Former Teacher's 3D Printing Toy Business Earns Over $428,000 in First Year
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A 32-year-old former teacher in the US transformed her passion for 3D printing into a successful business.
- Partnering with her father, she launched a 3D-printed toy brand that achieved an annual revenue of over $428,000 in its first year.
- The venture allowed her to leave multiple part-time jobs and build a sustainable career based on her creative interests.
A 32-year-old woman has successfully transitioned from a demanding teaching career to entrepreneurship, building a thriving 3D-printed toy business in just one year. Bailey Baumann, formerly a full-time teacher, co-founded a brand with her father, Charlie Moreton, that now generates an annual revenue exceeding $428,000 (approximately NT$13.5 million).
Baumann initially established her art studio in 2018 while still teaching. The financial constraints of her teaching salary necessitated working multiple jobs in her free time and on weekends. Despite her passion for education, the high-pressure environment led to significant physical and mental exhaustion.
The turning point came in 2025 when her father, an enthusiast of 3D printing technology, discovered a cake-shaped "healing" fidget toy design. Recognizing its artistic appeal and market potential, they decided to collaborate on developing and selling the product.
I originally thought I would always be a teacher, working two jobs to get by.
Their initial launch of the cake-shaped toys was met with enthusiastic consumer response, prompting the father-daughter duo to expand their product line. They began acquiring commercial licenses for designs from other artists, utilizing 3D printing to create and market a diverse range of products. The company now receives an average of 1,500 orders per month.
Baumann's success story reflects the growing trend of side hustles in the United States, where an estimated 28% of the population engages in such ventures, often to supplement income. E-commerce platforms like Etsy and eBay are popular avenues for selling handmade goods and digital products, alongside freelance work and content creation.
Now being able to make a living from my own business is a whole new beginning for me.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.