Four years ago, I was struggling and wanted to make a change in my life. I was dealing with postpartum depression after the birth of my second child and felt unfulfilled by my 9-to-5 job in higher education administration. Additionally, I was going to school part-time to earn my master’s degree in Positive Organizational Psychology. It was a challenging time, but I knew I needed to make a change for my own well-being and happiness.
In my quest for a more fulfilling life, I decided to start an Etsy store selling digital products like business templates and party games. It wasn’t an easy journey, especially with the added responsibilities of being a parent to two young children. However, I was determined to make it work and create a successful side hustle that would bring in passive income.
Today, at 36, I have a thriving living room side hustle that regularly brings in $10,000 a month or more in passive income. It has been a journey of growth, learning, and perseverance. Here are some key strategies that helped me build my successful Etsy store:
1. Focused on achieving more by doing less: I realized the importance of focusing on actions that would generate revenue and results. I stopped wasting time on activities that weren’t moving the needle and honed in on what was working for my Etsy store.
2. Used data to inform decisions: I learned the importance of following trends and finding product ideas with low competition and high demand. Tools like Pinterest trends, Google trends, and eRank helped me identify profitable niches and products to sell.
3. Took consistent action every day: I committed to working on my side hustle every day, even if it was just for a few hours. Small, consistent actions led to significant results over time, and I saw my revenue steadily improve as a result.
4. Realized I couldn’t do it alone: I learned to ask for help and delegate tasks to free up more time to focus on building my business. Hiring a housekeeper and having my husband take on household chores allowed me to dedicate more time to my side hustle.
5. Made short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits: I made sacrifices during my maternity leave and beyond to build my business. The hard work and dedication paid off, and now I have the freedom and flexibility to spend time with my children while running a successful side hustle.
In conclusion, building a successful side hustle takes time, effort, and dedication. It’s about being strategic, focusing on what matters, and not being afraid to ask for help. By following these strategies and staying committed to my goals, I was able to create a thriving Etsy store that has transformed my life. If you’re looking to boost your income and career, consider starting a side hustle and see where it takes you.
