Side Hustle Ideas for Stay at Home Moms
1. Sourdough bread/baked goods
For some time, I used to announce my baking schedule on Facebook, allowing everyone in the vicinity to place their orders for a piece of bread. The strategy was successful! Similarly, one of my acquaintances sells delectable cupcakes via the same method and receives a large number of orders after posting the weekly menu (please note that the cupcakes are not intricately decorated, but are covered with a sleek layer of icing). Although my intention was to attract more clients by participating in nearby farmer’s markets, I had to alter my course of action prior to the start of the season.
2. Farmer’s markets
Selling at a farmer’s market is not exclusive to gardeners! Depending on your state regulations, you can also offer canned or baked items, handmade lotions, soaps, salves, as well as wooden utensils, cutting boards, or bowls.
3. Customs cookies
I am amazed when I attend a baby shower or birthday party and find a plethora of personalized, handcrafted sugar cookies presented on platters, which can cost between $4-6 each. If interested, cookie decorating can be mastered through resources such as Youtube tutorials or online courses like Miss Biscuit’s online cookie decorating class.
4. Cake decorating
This is yet another expensive baking service. In 2009, I used to charge approximately $2 per serving (considering an 8” round cake as 20 servings) to adorn a basic wedding cake, and I can only ponder how high the price must be today. Once again, this is not a skill that requires years of training. I enrolled in Wilton Classes at Hobby Lobby, and enhanced my know-how on platforms like Cake Central and Youtube. Initially, I was hesitant to attend these classes as I lacked hand-eye coordination and assumed only artists could decorate cakes and cookies. In a way, creativity is essential for generating ideas, but the techniques used in decoration are uncomplicated, and there are tools available to assist in the process.
5. Dog treats
It’s believable that pets have become the equivalent of children, considering the amount of money pet owners spend on them. It’s possible to sell homemade pet treats at farmer’s markets and online through websites such as Etsy, making it an accessible venture. Simply having a few high-quality dog treat recipes, attractive packaging, and a fondness for animals is all that is necessary. If you’re an animal lover, you’re aware of how willing individuals are to invest in excellent pet treats.
6. Printables
Selling printable versions of organizational or artistic creations is possible if you possess the skills for it. A great platform to start from is Etsy. I personally sell some printable versions of organizational tools like a meal planning binder, finance binder, and garden journal. Since I have my own website, I just need a delivery service like Sendowl to send the downloads to customers once they pay. There are also many other options available. If you are looking for inspiration, browsing similar items on Etsy can give you some ideas.
7. Homemade soap
Homemade soap is beloved by many individuals, including myself. A soap that has an appealing fragrance, provides health benefits, or is unique is especially favored. My specialty is goat milk and essential oil soap, while my friend focuses on aesthetically pleasing bars with less emphasis on the ingredients. Both niches have proven to be prosperous. Initially, I began selling soap on Etsy and later expanded to farmer’s markets. Although I enjoyed the experience, my attention shifted to a different business when we moved to Texas, and I discontinued soap making. Nonetheless, soap and bath products possess immense potential, and my recipes can be found here. Even though it wasn’t suitable for me, it doesn’t detract from the lucrative nature of the business.
8. Stock photography
If you possess photography skills, you can market your work on platforms such as Shutterstock or iStock photo. (Visit Shopify’s compilation of 18 websites to offer stock photographs.) However, if you do not possess photography skills, do not worry; you can acquire them (further elucidation in a moment).
9. Food photography
After unsuccessfully trying out various other side gigs, I ended up here. Whenever I have some free time, I create a recipe, snap photos, edit them, and then advertise them for sale in a food blogger community. This has helped to increase my visibility, and now I mainly work on a freelance basis. At times, I am responsible for devising and capturing a recipe for a blogger or brand, whereas other times I will work with a recipe provided to me.
Let me clarify that I was not a skilled photographer. In fact, I had absolutely no knack or inherent ability in this field. I lacked any understanding of lighting or arrangement. Despite this, I attended classes and gradually honed my skills to the point where I could demand several hundred dollars per session. I specialize in providing promotional images for food brands and captivating food photography for bloggers’ recipes that leave readers salivating.
The key message conveyed is that one may perceive something to be beyond their capabilities, however, they could acquire new skills through dedicated effort. It is worth noting that there are countless supplementary occupations for mothers who work from home that might be unforeseen.
Our financial growth over the past decade or more has been greatly aided by the presence of a side hustle. While my husband’s side hustle grew into a full-time business, my own side hustle has helped us invest more towards retirement and provided funds for our children’s expensive extracurricular activities.
I am not suggesting that we abandon frugality entirely. However, although one can lead a fulfilling life while being poor through hard work, achieving financial stability is game-changing. Moreover, having multiple sources of income increases one’s level of security.
Online Side Hustle Ideas
1. Digital Products
Selling digital goods, such as printables and templates, is an excellent method of generating passive income. You only need to design your product, list it for purchase online, and sit back and watch the profits accumulate. Printables are a quick and simple method to earn money from the comfort of your own home.
Etsy is a beneficial platform where one can both market these items and gain inspiration for digital products to create and vend.
2. Freelance Writing
Selling written content such as blog articles, magazine articles, and sales copy (which are used by businesses to persuade readers to purchase their product) is a possibility if you possess strong writing skills.
For stay at home moms, freelancing is a perfect job as it allows you to have control over your schedule, pay, and customer base.
Take a look at my article about freelance writing opportunities specifically for mothers.
3. Blogging
Starting a blog based on your interest and expertise can enable you to profit by utilizing affiliate marketing or ad placement as a source of income.
Remember to prioritize building traffic and establishing a loyal following as your initial objectives for your blog. As these goals are achieved, there may be potential for generating a satisfactory income.
4. Virtual Assistant
A VA, which stands for virtual assistant, aids entrepreneurs in numerous duties including customer email response, social media group monitoring, and data acquisition for corporations.
One of the benefits of being a virtual assistant, particularly for a stay-at-home individual attempting to establish a side business, is the flexibility to accept straightforward tasks that can be quickly accomplished throughout the day.
5. Online Coaching
Providing online coaching services entails interacting individually with individuals and imparting your knowledge to them. An array of subjects can be covered through coaching services that you offer.
You can offer coaching services based on your area of expertise, such as fitness coaching, organizational coaching, or life coaching.
6. Sell Photos Online
Even if you only use your phone to take photos, if you have a talent for photography, you can make money by selling your work as digital prints or by submitting it to stock photo websites.
To begin, explore platforms such as Etsy, Creative Market, Adobe Stock, and Shutterstock.
Setting up a passive income stream and side hustle has never been easier or more exciting!
7. Teach English to Foreign Students
Numerous online companies are on the lookout for native English speakers who can tutor Chinese children in spoken and written English.
One of the most well-known platforms is VIPKid , which pays around $14-22/hour for teachers to, well, teach from the comfort of their homes.
Although the salary is excellent, remember that you have limited flexibility in choosing your working hours because of the time zone differences.
8. Tutor Online
One option for teaching English to children from different countries is to provide virtual tutoring. This allows you to attract clients within your locality or within relatively closer time zones.
One way to secure online tutoring jobs is by looking for them on job boards, or you can also find clients on your own.
Although video chat is the primary method of tutoring, you also have the option of assisting students with written work such as essays through email.
9. Start a YouTube Channel
You have a wide range of options for creating video content, including vlogs, baking tutorials, organization advice, fitness routines, crafting ideas, and product evaluations.
Although it may take a while to establish a following, producing engaging content can result in considerable earnings through YouTube.
In addition, companies may offer payment for sponsored videos to promote their product or service.
