At just 17 years old, Caelan McDonald from the UK has turned an unexpected gift into a booming business that now generates over ₹16 lakh per month. It all started with a Cricut Joy, a digital craft kit worth £191, that Caelan received for Christmas two years ago. What began as a fun, accidental hobby has now grown into a full-fledged online business.
In this post, I’m going to break down how Caelan’s online sticker business went from a small hobby to a profitable venture making over $19,000 every month. If you’re wondering how you can make money with minimal investment, keep reading to discover how one young entrepreneur turned a simple gift into a thriving business.
How Caelan’s Sticker Business Began – The Cricut Joy Story
It all started with a Cricut Joy, a cutting machine designed for personalising home projects like cards, clothing, and stickers. Caelan’s mother, Karen Newsham, gave him the Cricut as a Christmas gift, and it was quickly put to use creating vinyl transfers. Caelan started by designing and printing simple stickers, which he stuck onto glassware and acrylic items.
His first idea was to share the items on Facebook. What happened next? People started noticing, and soon, he was receiving orders for personalised stickers. This was the beginning of what would become a full-time business.
From Hobby to Full-Time Business – The Growth of Caelan’s Online Business
In the beginning, Caelan was selling around 200 items per month. But things took off quickly. By January, he had expanded his operations, offering a broader range of customisable products, such as personalised gifts and home decor items.
The tipping point came when Caelan invested in industrial printers, allowing him to produce large volumes of stickers and transfers at a quicker rate. By the time July came around, Caelan had sold products worth over $94,000, mainly through TikTok Shop and other online platforms. His business exploded in popularity, and by the end of 2024, he’s on track to reach sales worth $127,581.
Caelan works a rigorous schedule, dedicating 16 hours a day, six days a week to his business. The sticker business has become his full-time job, and he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.
Why the Cricut Joy Was the ‘Best Christmas Present Ever’
Caelan himself describes the Cricut Joy as “the best Christmas present I ever got.” In a recent interview with New York Post, he mentioned how he never expected the gift would turn into such a profitable venture. He admitted, “I never imagined it would get to this point… If you’d have told me last year that this would happen, I’d have just laughed.”
It was a simple gift, but it helped spark a passion in Caelan for entrepreneurship. In fact, the Cricut Joy was just the beginning. From that one gift, Caelan went on to build an entire online business.
The Power of Social Media: How TikTok and Facebook Fuelled Caelan’s Growth
One of the key factors behind the success of Caelan’s business was his use of social media. By sharing his personalised stickers and designs on Facebook, he began to gain traction with people who were looking for unique, custom items. However, his true breakthrough came when he started selling on TikTok Shop.
TikTok has become a hotbed for small business owners, and Caelan’s business was no exception. With the help of viral content, he reached an even larger audience, attracting customers from all over the world. The ability to engage directly with customers through TikTok allowed him to fine-tune his products and marketing strategies to what people wanted.
Why Education Took a Backseat – Caelan’s Decision to Drop Out of School
Caelan’s decision to leave school and pursue his business full-time might raise some eyebrows, but it’s a decision he has no regrets about. According to his mother, Karen Newsham, while she initially worried about his future without an education, Caelan’s passion for entrepreneurship was undeniable. She said, “By June, he had a really clear idea of what he wanted to do, so we took some advice and I thought it was worth letting him try.”
Caelan is now fully focused on his online business, and he’s working harder than ever. His 16-hour workdays are a testament to his commitment to success. He has proven that you don’t need to follow the traditional path to achieve your goals. If you’re passionate and dedicated, there are endless opportunities in the digital world.
Caelan’s Business Strategy – What You Can Learn from His Success
If you’re inspired by Caelan’s story and want to follow in his footsteps, there are a few key takeaways that can help you succeed in your own online business venture:
- Start Small, Scale Big: Like Caelan, you don’t need to invest a fortune to get started. Begin with something simple, whether it’s stickers, custom prints, or personalised gifts. Once you start getting orders, reinvest in better tools to scale your business.
- Embrace Social Media: Social platforms like TikTok and Facebook are powerful tools for growing your business. Use them to showcase your products, engage with customers, and build a brand.
- Consistency is Key: Caelan works 16 hours a day, which shows the level of dedication needed to succeed. Building a business requires time, effort, and focus. Be ready to put in the work.
- Listen to Your Customers: One of the reasons Caelan has been so successful is his ability to understand customer needs and trends. Engage with your audience, ask for feedback, and constantly evolve.
The Future of Caelan’s Business – What’s Next for the Teen Entrepreneur?
As of now, Caelan’s future looks bright. His sticker business is continuing to grow, and he’s exploring other opportunities to expand. While he’s already hit major milestones, Caelan doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels. His entrepreneurial mindset means he’s always thinking about new ways to innovate and grow his business further.
Conclusion: From Cricut Joy to ₹16 Lakh/Month – A Teen Entrepreneur’s Journey
Caelan McDonald’s story is a powerful reminder that digital businesses provide endless opportunities for those willing to take risks and put in the effort. What began as a simple Christmas gift has turned into a profitable venture, with Caelan earning more than $19,000 per month. Whether you’re looking to start your own online business or explore creative avenues like custom stickers, Caelan’s journey proves that success can come from the most unexpected places.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- How to Start an Online Business
- Social Media Marketing for Beginners
- Building a Business with TikTok
- Best Digital Craft Kits for Entrepreneurs
Photo credit: Mint
