643: 10 Creative Side Hustles That Make Real Money
Nov 28, 2024
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This discussion features a wealth of innovative side hustles, like mobile gift wrapping, which transformed a personal struggle into a booming business. It highlights unique opportunities such as print-on-demand candles and a pay-what-you-want poetry service. Listeners will be intrigued by stories of entrepreneurial success in dorm room design and virtual mechanic services. The podcast also dives into diverse ventures, including trailer rentals and customizable pet enclosures, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to think outside the box.
Michelle Hensley's mobile gift wrapping service illustrates how traditional skills can be creatively adapted for modern markets, generating significant income.
Francisco Rivera's success in print on demand for candles highlights the importance of innovative branding and adaptability in a competitive online marketplace.
Deep dives
Mobile Gift Wrapping Success
Mobile gift wrapping is a creative side hustle exemplified by Michelle Hensley, who transformed her passion into a thriving business. After experiencing a personal life change, she utilized her expertise in gift baskets to launch Nifty Package, which now generates about $300,000 annually. The idea for mobile gift wrapping struck her when she recognized the potential to offer gift wrapping services on the go, leading to corporate partnerships, including collaborations with Too Faced Cosmetics and the Kardashian estate. This venture not only keeps her creatively engaged but also presents lucrative opportunities, particularly during the holiday season, showcasing that a unique service can meet market demand and scale efficiently.
Print on Demand Candles
The rise of print on demand has expanded into the candle market, with Francisco Rivera showcasing his successful Etsy shop that made over $450,000 within a year. By leveraging Printify for fulfillment, he minimized inventory risks while focusing on product design and research, thus achieving a remarkable profit margin of 30 to 50%. His witty labeling on neutral-colored organic candles helped elevate his brand and sales, while the business model allows for lucrative sales even with minimal daily effort. However, the challenge of copycats looms large, prompting him to innovate continuously rather than dwelling on competitors, highlighting adaptability in the face of market saturation.
Pay What You Want Poetry
John McCollum turned his love for poetry into a profitable venture by offering personalized poems in exchange for whatever customers wish to pay. Initially inspired by a similar concept he saw in New York, he set up shop in Nashville and quickly found success, earning significant income primarily during weekend events. McCollum's approach not only creates unique interactions with patrons but also serves as a testament to the power of creativity and personal storytelling. As he seeks to expand his reach, he aims to build an online presence and consider releasing a poetry collection, reiterating the viability of creative skills as a side business.
Virtual Mechanic Business
Chris Pyle has redefined automotive repair by operating as a virtual mechanic, earning substantial income through the platform JustAnswer. By using his expertise to assist people remotely with their vehicle troubles, he generates monthly income far exceeding his previous salary, demonstrating that not all skilled trades must be performed in person. The low entry barrier of joining JustAnswer and the opportunity to address real-world mechanical issues from home make this side hustle accessible and appealing. Pyle's experience illustrates how leveraging technology in traditional hands-on fields can open new income streams and change career trajectories.
What's particularly fascinating about this year's collection is the blend of traditional services reimagined for the digital age alongside completely novel business ideas.
This is the 7th installment of the series, so I encourage you to check out the previous episodes if you like this format, make sure to grab the full playlist here.
Here are the past editions if you want to see them individually: