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How Fernando Built a $115K ARR Business in Just 10 Days
Learn how Fernando used validated markets and smart niching to build a $115K ARR SaaS empire.
Welcome to Money Making Story,
Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Fernando, who used 10 days to turn a layoff into two SaaS products generating $15,000 a month in recurring revenue.
In this discussion, we’ll discuss his:
Top Advice
The Humble Beginnings
Finding the Right Idea
Building and Validating Quickly
How to Use AI in Job Seekers
Launching and Growing the Business
Tackling Challenges as a Solopreneur
A Lifestyle-First Approach
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
A Story Worth Reading
Top Advice:
"You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—simplify it. Niche down, solve a specific problem, and focus on providing value."
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Fernando’s story is a testament to how anyone, even without expert coding skills, can build successful SaaS products. With just two products—ResumeMaker.Online and AI Carousels—he earns $15,000 in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) while working only four hours a day.
But Fernando’s journey wasn’t without challenges. From balancing side projects with a full-time job to being unexpectedly fired, his determination to create something meaningful led to life-changing success.
The Humble Beginnings
Fernando’s journey began as an agency owner, but after a decade, he found himself back in a traditional job. “Deep down, I knew I wanted autonomy,” he recalls. However, an unexpected layoff became the push he needed to dive into his entrepreneurial dream full-time. This pivotal moment turned his aspirations into necessity. “I couldn’t rely on a paycheck anymore—I had to build something.”
With that determination, Fernando launched two SaaS products: ResumeMaker.Online, a simple resume builder, and AI Carousels, a tool for creating social media carousels with AI. Both operate on a freemium model, allowing users to start for free while unlocking advanced features through subscriptions.
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Finding the Right Idea
For Fernando, identifying a profitable idea was about solving specific, real-world problems. His approach?
Scratch Your Own Itch: Look for time-consuming problems you face personally.
Niche Down: “I only need 0.1% of the market,” he explains, emphasizing the advantage solopreneurs have in focusing on highly specific solutions.
Validate Existing Markets: By targeting already validated markets, he reduces risk. His twist? Offering a unique angle, such as a no-signup experience for ResumeMaker.Online.
This strategy worked wonders. Fernando simplified complex tools to make them more user-friendly, focusing on saving time rather than delivering a bloated feature set.
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Building and Validating Quickly
Fernando emphasizes speed in product development. For AI Carousels, he embraced a 10-day challenge to build a minimal viable product (MVP). “Launching a barebone product helps you gather feedback early,” he notes. This iterative process allows solopreneurs to fail fast and pivot, reducing the emotional attachment to unvalidated ideas.
He also underscores the importance of urgency: “If I launch again, I’ll replicate that sense of urgency—it keeps you focused.”
Launching and Growing the Business
Product Hunt became a pivotal launch platform for Fernando’s products, driving initial traction. For long-term growth, his primary strategies include:
SEO: Free tools complementing the main product attract organic traffic.
Building in Public: Sharing updates on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn fosters engagement and visibility.
Affiliate Programs: While still in progress, affiliates contribute to spreading the word.
Fernando’s pricing strategy has also evolved. Starting low during beta phases, he gradually increased pricing as his products matured. For ResumeMaker.Online, switching from a one-time purchase to a subscription model improved revenue predictability, despite higher churn.
Tackling Challenges as a Solopreneur
Fernando embraces the small-scale nature of his business. Customer support, for example, isn’t just a necessity—it’s a feature. Quick responses turn frustrated users into loyal fans, while their feedback shapes product improvements. “I always say, ‘It’s only me here,’” he laughs, adding that customers appreciate the personal touch.
To keep costs low, Fernando relies on lean tools like Notion and Outseta for product management and automation. This efficiency, combined with his no-employee model, ensures a 90% profit margin.
A Lifestyle-First Approach
After years of juggling a job and side projects, Fernando now works just four hours a day, focusing on deep, intentional work. “It was tough at first, thinking about the opportunity cost, but it turned out to be the best decision,” he says. With more free time, he enjoys a better work-life balance, which, in turn, benefits his business.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Fernando’s advice to those just starting out is clear: “Don’t let self-limiting beliefs hold you back. Users don’t need complex solutions—they need simple ones that save time.” By focusing on creating small, valuable tools, you can free up your time for what truly matters.
Start Small:
"Focus on building a tiny tool that solves a specific problem and saves people time."Launch Quickly:
"Don’t overbuild. Get feedback early and iterate based on what users actually want."Optimize for Life, Not Revenue:
"The goal isn’t just to make money—it’s to create a life you enjoy."
His journey proves that you don’t need to be a coding genius or have a massive team to build something impactful. With the right mindset and approach, anyone can create a business that aligns with their life goals.
Fernando’s story is an inspiration to aspiring solopreneurs everywhere. By niching down, validating ideas quickly, and prioritizing simplicity, he’s built a sustainable business and a life he loves. For those dreaming of doing the same, take Fernando’s advice: start small, focus on solving real problems, and remember—it’s not about revenue; it’s about freedom.
A Story Worth Reading
In 2019, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold shattered before it even launched.
This wasn’t just a bad design.
There’s more to this tech disaster than you know.
Here's the full story:
— Roger Wang (@RogerWang11)
3:50 PM • Dec 17, 2024
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