From Job Loss to Wedding Start-up: How a Couple Built a New Income Stream

The business, branded as Pass the Cam, began in April after Rochi spotted a niche market for renting out camcorders to couples who wanted raw, authentic wedding footage without the high costs of professional videography. What started as a modest side project quickly gained traction, with the couple securing their first client in May. Since then, they have served nearly 100 clients, generating over $50,000 in net volume.

The transition from a supplemental income stream to a primary focus required a division of labor. Calaj manages shipping logistics, inventory procurement, and booking operations, while Rochi handles marketing, equipment maintenance, and quality control. By pricing their packages between $429 and $899, they have positioned themselves as an affordable alternative in the wedding industry, which they argue has become prohibitively expensive for many couples.

Following the birth of their child in August, the couple decided to move away from the traditional job market. Rochi has ceased his search for a second job, opting to focus on his primary role and the expansion of the business. For Calaj, the success of the venture has provided the flexibility she sought as a new parent, allowing her to remain home rather than returning to her previous contract work as a school psychologist. As they approach their growth targets, the couple views the risk of their early summer layoff as the necessary catalyst that turned a side hustle into a sustainable family enterprise.