top of page
Search

How to Start a Business in a Fast-Changing World: Where, What & How to Sell in 2025



Let’s be real—starting a business today is not what it was five or even two years ago. Between the rise of AI, TikTok shop, live selling, and shifting consumer habits, the rules have changed. But guess what? Opportunities are everywhere for those bold enough to move smart, not just fast.


If you’re asking yourself:

  • Should I sell online, in-store, or live?

  • Should I drop ship or create my own product line?

  • What do people actually want to buy right now?

You’re in the right place, boss. Let’s break it all down with strategy, style, and clarity.


Step 1: Where Should You Sell?

You don’t have to be everywhere—you need to be where your audience shops.


Online Store (Shopify, Wix, Etsy)

  • Perfect for: Private label, digital products, handmade, and niche markets

  • Why: You own the platform, collect your data, and build brand equity

  • Tools:


Live Selling (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram)

Brick and Mortar Pop-Ups

  • Perfect for: Beauty, fashion, local food/beverage brands, wellness services

  • Why: Great for brand awareness, high-ticket items, and building community

  • Tools:


Tee's Tip: Start with ONE channel and master it. Then expand.


Step 2: What Should You Sell? Follow the Data, Not the Hype

If you're stuck on what to sell, go where the trends live:

Trendspotting Websites:

Top Trending Niches in 2025:

  • Natural hair products & clean beauty

  • Wellness & self-care

  • Digital planners, journals, and affirmations

  • Home organization & productivity

  • AI-enhanced tools or templates (think: planners, systems, content kits)

  • Sustainable fashion or accessories


Step 3: How Should You Sell It? Choose Your Model

Dropshipping

  • Pro: Low start-up cost

  • Con: Less control over quality & branding

  • Platform: Spocket, Zendrop

Private Label

  • Pro: Fast brand creation, moderate investment

  • Con: Less unique than fully custom

  • Platform: Alibaba, Modalyst

Develop Your Own Product

  • Pro: Unique, high margins, full control

  • Con: More time & investment

  • Platform: Maker’s Row, Printify for custom print products

Tee's Tip: If you're in beauty, haircare, or skincare—private label is the sweet spot for fast brand development and scalability.


A Personal Story: From Confused to Cashing In

One of my clients came to me with four half-started ideas. She was trying dropshipping, making lip gloss by hand, selling T-shirts, and running a Facebook group—burned out and broke.

We narrowed it down, did market research using Pinterest Trends and Google Trends, then created a private label natural haircare line using Alibaba. We built her a Wix site, shot content, and focused on Instagram Reels and TikTok Lives.

Three months in: $8K in sales. Consistent viral video traffic. Streamlined fulfillment and happy customers


It wasn’t magic—it was clarity, strategy, and execution.


Action Steps to Start Smart in 2025

  • Pick ONE sales platform to start (Wix, TikTok Shop, or Etsy)

  • Choose ONE product category based on trend data

  • Decide your selling model: Dropship, Private Label, or Custom

  • Schedule 2 hours per week for market research (use trend websites!)

  • Invest in mentorship or coaching for structure + speed


Need a Mentor or an Advisor in Your Corner? Let's Build Your Empire.

If you're tired of guessing and you’re ready for real guidance, I’ve helped countless women turn scattered ideas into six-figure businesses.


You weren’t born to just hustle—you were born to thrive. And I’m here to help you do it with confidence, clarity, and cash flow.



With love & strategy,Tonika Outerbridge

Business Consultant | Brand Strategist | Growth Mento


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page