Podcast Summary: The Side Hustle Show - Episode 643: 10 Creative Side Hustles That Make Real Money
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Host: Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation | YAP Media
Nick Loper kicks off Episode 643 of The Side Hustle Show by introducing the theme: showcasing ten of the most creative and profitable side hustles that have emerged over the past year. This Thanksgiving-themed episode features inspiring stories from side hustlers who have transformed unique ideas into substantial income streams. Below is a detailed summary of each featured side hustle, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
1. Mobile Gift Wrapping - Michelle Hensley
Business: Nifty Package Co
Revenue: $300,000/year
Michelle Hensley, a longtime listener of the Side Hustle Show, shares her journey from being a pastor's wife to founding Nifty Package Co, a business specializing in luxury gift baskets and mobile gift wrapping services. Her venture began out of necessity after personal hardships, leading her to innovate the concept of mobile gift wrapping.
Michelle Hensley [00:34]: "I made an art out of gift giving in order to bring joy to both the recipient and the giver."
Michelle's business took off in 2018 when she offered gift wrapping services directly from her van. A pivotal moment came in March 2019 when Too Faced Cosmetics commissioned her for large-scale gift design and wrapping. This success was followed by a high-profile project with the Kardashian estate, propelling her business nationwide.
Key Insights:
- Scalability: Michelle emphasizes the potential to franchise and license her business model, highlighting significant seasonal revenues.
- Education: She offers a masterclass on mobile gift wrapping, sharing her proven gift framework with aspiring entrepreneurs.
2. Print on Demand Candles - Francisco Rivera
Business: Candle-Focused Etsy Shop
Revenue (Last Year): $450,000
Profit Margin: 30-50%
Francisco Rivera explores the niche of Print on Demand (POD) within the candle industry. Unlike traditional POD products like T-shirts or mugs, Francisco found success in customizing candles with witty and eye-catching labels, leveraging platforms like Printify for fulfillment.
Francisco Rivera [Timestamp Not Provided]: (Notable quotes from Francisco are absent in the transcript excerpt provided.)
Key Insights:
- Low Overhead: Utilizing POD allows for minimal inventory risk and low startup costs.
- Design Flexibility: Francisco uses tools like Canva to create unique candle designs that appeal to niche markets.
- Challenges: He acknowledges the threat of copycats but advises focusing on continuous innovation to stay ahead.
3. JM Street Poetry - John McCollum
Business: JM Street Poetry
Revenue: $9,000 - $1,200/week
Time Investment: 15-18 hours/week
At just 22 years old, John McCollum turned his passion for poetry into a thriving business. Operating primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, John performs live, creating custom poems for strangers with no set pricing, allowing customers to pay what they wish.
John McCollum [06:54]: "I can't explain the joy of working for myself and doing this thing that I care about so much."
John expanded his services to include corporate events and weddings, leveraging social media and a strong online presence to attract clients. His flexible schedule allows him to balance his side hustle with personal writing endeavors.
Key Insights:
- Customization: Offering personalized services enhances customer satisfaction and fosters repeat business.
- Scalability: Transitioning from live performances to virtual events and online promotions helped John grow his client base.
4. Virtual Mechanic - Chris Pyle
Business: Virtual Mechanic via JustAnswer.com
Revenue: $14,000/month
Time Investment: 40-60 hours/week
Contrary to traditional hands-on mechanics, Chris Pyle successfully operates as a Virtual Mechanic on JustAnswer.com, providing remote diagnostic and repair advice for vehicles. His expertise allows him to troubleshoot mechanical issues without physical presence.
Chris Pyle [Insert Q/A Timestamp]: (No direct quote from Chris is provided in the transcript excerpt.)
Key Insights:
- Expertise Utilization: Leveraging specialized knowledge in a virtual format opens new income avenues.
- Platform Dynamics: While lucrative, maintaining commitment is essential as Chris works extensive hours to sustain high earnings.
5. High-End Dorm Room Designer - Shelly Gates
Business: Mary Margaret Designs
Revenue: Up to $30,000/project
Waitlist: Yes
Website: marymargaretdesigns.com
Shelly Gates, a fourth-grade teacher from Mississippi, transformed her hobby into a profitable side hustle by designing custom dorm rooms for college students. Her business, Mary Margaret Designs, gained rapid popularity through social media exposure, particularly on TikTok.
Shelly Gates [16:17]: "I created a replaceable bottom for the enclosures with biodegradable wax-coated paper, which led to repeat business because customers keep coming back for refills."
Shelly's meticulous designs cater to the specific needs of students, providing turnkey solutions that include everything from custom furniture to practical items like organization tools. Her focus on building relationships, especially with parents, has been pivotal to her success.
Key Insights:
- Niche Focus: Specializing in dorm room design allowed Shelly to dominate a specific market segment.
- Scalability: Plans to franchise and hire additional designers indicate significant growth potential.
6. Virtual Home Studio Design - Kevin Shen
Business: Dream Studio
Revenue: $8,000 - $500 (consulting vs. online course)
Website: dreamstudiocourse.com
Socials: @KevinShenSHEN
Kevin Shen capitalizes on the rise of remote work and content creation by offering virtual home studio design services. His business, Dream Studio, provides consultations and detailed equipment lists tailored to clients' needs and budgets.
Kevin Shen [Insert Q/A Timestamp]: (No direct quote from Kevin is provided in the transcript excerpt.)
Key Insights:
- Market Demand: The surge in remote work and online content creation drives the need for professional home studios.
- Flexible Offerings: Offering both high-end consulting and DIY online courses broadens Kevin's customer base.
7. Furniture Repair Service - Nathan Veltz
Business: Fresh Furniture
Revenue: Full-time income
Website: FreshFurnitureMKE.com
Nathan Veltz of Milwaukee turned his furniture repair skills into a mobile service, Fresh Furniture, offering in-home repairs to avoid the hassle of transporting bulky items to a shop. His approach emphasizes convenience and quick turnaround times.
Nathan Veltz [27:07]: "Having the business page up to date and responding to customer reviews has been key."
Key Insights:
- Customer Convenience: Mobile services enhance customer satisfaction by providing on-site repairs.
- Local Sourcing: Building relationships with local suppliers reduces costs and improves service efficiency.
8. Trailer Rental Business - Justin Martin
Business: River City Rentals Jacksonville (RCRJAX)
Revenue: $2,000 - $3,000/month per trailer
Website: rcrjax.com
Justin Martin of Jacksonville, Florida, successfully operates a Trailer Rental Business, offering flatbed trailers for various hauling needs. Expanding his inventory, Justin leverages SEO and positive Google reviews to attract and retain customers.
Justin Martin [Insert Q/A Timestamp]: (No direct quote from Justin is provided in the transcript excerpt.)
Key Insights:
- Asset Utilization: Owning multiple trailers allows for scalable income through rentals.
- Customer Trust: High ratings and visible advertising on trailers build credibility and drive repeat business.
9. TV Mounting - Sina Omosawan
Business: Shine
Revenue: $30,000/month
Location: Washington D.C. area
Socials: @Shine on Platform
Website: (Not provided)
Sina Omosawan founded Shine, a TV mounting service that rapidly grew to generate around $30,000 each month. Starting while pursuing a PhD, Sina transitioned full-time into his business after realizing the high demand for professional TV mounting services.
Sina Omosawan [Insert Q/A Timestamp]: (No direct quote from Sina is provided in the transcript excerpt.)
Key Insights:
- Efficiency: Streamlining the mounting process to complete jobs in 15 minutes each increased throughput.
- Reputation Building: Accumulating over a thousand five-star reviews on platforms like Thumbtack facilitated exponential growth.
10. Guinea Pig Cages - Bella Lynn
Business: Guinea Loft
Revenue: $34,000/month
Profit Margin: 25%
Website: GuineaLoft.com
At just 17 years old, Bella Lynn of California founded Guinea Loft, specializing in customizable, see-through pet enclosures for small animals. Leveraging marketplaces like Amazon, Bella's innovative designs addressed common pet owner frustrations with traditional cages.
Bella Lynn [Insert Q/A Timestamp]: (No direct quote from Bella is provided in the transcript excerpt.)
Key Insights:
- Product Innovation: Addressing specific pain points, such as difficulty cleaning traditional cages, created a unique market position.
- Repeat Business: Introducing consumable components like replaceable biodegradable bottoms encourages repeat purchases.
Honorable Mentions
1. Silly Stories for Kids - Sam Ramsden:
Sam turned bedtime storytelling into a successful podcast with over 700,000 downloads, demonstrating the power of authentic content creation.
2. Palm Street App - Lena Pettigrew:
Lena's live shopping app for plants, crafts, and crystals achieved $150,000 in sales in its first year, capitalizing on niche e-commerce trends.
Closing Thoughts and Additional Tips
Nick Loper concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to identify and exploit unique market opportunities within their expertise. He highlights the importance of niching down and differentiating oneself to become a market leader. Additionally, he introduces a quick side hustle tip called The Substitution Game, which focuses on reducing monthly expenses by finding lower-cost alternatives for existing expenditures, thereby increasing personal savings.
Nick Loper [Throughout]: "Pay attention to that. Pay attention to what wants to happen."
Nick also invites listeners to share their creative side hustle ideas for future episodes and emphasizes the show's Thanksgiving tradition of celebrating entrepreneurial spirit.
Resources Mentioned:
- Michelle Hensley: michellemhensley.com
- Kevin Shen: dreamstudiocourse.com
- Nathan Veltz: FreshFurnitureMKE.com
- Justin Martin: rcrjax.com
- Bella Lynn: GuineaLoft.com
- Found: found.comsidehustle (Sponsored Content)
- Mint Mobile: mintmobile.com/sidehustle (Sponsored Content)
Conclusion
Episode 643 of The Side Hustle Show provides a diverse array of innovative side hustles, each highlighting the potential to transform unique ideas into profitable ventures. Through detailed stories and actionable insights, Nick Loper inspires listeners to explore unconventional income streams and leverage their individual skills and passions to achieve financial independence.
Happy hustling!