Many people say that if you do something you love for work, you won’t ever feel like you’re working for money. On the other hand, some business owners say that turning your hobbies into work takes the fun and passion away. After all, there is no perfect job in the world. At some point, every profession and business could experience hardship.
Today, expanding your income sources has become a priority for many people. Since the prices of consumer goods are continually increasing but most people’s salaries stay the same, it’s critical to look for other income streams to keep your finances afloat. That’s why regardless of what people say about turning your hobby into a business, it can still be a reliable source of monthly income, especially if you urgently need one.
If you’re one of the many looking for another profit source to reach your financial goals, this post is for you. Here are seven hobbies you can turn into a business or side hustle for extra income.
1 – Hobby: digital art or drawing; Business: sticker making
One of the hobbies many people worldwide enjoy is drawing. The chances you’ve also doodled during your school days are high because who hasn’t even done that? Today, many create their hobbies digitally thanks to reliable digital features. If you’re into digital art, you can offer many products and services, starting with sticker making.
Stickers are one of the stationery products many students and adults love. The fun part is you only need your laptop or smartphone to design one. If you’re just starting, you can bring your design files to a photo printing shop for high-quality printing your customers will love. If your business succeeds, you can buy your printer and other materials for your sticker-making business so you can do the printing on your own.
2 – Hobby: writing; Business: content writing, digital marketing, or SEO services
Many people love to write. Today, you’ll find many helpful and entertaining blog posts on the internet that also provide a business service to clients. I’m talking about content writing for search engine optimisation. If you have the writing talent or can finish a 1000-word article in an hour or two, you can use your skill to become a freelance writer for digital marketing or SEO businesses.
Aside from becoming a freelance writer, you can start your content writing or SEO business if you have the time. But compared to being a freelancer, handling an SEO business might require more of your time. If you insist on starting one, it would be best to take one client at a time instead of managing two clients since the workload can be hefty, especially if you have other responsibilities aside from this.
3 – Hobby: working out; Business; creating workout Youtube videos
During the last decade, it’s clear how our definition of business has changed. Today, many make more than people working in corporate jobs thanks to online digital platforms. One of the “business” types that can be a great source of passive income is videos on Youtube.
If you love staying active during your free time, simply love to keep your body in shape, or are knowledgeable about muscle-building tips, why don’t you record yourself during one of your workout sessions and then post it on Youtube? You can create different workout routines for beginners, intermediate, and advanced trainers. You can also edit your videos by adding explanations and descriptions to educate people about the proper way of doing a specific exercise.
4 – Hobby: gardening; Business: selling home plants
One of the hobbies many people started during the pandemic was gardening and collecting plants. Today, many people still expand their plant collection and have become their lifestyle to grow plants. If you’re one of those people and have become knowledgeable in growing plants, why don’t you start selling your home-grown plants to other people, too?
You can look for suppliers for plastic or ceramic pots for your plants. Also, you don’t have to have a physical store for this. You can start online or rent kiosks in public spaces on weekends if you want a physical store. Just decide what setup would work best with your schedule and resources.
5 – Hobby: photography; Business: events photographer
Many people have a talent for photography. And today, photographs have become essential assets on the internet. After all, people love immortalising and looking back on the special moments in their lives, even the mundane ones. If you have a talent for photography, you can be a photographer for events.
There’s something about witnessing other people’s essential milestones in life. If you enjoy that and have a flexible schedule, you can use photography as your side hustle. You can also refine your photos and include them in your package.
6 – Hobby: practising make-up; Business: make-up artist or upload tutorial videos on Youtube
Today, you’ll see many online videos about “glam make-up tutorials.” And even though putting on make-up and styling yourself seems easy, many don’t have the eye or talent for it. If you have the skill for putting make-up, you can market yourself as a part-time make-up artist or upload tutorial videos on Youtube.
I mentioned earlier that uploading videos online is a great passive income stream. You can also keep practising on yourself, family, or friends before accepting bookings.
7 – Hobby: cooking or baking; Business: made-to-order food or pastries
Last but not least is cooking or baking. It’s no news that a food business will always be in demand. You just have to be smart in choosing what type of food to offer–something people will always buy regardless of the season or occasion. And if you don’t only enjoy cooking but are good at it, why don’t you make it your official side hustle or business?
If you have a regular nine-to-five corporate job on weekdays, cooking or baking is the perfect weekend business or side hustle you can do. As I mentioned in selling home plants, you can rent small kiosks in public spaces if you want to operate a physical store on weekends. On the other hand, starting online is always a good, convenient, and budget-friendly option.
Choose a hobby you can commit to and won’t affect your other responsibilities negatively.
Deciding on another business or side hustle to commit to can be challenging. It’s even tougher when you’re not confident yet with your hobby and skills. But as you choose, make sure it’s something you can commit to–and won’t affect your other responsibilities negatively. Of course, turning your hobby into an income stream can be challenging. That’s why you must only do it at the expense of how much you can produce and manage in your extra time.
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for DS Colour Labs Ltd (DSCL), a professional photography lab that offers a vast range of products and services for photo and print needs.