From Law School to 6-Figure Art Business: How Elyse Burns Overcame Debt and Found Success
Elyse Burns, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, paid off more than $75,000 in federal student loans by 2023 without taking the bar exam, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. She enrolled in Duke University’s law school in 2019, taking out loans to cover $63,000 in annual tuition and $20,000 in living expenses, but abandoned a legal career to focus on her art business, Elyse Breanne Design. The company, which began as an Etsy store in 2015, generated $360,000 in sales by 2020 and reached $4.6 million in 2025, according to Burns.
What Happened?
Burns started selling hand-painted canvases on Etsy at 18, opening a bank account linked to her seller account on her 18th birthday. By 2020, her business was earning six figures annually. She enrolled in Duke Law in 2019, taking federal loans to cover costs, but left the program without passing the bar. Instead, she pivoted to selling stickers, coloring books, and stationery through platforms like Faire and expanded into retail, including Blick Art Materials and 40 Hallmark locations. By 2023, she had repaid all student debt, citing the pandemic-era interest-free forbearance period as a motivator.
Why It Matters
Burns’ story challenges conventional narratives about higher education and career paths. Her decision to pursue art over law, while managing student debt, highlights the growing trend of entrepreneurs leveraging side hustles to achieve financial independence. The rise of e-commerce and social media platforms like TikTok enabled her to scale her business, with her law school experience indirectly boosting visibility. Her case also underscores the shifting value of professional degrees, as she found a more fulfilling and profitable path outside traditional career trajectories.
What May Happen Next
Burns’ next goals include expanding her product distribution to more big-box stores, a step she has described as a “great problem to have” due to her company’s rapid growth. With 18 full-time employees and a $4.6 million sales figure in 2025, the business could face challenges in maintaining quality and operational efficiency as it scales. Analysts note that small businesses often struggle with inventory management and supply chain logistics during growth phases. Burns has expressed no immediate interest in selling her company, stating she would likely start another business if she did, suggesting continued focus on expansion rather than acquisition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Elyse Burns’ total student loan debt? Burns paid off more than $75,000 in outstanding loans, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It.
What is the current sales figure for Elyse Breanne Design? In 2025, the company brought in about $4.6 million in sales across various outlets.
How many employees does the company have? The company has 18 full-time employees, according to Burns.
What does Elyse Burns’ journey suggest about the value of unconventional career paths in today’s