Company case study
Shopify Themes (example of a friend's business)
Shopify Themes (example of a friend's business) is a business model where a designer creates themes for Shopify, which can be sold to multiple customers without the need for direct selling. It came up on My First Million in the episode "How to Get Rich (without luck, talent or a trust fund)" (aired September 24, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | How to Get Rich (without luck, talent or a trust fund) |
| Aired | September 24, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | Pulls in $2 billion a year of cash flow. |
| Category | E-commerce |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
How to Get Rich (without luck, talent or a trust fund) · aired September 24, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
This model allows for scalability, as the same product can be sold to thousands of customers, generating passive income.
Founding story
The designer transitioned from working at a design agency to creating Shopify themes, realizing the potential of turning his skills into a product.
The playbook
Leveraging design skills to create scalable digital products.
Also mentioned
The designer now lives a dream life, splitting time between Bali and Japan.
Why this works now (our analysis)
Most Shopify theme designers overlook the power of the Shopify App Store for initial traction. The founder could generate first revenue by listing his themes in this marketplace, targeting e-commerce entrepreneurs seeking unique designs. The business model relies heavily on Shopify's platform, which poses a risk; changes in their policies or fee structures could significantly impact profitability.