I dropped out of uni to go full-time with my side hustle – I funded it by working in a supermarket, now I make millions
WHEN Madison Stefanis sold a vintage film camera on Facebook for £130 in 2019, she knew she was on to something.
Now, the 23-year-old university dropout’s film camera brand turns over nearly £1 million a year – and even made £1.5 million in its first year.
The entrepreneur quit her business degree to source and resell discontinued cameras on her website, 35mm Co.
At the same time, she was developing her own line of reusable film cameras.
She invested £25,000 into the business aged 19, which she saved up from working at a supermarket while she was at school.
The business was a swift success and now Madison, from Gold Coast, Aus, has signed a massive contract with entertainment and electronics giant, JB Hi-Fi.
“Customers were seeking a beginner-friendly camera at a much lower price point,” she told 7Life.
35mm Co’s flagship camera, The Reloader Reusable Film Camera, sells for £62.40 in four pretty colours.
These are pastel blue, dusty pink, mint green and yellow.
“Reload (and relive) your greatest memories with 35mm Co’s signature film camera,” a blurb reads.
“Designed with manual film advance and rewind functions, this repeat-use camera was made to last the distance.
“Pack it for travels, parties, beach days or lazy weekend bliss — whatever you’re capturing, The Reloader will keep the moment alive.
“Unlike a ‘disposable’ that contributes to our landfill crisis, this repeat-use camera produces nostalgia through a vintage lens time and time again.
“Just refill with any 35mm film when you run out.
“Built for beginners and available in eight chic colours, The Reloader is a must-have accessory for collectors of good times.”
Madison told Femail in 2022 that she was eternally grateful for the camera’s success, which was released in August 2021.
Side hustles in numbers
Based on new research from Finder, an estimated 22.8 million Brits are using side hustles to top up their income.
Among those aged 18-23, 68 percent have a side hustle in 2024.
Those aged 24-42 aren’t far behind, with 65 per cent having an additional source of income.
Side hustles are less popular among older generations, with 40 percent of those aged 43-54 having one.
Whereas 23 percent of people aged 55-73 and just 7 per cent of those aged 74 and over are earning extra cash this way.
“We have such a wonderful community and it’s so fantastic to hear how much our customers love The Reloader,” she said.
“We always receive such positive feedback from customers who have converted to The Reloader after having purchased single-use film cameras for years.”
Speaking on becoming an entrepreneur, she added: “I’m surrounded by so many people who say they want to do it, but they’re paralysed by fear.
“The worst thing you can do is fail.”