Georgia Retiree Built $52K Holiday Side Hustle From a Borrowed Santa Suit
A Georgia retiree’s Santa side hustle generated more than $52,000 on a single platform in 2023, Benzinga reported Saturday, citing documents reviewed by CNBC. What started as a last-minute neighborhood favor three decades ago has grown into a structured father-son operation earning serious seasonal income.
A Canceled Gig That Changed Everything
In 1995, Eddy Rich, a retiree based in Georgia, stepped in after a neighbor’s scheduled Santa performer canceled at the last minute. Donning the suit gave him an unexpected rush. He described the feeling to CNBC as similar to wearing a superhero costume. That single appearance led to repeat local bookings at roughly $125 per hour. At peak demand, Eddy was juggling up to five parties per day, losing significant time to Atlanta traffic in between.
Cameo Transformed a Local Act Into a Scalable Business
His son Chris Rich brought the Santa persona to Cameo in 2018 and now handles the operational side. Chris manages incoming requests, writes scripts and edits finished clips. Eddy records from his living room, where a fireplace framed with seasonal decor serves as a backdrop. His kit is minimal: a ring light, a phone stand and an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
During peak Christmas season, Eddy films up to 20 videos per hour across shifts of as many as 10 hours. Chris puts in roughly five additional hours per day on logistics. After Cameo deducts its 25% platform fee, the pair clear around $26.25 per clip. At maximum output, that translates to approximately $525 per hour combined. The two split earnings on a 60-40 basis.
The Investment Was Surprisingly Modest
Eddy’s startup costs were minimal. A $550 Santa suit formed the core of his wardrobe. An $80 custom belt with a four-inch brass buckle, commissioned from a local jeweler, rounded out the look. Both items remain in regular use today. Replacement jackets and trousers cost roughly $40 each at discount retailers, keeping overhead low across 30 years of seasonal work.
What the Extra Income Actually Changed
The financial impact extended beyond the numbers. Benzinga reported that the family now approaches holiday spending with considerably less hesitation. Eddy told CNBC he has always leaned toward frugality, but the side hustle income gave him room to ease up. He noted that he now regularly leaves larger tips at restaurants. Chris echoed the sentiment, saying the earnings allow the family to give gifts or offer help without scrutinizing every expense.
Financial planners note that supplemental retirement income, while beneficial, can add complexity when layered alongside Social Security and required withdrawals. Tax treatment and timing both influence how effectively additional earnings extend a retiree’s savings.
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