The Idea That Wouldn't Go Away (January 2025)

I've been thinking about this for months.

What if I could actually build something? Not just dream about it. Not just talk about it with friends over beers. Actually build it.

I work at a pawnshop. I see people come in every day trying to make ends meet. I see the hustle. I see people pawning their tools, their jewelry, their last valuable thing just to pay rent.

I don't want that to be my story forever.

The Spark

I've always been creative. I love design. I love the idea of making something physical that people actually want.

For years, I thought about starting a clothing brand. Just another streetwear brand with cool graphics. But the market is saturated. Everyone's doing print-on-demand. Everyone's drop-shipping generic hoodies with their logo slapped on.

I wanted something different. Something that felt like mine.

That's when I started researching laser engraving.

The Research Phase

I spent weeks—maybe months—watching YouTube videos about laser engravers. Seeing what people were making. Wood signs. Custom leather wallets. Engraved denim jackets. Glass etching.

The possibilities were endless.

But I had questions. A lot of them.

• Can I actually learn this?

• Is there a market for laser-engraved products?

• How much does a laser engraver even cost?

• Can I do this while working full-time?

• What if I invest money and it fails?

The fear was real. I'm not rich. I can't afford to throw thousands of dollars at a hobby that might not work out.

The Conversation With My Wife

One night, I brought it up to my wife.

"What if I started a business? Laser engraving. Custom products. I think I could do it."

She looked at me. Not skeptical, but... cautious.

"How much would it cost?"

"A few thousand for the laser. Maybe another thousand for materials, LLC setup, website hosting."

"And you'd do this after work? While we have the kids? Football practice? The dogs?"

"Yeah. I'd make it work."

She didn't say no. She didn't say yes either. She said, "Show me you're serious. Do the research. Figure out the numbers. Then we'll talk."

That was fair.

What I'm Thinking About

Right now, I'm in the research phase. I'm not pulling the trigger yet. But I'm getting closer.

Here's what I'm trying to figure out:

What products would I make? I'm thinking custom denim jackets, wood signs, leather goods, maybe glass etching for bars and restaurants.

Who would buy them? People who want something unique. Local businesses. Nonprofits. People who value craftsmanship over mass production.

Can I compete? There are other people doing laser engraving. But most of them are making generic products. I want to focus on quality, storytelling, and local collaborations.

What's the business model? Custom orders, small-batch drops, collaborations with local brands and nonprofits.

The Fear

I'm scared. Not gonna lie.

What if I buy the laser and I'm terrible at it? What if nobody wants what I make? What if I waste money my family needs?

But I'm also scared of staying where I am. Working the same job. Never taking a shot. Looking back in 10 years and wondering "what if?"

Next Steps

I'm going to keep researching. I'm going to figure out the exact costs. I'm going to create a basic business plan.

And then I'm going to have another conversation with my wife.

Because if I'm going to do this, I need her support. This isn't just my dream. It's our family's risk.

But I think I'm ready to take it.

Next post: Breaking down the numbers—what it actually costs to start a laser engraving business.