Kelly Gordon vividly remembers her first time stepping onto a yacht in 2007: she climbed up the metal ladder, set foot on the back deck, and was immediately greeted by the refreshing scent of saltwater. “I didn’t even know port from starboard,” Gordon, now 42, recalls to CNBC Make It. For the next four years, she dedicated herself to becoming a yacht captain, mainly during her summer breaks from her full-time job as an adjunct chemistry professor at Carteret Community College in North Carolina.

Today, Gordon serves as a superyacht captain for “ultra-high net worth” boat owners, typically working with one client at a time. She is currently based in Palm Beach, Florida, stationed aboard a 108-foot yacht.

In 2019, Gordon began documenting her adventures on Instagram. Her content quickly resonated with viewers beyond the yachting community, and she now considers content creation her side hustle. On average, she dedicates about five hours per week to this endeavor during her off-duty hours.

Gordon's side hustle generated $124,000 in revenue last year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. This income includes earnings from sponsorships, public speaking engagements, advertisements, affiliate marketing on her social media platforms, and merchandise sales. Much of this revenue goes towards paying her video editor, PR manager, speaking coach, and three other part-time employees. Gordon currently reinvests all earnings into her business, Captain Kelly J. Gordon, rather than pocketing any of the money herself.

From Classrooms to Yacht Decks

Gordon discovered yachting at age 26, during her first semester of teaching. Invited to a wedding reception on a boat by one of her students, she didn't know anyone else there. Noticing the captain seemed overwhelmed by the number of guests, she offered to help him set up. Later, she joked with him, saying, “I bet I could drive this thing.” The captain scoffed initially, but when Gordon returned the next day, he agreed to mentor her. He insisted that she spend time in every section of the boat, from the deck to the engine room, so she could understand the full scope of crew responsibilities if she ever became a captain.

The mechanics of the yacht reminded her of operating tractors on her family farm in Indiana. Moreover, being on the water provided a peaceful respite from her mental health struggles. Throughout her twenties, Gordon dealt with depression and anxiety and even contemplated suicide before the wedding reception. Instead, she sought help from a psychiatrist and started taking antidepressants. She became a full-fledged boat captain the following year and balanced her yachting duties with her teaching role until 2018, gradually learning to maintain her mental health.

“At 39, I felt like I had it figured out. I knew how to manage my happiness and my life,” says Gordon.

An Accidental Social Media Following

In 2019, Gordon’s siblings convinced her to join Instagram and Facebook to stay in touch more easily. One of her early posts about a trip up the Mississippi River during the Covid-19 pandemic drew attention beyond her friend group, prompting her to share more, including videos about mental health. Many entry-level roles on yachts are filled by young people who often take a gap year between college and employment. They spend long periods away from home, friends, and cell service, making it challenging to consistently get along with coworkers in close quarters. Gordon's videos addressing these issues gained traction, particularly when a follower from France shared that her content had inspired her to keep fighting through a severe illness.

“That’s when I realized, ‘I’ve got something here,’” Gordon recalls.

Ambitious Goals for the Future

Gordon currently spends eight to 16 hours per day on her client’s yacht, working five to seven days per week. She posts to social media daily, filming during her downtime. Her side hustle brought in nearly $24,000 last month, surpassing her highest-earning month of the previous year by about $4,000. With over 10,000 followers on Instagram, she has recently launched a podcast discussing mental health, boat safety, and yachting careers.

Her goals include earning enough to pay herself at least a small income by May 2025 and doubling her revenue annually until she reaches $1 million. Gordon plans to expand her current projects, secure more lucrative partnerships and sponsorships, and charge more for speaking engagements instead of occasionally doing them for free.

Despite her growing side hustle, Gordon has no plans to leave yachting. Her appeal to followers depends on her being onboard, and she loves the daily experience of being on the water. “I’m hoping this will be my retirement job ... traveling around the world, showing up at events, inspiring people, and continuing with my social media,” she says, adding, “I’m not done running boats anytime soon.”

From Classroom to Captain: Gordon's Journey

Gordon’s journey from a classroom to the captain’s deck is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her initial foray into yachting was driven by a spontaneous offer to assist a wedding boat captain. This chance encounter led her to a new passion and career. The captain, recognizing her interest, offered her mentorship, insisting that she learn every aspect of the yacht’s operations. This comprehensive training equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the yachting industry.

Balancing two demanding careers, Gordon continued teaching while pursuing her captain’s license. The dual roles allowed her to gain a unique perspective, blending her academic discipline with the practical, hands-on experience required in yachting. Her journey was not without challenges, but her commitment to both fields demonstrated her ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

Growing Influence and Expanding Reach

Gordon’s influence extends beyond her role as a yacht captain. Her social media presence has grown significantly, allowing her to connect with a broader audience. Her posts, which initially aimed to keep in touch with family, have evolved into a platform for sharing her experiences, insights, and advocacy for mental health.

Her content resonates with a diverse audience, including those outside the yachting community. This broader reach has opened up opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships, further enhancing her brand and business. Her goal to double her revenue annually reflects her ambitious vision for the future, leveraging her growing influence to expand her impact.

Future Aspirations and Long-term Vision

Gordon’s aspirations extend beyond her current achievements. She envisions her side hustle evolving into a retirement venture, allowing her to travel the world, attend events, and inspire others through her experiences. Her dedication to mental health advocacy remains a central theme in her content, aiming to provide support and encouragement to those facing similar challenges.

Her strategic approach to business growth includes increasing her presence at speaking engagements, enhancing her partnerships, and continuously engaging her audience through diverse content. This forward-thinking strategy positions her for sustained success, both as a yacht captain and a social media influencer.