This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Damian Primis, a 45-year-old musician based in Queens, New York. During the pandemic, Primis launched the olive oil brand First imports as a side hustle; the business has since grown into six figures. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Image credit: Matt Dine. Damian Primis.
What was your day job or main occupation when you started? side hustle?
For over 20 years, I have worked as a classically trained musician. My love for art and music started at a young age, which led me to New York, where I graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in music performance from The Juilliard School. My career has taken me all over the globe and I've had amazing experiences working with some of the greatest musicians of all time (and my personal favorites) such as jazz legend Joe Zawinful, The Who at Madison Square Garden and one Tiny Desk Concert with Josh Groban and the cast of Broadway's Sweeney Todd.
When did you start your side hustle and where did you find the inspiration for it?
When the pandemic hit, Broadway it got dark and the live music stopped. This meant I would be out of work for a long time, which was really scary. Will things return to normal soon? It was the question that kept coming to my mind. It was at this important moment in my life that I began to reflect on what else brought me joy outside of music and how I could use this passion for it. create a side hustle. I have always had an immense sense of pride in my grandparents' ancestral homeland of Evia, Greece. The rich culture, the beauty of the lands and the cuisine really inspired me. So, I called a friend of mine who made excellent olive oil, the kind of extra virgin olive oil you don't find on American supermarket shelves, and Primis Imports was born.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Primis Imports
What were some of the first steps you took to get yours side hustle from the ground?
The first steps were not very easy, but I think it is an essential part of what every startup or small business it's like. You have to experience “growing pains” as I like to call them. While still in the pandemic, most production and fulfillment was either slow or at a standstill. It took a while for the first 150 liters of extra virgin olive oil to be shipped to New York from my grandfather's hometown, but when the product finally arrived, I was able to expedite the process of hand labeling each bottle. I started selling to friends and family who spread the Primis Imports name word of mouthand the bottles are sold out! It reassured me that there was a niche I could open in the US market and boosted my confidence to continue on this new journey.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building your side hustle and how did you navigate them?
There were quite a few challenges, I must say. One of the biggest challenges I faced was securing funding. With a limited budget, I had to rely on the profits of each shipment to fund the next, which meant slower growth. But in retrospect, it helped me avoid making costly mistakes and made me think more about investments in production and packing.
I was also completely unfamiliar with the import process. It was overwhelming because of the complex regulations, paperwork and logistics. I sought advice from anyone who could offer insight and was persistent in finding the right contacts for guidance.
Furthermore, e-commerce presented its challenges. I had to learn new skills like building a website, setting up shipping and ensuring the safe distribution of fragile products like olive oil in glass bottles. Factors such as weather and temperature during delivery also became major obstacles, but through persistence and trial and error, I was able to find solutions.
What does revenue and growth look like?
One thing to keep in mind about Primis Imports is that we were selling a small amount of olive oil that is harvested once a year. When the product is gone, it's gone! In two to three months, we were able to see steady revenue and eventually sold our early harvest olive oil shortly after. This meant we had to rotate to find more product until the next Greek harvest. We sought out a southern hemisphere producer in Peru who harvests olive oil at the opposite time of year from the northern hemisphere. This helped us stay brand awareness in the market and provided funding and steady growth for the business month on month.
Primis Imports has had continuous growth since the beginning in 2022. The first year we had 200% growth, while in 2023 we had 305% growth from the previous year. DTC is where we see most of our sales, with a small portion coming from wholesalers and smaller retailers. What makes Primis Imports unique is our ongoing mission to provide smaller producers with the highest quality products. In 2024, we started expanding our product line with two honeys from the islands of Milos and Thasos, and in 2025, we will launch more products within the food and cooking categories.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Primis Imports
What do you love most about this side hustle?
I like how this side hustle it allows me to stay deeply connected to my roots and heritage. Partnering with small Greek producers not only strengthens local economies, but also helps share their craftsmanship with a global audience. I enjoy the challenge of reimagining traditional products for the American market, especially through innovative branding that catches the eye of the consumer. This venture also fuels my creativity – it's incredibly rewarding to collaborate with talented artists from around the country to design packaging and narrator that really resonate. It's a mix of culture, purpose and art, and I couldn't ask for more.
What is your advice to others hoping to start their own successful businesses?
My advice to anyone looking to start a success side hustle is to start small and prioritize quality over quantity. In today's competitive market, consumers value originality and excellence. A beautifully branded product will only go so far if the quality isn't there, so invest in getting it right from the start.
Real construction RELATIONS with your suppliers is just as important. Be transparent about the scope and limitations of your business. The right partners will understand your vision and grow with you; if they can't meet you where you are, they may not be the best fit.
Patience is another key ingredient. SUCCESSES it doesn't happen overnight, but the small, steady steps you take every day will compound over time. Focus on creating something meaningful and unique instead of chasing quick wins. When you approach your side hustle with care, persistence, and a commitment to quality, the rewards—both financial and personal—will follow.