· Brand: Slime Obsidian
· Founder: Jacob Karam
· Founded: 2019
· Milestones: $100 → 1,000 slime jars sold → Kim Kardashian endorsement → $2.1M annual revenue
In 2023, Slime Obsidian brought in $2.1 million in revenue and gained over 5 million social media followers. Each jar of slime is carefully crafted for its look, scent, and texture, with unique and creative designs. But how did Jacob come up with these ideas? And why has his slime become such a global hit? Let’s dive into how Slime Obsidian tapped into the stress-relief trend and became a viral sensation for both kids and adults.
Starting Small with $100: The Early Struggles
Jacob started his first slime-making
Jacob Karam, born in New York, has always been a tinkerer. At age five, he nearly started a fire trying to make a light device with old batteries and metal scraps. By ten, he was selling handmade toys and crafts to earn pocket money.
In 2017, as a high schooler, Jacob stumbled across slime videos on YouTube and Instagram. He was fascinated by this colorful, stretchy, squishy toy and decided to try making and selling his own.
Armed with just $100 he earned from part-time work and loans, Jacob bought glue, containers, and fragrance oils. But he had no market research, strategy, or marketing plan—just a basic product that didn’t stand out. Sales were slow, even among his friends. Weekly restocks left him anxious, and he constantly debated giving up.
The Smart Pivot
Slime Obsidian's Facebook account
Jacob realized his slime lacked uniqueness and began to rethink his approach.
Slime is cheap to produce—basic versions cost $0.50–$2 to make in China, even high-end ones with added decorations rarely exceed $5. But Jacob wanted to redefine slime as luxurious and stress-relieving, elevating the product to appeal to a broader audience.
He added metallic glitter, sequins, and beads to make the slime more visually striking. He also created more sophisticated color combinations, giving the product an upscale, artistic vibe. Then he incorporated scents like lavender and vanilla and perfected the silky texture to make it a true stress-relief product.
"Slime isn't just for kids. Adults need stress relief too," Jacob said. His tagline on the Slime Obsidian website reflects this philosophy: "Take your mind off the stresses of the world and find joy in satisfaction."
Jacob also revamped his marketing strategy, posting daily videos on Instagram and TikTok and collaborating with influencers to build brand recognition.
The Turning Point: 1,000 Slime Jars Sold in Minutes
Jacob and his sister making slime
In late 2018, Jacob’s hard work paid off. A social media restock announcement brought a surge in followers, and within five minutes, he sold 1,000 jars of slime.
By the following year, his growing business convinced his parents to let him drop out of school and focus on Slime Obsidian full-time. With weekly orders hitting 4,000 jars, Jacob had to hire help and upgrade his production process.
Kim Kardashian Changed the Game
Kim Kardashian's post mentioned Jacob
The unexpected happened: Kim Kardashian placed an order for slime for her kids. Recognizing this opportunity, Jacob worked tirelessly for two days to create a variety of slimes.
Kim shared the slime on Instagram, and Slime Obsidian’s website traffic exploded. The buzz brought in new followers, email subscribers, and $10,000 in sales practically overnight.
Slime Gone Crazy
Jacob purchased a new stirring machine
Today, Jacob’s slime empire is thriving beyond his wildest dreams. Demand skyrocketed, pushing him to invest in larger mixing machines to replace handmade batches. By 2023, Slime Obsidian expanded to 20 countries, hit $2.1 million in revenue, and gained 5 million followers. Operating out of a 2,500-square-foot space, Jacob and his 10-person team are already planning offline retail experiences within the next three years.
What can we learn from Jacob?
Slime Obsidian's diverse range of products
Product Differentiation
Slime is far from unique, and it’s not hard to make. But Jacob transformed a cheap, generic toy into a luxurious, high-priced product. This shift in branding helped him attract customers who wouldn’t typically buy slime.
Targeting a New Audience
Originally a children’s toy, slime didn’t have much appeal beyond that. Jacob tapped into the growing mental health trend and positioned slime as a stress-relief product for adults, expanding its market potential.
Constant Innovation
Jacob keeps his products fresh by launching new designs every two weeks. With themes like UV-reactive and galaxy-inspired slimes, Slime Obsidian has released over 50 varieties, many of which sell out quickly. For instance, during Black Friday 2020, his limited-edition Obsidian Slime sold out in just three minutes. Cyber Monday restocks sold out in four minutes, with total monthly sales reaching 17,000 jars.
Unmatched Work Ethic
Jacob works 65 hours a week, often until 2 a.m., and updates four social media accounts daily with ASMR slime content.
Final Thoughts
Jacob Karam making slime
Jacob’s success owes a lot to luck—being in the right place at the right time with the right product. Not everyone will get a celebrity endorsement or viral moment. But his creative approach to reinventing a standard product is a lesson every e-commerce seller can learn from.
Keep reading this series for more inspiring success stories! And feel free to consult us to learn more about China sourcing and marketing strategies. With over six years of experience in dropshipping, we are here to provide the support and expertise you need!