! Hope to see more soon.

Thank you Tim, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Even though I don't make stickers, I did stumble onto your channel when I was researching a Cricut machine and you did a really great review that basically said that the Cricut wouldn't grow with you and your business goals. I loved that perspective and now watch your vids a lot because of it. I too am slowly re-creating a business I've done wrong twice already (in 12 years) and finally finding that doing things in "pieces" is a solid path to follow. Anyway, thank you for sharing, I truly appreciate your time and perspective!

Tim, you seem like a genuine person and as someone who's looking into a similar path as yours, I'm really happy for your success!

This is beautiful. The fact that you shared these tips. Your journey is inspiring. I'm building heavy and gotta get to that selling side, so the message definitely resonated. I appreciate you.

I’m glad I found this. I’ve been overthinking my Etsy shop for months, I’m finally launching it tomorrow, and I never thought about stickers. Your story is inspirational. Keep up the amazing work. Can’t wait for more of your content :)

Your videos are so wholesome, i love watching them. You manage to give real, valuable advice while also keeping a chill and comforting vibe

I like how you shared your story with no fluff just genuine keep working at it and some good business lessons along the way!

There are so many things I love about this video. For starters, everything is very well explained and insightful which is great for anybody trying to get into digital business. Watching this kind of videos can be very overwhelming for me (too much noise and too much info) but your voice is so soothing for my brain, so now here I am binge-watching your videos while I work on my website. So, Thank you and Keep up the good work!!

Thank you so much for this Tim! It made me reflect on how low my ambitions were at the beginning with my own business and how far I’ve come! I totally see myself focusing most of my time on creating products and then run out of energy to market. Thank you for the reminder!!!

This is so timely!!! Could definitely relate!! I already invested in machines and all I need for this crafting business. I would excitingly posts products I try and people are contacting me to order but I have no confidence to even sell it already. Seems like I want to build it more. Thank you so much for this video! Really need to balance things

Thank you for sharing your insights Tim. I faced the same situation as what you have shared in your video that when you initially started, you spent too much time on designing & building your products, & didn't focused on selling & marketing. I am re-evaluating my mistakes & hope to polish up my weak areas in selling & marketing. Again, thanks for your share Tim.

I just loved how you explained everything in detail! Balancing marketing strategies and creating new strong work to sell is crucial but hard if you are only one person. It can be very easy to only focus on one and forget about the other. I remember 4 years ago, I tried to make a sticker shop on Etsy, and I spent months creating different stickers and even hand-cutting over 5000 stickers since I couldn't afford a sticker-cutting machine. I also took lots of time to take professional photos of my stickers. In the end, I didn't even make one sale. It sucked because I spent so much time and effort creating my stickers. I did learn something valuable and it was that you can have the best product, however, if the marketing isn't good, then the idea will fail.

This is the very first video I've seen of you.. You are one of the very very few creators that is actually likable! Thank you for your humility, it's compelling and feels honest.

I remember your first few videos, and seeing where you are now is truly inspirational! I will not give up on my Etsy shop & Marketing! Thank you!

Thank you, Tim Koa, for sharing with the community your real-world experience and the wisdom that comes from that.

It’s funny you started the business to support your hobby! So relatable! Love this list!

Hi all & Tim! You’re videos have been very helpful. I’m getting ready to launch my Etsy shop. Accounting stuff easy, making products easy, marketing easy BUT tech- a HUGE challenge. It’s been my biggest hurdle. My 11 year old niece has taught me how to use all these techie stuff. 😂😂😂 God bless her. I cried & gotten so frustrated but it’s getting me out of my comfort zone & keeping an open mind. I guess you can teach an old dog a new trick. 🐶😖

I've been trying to find videos like these for so long 😭I felt really stuck not knowing how to proceed with my online store, but you helped to fill in the gaps. I do really appreciate it! Thank you 🙏

I love love this! Your calm demeanor is so captivating that I absorb everything you said. Thank you so much for this!

Love all the lessons Tim! But lesson #5 is the most relatable to me, thanks for reminding this valuable point! Indeed to start, we need to believe it’s possible first. Faith is the starting engine 👍🏻

I also started selling ... in 1 month I got 1 sale, so ... I'm highly skeptical of these sensational videos.

You have a Shiny Charizard card! I suddenly want to see the entire collection. I bought and sold cards for a while after managing Gamestop for some years. And then went into business/sales and learned a lot of similar things you're talking about here (and watched that Kobe interview at least 3 times a month). I love how transparent you're being here, you're capable of helping so many people. Keep it up!

This is so inspiring! Thank you for taking the time to document and consolidate all of this information! 🥰🥰🥰

Aww, thank you for sharing. I got awful advice the other night, and this showed up at the perfect time. I feel really motivated !! I've recorded everything while I've been learning how to make stickers. I knew it was worth it! While I don't expect 150,000, I do expect some passive income soon! You rock dude! Stay blessed!

You are an absolute inspiration Tim! Big love for you and what you’re sharing here, and it is incredible what you’ve achieved by bringing your idea and vision into existence ❤ and showing us what is possible when we believe in the beauty of our own dreams! Thank you for being a carrier of hope

Just discovering your products now and I love the simplicity of your website and how it understands what your audience needs!

Ah so happy to see a video from you and after months of burn out, self care and coming back, this comes at a perfect time as I’ve been trying to perfect my sticker game, my cricut though has been making things difficult.

So far I think it is the most honest and concrete video I have seen in regards to advice on "starting a Buisness", good life advice!

Hi Tim! This was such a useful video. I've learnt a ton from the lessons you've shared. Keep doing what you do! All the best!

THANK YOU for this video! This was so very helpful! I've read a good bunch about business over the years but been stuck. Many times I've been told I got artistry skills and I should sell my art - but I've been unable to make bigger amounts of money of it (tho it's been a dream of mine a very long time). I haven't figured out why - until now. You explained so well and shortly about your journey and now I exactly know what to do next. Aka stop planning and start doing! And I have to say: I absolutely love how down-to-earth you seem to be. I feel like many rich people/business owners out there tend to be a bit head on the clouds or focus just on materia. But you seem to be just you and it's inspiring! Again, thank you!

Thanks for sharing all this knowledge! I loved the tip - trends die hard. It’s so easy to get wrapped in what’s trending rather than just focusing on a good product

Such a humble guy! Love this video man. I’m starting something too and these points will definitely help!

You talk and act so much naturally, down to earth, and legible. I love your face and that smile with a relaxing sound.

Just came across your channel and this video was excellent. Thanks for the lessons - the timing of coming across your video was perfect. Great information, great quality and love your authenticity (no hype at all).

I just saw this video and I have purchased labels from your shop before!!! I love turtle tags!! They work great! I use them for my child's clothes and school supplies!! You are doing amazing!! Great job!!!

I hope you know how much we appreciate your authenticity and honesty!

You explain things so clearly and using the right words. This inspired me. Thank you.

Thank you for this video! Your video production quality is admirable and this is also a big tell why you were successful in your sticker venture...

Inspiring, aspirational, clear cut & calming. Thank you for the video 🥰

You have such a kind, friendly and relaxing personality. So nice to watch this video:) Thanks

Really enjoyed watching this Tim! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing Tim! Love your journey.

Awesome advice for life in general! I'll be adding this to my recommended playlist for my graduating seniors at school. Thanks for sharing this!

Tim, I love your videos, always so informative, encouraging and helpful. Thank you!

Congrats on your sales, you look so happy and it's very inspiring!!

Welcome back and thanks for your input.

Exactly what i need, thank you Tim! Congrats on your milestone!

This video just changed my life😭 I can’t put it into words, but truly, thank you for this

This was a great watch, thank you for taking time uploading this

Super inspiring. I really connected with the last ten minutes and the message about how you proved it to yourself! Thanks

Thanks for sharing your story Tim. Great tips for any business, especially online businesses.

Thank you for sharing the examples with Nike and Apple. It helped show standing out in one's niche! Congratulations on your sticker journey!

Thank you for sharing your story ❤ I really resonate with you that building a business is a never ending learning curve. I start my freelance writing business last year and I learn so much ❤ I can't wait on what I can achieve in the next few years ❤

This was so needed for me right now. Thanks for always making such encouraging and insightful videos!

This popped up in my suggested videos and I'm so glad. It simplified things a lot for me. Thanks!

I'm so thankful I found your videos. I love when successful, creative people share how they succeeded and whether people ever actually decide to do it or not, I just want to thank you for being open. I wish you even more success to come your way. 😊

Such a great video, Tim! Much of my struggle to start a small business is realted to having ADHD. I have had it for many years, but had no idea until I was recently diagnosed at almost 56 years old. I definitely feel like I missed my chance. My family has been pushing me for years to open a small business, and I couldn't understand why it is so difficult for me. I can't stay focused on one thing. I start with something I know I am good with, and then I question what I'm doing and it takes weeks for me to think of something else to try. It's a terrible cycle. I need to do this! I have a degree in Visual Communications for goodness sake, but that was back in 1987. If I could just be that person again.

Such a down to earth and motivating video :D Really love your approach and honesty about your journey. I hope to build something of my own someday and your words inspired me.

This video is insightful and useful. Your voice sounds calm as well - that's the cherry on top! Thanks!

Thank you so much. I just started my shop. Getting it started has been challenging.

I love watching these videos. Just straight forwards and provides info with no click bait. I can’t wait to get my niche product started soon! :)

Dude your video gave me hope , im a 35 yo artist who have alot of creative and original potintals but as a person who is not so social and dunno how to deal with all these new technologies and platforms i find my self walking in circles and cant make a living out of art but at the same time i found that cant do or be anything else but an artist thats why i feel lost and alienated all the time .

Needed that stop thinking of big goals and get Proof over time;love it

Thank you for your sharing. It’s so encouraging for I’m planning to start an eCom biz now. Love it! I got knowledge. I got encouragement. And I got confidence 😊

Great video, man! Congrats on the business and thanks for the assurance that I’m on the right path.

Great advice and a clean, well organized & produced video! Thank you!

Glad I found this video. Wanted to start on Etsy for quite a while now, but I was fighting my fears, on a daily basis. Really appreciate this. ☺️

This is very helpful, came at the right time. Got a lot of procrastination lately - thank you

This is GOLD advice, absolutely brilliant, thank you

One of the best videos about business I have ever watched.”If I can make 10 dollars, then I can make 100 dollars. Because it’s 10 times of what I did.” I love that! Thanks for this video!

Thank you for the great video. Your honesty and good ideas are really encouraging. Well done.

Been a great fan of your channel but since then, I must be busy of my career. Now I realized looking back of my skill since I’ve started doing some designing of my hobby likes T- shirt , cards , mugs and caps. Etc Just for my family. Watching some RU-vid practical skills people on this- but no such a good start and mentoring. No equipment on the side but learning my skill on my own is rewarding. I hope someone could guide me on the right path to change my anchor from hobby to sustainable income . I’m hoping I’ll be sitting and starting my great ideas from you when you get a chance . Thanks bro from your humble beginnings it really pinch my head up to move. God bless!!

Absolutely love your videos man, you always finish off with a reassuring statement and it helps so much Never slow down.

Just stumbled across your channel! Thank you for being open and sharing some tips that helped you to get where you are now. Keen to see more videos from you 😀

Tim thank you so much for sharing this golden nuggets. Your story is such an inspiration for me ❤️

i love people who share their experience

Best straight to the point video I've watched on RU-vid, you are an inspiration thank you for taking the time to make this video I hope you get millions of views as your advice is like gold dust ❤😊

Thanks Tim for the video. Congratulations for making $150k in your business.

I have notifications on and get so excited when I see you post a new video! You’re one of my favorite creators. Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge:-)

I love your story, thanks for being authentic ❤

Just discovered your channel, and loooved this video, each tip relates so much to the entrepreneurial journey, so will definitely be watching your video on the specifics of your strategy for this sticker making business 🙌 thanks so much!

It's so inspiring! You can start with literally anything.

Thank you for making this video! I feel really motivated to start. Great content

Thank you for being truthful, making it very easy to digest.

This video is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for sharing your analysis of your own experience successfully sharing what you make. Everything you say in this video is incredibly insightful and helpful.

This is a gem, and you're such a cool guy. Thank you 🙏🏼

Congratulations on gent ting 100k we missed you! Keep up with the great job!

Thank you! I've been trying to get my sticker business up and running but I lack motivation 😅 I did however make my first sticker sheet the other day! (That was pretty big for me😂) Thank you so much for getting me excited for making stickers again 😊

Quality is what this channel is about ❤

This was so insightful and honest. Thank you for sharing.

I needed this video I have my shop up on Etsy now but I’m struggling to gain the traffic but you have given me hope. I really want my shop to work.

I love your vids, thanks for uploading another great one Tim. You give me a lot of inspiration!