Repay Startup Costs for Custom Laser Engraving Business in 3 Months!

In June 2022, Danielle Smith and her mom started Buttercup Co and 3 months later, they were able to repay startup costs for their custom laser engraving business. Even more amazing, is they did this by selling only Yeti and Stanley brand tumbler mugs!

Learn more about their laser success in the article and interview below.

Meet Danielle and Susan Smith of London, Ontario, Canada.

It all started when Danielle purchased a laser engraved tumbler as a gift. Soon after, she began researching what would be involved in running a custom laser engraving business. At the time, she was working full time as a chiropractor who was looking for a side hustle, and creative outlet. With her mother recently retired, they had considered starting a business together that they both would enjoy.

2 laser engraved childrens mugs with drinking straws and a handle built in. Left: pink with Paige engraved and right teal with Aria engraved

A hand holding a yellow metal laser engraved coffee mug tumbler. Engraved on it is a music staff and notes and the name of a music teacher. white background

teal short wine tumbler with metal rim. Engraving reads "Hazy days: High Life wellness resort"

" I had zero experience operating a laser...I had really no idea what I was getting into...but it was surprisingly user friendly. Things got up and rolling pretty quickly for me which was pretty awesome."

-Danielle Smith Buttercup Co London Ontario.

Watch the Full Interview with Danielle Smith of Buttercup Co.

Starting a laser business is not as difficult as you’d think. Danielle Smith seized on the idea of custom laser engraving gifts and used laser cutter to launch her custom gift startup. Now Danielle is proving that even a full time employee can successfully start a laser engraving ‘side hustle’ business from their own basement! Watch the video and listen to the story of how she started her laser business.

How to Engrave Mugs with a Rotary

A rotary is a device allows a laser cutter to engrave a cylindrical object. This device sits inside the laser on the bed and uses a plunger or grip mechanism combined with rollers to turn the object while engraving.

The rotary communicates with the laser and with the design software by being plugged into the laser cutter machines Y axis. The video on the left shows you how a rotary works!

What is the Startup Cost for a Laser Engraving Business?

The startup cost for a laser engraving business depends on the size of the laser machine, and the add-ons and upgrades you purchase. Danielle bought a Thunder Laser Nova 24 with a Piburn Classic Roller Rotary. She also bought stock of Yeti and Stanley mugs and branding to get started.