12-Year-Old Makes $50K/Month: Side Hustle Success
- What began as a fun pastime for Madden Forrest, 12, and his father, Steven, 35, has evolved into a successful TikTok business.
- The Forrests initially focused on Pokémon cards before transitioning to football.
- Because TikTok prohibits minors from hosting livestreams, Steven takes the lead on camera.
At just 12 years old, Madden Forrest and his father, Steven, transformed a hobby into a thriving TikTok venture, generating over $50,000/month! Bull Island Breaks livestreams sports card pack openings, selling shares to viewers and amassing an impressive $180,000+ in gross sales since October 2024. Learn how this father-son duo navigated TikTok’s guidelines and leveraged the power of live streaming, focusing initially on Pokémon cards before transitioning to football, and reinvesting profits for future growth. Discover how they overcame a temporary ban and the secrets behind their daily posting strategy.News Directory 3 has the story. How are they planning to capitalize on football season and expand their business? Discover what’s next …
Father and Son Turn Card-Breaking Hobby into Thriving TikTok Business
Updated June 13, 2025
What began as a fun pastime for Madden Forrest, 12, and his father, Steven, 35, has evolved into a successful TikTok business. The Virginia-based duo, operating under the name Bull Island Breaks, livestream the opening of sports card packs and boxes, selling shares to online viewers.
The Forrests initially focused on Pokémon cards before transitioning to football. Inspired by other livestreamers, Madden suggested they try selling cards themselves. Their first venture involved purchasing 10 Costco-exclusive football card boxes for about $1,000. They quickly sold out, marking the begining of their entrepreneurial journey.
Because TikTok prohibits minors from hosting livestreams, Steven takes the lead on camera. Bull Island Breaks offers viewers the chance to buy into “breaks,” where participants purchase a specific NFL team. If a card from that team is pulled during the livestream, the buyer receives it. To add value,the Forrests often include cards from Steven’s personal collection as freebies.
The business saw a surge in sales around New year’s Eve 2024, generating over $4,000 in a single day. From January to June 2025, Bull Island Breaks processed over 7,000 orders, totaling $180,000 in gross sales. Steven said the business brought in approximately $70,000 in profit during that period.
The Forrests reinvest in their business, sourcing cards from various retailers, including single packs from Dollar Tree, which they resell for a profit.They also invest in higher-end hobby boxes.
”We’ve been doing roughly $2,000 every day of June so far,” Steven said.
Madden’s dedication is a driving force behind Bull Island Breaks, according to his father. The profits are earmarked for Madden’s future,perhaps covering expenses like a car,college,or even a house. Madden also aspires to open his own card shop.
The Forrests encountered a hurdle when TikTok temporarily banned their account due to a misunderstanding related to purchasing and refunding Washington commanders cards. The team has become more expensive due to the presence of rookie Jayden Daniels.
Looking ahead,the Forrests aim to expand their audience and maintain consistency. Madden emphasizes the importance of daily posting and livestreaming. Steven said their expanding network of customers has been crucial to their success.
What’s next
With football training camp approaching, the Forrests anticipate increased demand and are optimistic about continued growth for Bull Island Breaks.