In the thriving world of startups, stories of passion and perseverance often shine brightest. Here, we explore the journey of Bar Bruhis and Brian Gallagher, co-founders of Boostcous, a brand that brings a gluten-free, protein-enriched twist to a classic dish. Their journey from a humble kitchen in Carbondale, Colorado, to a burgeoning business showcases not only their dedication but also valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- Boostcous, birthed in the co-founders’ kitchen, officially debuted last year.
- Each co-founder contributed $15,000 to launch the business.
- In its first two weeks, Boostcous generated $10,000 in sales and is projected to reach $3 million in revenue this year.
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Bar Bruhis, 35, from Carbondale, Colorado. Alongside co-founder Brian Gallagher, Bruhis introduced their innovative couscous brand, Boostcous, in December 2025 and has since experienced steady growth. Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
What was your day job or primary occupation when you started your side hustle?
I serve as the general manager of KnoCommerce, a post-purchase survey platform for e-commerce brands. We collaborate with 6,500 prominent Shopify brands, which allowed me to connect with some of the leading DTC operators globally, many of whom have become invaluable mentors. However, with Boostcous growing rapidly, I’ve decided to leave my job and fully commit to the business starting April 1.
Finding Side Hustle Inspiration
When did you start your side hustle, and where did you find inspiration for it?
I began developing Boostcous about two years ago, experimenting with recipes alongside my co-founder in our kitchen before officially launching in December 2025. My inspiration stemmed from my childhood in Israel, where couscous was a staple. I loved its versatility—eating it hot as a meal base or cold in salads. Yet, as I grew more health-conscious, I recognized traditional couscous lacked nutritional value despite being convenient.
That realization led to the creation of Boostcous, which boasts 18 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber per serving. It’s entirely gluten-free, kosher, glyphosate-free, and cooks in just 5 minutes, all while being gentle on the stomach compared to other protein pastas available.
Investing $15,000 Each to Start the Side Hustle
What were some of the first steps you took to get your side hustle off the ground? How much money/investment did it take to launch?
My co-founder and I each invested $15,000, making the total investment around $30,000. We also utilized a few 0% interest credit cards for the first 12 months, which allowed us to manage our marketing expenses more effectively.
The initial steps involved securing our domain and sourcing our social media handles. We believed that the name Boostcous was central to our branding and played a crucial role in making our business recognizable. Following that, we embarked on a lengthy journey of formulation and sourcing a manufacturer, which took approximately two years.
Utilizing Free Resources Like YouTube and CPG Communities
Are there any free or paid resources that have been especially helpful for you in starting and running this business?
I have found the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) community to be incredibly supportive. Most products complement each other instead of competing, and other entrepreneurs generously share their insights. My most valuable resources have been fellow founders and professionals who have offered mentorship and guidance.
Moreover, YouTube has been invaluable. I’ve consumed countless hours of videos on various topics, from website development to email marketing, ad campaigns, branding, and much more.
Some communities that have been particularly helpful include Snaxshot, CPGD, Startup CPG, and Express Checkout.
If you could go back in your business journey and change one process or approach, what would it be, and how do you wish you’d done it differently?
Looking back, two main changes come to mind. Firstly, identify your strengths and focus on what’s worth your time to learn, while recognizing where your skills might be lacking. For instance, I spent countless hours attempting to design our email templates, ultimately realizing I was unskilled in this area. Hiring a designer for around $30 per email saved me valuable time and stress.
Secondly, leverage AI as much as possible. Tools like OpenClaw can significantly reduce the need for early hiring. I now have an AI assistant that aids in creating ads, designing and dispatching email campaigns, handling invoices, and more.
The Challenges of Bringing a Product to Market
When it comes to this specific business, what is something you’ve found particularly challenging and/or surprising that newcomers to this field should be aware of?
Bringing a product to market is incredibly challenging. While marketing can often be straightforward, producing a product from scratch poses numerous complications. Resources for first-time founders are limited, and challenges abound—from sourcing quality ingredients and perfecting formulations to navigating food safety regulations and finding reliable co-packers. It’s essential to have a belief in your product and ensure it offers something innovative and transformative for consumers.
Can you recall a specific incident when something went awry? How did you resolve it?
During our initial production run of 12,000 boxes, we mistakenly printed the nutritional label with incorrect sodium levels and daily values. We immediately corrected this on our website and communicated transparently in our marketing. Many knowledgeable customers reached out about the errors, and we admitted our mistake, explaining that we were novices who had overlooked it. We committed to rectifying the issue in our next production run—which we indeed did.
Going Viral with $10,000 in Sales in Two Weeks
How long did it take you to see consistent monthly revenue? What were your initial earnings?
Upon launching, we went viral across several news platforms, resulting in around $10,000 in sales within the first two weeks. This initial success was exhilarating and demonstrated market demand for our product. However, subsequent sales did decline, prompting us to learn how to sustain revenue through paid marketing. After approximately two months, we developed a strategy that currently generates over $5,000 in daily sales.
What does your growth and revenue trajectory look like now?
Our growth is robust. Currently, we’re averaging over $5,000 in daily sales, and our projections indicate we will finish the year with approximately $3 million in revenue—an exciting milestone for a fledgling company.
Investing 10-15 Hours a Week on the Side Hustle Initially
How much time do you dedicate to your business on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?
Initially, I spent around 10 to 15 hours per week on Boostcous. However, this commitment has since increased to over 40 hours per week, which is why I’ve decided to transition to working on the business full-time starting next month.
What do you enjoy most about running this business?
Connecting with customers brings me immense joy, particularly witnessing how they incorporate Boostcous into their diets. In the early days, I recognized almost all the names on our orders. Now, as our reach has expanded, I connect with many new customers each day. It’s rewarding to see people making positive dietary changes and discovering incredible, creative uses for Boostcous—like using it for breakfast or transforming it into protein-rich desserts such as rice pudding and cookies.
Learning from Other Founders in the CPG Space
What is your best piece of actionable business advice?
Though it may sound cliché, just start. Taking that first step can be daunting, but it becomes progressively easier as you engage and learn. You’ll quickly acquire new skills, form connections, and gradually build your business. Whether it’s purchasing your domain or crafting your product in your kitchen, just take action.
Furthermore, follow the Instagram accounts of individuals one step ahead of you in the CPG space. New brands are constantly emerging, many of which are under a year old. Engage with them, cultivate friendships, and those connections will prove invaluable as your business grows.
