Editor’s note: This article was first published in September 2014, and its descriptions of the six companies, such as Nomad, Blue Apron, Glamsquad and Hinge, with their prices and models, reflect that moment. Several have since changed their model, prices or ownership, or may no longer operate.
We keep collecting small business ideas that work in other parts of the world and could be profitable if someone imported the model to another country. This time we head to the place in the United States where, as Sinatra sang, anything is possible.
We’re talking about New York, and these are some of its small businesses with a touch of innovation, originality and flair.
(See also: 10 small business ideas that started in Canada)
1. Nomad: a clothing store in a truck
We had already seen plenty of food trucks (cakes, burgers, hot dogs…), but a mobile clothing store is a fairly original concept. Since 2013 this boutique has been operating successfully inside a truck fitted out for the purpose. It focuses mainly on women’s fashion and locally made jewellery. It posts its route on its website, so people know which day it will be near them. The advantage of this business model: lower costs when it comes to being in different cities. The drawback: you can be in different places, just not at the same time. Either way, the concept is original.
2. Blue Apron
For lazy cooks, this company came up with a good idea to make life easier. You can buy exactly the ingredients you need to prepare a meal, in the right quantities, and they deliver them to your home for free. There’s also a weekly subscription. The company has been very well received, because it works like fast food but with fresh ingredients cooked in your own kitchen.
3. Glamsquad: stylists who come to you
When you’re looking for a business that doesn’t need commercial premises, offering home services is ideal. With this company you book an appointment and a stylist comes to your home or office with all the tools and products needed to do your nails, cut or style your hair, or do your make-up.
Its services start at $50, and it also sells books with make-up techniques and tutorials. The company was profitable from the start and has stylists all over New York.
4. Hinge, a different kind of dating app
There are plenty of dating websites and apps, but Hinge is the only one where you’re matched only with people who are friends of your Facebook friends. In other words, you meet people within your own circle of acquaintances. The app is free and it didn’t take long to spread to practically the whole United States.
In theory it sounds good. In practice, as you can imagine, most of us have a Facebook friend or two who is really a stranger. Still, the idea is a good one.
5. A pay-what-you-can gym
This business is built on the idea that staying fit shouldn’t be expensive. They run fitness, aerobics and strength classes, and customers pay whatever they think is fair. Their message is that they care more about building a community than about making money, although the money does come in, since the workouts are usually held outdoors. “Just your body weight. No weights, no equipment. No nonsense” is the message on their website.
Of course, the founder also offers private sessions as a personal trainer, for which he does charge a fee, and his website has an online shop selling sportswear. It’s a profitable business.
6. A florist specialising in living sculptures
Michelle started this business out of sheer passion and creativity. A plant lover, she began making arrangements in all kinds of glass containers. With a little moss and some miniature figures, she can transform a beer jug, a vinegar cruet, a perfume bottle and so on.
She opened her own shop, where she displays her creations and takes custom orders. This small business is in high demand, and Michelle has no trouble selling what she makes.
Other ideas from the city
In New York you can find other kinds of profitable businesses too, such as a craft beer bar with unusual flavours, where the ingredients change every week with a hint of curry or horseradish.
There’s a jewellery business that donates part of its profits to help women entrepreneurs in developing countries, and restaurants with a different chef every week.
New York is also the birthplace of hybrid businesses, where a clothing store doubles as a café, or where events are held inside pubs and private clubs.
Anything that stands out from the ordinary can work in a city that rewards creativity and innovation.
Further reading
Featured image: Chris Martin, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.
