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Jayson Siu: From College Student to $500K/Year
How a $300 Investment and a Viral TikTok Changed His Life
TODAY’S SUCCESS STORY
In 2021, Jayson Siu, a 21-year-old freshman at the University of Hawaii, had a passion for cars and a desire to earn extra cash. He invested $300 in a vinyl printer and began creating custom stickers, selling them to friends on Snapchat for $3 to $5 each. His goal was to fund accessories for his Nissan Rogue SUV. |  |
The Breakthrough:
In 2021, Jayson posted a TikTok video showcasing his products. The video went viral, leading to a surge in orders. In just one day, he sold $38,000 worth of products. This viral moment catapulted his side hustle into a full-fledged business.
Scaling Up
Buoyed by this success, Siu expanded his product line to include customizable LED stickers, cupholders, and license plates. He invested in social media advertising, focusing on platforms like TikTok, Google, Facebook, and Instagram. In 2022, his business, Invalid.jp, generated $512,000 in revenue, with approximately 30% profit margin.
From Dorm Room to Warehouse
Initially operating from his parents' two-bedroom apartment in Honolulu, Siu rented a warehouse to manage the growing demand. He balanced his college schedule with running the business, working at least 40 hours a week. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his entrepreneurial journey.
Key Takeaways
Start Small, Think Big: Siu began with a $300 investment and scaled to over $500,000 in annual revenue.
Leverage Social Media: Platforms like TikTok can provide massive exposure for your products.
Consistency Pays Off: Regularly posting content and engaging with your audience can lead to viral success.
Diversify Revenue Streams: Expanding your product line can help sustain and grow your business.
🎯 How You Can Start Today
1. Identify Your Passion
Take a moment to list hobbies, skills, or interests you enjoy and are willing to dedicate time to.
Example: Jayson loved cars and customizing accessories, which became the foundation of his business.
Tip: Your passion will keep you motivated during slow periods, so choose something you genuinely enjoy.
2. Create a Simple Product
Start with a low-cost, easy-to-produce product. You don’t need perfection—just something your audience will value.
Example: Jayson started with simple car stickers and a $20 LED mirror.
Action Step: Make a prototype and test it with 5–10 people to get early feedback before investing more.
3. Utilize Social Media
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube are powerful tools for exposure. Share behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, or the making process.
Example: Jayson posted a TikTok showing how he added LED lights to his mirror. The video went viral and generated thousands of orders.
Tip: Use trending sounds, hashtags, and authentic storytelling to make your content stand out.
4. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments and messages promptly. Ask for opinions and encourage feedback—it builds trust and a loyal following.
Example: Jayson replied to customer questions and showed gratitude, which encouraged repeat purchases.
Action Step: Create a small community around your product. Consider using Instagram stories, polls, or TikTok Q&A to interact daily.
5. Scale Gradually
Don’t rush to expand too quickly. Reinvest profits into improving your product, buying inventory, or running small ads.
Example: After viral success, Jayson expanded to more car accessories and added professional packaging.
Tip: Track your sales, customer preferences, and ad performance. Focus on products and strategies that bring consistent revenue.