In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals are looking for ways to earn extra income outside of their traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Business Insider has spoken to several people who have found creative and innovative ways to make money on the side, and in some cases, have turned their side hustles into full-time businesses. These individuals have proven that with a little bit of creativity and hard work, it is possible to generate additional income and even achieve financial independence.
One such individual is Austin Ziegler, who has built a successful shop on Etsy selling 3D printed products. While managing an engineering team during the day, Ziegler runs a side business with a dozen 3D printers at home, producing items like travel soap boxes, coat hooks, and keychains. His most popular product, a gas can ornament designed to hold cash, brought in $10,000 in a single week in August 2023. Ziegler reinvests most of his profits back into the business, with the goal of scaling it to generate enough passive income to support his woodworking passion in the future.
Another inspiring story is that of Jacob Shaidle, who started a barbecue cleaning business to pay for his university tuition. After deep-cleaning his neighbor’s barbecue, Shaidle saw an opportunity in his community and decided to turn it into a business. With hard work and determination, he expanded his operations online and now operates in multiple Canadian cities, employing 20 students and generating six figures in annual revenue. Shaidle’s success demonstrates the power of identifying a niche market and providing a valuable service to customers.
Nischa Shah, a former investment banker, found success by creating a YouTube channel focused on personal finance. After posting videos intermittently for a year, one of her videos went viral, leading to a surge in subscribers and monetization opportunities. Shah eventually quit her corporate job to focus on her YouTube channel full-time, emphasizing the importance of building a side hustle while maintaining a day job for financial security.
Sahaj Dhingra, a college student, ventured into Amazon retail arbitrage, buying products from retailers like Costco and reselling them on Amazon for a profit. With careful product selection and a focus on demand, Dhingra scaled his operation to six figures in sales in less than four months. His story highlights the potential for success in e-commerce and the importance of market research in product selection.
Richard S., a seasoned eBay reseller, has built a successful business over the last 15 years by pivoting from electronics to clothing. By leveraging market data and customer preferences, Richard has been able to consistently generate income through his eBay store. His advice to aspiring resellers is to research market trends and use available tools to make informed decisions on product sourcing.
Lastly, Erika and Kareem Hall found passive income success by investing in two Soccer Shots franchises in Georgia. With a desire to diversify their income streams, the Halls saw franchising as an opportunity to leverage a proven business model without starting from scratch. Their franchises have generated over $1 million in revenue since launching in 2019, providing them with additional funds for investments and experiences.
Overall, these stories showcase the diverse ways in which individuals can create income streams outside of their regular jobs. Whether through e-commerce, service-based businesses, content creation, or franchising, there are endless opportunities for those willing to put in the effort and creativity. By exploring different side hustle ideas and leveraging their skills and passions, individuals can unlock new sources of income and potentially achieve financial independence.
