How I Turned One Gift Wrap Into $300—and Built a Business

Let’s talk about making money on your own terms. Whether you’re recently retired or a teen just starting out, you don’t need to be techy or salesy to earn real income. I started my business at 51 with nothing but ribbon, hustle, and a Facebook post. Today, it’s the #1 mobile gift wrapping company in the U.S.

1) My First Paying Customer: While praying, a morning ritural for me, I noticed my van sitting there which was not being utilized as much as it could be. I thought, I wonder if anyone drives around and wraps gifts? I make gifts, why not wrap them? That day I added a page to my website offering gift wrap services and received a call about 5 days later from a current client, put all my paper, ribbon and tape in van and went and wrapped his gifts. One ribbon and a little hustle later, I had a $300 job. Proof that you don’t need fancy ads—just start where you are.

2) My Biggest Challenge as someone over 50: I thought I needed to be on every app and platform. I didn’t. All I needed was community, a hustle thought and real conversations.

3) How You Can Find Your First 5 Customers:
Text your friends. Tell your walking group. Mention your new service at church. People can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist.

4) For the Shy Ones:
Wrap one gift for free. Ask for a testimonial or a referral. That’s it. Let your work do the talking.

5) Biggest Mistake I See: Waiting for everything to be perfect. Just start. The momentum comes after you move. Perfection is a big hindrance to progress! 

6) How I Kept the Ball Rolling:
Every happy customer got asked one simple question: “Do you know one other person who needs this?” That single ask brought in some of my biggest clients.

Want to learn how to build your own side hustle—even if you're “not techy,” “not a businessperson,” or think it’s too late to start? Follow me at MichelleMHensley.com and let’s get those ribbons (and revenue) rolling.

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