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S2EP149

Hustle on Hard Mode Building a business

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Episode Summary

What started with a simple problem—finding jewelry that actually fits—evolved into a creative, family-run business built around crystals, jewelry, carvings, and the relentless hustle of the event circuit.

On this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Alyssa Fuller and Jeremy Streit to explore the evolution of their business, from small farmers markets to major county fairs, conventions, and themed events across the Midwest.

Alyssa and Jeremy share how they discovered their niche by going beyond traditional crystal products, sourcing directly from mines and women-owned factories, creating memorable products inspired by pop culture, and learning which events are actually worth the investment. They also discuss balancing entrepreneurship with full-time work, parenthood, travel, unpredictable event logistics, and the possibility of eventually turning their side hustle into a full-time operation.

Key Takeaways:

Solve a real problem: Twin Rituals began by addressing the lack of inclusive jewelry sizing.

Differentiate or disappear: Unique crystal carvings helped the business stand apart from crowded jewelry markets.

Niche products create new customers: Pop-culture carvings introduce people to crystals through things they already love.

Go closer to the source: Direct sourcing from mines and factories can dramatically improve margins.

Events can be a serious business model: A business doesn’t need a traditional storefront to generate meaningful revenue.

Know the economics of the event: Higher booth fees can be worthwhile when the audience size and buying behavior justify the investment.

Say yes strategically: Taking on bigger opportunities can reveal capabilities you didn’t know you had.

 

Chapters:

00:00 — Welcome to Homegrown Hustle

01:05 — The Story Behind Twin Rituals

01:32 — Turning a Personal Problem Into a Business

02:46 — From Small Markets to 84 Events

03:41 — The Pivot Into Crystal Carvings

05:11 — Expanding Beyond Traditional Jewelry

06:12 — Alyssa’s Creative Origins

07:34 — Learning the Event Business

08:59 — Finding a Bigger Market

09:18 — Sourcing Directly to Protect Margins

10:16 — The Volume Game

11:19 — When a Hobby Becomes a Business

12:34 — Building Customer Loyalty

13:18 — Turning Products Into Experiences

14:00 — Balancing Business and Parenthood

15:04 — The Side Hustle Advantage

16:15 — The Brick-and-Mortar Question

17:14 — The “Lottery Dream”

18:28 — Preparing for the Event Circuit

19:45 — Can an Event Business Be a Long-Term Business?

20:11 — Why Bigger Shows Can Be Better

22:10 — The Power of Saying Yes

23:21 — Perseverance and Adaptability

24:15 — Why Being Nice Is Good Business

25:34 — Understanding Event Economics

27:28 — Increasing Margins Through Bulk Buying

28:27 — Matching Products to the Audience

29:30 — Building a Family Business on the Road

31:45 — Expanding Beyond Minnesota

32:23 — The Case for a Flexible Business Model

33:34 — Thinking Beyond Crystals

35:21 — Staying Original in a Competitive Market

36:12 — The Minnesota State Fair Dream

37:41 — Where Twin Rituals Goes Next

38:08 — Building an “AI-Proof” Business

39:30 — Running on Hard Mode

40:41 — Keep Hustling

 

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: https://twinrituals.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinrituals

Tiktok; https://www.tiktok.com/@twin.rituals.crystals

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twin_rituals/

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