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Have you started the Side Hustle Challenge yet? If not, now is a great time to get started!
One of the things we talk about in the challenge is all the different side hustles that are out there. The Side Hustle Spotlight series are interviews with people who share their side hustles, how they got started, and how their side hustle has helped them achieve their travel dreams. Side hustles are not one size fits all, so these spotlights give a glimpse into the pros and cons of those side hustles.
Previous Side Hustle Spotlights
- Jessica- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Jeremy- Reserves and National Guard
- Jenifer- Seasonal UPS Delivery Driver
- Rod- Pizza Delivery
Our next interview is with Jennie, and I’ll let her introduce herself: I am a busy homeschooling mother of 6. My oldest is 18 and my youngest is 7 years old. I love being a mother. I think it is the best job in the world, even though it can sure be mentally, physically, and emotionally taxing.
What is your side hustle?
I make wands and pencil wands. I start with a wooden dowel (or pencil) and with hot glue (and sometimes beads or crystals) create wands. My Etsy shop is called FantasyCrafTreasures.
How long have you been doing it?
About two years.
How did you decide on this particular side hustle?
I decided on making wands after I learned how to make them for my daughter’s birthday party. I had so much fun making them. After the party I continued making them because I enjoyed making them that much. I chose Etsy because it is designed for crafters and made it really easy for me to open my shop. Etsy handles the payments and I am able to print of postage labels from Etsy (which means I can leave an order in my mailbox for the mailman to pick up).
How many hours a day/week did you spend on it in the beginning?
About 20-25 hours a week (since I was designing and trying out different ideas).
How many hours a day/week do you spend on it now?
Depends on how many orders I have and how busy I am. I probably spend between 8-20 hours a week.
Is the money you earned worth the time you spent on it? Why or why not?
Yes, I think it is worth it. I enjoy creating the wands, so that helps. If I do not want to work as many hours, or not at all, I can put my shop on vacation mode (no one can buy) or remove my listings for custom orders and only keep already made items listed.
How long did it take to earn your first paycheck?
Two weeks. Etsy pays every Monday and I got my first order my second week open.
Are there any requirements or restrictions that might keep others from starting this side hustle?
No, there were no requirements or restrictions.
Did you do any training or take any courses before you started?
No
How do you bring in new customers?
I can choose to pay a small amount to advertise some of my listing on Etsy, which puts it closer to the top of the search. I did not do this when I first started and still got orders, though I have done this for newer listings. Once a listing gets more sales and likes, it will automatically be closer to the top, without having to pay for advertising.
Were there any other costs associated with starting your side hustle?
I had a small cost of getting supplies: about $50.00. I spent the most money on buying boxes to fit wands. They need to be durable so as to avoid damaged items. I found ones that were perfect but had to buy them in bundles of 100. So I spent almost $200 on boxes. It was definitely worth it. I have not had any wands arrive damaged (and I have shipped over 400 orders).
What do you like best about what you do?
I like creating wands. I like to try new ideas, buy new beads or crystals to try out, and I love to admire them when they are finished.
What is your least favorite part?
When I get a lot of the same orders. Making the same pencil wands over and over can get very monotonous. I am ok with this, I just have more fun creating wands.
Would you recommend this side hustle to others?
Yes, it is a great way to do something you enjoy, make a little bit of extra money, as well as bring joy to those who buy your product.
How did this side hustle help you achieve your travel goals?
We paid for a trip to Disney World for the whole family with my Etsy earnings!
Any tips or words of encouragement to share with my readers?
Believe in yourself. My husband did not think it was a good idea at first (he was not familiar with Etsy), but I felt that after all of my research that I would be successful. He is very happy to have been wrong and is very supportive.
