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So I started a little secret experiment this past week...

…to build a micro biz with $0.

In exactly 3 days, from conception to launch, this is what I made on Gumroad selling a simple notion template.

Yep. $0 investment, just a laptop, Notion, and a little help from AI. Can be easily done over a weekend.

I’m no tech expert. But I do know how to spot digital products people actually need, and make something that saves them hours of work. That’s all it takes.

Here’s exactly how I did it — step by step — so you can do it too.

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But FIRST

If you are new, welcome to OCE’s weekly newsletter curated for the ambitious youth…here are some articles you missed from previous weeks:

📈 This Isn't For Everyone ​ ​ ​Read More →​

🎨 Best tools for building your passion project ​ ​Read More​ →​

📘 The One Skill School Hopes You Never Learn ​ ​Read More​ →​

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Day 0: Find "the Idea"

I infiltrated Etsy shop communities, looked at what small online shop owners struggle with:

• Keeping track of inventory
• Managing suppliers
• Tracking sales

Still using pen & paper to keep track? I can fix that.

I saw that spreadsheets/templates were selling for $4–$40. People are willing to pay more for a solution that saves them hours.

So I decided to create an automated Notion inventory template: simple, clear, easy to use — no confusing charts, just a tool that works.

Day 1: Build It With AI

I used Claude to generate the full structure. Here’s a copy-paste prompt I used to get things started:

AI gave me:

• Tables, properties, sample data
• Step-by-step instructions I could paste into Notion

It literally built the template for me — I just customized it a bit after.

Day 2: Make It Sellable

• Added screenshots and instructions
• Created a demo dashboard for landing page
• Named it clearly: “Notion Inventory Tracker for Etsy Shops”

People aren’t buying just a template — they’re buying time and clarity.

Day 3: Find Your First Buyers

I listed it on Gumroad and shared in etsy seller communities.

• Offered an early user special to collect email
• Offered the full template at a reasonable price

Pro tip: A small offering → email list → paid template = repeatable sales

• Sent a discount code to early buyers who joined my email list
• Collected testimonials → used them to build credibility
• Made future sales easier because people saw it actually worked.

Takeaways:

1. You don’t need to be a tech genius — AI + Notion can do the heavy lifting
2. Focus on solving a real problem — simplicity = value
3. Start with one niche → grow your email list → upsell
4. Proof sells: early buyers + reviews = repeatable revenue
5. Action > indecision. You won’t know until you try

Copy Lena’s homework

I’ll be sharing a FREE detailed guide showing exactly:

• The AI prompt I used
• What my Notion template looks like
• Exact where to post and what to say to get your first customers
• How to offer discounts for early email sign-ups
• How to get reviews fast

Keep an eye on my IG for $0 micro startup series.

You don’t need a $10k budget. You just need a Notion page, AI, and hustle. ;)

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Like what you read? Share with friends!

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PS. This summer, we are going to tackle pressing global issues and drive innovation in regions (such as your own community) where it is needed the most. Want in? We run a summer cohort for ambitious youth (high school and undergrads) to work directly with world-class founders while learning from Silicon Valley leaders. ​ OCE Summer Cohort ​ You can also explore purposeful opportunities through our Impact Internship Opportunities Database. ​ Get Curious.

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Lena

​https://www.openclassroomexperience.com/​