From Side Hustle to Success: Oakley's Road to Building a Business Empire

Most students wouldn’t mind a bit of extra cash, but it can be hard to know where to start. In this issue of MAS’s Join the Conversation student newsletter, we chatted with a young entrepreneur who turned a part-time gig into a budding business empire.  

At just 21, Oakley Inkersell has taken his passion for car grooming and turned it into a fast-growing business. Based in Christchurch, Oakley’s business, Cleaner Cars, started as a side hustle, and has since evolved into a full-scale operation. These days, Oakley has a business address where customers come to him, rather than going out and about in the neighbourhood, and he plans to expand around New Zealand.  

In this video, Oakley shares how he used TikTok to build a loyal customer base, the importance of perseverance, and his ambitions to grow his team and scale his business even further. 

Oakley's journey proves that success doesn’t have one set path. Whether you’re considering a side hustle, starting a business, or exploring your options after university, his story shows what’s possible with hard work and determination. He’s just getting started, and his advice is invaluable for anyone thinking about their career or future plans.