Paralegal, 23, reveals how she juggles a double law degree with Lonely Is My Happy brand

An Australian paralegal currently balancing a double law degree and preparing to be admitted as a solicitor has revealed how she started a loungewear brand on the side that turns over a five-figure profit each month.

Mariah Saad, 23, who lives in Sydney, launched her business Lonely Is My Happy in September 2021 after finding solace in the various Covid lockdowns Australians were forced to endure during the global pandemic.

She wanted to remind ordinary Australians that it’s possible to find comfort in a quiet setting and everyone should be able to control how much socialising they are doing without feeling ‘bad’ about turning down events.

The first product Mariah launched – which were cosy slippers – sold out within an hour of dropping online, while the fuchsia ‘Introvert’ hoodie sold out similarly in 30 minutes. It was then that she knew her business was a winning idea.

‘The idea came from being in isolation during the Covid lockdowns. Before Covid I used to hate spending time alone. I would go out frequently because I felt that was what I needed to be “happy”,’ she said.

‘However when I was in lockdown I fell in love with spending time alone – I think it was the first time in my life that I could slow down and not feel pressured to go out often with other people.

‘I once read somewhere that enjoying one’s own company is the hallmark of true maturity and a prerequisite for happiness – this inspired the naming of Lonely Is My Happy.’

Studying law at the same time as growing her business has been a secret weapon to Mariah’s success, and has provided an excellent foundation for producing contracts and ensuring her commercial activities are protected. 

The first product Mariah launched – which were cosy slippers – sold out within an hour of dropping online, while the fuchsia ‘Introvert’ hoodie sold out similarly in 30 minutes. It was then that she knew her business was a winning idea

‘I ensure all arrangements are legally binding through a contract whenever I work with influencers. I prepare all contracts myself, which has allowed me to save costs on outsourcing,’ she said.

‘Managing work, studying and running a business has its ups and downs. I believe my success is due primarily to my mantra “wherever you are, be all there” which has helped me separate work, study and business.

‘Focusing from day one on every task at hand and ensuring I am realistic with what I can achieve each day has created an atmosphere for success.

In 2023 Mariah hopes to expand her side hustle through wholesaling and collaborate with new brands that align with the brand

She also hopes to bring on another team member to help her manage the growing tasks at hand, while she prepares to work as a lawyer as well

‘Unlike traditional brands, LIMH operates on a limited-run basis, meaning that items are restocked approximately every month. I have found that scheduling the “drops” around times when I have had fewer university assignments, or major work/study deadlines has helped.’

In 2023 Mariah hopes to expand her side hustle through wholesaling and collaborate with new brands that align with the brand.

She also hopes to bring on another team member to help her manage the growing tasks at hand, while she prepares to work as a lawyer as well. 

‘I am currently focused on finishing my College of Law studies and completing my Practical Legal Training. I anticipate being admitted as a solicitor officially in mid to late 2023. I plan to work full-time as a solicitor in 2023 when I am admitted,’ she said.

‘Considering LIMH turned one in September 2022, I am pleased with the turnover, but I have plans to hit the six figure mark in 2023.’