From Side Hustle to Full-Time Career: The Journey of Jocelyn Elizabeth

Jocelyn Elizabeth, a former marketing administrator and new mother, transformed her thrifting hobby into a full-time career, leveraging platforms like YouTube and her online marketplace, NikNax. The journey began in 2011 when her father brought home a $5 lamp from a church yard sale in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Recognizing the potential for profit, Elizabeth started thrifting with her infant son in tow, aiming to resell her finds online.

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Today, Elizabeth operates the YouTube channel "Crazy Lamp Lady," which has generated approximately $298,000 in advertising revenue in 2025 alone. Additionally, her online marketplace, NikNax, has become a significant player in the resale market, hosting over 5,000 sellers and achieving more than $5.2 million in revenue as of October 31, 2025. Elizabeth retains a 5% commission from each sale, amounting to at least $260,000 in personal earnings this year.

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Elizabeth's work-life balance is dynamic; she dedicates around three days a week to NikNax and two to three days to her YouTube channel. However, her hours can fluctuate significantly, ranging from 50 to 100 hours weekly depending on her thrifting trips and selling activities. Despite the demanding schedule, Elizabeth finds joy in her work, stating, "NikNax has become such a big part of my daily life that even when I'm not actively selling, I'm usually watching other shows, chatting, or listing items."

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Elizabeth describes her work as both fulfilling and integral to her daily routine. She employs two individuals to assist with listing and shipping her thrifted items, indicating that her business has grown beyond a simple side hustle. The success of NikNax and her YouTube channel exemplifies the potential of turning a passion into a profitable venture.

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While Elizabeth's success story is inspiring, it also raises questions about the sustainability of such business models in the resale market. Critics may argue that the proliferation of online marketplaces could lead to market saturation, making it increasingly difficult for new sellers to achieve similar success. Additionally, concerns about the environmental impact of increased consumerism through thrifting and reselling practices have been voiced by some sustainability advocates.

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• “These days, I spend anywhere from 50 to 100 hours a week working. It really depends on what's going on. Some weeks I'm doing more thrifting trips, and other weeks I'm focused on selling,” — Jocelyn Elizabeth, Entrepreneur

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• “NikNax has become such a big part of my daily life that even when I'm not actively selling, I'm usually watching other shows, chatting, or listing items.” — Jocelyn Elizabeth, Entrepreneur

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Elizabeth's journey from a part-time marketing role to a thriving entrepreneur illustrates the potential of leveraging online platforms for business success, while also highlighting the challenges and criticisms that accompany such a transition.

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