College Friends Turn $50 Into Thriving Womenswear Brand — On Track for $500,000
Two college friends turned a $50 thrift store purchase into a booming business that’s on track to hit half a million dollars in revenue. Presley Campbell and Alden Kramer, both 25 and based in Los Angeles, followed their passion into entrepreneurship, launching Campbell&Kramer, a womenswear basi
Two college friends turned a $50 thrift store purchase into a booming business that’s on track to hit half a million dollars in revenue. Presley Campbell and Alden Kramer, both 25 and based in Los Angeles, followed their passion into entrepreneurship, launching Campbell&Kramer, a womenswear basics apparel brand, straight from their UCLA dorm room in 2019.
Their story is a testament to how a small side hustle, when nurtured with creativity and grit, can transform into a serious business opportunity.
From Dorm Room to Startup
Campbell and Kramer started their journey with a single idea: create high-quality, versatile basics for women. What began as a fun project between friends quickly evolved into a business with a growing customer base.
The first product came from a $50 thrift store purchase, which they redesigned and marketed online. They tested the waters by selling to friends and classmates, gradually building a loyal following. Their commitment to quality and simplicity helped set Campbell&Kramer apart in a crowded apparel market.
Turning Passion Into Profit
The duo credits their early success to following their passion and staying agile. By identifying a gap in the market for stylish, minimalistic basics, they tapped into a growing audience of young women seeking wardrobe essentials that combine comfort and style.
Their brand’s growth has been largely organic, relying on social media, word-of-mouth, and small-scale online campaigns. With each sale, Campbell and Kramer reinvested in their business, expanding product lines and improving production quality.
Lessons From a College Side Hustle
Campbell and Kramer share some insights for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Start Small: You don’t need a large initial investment. Their journey began with just $50.
- Test and Learn: Early feedback from friends and peers helped refine products before scaling.
- Follow Your Passion: Their love for design and fashion kept them motivated through challenges.
- Leverage Your Network: Social media and college connections were crucial in gaining early customers.
- Reinvest Wisely: Profits were reinvested to improve product quality and marketing reach.
Their story emphasizes that a small side hustle, when executed thoughtfully, can become a full-fledged business with impressive growth potential.
On Track for $500,000
Today, Campbell&Kramer is projected to reach $500,000 in revenue, marking a huge milestone for a brand that started with almost nothing. The company has expanded its product range, strengthened its online presence, and developed a community of loyal customers who value both quality and style.
Campbell notes, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see an idea we started in a dorm room grow into a business that resonates with so many people.” Kramer adds that balancing college life and entrepreneurship was challenging, but the experience taught them resilience, creativity, and the importance of following your vision.
Why This Story Inspires
The success of Campbell&Kramer illustrates how side hustles can turn into lucrative ventures if approached strategically. Their story is inspiring for young entrepreneurs who may feel constrained by limited resources but have big ideas and a drive to succeed.
In an era where many turn to traditional careers immediately after college, Presley and Alden’s journey is a reminder that passion projects can lead to substantial business success, especially when combined with determination, creativity, and smart execution.
What’s Next for Campbell&Kramer
Looking ahead, the founders aim to expand their product offerings, grow their online community, and explore new marketing channels. They hope to continue building a brand that emphasizes sustainability, quality, and style, all while staying true to their vision.
Their advice to future entrepreneurs is simple: start small, stay consistent, and never underestimate the power of passion.
