Eight years ago, kindergarten teacher Becky Powell found herself in a familiar new-mom scenario: restless during maternity leave, with a sleeping baby and time on her hands. Little did she know that those quiet moments would be the birthplace of a six-figure side hustle that would change her family's financial future.
It all started with a friend's offhand suggestion: "Why not use your son's nap time to make some extra cash?" The friend pointed Powell towards Teachers Pay Teachers, an online marketplace that's essentially the Etsy of the education world. Here, teachers can buy and sell educational resources, from worksheets to lesson plans, covering every grade level and subject imaginable.
Powell, armed with her teaching experience and a creative spark, dove in. She started crafting worksheets, working from her couch or kitchen table while her little one snoozed. Her store, aptly named Sight Word Activities, zeroed in on her specialty: teaching literacy to the youngest learners.
"At first, it was just a trickle of income," Powell recalls. "But within a couple of weeks, I was covering small household bills. Four months in, and suddenly I'm paying off our monthly student loan payments. It was surreal."
As the years rolled by, Powell's 10-hour-per-week side gig blossomed into a thriving business. Last year, her Teachers Pay Teachers store brought in a staggering $125,500 - that's over $10,400 per month. CNBC Make It reviewed the documents, confirming this impressive figure.
But the story doesn't end there. Powell's success inspired her husband, Jerome, a full-time computer engineer, to join the educational resource game. His store, Editable Activities, now contributes an additional $50,000 annually to their side hustle empire.
"It's amazing," Powell marvels. "I have worksheets that I created eight years ago that still yield thousands in passive income every year. Even when life gets hectic and I can't create new content, the sales keep rolling in."
The secret to their success?
Powell's classroom serves as the perfect testing ground for her products. Her kindergarteners, whom she affectionately calls her "clients," help her identify challenging concepts. She then creates worksheets to address these issues, test-drives them with her students, and only then puts them up for sale online.
Jerome brought a tech-savvy approach to their burgeoning business. He taught Powell the ins and outs of search engine optimization, helping her products stand out in the crowded online marketplace. "He'd always tell me," Powell laughs, "'Do you know where the best place to hide a dead body? On the third page of search results.'"
As their success grew, so did their business acumen. In 2021, on the advice of their tax consultant, the couple formed an S-Corp, combining their separate seller profiles under one tax-efficient umbrella. As "premium sellers" on the platform, they each pay an annual $59.95 subscription fee, allowing them to keep a whopping 80% of their sales as profit.
Powell's teaching schedule means her side hustle work ebbs and flows with the school year. She often scales back during busy teaching periods but ramps up production during the summers to build a financial cushion for the unpredictable school year ahead.
So, what does a family do with this newfound wealth? "Well, we've done the responsible adult things," Powell explains. "We're paying down our mortgage faster and we've completely paid off our student loans." But it's not all sensible financial planning. "We've had some fun too," she adds with a grin. "We took our boys to Disneyland - their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning. And Jerome and I treated ourselves to a romantic getaway in Aruba. It's important to enjoy the fruits of your labor, right?"
As Powell reflects on her journey from nap time hustler to educational resource mogul, she offers a word of encouragement to other teachers considering a similar path: "Don't underestimate the value of your classroom experience. Every lesson plan, every worksheet, every creative solution you come up with - these are gold. There's a whole world of educators out there looking for exactly what you know how to do."
From the kitchen table to a six-figure business, Becky and Jerome Powell have transformed their teaching tools into a ticket to financial freedom and family adventures.
It's a reminder that sometimes, the most ordinary moments - like a baby's nap time - can be the launching pad for extraordinary success.
We've compiled a list of 42 side hustles for women that not only make money but also fit into your busy schedule.
These side hustles are perfect for women looking to tap into the gig economy, make extra income, and explore their talents and interests.
Let's get started!
Why Turning Your Side Hustle Into a Lifestyle Business is Ultimate Freedom
Many people start side hustles as a way to earn extra income, pursue their passions, or test out new business ideas. However, taking your side hustle to the next level and transforming it into a full-fledged lifestyle business can offer you ultimate freedom and opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence.
A side hustle is typically a part-time endeavor that allows you to explore a particular interest or skill while still maintaining your primary source of income. It can be anything from freelance writing, graphic design, photography, or even selling handmade products online. While side hustles can provide an additional stream of income, they often come with limitations in terms of time and earning potential.
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However, when you turn your side hustle into a lifestyle business, you have the opportunity to break free from these limitations. By dedicating more time and resources to your business, you can scale it up and create a sustainable source of income. This transition can provide you with the ultimate freedom to work on your own terms and become your own boss.
One of the major advantages of having a lifestyle business is the flexibility it offers. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, you have the ability to set your own schedule and determine how much time you want to invest in your business. This flexibility allows you to balance your work and personal life, giving you more control over your time and priorities.
Financial independence is another key aspect of a lifestyle business. As an entrepreneur, you have the potential to earn unlimited income based on the growth and success of your business. Unlike a side hustle, where your earning potential may be limited, a lifestyle business can provide you with the financial freedom to support your desired lifestyle and achieve your long-term goals.
Furthermore, a lifestyle business gives you the opportunity to pursue your passions and work on projects that align with your interests. Rather than being restricted to a specific industry or job role, you have the flexibility to explore different avenues, learn new skills, and evolve your business based on your personal and professional interests.
42 Life-Changing Side Hustles for Women
Here are 42 side hustles for women that can help you earn extra income:
Blogging: Share your expertise in a specific niche and monetize your blog through sponsored content, ads, or affiliate marketing.
Content Writing: Offer your writing services to businesses and publications looking for quality content.
Virtual Assisting: Provide administrative or technical support remotely to entrepreneurs or small businesses.
Consulting: Utilize your expertise to offer consulting services in your field of knowledge.
Tutoring: Share your knowledge by offering tutoring services in subjects you excel in.
Proofreading: Help authors and businesses polish their written content by providing proofreading services.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through your website or social media and earn commission for each sale made through your referral.
Graphic Design: Use your design skills to create logos, graphics, or other visual assets for clients.
Web Design: Create websites for individuals or businesses looking to establish or improve their online presence.
AI Prompt Engineering: Provide prompt engineering services for chatbots or automated systems.
Voice-over Artist: Use your voice to lend your talent to commercials, audiobooks, animations, and more.
Online Courses: Share your expertise and create online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
Resume/CV Writing: Help job seekers land their dream job by crafting compelling resumes or CVs.
Photography: Capture special moments for clients through photography services.
Bookkeeping Services: Offer bookkeeping services to small businesses to help them manage their finances.
Jewelry Making: Create and sell your own unique jewelry designs online or at local markets.
Selling on Etsy: Set up an Etsy shop and sell handmade crafts, vintage items, or digital downloads.
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Rideshare Driving: Make money by becoming a rideshare driver for platforms like Uber or Lyft.
Reselling: Source and sell secondhand items on platforms like eBay or Poshmark.
Pet Sitting: Provide pet sitting services for pet owners in your local area.
Caring for Children/Elderly: Offer childcare or elderly care services to families or individuals in need.
Renting out Property: Earn passive income by renting out a spare room or property on platforms like Airbnb.
Selling Handmade Products: Create and sell handmade products like soaps, candles, or crafts.
Drone Pilot and Aerial Videography: Utilize your drone piloting skills to capture stunning aerial footage for clients.
Home Organizing and Decluttering: Help individuals or families organize and declutter their living spaces.
Errand Running Services: Offer errand running services for busy individuals or elderly people.
Personal Fitness or Wellness Coaching: Share your passion for fitness or wellness by offering coaching services.
Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for businesses, helping them grow their online presence.
Event Planning or Party Organizing: Plan and organize events or parties for clients.
Content Creation for YouTube or Podcasting: Create video or audio content on platforms like YouTube or podcasting.
Personal Styling or Fashion Consulting: Help individuals enhance their personal style or offer fashion consulting services.
Interior Designing: Use your creativity to provide interior design services for homes or businesses.
Makeup Artist: Offer makeup services for special events, weddings, or photoshoots.
Author: Write and publish your own books or sell e-books online.
Selling Products on Amazon: Start your own Amazon FBA business by sourcing and selling products on the platform.
Building and Flipping Blogs: Create and sell profitable blogs or websites.
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Social Media Influencing: Leverage your social media presence to partner with brands for sponsored content.
SEO Consulting: Help businesses improve their online visibility and rankings through SEO strategies.
Dropshipping: Set up an online store and sell products without the need for inventory or shipping.
Print on Demand Ecommerce Store: Create and sell custom-designed products using print on demand services.
YouTuber: Create and publish video content on YouTube and monetize your channel through ads and sponsorships.
Starting a Newsletter: Share valuable content with subscribers through a paid newsletter or subscription service.
These are just a few examples of side hustles that can help women generate extra income, pursue their passions, and embrace the flexibility of the gig economy.
Consider your skills, interests, and available time to find the perfect side hustle that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of Side Hustles for Women
If you're considering a side hustle, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Side hustles offer numerous advantages for women entrepreneurs, starting with the potential for extra income. Whether you're looking to supplement your current salary or achieve financial independence, a side hustle can provide a valuable source of additional funds.
Flexibility is another key benefit of side hustles. As a woman with multiple responsibilities, having the freedom to choose your own schedule can be a game-changer. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a full-time employee, or a student, a side hustle allows you to work on your own terms, fitting your business around your life.
Furthermore, side hustles can offer opportunities for skill development and personal growth. By pursuing your passions and interests, you can enhance your expertise and expand your professional network. Whether it's through learning new technologies, honing your marketing skills, or building a customer base, a side hustle can be a stepping stone to further career progression and success.
Although side hustles have numerous advantages, it's important to consider the potential challenges as well.
Time management can be one of the biggest hurdles women face when juggling their main job, family responsibilities, and a side hustle. Balancing multiple roles and allocating time effectively is crucial to avoid burnout.
It's essential to set realistic expectations and establish boundaries to ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Side hustles offer significant advantages for women entrepreneurs, including extra income, flexibility, skill development, and the opportunity to pursue passions. However, it's important to carefully consider the potential challenges, such as time management and burnout.
By evaluating the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether a side hustle is the right path for you based on your circumstances and goals.
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FAQ
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a part-time job or gig that you do alongside your regular full-time job or other commitments. It provides an opportunity to earn extra income and can be done in various industries or online platforms.
Why should women consider starting a side hustle?
Starting a side hustle allows women to have additional sources of income, gain financial independence, pursue their passions, and develop new skills. It also offers flexibility and the potential for growth and entrepreneurship.
How can women turn a side hustle into a lifestyle business?
By dedicating more time and effort to their side hustle, women can gradually turn it into a lifestyle business. This involves scaling their operations, building a customer base, and treating the side hustle as a full-time business that provides ultimate freedom and financial independence.
What are some examples of profitable side hustles for women?
Some examples of profitable side hustles for women include freelancing, selling products or services online, consulting, tutoring, graphic design, web design, writing, photography, social media management, event planning, and many more. The options are diverse and can be tailored to individual skills and interests.
What are the advantages of having a side hustle?
The advantages of having a side hustle include the potential for extra income, flexibility in working hours, the opportunity to pursue one's passions, and the ability to develop new skills. It can also be a stepping stone towards entre
preneurship and financial independence.
What are the challenges of having a side hustle?
Some challenges of having a side hustle include managing time effectively, balancing multiple responsibilities, and potentially experiencing burnout. It requires careful planning and organization to ensure that the side hustle does not interfere with other aspects of life.
How can women balance their side hustles with their other commitments?
Balancing a side hustle with other commitments can be achieved by setting clear priorities, managing time effectively, delegating tasks if necessary, and maintaining open communication with family and friends. It is essential to find a balance that works for individual circumstances.
How can I make $2000 a month side hustle?
To earn $2000 monthly through side hustles, focus on higher-paying opportunities. Consider offering specialized services like editing college admission essays, providing administrative tasks for businesses, or starting a side business catering to corporate events.
What are good side jobs for women?
Good side jobs for women vary based on skills and preferences. Popular options include selling products online, offering babysitting or cleaning services, or exploring creative ventures like becoming a Canva graphic designer.
How to make an extra $1,000 a month side hustle?
Achieve an additional $1,000 monthly through a combination of income streams. Explore options like a part-time day job, freelance writing, providing delivery services such as food delivery, or selling products on platforms like Amazon.
How can women make extra cash?
Women can earn extra cash by engaging in side hustles aligned with their skills and interests. This may include offering specialized services, participating in delivery services, or selling products online, providing an opportunity for additional spending money.