How a Nurse Practitioner’s Side Hustle Hit $1M and Sold to Blueprint Prep
Ever wondered how a quick side project can snowball into a life-changing exit?
Over coffee, let me tell you about Sarah Michelle Boes. As a nurse practitioner student, she battled exam anxiety. Yet she turned her study notes into a crash course that made her a millionaire in months.
Today, she’s partnered with Blueprint Prep. Her story has lessons for anyone curious about small, smart business ideas.
Key Takeaways
- A simple pain point can spark a lucrative online course.
- Authentic community building fuels word-of-mouth growth.
- You don’t need outside funding to scale fast.
- Strategic acquisition can open new doors for both founder and buyer.
Sarah’s Journey: Anxiety to Solution
In 2020, Sarah Michelle Boes was studying for her nurse practitioner board exam. She ground her teeth so badly she needed a $7,000 implant.
Frustrated by dry, lecture-style prep, she recorded a three-hour Zoom crash course to help fellow students pass the NP exam the first time.
Her goal? Make just $500. Within seven months, she hit $1 million in revenue.
Bootstrapping Growth and Social Proof
Sarah gave free access to 100 classmates via Facebook Messenger. Next, she charged $25 for lifetime entry. Then she launched a subscription model—$260 a month for full course access and guides.
All growth came from unprompted success stories in her Facebook group. Students shared passing pics and rave reviews. That authentic buzz drove every sale.
The Blueprint Prep Acquisition
Blueprint Prep, backed by New Harbor Capital, saw Sarah’s rapid traction in the NP exam prep market. In April 2025, they acquired Sarah Michelle NP Reviews to expand their health-education offerings.
Blueprint brings high-quality video lectures, analytics, and study planners to the table. Together, they aim to create even more innovative solutions for busy nurse practitioner students.
My Take: What You Can Learn
I love how Sarah kept things simple. She solved a real pain point. She tested fast. She leaned on her community instead of big ads.
You don’t need a huge budget—just a clear idea and real feedback.
If you’ve ever toyed with an online course or side gig, look for that one thing people hate. Build a lean MVP, share it with friends, and let them do the marketing. And when a bigger player shows interest, weigh the value of a strategic sale versus continuing solo.
Conclusion
Sarah Michelle’s story proves that you don’t need millions in funding or a complex business plan to win big. A focused solution, genuine community, and smart scaling can take you from side hustle to major exit.
If you’re dreaming of turning your expertise into income, start small, stay authentic, and watch word of mouth work its magic.
