From Hustle to Hinge: How a 23-Year-Old Turned TikTok Trends Into a $1M/Month Activewear Empire
How Katherine Watercutter Built "Gold Hinge" - From a Scrappy Side Hustle to a TikTok-Fueled Activewear Powerhouse.
Katherine Watercutter: From Side Hustle to Seven-Figure Success
At 23, Katherine Watercutter, the founder and CEO of the activewear brand Gold Hinge, embarked on a journey that would transform her life. What began as a modest side hustle to earn "quick money" blossomed into a multimillion-dollar business, boasting celebrity fans like Kristin Cavallari and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Today, Gold Hinge generates over $1 million in monthly revenue and serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial grit.
The Humble Beginnings
Katherine was working as a sales representative in Indiana, managing accounts for kitchen and bath designers. Armed with a degree in interior architecture and design, she wasn't initially inspired by a burning passion for activewear. Instead, her entrepreneurial instincts kicked in, prompting her to start a Shopify store and build an Instagram presence in January 2019. "I thought it could make me quick money," Katherine recalls. "But I was wrong about that."
Overcoming Financial Hurdles
Launching Gold Hinge was anything but smooth. Without external funding, Katherine faced significant cash flow challenges. At times, she came dangerously close to shutting the business down. "It took a lot of discipline, learning, and watching the numbers to navigate this challenge," she says. Securing a line of credit and utilizing business credit cards allowed her to stay afloat, though she came close to maxing them out. The struggle forced Katherine to develop a razor-sharp focus on finances—a skill that later became crucial to her success.
The Turning Point
While Katherine poured 80-90 hours a week into her business, she didn't see consistent revenue until 2021—three years after going all-in. That year marked a turning point, with debts paid off and a stable foundation established. The brand’s breakout moment came when Gold Hinge went viral during TikTok’s "RushTok" trend, amassing 40 million hashtag impressions. The buzz catapulted sales into the seven-figure range, transforming the brand into a household name among activewear enthusiasts.
The Allure of Gold Hinge
Gold Hinge isn’t just another activewear brand; it’s a reflection of Katherine’s dedication to quality and community. By prioritizing design and staying attuned to customer needs, the brand has cultivated a loyal following. It’s this commitment that attracted celebrity fans and fueled Gold Hinge’s meteoric rise.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Katherine's story offers invaluable lessons for budding entrepreneurs:
Embrace Resilience: "There were a few times when I thought I hit 'rock bottom,' but I found a way around it," Katherine says. Her perseverance through tough times underscores the importance of staying committed to your vision, even when success feels out of reach.
Learn Financial Discipline: Managing cash flow was one of the biggest lessons Katherine learned early on. Her advice? Monitor your numbers closely and explore funding options if needed—but use them wisely.
Adapt and Innovate: Gold Hinge’s success on TikTok demonstrates the power of leveraging social media trends. Staying open to new platforms and creative marketing strategies can provide an unexpected boost to your business.
Looking Ahead
Katherine’s favorite part of running Gold Hinge is the freedom to shape her own future. From its scrappy beginnings to becoming a seven-figure powerhouse, Gold Hinge is a testament to what’s possible with hard work, strategic thinking, and unrelenting determination.
For aspiring entrepreneurs wondering if they should take the leap, Katherine’s journey is a resounding "yes." Her story is a reminder that the path to success isn’t linear—it’s about navigating challenges, adapting to change, and always moving forward.
As Katherine continues to grow Gold Hinge, her story inspires the next generation of female entrepreneurs to turn their side hustles into thriving empires.
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