From 9-to-5 to $1.3M/Year Solopreneur: Brett’s Exact Strategy

From Employee to Entrepreneur

Brett started in a familiar place: a full-time 9-to-5 job. As a skilled designer, he enjoyed the creative process, but after years of freelancing on the side, he longed for something bigger. He wanted a business that could scale—one that wouldn’t require sacrificing nights and weekends or lead to burnout.

This desire for scalability and balance set the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.

The Breakthrough: A Productized Service

Brett’s game-changing idea was to create a productized service. Instead of charging hourly rates or taking on one-off design projects, he bundled his expertise into a subscription-based model.

For a fixed monthly fee, clients could submit unlimited design requests. This approach was a win-win: clients loved the simplicity and predictability, and Brett gained consistent, recurring income.

The Lean Startup Mindset

Brett’s success didn’t come from overcomplicating things. He took a lean approach, launching quickly and iterating as he went.

• One day to launch: Brett built a minimalist website on Webflow in just one day.

• Low costs: His initial setup included a Trello board for managing design requests, costing him only $176 per month.

• Immediate traction: Brett launched his service on Product Hunt, where he found his first paying clients.

By focusing on speed and simplicity, Brett validated his idea without wasting time or resources.

Balancing a Side Hustle and a 9-to-5

For over three years, Brett juggled his full-time job with his growing side business. While his revenue climbed to $80,000 per month, he hesitated to leave the security of his job.

It wasn’t until he fully committed to his business that it truly took off. The month he quit his job, his revenue doubled—a testament to the power of focus and going all-in.

The Simple, Scalable Model

The genius of Brett’s business lies in its simplicity. He charged a flat fee of $5,000 per month for unlimited design requests. This straightforward pricing structure gave him:

• Predictability: reliable income that allowed for better financial planning.

• Scalability: The ability to serve multiple clients efficiently without overloading his schedule.

This model created a sustainable, profitable business without the need for a team or complex systems.

Marketing Through Transparency

Instead of spending money on ads, Brett took a different approach: he built in public. By openly sharing his journey—his wins, challenges, and lessons—he attracted a loyal following.

This community of supporters didn’t just cheer him on; many became paying clients. Brett’s story proves that authenticity and transparency can be powerful marketing tools.

Life as a $1.3M/Year Solopreneur

Today, Brett enjoys a life of freedom and balance. His mornings are spent with his kids, his afternoons are reserved for focused work, and his evenings are free for hobbies.

Without employees to manage or large overhead costs, Brett has built a stress-free business that supports his dream lifestyle.

Key Lessons from Brett’s Success

Brett’s journey is a masterclass in simplicity and focus. Here are his top takeaways for aspiring solopreneurs:

1. Leverage your existing skills: Start with what you already know and do well.

2. Create a simple, niche offer: Focus on solving one specific problem for a specific audience.

3. Take action immediately: Don’t wait for perfection—launch, learn, and iterate.

Your Turn: Build Your Dream Business

Brett’s story is proof that you don’t need a massive team, complex systems, or years of preparation to achieve incredible results. With focus, courage, and a clear strategy, you can build a profitable business that aligns with your life goals.

Ready to take the first step? Join us at Online Business Evolution, where we help solopreneurs like you start and scale their dream businesses. Click here to get started today!