With the economic downturn, food prices have soared over the last three months, turning even small purchases into what feels like extravagant spending. But let’s not write them off just yet. It’s clear we’re facing tough times—no need for a crystal ball to see that. And as a woman, when you stack this with gender discrimination, the gender pay gap, and scant job opportunities due to workplace bias, the challenges can seem overwhelming. However, side hustles could be your golden ticket to bumping up your financial well-being.
Considering a side hustle might just be what we all need. Yet, honestly, who’s eager to add the headache of managing people or wrestling with complex calculations? That’s why I’ve put together five straightforward side hustles that can enhance your income without driving you up the wall.
Things to consider before starting a business
Before we begin, we sought advice from a business expert about everything you need to consider before starting a business. With the help of Elizabeth Dada, an international business management strategy and leadership expert, we have everything you need to consider before starting a side hustle of your choice.
Do something you like
If you ever intend to start a side hustle, let it be something you like. Doing something you like doing or have a passion for will motivate you to put in energy and work toward perfecting your craft. Whether it is a skill-based venture or direct customer relations, doing what you like will make the experience a thousand times better.
Do your research
Doing your research before starting a business is important so you’ll fully understand what you’re really getting into. Ask yourself questions like, “Has this been done before? If it has, what can I do to make it better and a lot more attractive to customers? and what can I do to give myself a competitive advantage over other existing businesses?” Doing this will set you on the right path to achieving your goals.
It takes a lot of energy
While the goal is not to go insane, starting a business will take a lot of physical and mental energy from you, so stay open-minded and ready to work.
You need to spend money to make money
You need capital for everything: to pay for access to data with research information, for products, for packaging, for knowledge, and for everything else you’ll need to take your business idea up a notch.
Treat people the way you want to be treated
If you’re offering a service, you need to remember that your customers are your currency. While they might bring physical cash to you, how you treat them will determine how well they speak about your business. Speak to your customers, give them the chance to speak with you, and provide feedback. Also, remember that the customer is always right in matters of taste.
5 side hustles you can start
Now that we have these in mind, here are 5 side hustles we believe you can start to earn some extra cash. Remember that these side hustles are skill-based and involve direct customer relations.
Crochet hats
If you have a knack for crafting and love working with yarn, crochet hat-making can be a rewarding side hustle. People of all ages love handmade crochet hats; you might hit the jackpot with this one! You can create various styles, from cosy beanies to trendy slouchy hats and ruffled bucket hats, and customise them with unique colours, patterns, and embellishments to appeal to different tastes. Selling your crochet hats online to people who show interest can be a profitable venture at first, allowing you to showcase your creativity and craftsmanship while earning extra income on the side. Create pages tailored to your craft while you post enthralling pictures of your creations.
Retailing perfumes
Retailing perfumes may be a fun and rewarding side venture if you love perfumes and enjoy helping others discover their distinctive scent. The rising popularity of niche and artisanal scents has created a need for tailored online and offline perfume-purchasing experiences. You may begin by selecting high-quality fragrances from known brands or local independent perfumers and selling them on e-commerce apps like Jumia or Konga, social media platforms, or pop-up stores at events in your vicinity.
By bringing it home, you promote locally-made products while doing your part to keep money flowing in the country. However, if you decide to outsource international perfumes, keep in mind the strict guidelines of importing from a foreign country into Nigeria.
Freelance writing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing or editing can be a lucrative side hustle that offers flexibility and autonomy. Many companies and individuals constantly need content for websites, blogs, and marketing materials. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients seeking their services, allowing you to choose projects that align with your interests and schedule.
Ridesharing
With the rise of ride-sharing platforms like Uber, Bolt, Rida, and InDrive, becoming a part-time driver can be a flexible and lucrative side hustle for those with a reliable vehicle and a clean driving record. As a driver for a taxi service, you have the flexibility to set your schedule and work as much or as little as you like, making it an ideal option for those looking to earn extra income on evenings and weekends.
Whether you’re providing rides to commuters, tourists, or party-goers, offering friendly and reliable service can help you build a loyal customer base and maximise your earnings through tips and bonuses provided by the platform. As an extra tip for the girlies who want to take this up as a side hustle, always record conversations with male customers and press the emergency button on the ride-sharing app when danger is perceived. In physical situations, legal self-defence weapons are always handy.
Be an online tutor
If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, consider monetising your knowledge by offering online tutoring or teaching services. There’s a high demand for online educators across diverse fields, whether it’s academic subjects, language learning, music lessons, or professional skills development. Websites like Tuteria, Edukoya, and Superprof.ng connect tutors with students worldwide, providing a flexible and rewarding side hustle opportunity.
Finding a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and schedule is key to achieving financial success without sacrificing your mental well-being. By exploring opportunities in ride-sharing services, crochet hats, online tutoring, freelance writing, and many more, you can embark on a fulfilling side hustle journey that boosts your income without driving you insane. So, will you be starting a side hustle this year?
