During Spring Quarter 2024, the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center hosted a new program called the Side Hustle Challenge. The Side Hustle Challenge offered students the training, resources, and networking opportunities they needed to turn their passions into bona fide ventures. Throughout the quarter, the students learned about branding, finances, legal considerations, e-commerce, and other key aspects of building a business. The program culminated in a Finals Marketplace where the UC Irvine and wider Orange County communities were invited to explore the various student-developed side hustles and shop their products and services.
To highlight some of the incredible student side hustlers who participated in the challenge, Ryan Foland, ANTrepreneur Center Director, invited these ANTrepreneurs for a series of informative interviews. Welcome to Side Hustler Stories!
In this interview, Ryan sits down with UC Irvine student Aidan Stone-Walsh (Civil Engineering) to learn more about his 3D printed products and Pokémon card business.
Ryan: Ahoy, Aidan! Thank you for meeting with me today. First, can you start by telling me about your side hustle?
Aidan: Thank you for having me, Ryan! My side hustle consists of selling 3D printed products and Pokémon cards. Over the last year, I merged my two hobbies—3D printed goods and Pokémon collecting—so I could 3D print cases and decorative additions to complement the Pokémon cards I was selling.
Ryan: Combining 3D printing with trading cards and collectibles is a super cool side hustle. What inspired you to create Poké Pro Collectibles?
Aidan: I got really into collecting as a hobby about three years ago when my brother got me into Pokémon Go. I turned my addiction into a business when I got into the physical card market and began selling on platforms such as eBay and TikTok. I took my business to a new height when UC Irvine’s makerspace introduced me to 3D printing, and I began supplementing my cards with physical add-ons. My passion for the hobby, coupled with the incentive of making a small income, encouraged me to willingly invest time into growing my side hustle.
Ryan: Creating physical products, especially with 3D printing, can be difficult and time-consuming. What kind of challenges have you faced when designing or creating your products?
Aidan: The biggest challenge I’ve faced in regards to the 3D printing side is deciding which products I want to invest time into creating. Developing a successful 3D product with accurate features and strong utility is 100% a daunting task and can take months to successfully execute. I find it super important to pick my future products wisely.
Ryan: Your side hustle taps into a unique community of Pokémon fans and collectors. How do you stay connected with the community and keep your offerings relevant?
Aidan: I have been largely successful in leveraging social media apps such as TikTok to garner an audience with recurring viewership. Consistently posting on these platforms keeps buyers in the loop and keeps my store relevant to those interested in new and popular products.
Ryan: Speaking of TikTok, how have you used the platform to engage with your audience, and what have been the most effective ways to grow your following?
Aidan: I’ve found that TikTok is a successful tool for marketing my product. TikTok’s live-streaming function has proven to be very helpful as I have been able to promote my product live and connect with customers who have questions and disposable income.
Ryan: How do you manage the day-to-day operations of your business, 3D print production, and being a full-time student?
Aidan: It’s been a grind keeping the business going while school is in session. I have dedicated lots of weekend time to helping my business flourish. For instance, I’ve spent many weekends restocking inventory via local card shows and promoting products online. The nature of my shop allows me to be relatively hands-off due to its online self-sustainability. But weekly maintenance on the weekends is the key to keeping the business healthy.
Ryan: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals with your side hustle? Do you have any plans to expand?
Aidan: I’m hoping to push my shop into something sustainable with a potential EIN (employee identification number) so I can distribute labor and focus my time on the more technical side of business.
Ryan: Thank you again for sitting down with me. To conclude this interview, what advice would you give to other students who are thinking about turning a hobby like 3D printing or trading cards into a business?
Aidan: I would say that it’s definitely a lot of work, but it has been one of my most rewarding experiences. Making money without having to depend on another entity, such as a wage job from a chain company, is a fantastic feeling. I recommend starting small because it’s easy to get carried away, but once you find your audience, it’s smooth sailing.