"Millions in Minutes": How Her High School Side Hustle Will Hit $1 Million by 2026

The Journey of Leila Quraishi and Her Sock Business Nudesox

Leila Quraishi, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Los Angeles, California, has built a successful side hustle that is now on track to reach seven-figure revenue. Her business, Nudesox, specializes in creating comfortable, skin-toned athletic socks designed for everyday wear. Quraishi’s journey from high school to building a thriving brand offers valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.

Early Beginnings and Inspiration

Quraishi started Nudesox while still in high school, driven by her passion for creativity and leadership. She was already involved in teaching children's yoga and designing workout gear. This early experience sparked her interest in creating products that combine style with functionality. However, she noticed a gap in the market — there were no comfortable, no-show socks that provided both coverage and comfort.

Inspired by this need, Quraishi launched Nudesox in 2015. She registered the domain name and officially filed the business shortly after turning 18. Her goal was to create a product that catered to people who wanted the look of bare feet but needed the comfort and support of socks.

Launching the Business

Starting Nudesox required a significant investment of time and money. Quraishi used $10,000 of her own savings to launch the business and bootstrapped it without any outside funding. One of the biggest challenges was finding a manufacturer that understood the concept of skin-toned athletic socks. It took her two years to find the right partner and develop proper samples.

She also leveraged social media to build awareness, reaching out to influencers and getting them to try the product. Many of them shared their experiences on Instagram, which helped spread the word about Nudesox. Additionally, Quraishi studied business at the University of Southern California, where she learned how to create effective pitch decks and manage key performance indicators (KPIs).

Resources and Networking

Networking played a crucial role in Quraishi’s success. She reached out to executives in the fashion industry through LinkedIn and email, seeking advice and mentorship. She emphasized the importance of being intentional with outreach and showing that she had done her research.

Podcasts, such as “How I Built This” with Guy Raz, also served as valuable resources for inspiration and learning. Quraishi believes that understanding the stories of other entrepreneurs can provide valuable lessons and motivation.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

One of the biggest challenges Quraishi faced was managing operations efficiently. She initially used multiple software tools for invoicing, which led to disorganization. She later realized the importance of having a centralized database for record-keeping.

Another challenge was navigating the business world as a young entrepreneur. Quraishi learned that confidence and preparation are essential when dealing with retailers and partners. She also stressed the importance of having a few trusted mentors who could guide her through difficult decisions.

A Major Setback and Recovery

In 2018, Quraishi had to pull her first purchase order due to quality issues. The socks would slip off, which was a major setback. However, she used this experience to improve her product testing process. Now, every new product is thoroughly tested with various shoes before it goes to market.

Growth and Revenue

Despite the early challenges, Quraishi remained persistent. She eventually saw consistent monthly revenue, and the business continued to grow. Today, Nudesox is on track to sell over 30,000 pairs of socks this year across all sales channels.

A major milestone came when Nudesox partnered with QVC. During their first show, they sold over 500 pairs of socks per minute, proving the demand for their product. The partnership allowed Quraishi to showcase the functionality of Nudesox and connect with customers in real-time.

Time Management and Work Life

Quraishi currently works around 75 hours a week, balancing her responsibilities at Nudesox and her job at Shopify. She starts each day with an iced matcha and spends her mornings on calls with merchants, while evenings are dedicated to discussions with manufacturers and retail partners.

She finds fulfillment in working on multiple projects simultaneously and enjoys the dynamic nature of running a business. Her work at Shopify complements her efforts with Nudesox, as she understands the platform that powers her brand.

What Makes It All Worthwhile

Quraishi loves watching her business grow and seeing the positive impact it has on customers. She is particularly moved by the return customers who continue to wear Nudesox and share their experiences. Knowing that her product adds value to people’s lives is a powerful motivator.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Quraishi’s best business advice is rooted in self-awareness. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how you learn, interact with others, and handle challenges. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems and to have a clear vision for their business.

Her journey with Nudesox highlights the power of persistence, resilience, and innovation. As she continues to scale her business, Quraishi remains committed to creating products that meet the needs of her customers while staying true to her vision.