Meet Russ

My FBA Journey & Insights

Building an Amazon FBA business isn’t just about making sales - it’s about creating something sustainable, scalable, and suited to your lifestyle. My journey into Amazon started after running an e-commerce component of my dog-walking business, where I aimed to build a boutique marketplace for unique pet products. When COVID wiped out my entire supply chain, I had to rethink everything. That’s when I turned to Amazon FBA.

Starting with just £200, I made every mistake possible before discovering the power of community, automation, and long-term business strategy. Now, as one of the FBA Navigators, my mission is to help others build sustainable, scalable Amazon businesses without the guesswork.

👉 Read my full interview below to learn more about my journey, biggest lessons, and advice for sellers.

🎭 Follow Me on TikTok

For bite-sized insights, real-time updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at my Amazon FBA journey, check out my personal TikTok account, where I share:

✅ Quick FBA tips & strategies
✅ Common seller mistakes & how to avoid them
✅ My experiences running an Amazon business around a busy life

🎥 [Follow me on TikTok] for daily updates and actionable advice!

🎥 Watch on YouTube or Listen to a Podcast

I’ve had the opportunity to share my Amazon FBA journey and strategies on podcasts and YouTube, covering everything from getting started to scaling a successful business.

🎧 Prefer to listen? Check out the podcast versions here:

Your Amazon Journey

How did you first get into Amazon FBA?

Before Amazon, I was already running a successful dog-walking business with an e-commerce component. My goal was to create an Etsy-style marketplace featuring unique boutique pet products from small suppliers.

It was gaining traction - until COVID wiped out my entire supply chain.

That forced me to rethink everything. I had already come across Amazon FBA during my research, and now, with my previous venture no longer viable, I decided to give it a real shot.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting, and how did you overcome it?

Like most new sellers, I made plenty of mistakes. One of the biggest was forcing bad buying decisions. I would step outside my set criteria, convincing myself that I could make certain products work—only to end up with stock that wouldn’t sell. The lesson? Set clear buying criteria and stick to them.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you started selling on Amazon?

I wish I had understood how patient you need to be in this business. Amazon FBA isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme - it requires long-term thinking and consistency.

Insights from Your Experience

What part of running an FBA business do you enjoy the most?

For me, it’s the potential this business has - both in terms of scalability and the freedom it provides. I love designing systems and processes that allow me to build a thriving business while still maintaining a family-friendly lifestyle.

What’s been your biggest success or proudest moment?

There wasn’t a single turning point, but I still remember the feeling of joy on my first sale. It was just a used book, but it sold the same day my first box arrived at Amazon, and that was the spark. It proved to me that this works.

If you could go back and do one thing differently, what would it be?

I wish I had started sooner - but doesn’t everyone say that once they find something that works? I also wish I had more capital at the beginning. Neither of those things were possible at the time, but they’re the only things I would change.

Advice for Other Sellers

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just getting started?

Build a solid foundation from day one.

Approach this business like it’s going to be something big - even if you’re starting small. Assume that one day, you’ll have staff, international sales, and a significant income. You may not end up there, but having that mindset from the beginning forces you to make better decisions and create scalable systems.

What’s your top tip for someone looking to scale?

Automate and outsource as soon as possible.

Trying to do everything yourself for too long is one of the biggest bottlenecks in this business. The sooner you delegate tasks, the sooner you can focus on growth instead of operations.

Also, be patient before taking money out of the business. Many sellers slow their own progress by paying themselves too early instead of reinvesting to accelerate growth.

What’s the biggest mistake you see sellers make?

Looking for shortcuts instead of truly learning the business.

Too many people try to find the easy way - buying lead lists, relying on others to find products, or following "hacks." But the only way to build a real, sustainable business is to deeply understand how Amazon works and develop repeatable systems.

Put in the work. Master your craft. That’s what separates long-term businesses from those that fail after a few months.

What FBA Navigators Means to You

Why did you want to be part of FBA Navigators?

Two main reasons:

1️⃣ Helping others unlock life-changing opportunities. The way the world is today, it’s harder than ever to live comfortably on a single income. The internet has created incredible opportunities, and I want to show people - especially those in their 30s and 40s with kids and responsibilities - that Amazon FBA is an option for them too.

2️⃣ The power of collaboration. The moment I started working with a community - especially with the other Navigators - my business accelerated massively. I want to help others experience the same thing.

What makes FBA Navigators different from other Amazon communities?

We built this the same way I built my Amazon business - for the long term.

We aren’t here for quick wins. We aren’t selling a dream. We aren’t making false promises.

Instead, we are focused on:
✔ Real education, real strategies, and real mentorship
✔ Long-term, sustainable growth
✔ A true community where sellers support each other

Most communities just give you information. We give you the tools, the guidance, and the people to make it happen.

What do you hope members take away from this community?

The skills, confidence, and support system to build their dream business.

I want every member to leave FBA Navigators with everything they need to make this business work - whether that means financial freedom, quitting their job, or simply creating extra income to support their family.

Fun Fact!

Me and my family are huge Disney fans. We had our honeymoon there, have been to multiple Disney parks around the world, and I even have a sleeve tattoo of Disney characters. Walt Disney has always been an inspiration to me - not just for the “Disney” stuff, but as an entrepreneur who wouldn’t take no for an answer and was constantly striving to “plus” every experience for his businesses, his staff, and his guests.