Job loss led couple to grow camcorder rental business
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Rachel Calaj and Felipe Rochi of the US started a camcorder rental business, Pass the Cam, that has grown after Felipe Rochi lost his job in June and Calaj’s school psychologist contract ended in May, shortly before the birth of their first child.
Rochi initially created a website and TikTok account for the business in April after seeing videos of similar services.
They began with a single Sony 4K camcorder purchased for around $1,100 and quickly gained traction, receiving their first orders in May. As new parents, Calaj and Rochi divided the work. Rochi handles marketing, camera maintenance, and editing oversight, while Calaj manages operations, bookings, shipping, and inventory. They intentionally price their rental packages lower than competitors and include extras without additional fees, offering starter, core, and deluxe options ranging from $429 to $899.
Since starting in May, the couple has served nearly 100 clients and generated over $50,000 in net revenue, with September accounting for approximately half of that total. Rochi has stopped searching for a second job, hoping the camcorder business and his full-time SEO role will allow Calaj to remain home with their child indefinitely.
