Crooked Branch Studios
A business creating and selling wooden bow ties, offering a unique product in the fashion accessories market.
Why It Works
The business addresses a gap in the wooden bow tie market by providing better-designed, customizable options that appeal to customers looking for unique fashion statements.
Revenue & Traction
The business generated approximately $40,000 in revenue in its first year, with about $20,000 in profit.
Founding Story
The founder began woodworking at age 12, and the bow tie idea was inspired by a poorly made wooden bow tie he received as a gift.
Business Playbook
Utilized Etsy for initial sales, expanded to a personal storefront for increased marketing flexibility, and outsourced production as business grew.
Why this works now
Shopify's integration of customizable product features allows Crooked Branch Studios to showcase its unique wooden bow ties effectively. The founder generated initial revenue by promoting the product on niche Reddit communities like r/fashion and r/malefashionadvice, where users seek distinctive accessories. The business faces a risk related to capital requirements for scaling production, as increased demand may necessitate investments in more advanced woodworking equipment and materials.
Additional Information
The founder also launched a sub-brand made from aerospace carbon fiber, appealing to a different market segment.
Source
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show
Episode: 709: 10 Creative Side Hustles That Make Real Money - Part 9
Creation Date: November 27, 2025
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