Side hustling, aka a second source of income, has fascinated me for ages. I recently started selling some of my clothes on Instagram stories and Poshmark (I’m @shopybc on Poshmark) just out of curiosity to see if I could earn a little extra cash. It required very little extra time, it was fun for me to do, and I like shopping (and selling) sustainably, so it seemed like a natural fit. I got so into it, I asked on Instagram if anyone else had a little side hustle they were into. It turned out so many people are side hustlin’ their way to get where they want to go, that I thought I’d share some of the things people are doing and their tips in case you’re out there wondering how you can get ahead.
Hustle: Starting a new philanthropic foundation dedicated to combatting global poverty.
Investment: Funding for the initiative is coming from a wealthy donor, so I’ve only invested personally in minor business expenses (along with my time).
ROI: Huge social return-on-investment. The financial return is not relevant in this case.
Tips: Find something you care about that really fires you up- it’s necessary if you are going to put in nights and weekends! Dream big and be bold because if it’s a side hustle, you probably have your downside risk protected with your 9-5 job.
Hustle: Personal Trainer & Yoga Teacher
Investment: 200hr Teacher training , professional development courses, blocks, therapy balls, weights, bands, yoga mats. $5000 roughly
ROI: $2000. Work in progress. Just paying off tuition now. Been at it for 2-3 years.
Tips: Don't give up! Put your time in and work smart. Be logical and have attainable goals. But remember to follow your heart and do what feels right.
Hustle: Wood Burning Mandalas and Mala Bracelets ✌️
Investment: Maybe like $1000 on supplies/tools.
ROI: $4000ish - been at it for 14 months.
Tips: Etsy is super helpful (IG name: SheriFayeRosendahl)
Hustle: Being a producer and DJ
Investment: Maybe 3000 (built my own studio, presets, music, sticker, social media, etc.)
ROI: 8000€ - Been doing it for 5 years.
Tips: Save money and start right. Try to avoid using the cheaper option if the quality doesn’t suit your needs.
Hustle: Airbnb Admin + consults
Investment: $0
ROI: $1,000 - at it for 2 months
Tips: Follow your passions, find a way to make it passive, have it complement your big hustle
Hustle: Bartender/server
Investment: $0
ROI: $10,000/year
Tips: If you're worried about finding time for other things you will!
Hustle: Rodan + Fields skincare
Investment: about $750 when I first started. I bought one of their business kits that came with a lot of the products at a discounted price, which I either kept for myself or turned around & sold at a discounted price
ROI: Approx $2,000 in 10 months
Tips: Just keep it fun!! Work it the way YOU want to & whether you start your own or join a biz make sure their models & company feel right to YOU. Side hustles are about enjoying your life & getting paid to do it.
Hustle: Freelance graphic design and marketing
Investment: Less than $500-600over several years for software.
ROI: Approximately 25-30k over 7-8 years
Tips: Enjoy it. Don't take on too much. Understand your value. Cheap penny-pinching clients are not with your time. Beware of working for friends; it can be amazing but tread carefully.
Hustle: Dog sitting
Investment: $10 towards a background check. I could always invest more for business cards etc but because I’m on an app/website and I don’t really need the extra money (I just like dogs lol) I haven’t invested more.
ROI: I just did my taxes and I made $2,000 this year which is putting me at right around $2,700 for the year and a half I’ve been playing with pups
Tips: Do your research! Find out all your can and would need to possibly know about it before to do it. Have your friends or family test you before you have real people. Figure out your like-ability and your refer-ability and work on how you can improve that, word of mouth/reviews make or break small biz.
Hustle: Swim Coach
Investment: $0
ROI: Approx. $3000-$5000 annually
Tips: Find something you’re good at or an unusual skill set you have, use it to your advantage.
Hustle: Tutoring and dog walking
Investment: Less than $200 on dog treats, poop bags, whiteboard + markers, educational tools
ROI: >$30,000 in almost two years — tutoring eventually turned into main hustle
Tips: Marketing is key - Facebook, a website, Craigslist, etc. are all great (and cheap) options. I get most of my clients through Craigslist or my website.
Hustle: STEM tutoring and collage admissions consulting
Investment: Invested about $500 for the website domain, online ads, subscriptions to quickbooks, books, and a business cellphone
ROI: $1500 in one year.
Tips: Manage your time efficiently (esp if you work a full time job too) and avoid distractions (phone, TV) when you set aside dedicated time for your side hustle
Hustle: Graphic Design
Investment: $0
ROI: $130k in three years
Tips: Find something you love doing so it doesn’t feel like work on top of work
Hustle: Eyelash Extensions
Investment: $300 for class and kit and then $100 per week in booth rent (part time) and about $100 per month on supplies.
ROI: I work part time and am new so I’m working at a discounted price and made about $1800 back so far (this will keep increasing with time)
Tips: Don’t give up if you’re passionate, even if it’s hard at first!