This 20-Year-Old Makes $100K with Christmas Lights

🎄 From Student to Seasonal Mogul: Nathan’s $125K Christmas Light Empire

At just 20 years old, Nathan Popa turned a simple idea into a booming seasonal business, earning in weeks what many make in a year. Founder of PDX Holiday Lighting, Nathan installs custom, commercial-grade Christmas lights across Portland, transforming homes into dazzling displays.

💡 The Spark That Started It All

Nathan’s journey began when soft-wash clients casually asked if he could hang their holiday lights. What started as a side gig quickly snowballed into a full-fledged business. His first quote—$1,200—was accepted instantly, opening his eyes to the lucrative potential of holiday lighting.

🚀 Growth on a Shoestring

With just $500 in startup costs (a ladder, straps, and basic supplies), Nathan hustled through door-knocking, yard signs, and word-of-mouth referrals. He reinvested deposits into materials, scaled marketing, and built a reputation for premium service—custom-cut lights, free maintenance, and storage included.

📈 Big Numbers, Bigger Lessons

• First year revenue: $60,000

• Current season goal: $125,000

• Average job: $1,200

• Marketing ROI: $2 yard signs → $1,200 jobs

Nathan emphasizes confidence in pricing, refusing to undercut his value. His bold approach—“We’re not the cheapest, are you interested?”—filters clients fast and builds trust in his quality.

🌟 Beyond the Lights

For Nathan, success isn’t just profit. It’s about freedom, family time, and inspiring others to chase opportunities. From immigrant roots to entrepreneurial grit, his story proves that with creativity and hustle, even a seasonal business can shine year-round.

Watch the full video here from the Upflip Youtube Channel