I asked this question back in 2014 (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7367243) hoping to start something myself. It's now 2021 and I still have nothing to show but failed attempts. Looking through the list of businesses from 2014 and a vast majority of them look like they are still active which is great! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. It is tougher to find the time these days with 2 kids, but I am setting myself the goal of $25K from non hour based work this year. Well done to all of you that have succeeded. To all of us dreamers, this could be the year!
I am happy to report that I am now running a very successful one-person business and killing it!
Only joking... I'm still reading HN posts about successful one-person businesses for inspiration and working for the man. Time does fly though...