30-Year-Old Entrepreneur Turns Side Hustle into $10,000/Month Business Without a College Degree: My Journey to Success

How Anna-Marie Ortiz Built a Business Without a College Degree

Source: CNBC

Starting the Journey to Entrepreneurship

• Anna-Marie Ortiz, 30, turned her cleaning side hustle into a profitable business generating $10,000/month.
• With a mindset of action, she emphasized the importance of not over-preparing and simply taking the first step.

Background and Experience

• Ortiz left college to work at startups, gaining practical business skills over the years.
• She initially ventured into entrepreneurship with a plant shop but pivoted to cleaning services after the pandemic.

Launching Cool Aunt Cleaners

• With just $2,000, she launched her cleaning business, Cool Aunt Cleaners, in Portland, Oregon.
• The service-based model minimized risks associated with inventory and high overhead costs.

Transition to Full-Time Business Owner

• Ortiz quit her $60,000 fintech job in November 2023 to run her business full-time.
• She adjusted her pricing strategy and focused on small condos for better profitability.

Keys to Success and Management Style

• Ortiz prides herself on quick decision-making and adaptability, avoiding paralysis by analysis.
• Although she initially hired multiple employees, she reverted to working solo to align costs and services.
• She currently employs one part-time worker while taking a pay cut to prioritize business independence.

Personal Fulfillment and Future Goals

• While earning $29,000 annually is less than her previous salary, Ortiz values the freedom and flexibility of being her own boss.
• She believes in creating wealth through her ventures and encourages others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.