Why You Must Start a Shopify Store Right Now (Even As Part-Time Gig)

In 2025, AI is reshaping everything… and waiting on the sidelines isn’t safe anymore. But you don’t have to quit your job or raise venture capital to build something real. You can start your Shopify store part-time—right now—and gain a powerful head start on your future.

This isn’t just theory. It’s how CustomBoxes.io got started. Nights. Weekends. A laptop and a mission. If you're serious about building freedom and resilience into your life, now is the time to go from employee to Third Shift Entrepreneur.

Why the “Third Shift Entrepreneur” Approach Works

Inspired by Todd Connor’s book The Third Shift Entrepreneur, this model is about building your business on the edges of your day—not by blowing it up.

First shift: Your day job (pays the bills)
Second shift: Family, life, obligations
Third shift: Your dream gig and glory

The idea? Start before you're ready... but stay responsible while you do it. This strategy:

Keeps your financial risk low
Helps you test ideas fast
Builds discipline and momentum

At CustomBoxes.io, we started this exact way. Nights and weekends. Customer by customer. We didn’t raise millions or wait for a perfect business plan. We just started.

If you're wondering how to do the same, here's how.

How to Start Your Shopify Store in 5 Simple Steps

1. Pick Your Passion

Start with what you already love:

Love sports? Launch a store with team gear, fan merch, or training tools
Into wellness? Curate niche supplements or gear
Creative? Sell your designs, art, or creator merch

💡 Pro Tip: Think long-term. You can evolve your online store into experiential retail—hosting pop-ups, events, or product drops tied to your community or interest (we recommend using Shopify POS system)

2. Open a Shopify Account

Go to Shopify.com (MUST USE THIS LINK TO GET FREE BOXES)
Choose a clean theme
Name your store (start simple—it can evolve)

3. Add 5–10 Products

Use print-on-demand, dropshipping, or resell curated goods
AI tools like ChatGPT can help write product descriptions instantly
Focus on speed over perfection—you’ll improve as you go

4. Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting

Use tools like Google Veo, Midjourney, and Shopify Magic for logos and graphics
Use ChatGPT to write your homepage, emails, and social captions
Start building your email list and Instagram on Day 1
Email us about how to grow your email list using sweeps

5. Launch with CustomBoxes.io

Packaging is your first impression. Make it count with:

Custom logo boxes that look legit from day one
QR codes that drive reviews and link to your next promo
Repeat sales built into every unboxing
Send us your new Shopify store to get gift card for $100 in free boxes

We make it easy, fast, and affordable—even if you’re just starting with 10–20 orders a month.

Why Starting Now Matters More Than Ever

🚨 AI Will Accelerate Everything

If you wait too long, AI-powered competitors will flood every niche. Starting now helps you learn AI tools firsthand—and future-proof your career.

🚀 It’s Easier Than Ever

What took agencies and designers weeks now takes you hours. No-code, low-cost, and fully automated.

🛡️ It’s the Smartest Backup Plan

Your Shopify store can be your side hustle today… and your Plan A tomorrow.

🌱 It's How Real Businesses Start

Every big business started small. At CustomBoxes.io, we built this company on nights, weekends, and determination—just like you can.

Final Thought

You don’t need a business plan. You need a bias toward action.

Start your Shopify store during your third shift.
Use AI to move fast.
Use CustomBoxes.io to ship smart.
Use your passion to guide the journey.

Let your side project become your main thing—on your terms, on your timeline.