Product Side Hustles
- Q&A: “How can a designer stand out in a crowded market?”
How web designers can differentiate in a crowded market and attract clients. Advice for standing out from competition. Side Hustle School Ep. 2275.
- First $1,000: This Candle Maker Doesn’t Flame Out
Candle maker Sarah hits her first $1,000 milestone. How she grew her Nebraska brand from passion project to paying business. Side Hustle School Ep. 2242.
- Q&A: “Can I sell a calendar sometime other than January?”
Calendar business timing: selling year-round vs. seasonal peaks. When to launch a niche calendar idea. Side Hustle School Ep. 2213.
- Q&A: “My revenue has plateaued at $180,000/year…”
How to break through a $180,000 revenue plateau and scale to $500k+. A side hustle partner seeks growth strategy. Side Hustle School Ep. 2195.
- Side Hustle School Season 7 Starts TODAY
Season 7 begins: how Side Hustle School helps you create income without quitting your job. Side Hustle School.
- TBT: “I was just a girl with a passion for plants…”
Online plant seller who built a thriving houseplant business selling thousands of succulents. Side Hustle School Ep. 2189.
- First $1,000: “I went door-to-door selling home alarms…”
Door-to-door home alarm sales: how one salesman earned his first $1,000. Real rejection, real resilience. Side Hustle School Ep. 2186.
- Q&A: “Help, my bank said I can’t open a business account!”
Bank account requirements for side hustles: when your bank says no and what to do about it. Side Hustle School Ep. 2121.
- Six-Figure Lawn Business Becomes Sign of the Times
How a school teacher built a $200,000 lawn sign business in Calgary while on maternity leave. Side Hustle School Ep. 2089.
- Failure Friday: “My boss discovered my side hustle by accident…”
Employee's side hustle exposed when boss finds website code on unattended desktop. A six-figure mistake. Side Hustle School Ep. 2085.
- Nanotech Scientist Creates Antimicrobial Product
Nanotech scientist creates antimicrobial spray to eliminate bike ride odor. From mask coatings to underarm application. Side Hustle School Ep. 2082.
- Roadside Fruit Empire Produces Sweet Success
How Shannon Houchin built a six-figure roadside peach business from one stand to 100. Peach Queen generates $50K weekly. Side Hustle School Ep. 2075.
- TBT: Mochi-Making Classes Transition Online
Mochi-making classes to mochi donuts: how Kaori pivoted from Bay Area classes to selling donuts in Ohio. Side Hustle School Ep. 2070.
- College Friends Start Utah Fulfillment Center
College friends launch Utah fulfillment center, handling 3,000 orders monthly. Side Hustle School Ep. 2068.
- TV Producer Invents Sustainable Toothpaste Alternative
Sustainable toothpaste alternative created by TV producer to reduce plastic waste. Solid toothpaste tablets replace tubes. Side Hustle School Ep. 2061.
- Health-Conscious Coffee Lover Steeps Into Crowded Market
All-natural steepable coffee flavoring bags with organic spices instead of syrups. Side Hustle School Ep. 2054.
- Failure Friday: “Kickstarter rejected my project right before launch…”
Kickstarter rejected Bad Day Box's snail mail self-care launch at the last minute—here's what went wrong and what saved it. Side Hustle School Ep. 2050.
- TBT: Lightshows Are the Next Big eSport
Lightshow gear and training business Throwlights evolves into competitive eSport. Andrew Zhao's bright update. Side Hustle School Ep. 2049.
- Shine Bright Like a Diamond (and Sell Them)
How a jewelry store manager built a $1M business selling diamonds and antique jewelry online. Started on Etsy, now thriving. Side Hustle School Ep. 2040.
- Video Game Writing Class Is Real-Life Gamechanger
How a teacher earns $4,000/month teaching video game writing on Outschool using Mario Kart and Zelda. Side Hustle School Ep. 2033.
- Failure Friday: “We opened the box and it was a totally different product…”
What went wrong when a kettlebell supplier sent the wrong product to a new ecommerce business. Side Hustle School Ep. 2022.
- Q&A: “Does it really cost $100,000 to make an app??”
App development costs: $100,000 or less? Learn what you actually need to spend to build a working app. Side Hustle School Ep. 2020.
- Adobe Expert Digitizes Millions of Family Photos
How an Adobe expert earns $47,000 digitizing family photos with Chaos to Memories. Makes old photos searchable. Side Hustle School Ep. 2019.
- Office Assistant Profits from Anime Imports
Anime imports side hustle connects Japanese products to US fans. Former office worker builds thriving business. Side Hustle School Ep. 2012.
- Side Hustle School Celebrates 2,000 Consecutive Episodes!
2,000 consecutive episodes of Side Hustle School since January 1, 2017. Reflecting on six years of daily entrepreneurship stories. Side Hustle School.
- Hollywood Video Editor Shoots for the Stars
Hollywood video editor earns $1,500/month renting camera gear via $5 Craigslist ads. Stock footage and podcasts too. Side Hustle School Ep. 1998.
- Digital Illustrator Crafts Creative Designs
Digital illustrator creates multiethnic graphic designs and children's books celebrating Black representation. Side Hustle School Ep. 1991.
- Data Scientist Profits from Viral Article
Data scientist builds online community and courses from viral Medium article about CDMP certification. Side Hustle School Ep. 1984.
- This Balloon-Popping Tool Strikes Helium Gold
Graphic designer invents balloon-popping tool after working at Pioneer Balloon. Certified balloon artist. Side Hustle School Ep. 1977.
- Charcuterie Boards Cure Couple’s Pandemic Woes
Midwest couple builds custom charcuterie board business during pandemic lockdown. Trading TV time for side hustle success. Side Hustle School Ep. 1970.
- Head-to-Toe Holistic Skincare Biz Shows Moxie
Single mom earns $4,000/month selling small batch holistic skincare from a $150 startup. Ancient Egypt inspired her formulas. Side Hustle School Ep. 1963.
- College Student Turned Fashion Influencer Earns $140,000
Fashion blogger and college student earns $140,000 through SEO and Pinterest. Side Hustle School Ep. 1956.
- Ottawa Teacher Finds “Unexpected Journey” After Retirement
Local tour guide builds surprise adventure business around Ottawa's hidden gems. Side Hustle School Ep. 1942.
- TBT: Mural Painter Follows Signs to New Career
Mural painter grows accidental side hustle into six-figure business painting signs and murals. Side Hustle School Ep. 1937.
- Orthodontic Marketer Knows the Drill
How a marketer earns $65,000/month helping orthodontists grow their practices through targeted ad campaigns. Side Hustle School Ep. 1935.
- Woodworking Dad Nets $2,000/Month
How Gus Brown nets $2,000/month customizing doors with paint and glass. Woodworking side hustle. Side Hustle School Ep. 1928.
- Q&A: Best platform for handmade crochet items
Selling handmade crochet items? Learn which platform works best for baby blankets and seasonal decorations. Side Hustle School Ep. 1926.
- Climber Uses Life Skills to Scale Up Life
Adventure guide business: Former ship's engineer leads climbing expeditions on Ireland's remote sea stacks. Side Hustle School Ep. 1893.
- Q&A: “I’ve got a guide with Black Hat tips for sale…”
How to sell "black hat" tips like Netflix login hacks—and why it's risky. Listener makes $2,800/month with a guide. Side Hustle School Ep. 1887.
- “Overlanding” Blog Offers Long-Range Travel Tips
Overlanding blogger earns $2,000/month sharing long-range travel tips. His London-to-Mongolia road trip inspired the business. Side Hustle School Ep. 1886.
- Online Literacy Tutoring Proves Profitable
Literacy tutor earning $30,000 from online education after leaving classroom stress. Multiple income streams. Side Hustle School Ep. 1879.
- First $1,000: “After 9 months, we got our first $50 sponsorship…”
How a finance blog earned its first $1,000 after 9 months and one $50 sponsorship. TheSavvyCouple.com grew into six figures. Side Hustle School Ep. 1878.
- Voiceover Couple Averages $4,500/Month
Voiceover couple averages $4,500/month with A-list clients. From $10 Fiverr gigs to generational wealth. Side Hustle School Ep. 1872.
- Failure Friday: “What you didn’t hear was how unfocused I was…”
How unfocused side hustles collapse: a 3D printed cookie cutter business owner's cautionary tale. Side Hustle School Ep. 1868.
- “Free Prep Course” Site Generates 7-Figure Income
How a former educator built a 7-figure test prep site by giving courses away free and monetizing through ads. Side Hustle School Ep. 1865.
- Conservation Scientist Designs & Sells Nonbinary Stickers
Conservation scientist Sam Davis designs and sells nonbinary stickers featuring queer art and "trash creatures." Side Hustle School Ep. 1851.
- Nurse Quits Job for Six-Figure Parenting Blog
How a nurse built Pulling Curls into a six-figure parenting blog. Family health and home organization expertise. Side Hustle School Ep. 1844.
- First $1,000: “Beekeeping is forced zen: be present or get stung!”
How Frank Mortimer earned his first $1,000 selling honey at New Jersey farmers markets. Side Hustle School Ep. 1843.
- Q&A: “An old-school magazine about old-school businesses…”
Print-only magazine about vintage business advice earns $5,000/month. Old-school publishing model with mail distribution. Side Hustle School Ep. 1838.
- Self-Published Kindle Books Produce Full-Time Income
How a government administrator earns $387,000 self-publishing Kindle books helping families preserve life stories. Side Hustle School Ep. 1830.
- New Year, New Season! Let’s Make This the Best Year Yet
Side Hustle School returns for season 6! Learn how we help you build income without quitting your job, plus a $1,000 listener giveaway. Ep. 1827.
- New App Designer Jumps Into No-Code Development
How a designer earns $6,000/month building no-code apps in Switzerland. Created 10+ apps in one year with Bravo Studio. Side Hustle School Ep. 1823.
- ‘Jack n Ginger’ Admin Designs Island-Life Jewelry
How Michelle earns $4,000/month selling Hawaiian-style jewelry on Etsy. Jack n Ginger uses sea glass and shells. Side Hustle School Ep. 1816.
- Writing About Reality TV Becomes Rite of Passion
How a journalism professor earns $10,000/month writing about reality TV shows like The Real World and Survivor. Side Hustle School Ep. 1809.
- Expat Teacher Draws Up Personalized Woodworks
Custom wood art preserving family memories. NZ expat teacher creates personalized designs hand-stained from reclaimed wood. Side Hustle School Ep. 1807.
- CBD Oil Products Produce Big Profits
How a pharmacist earns $9,000/month with CBD oil products. Natural health solutions for anxiety sufferers. Side Hustle School Ep. 1802.
- The Blog That Laid the Golden Egg
How an accountant built a million-dollar egg media empire from a backyard chicken blog. Side Hustle School Ep. 1800.
- Unofficial Schitt’s Creek Cookbook Folds in the Cheese
How two sisters earn $3,000/month with an unofficial Schitt's Creek cookbook. Self-published during lockdown. Side Hustle School Ep. 1795.
- Failure Friday: “Perfect SAT Score” Tutor Gets Rejected by 100 Publishers
Perfect SAT score couldn't land a book deal: 100+ publisher rejections. What Prep Expert founder learned from failure. Side Hustle School Ep. 1791.
- Rustic Tiki Bars Turn Into Pallet-able Career
How a teaching grad earns $8,000/month building custom rustic tiki bars from pallets for homeowners. Side Hustle School Ep. 1788.
- Australian Shapes Crafty Shop During Lockdown
Polymer clay shop built during Australian lockdown supports the maker community with supplies and creative resources. Side Hustle School Ep. 1786.
- Consignment Sale Secrets: Ask to Sell Your Grandma’s Stuff
How Jeremy Vanderslice earns reselling family and friends' items on a 50/50 split. Side Hustle School Ep. 1774.
- Toronto Songwriting School Harmonizes During Pandemic
Online songwriting school pivots during pandemic. Toronto duo builds community through classes and annual competitions. Side Hustle School Ep. 1772.
- Solitaire Game App Earns $10,000/Month
Solitaire game app earns $10,000/month for web developer. Built as a side project after a failed startup. Side Hustle School Ep. 1767.
- Nighttime Marathoner Has Bright Idea
How a competitive runner earned $2,000 in sales inventing safety gear for nighttime marathoners. Side Hustle School Ep. 1765.
- Failure Friday: “We failed to account for the ingredients to success…”
How a Nashville handmade goods business lost $300k expanding too fast. Pride before the fall. Side Hustle School Ep. 1763.
- Scented Santa Letters Become Sold-Out Seasonal Business
How Alejandra earned $17,000 in three weeks from scented Santa letters. North Pole Postal launched in under two weeks. Side Hustle School Ep. 1760.
- TBT: Fighter Jet Jewelry from New Zealand
Handmade fighter jet jewelry worn by New Zealand's Prime Minister during lockdown. A photographer's creative side hustle. Side Hustle School Ep. 1755.
- Oil Field Mechanic Becomes Handyman to Realtors
Oil field mechanic launches handyman business serving realtors to support growing family of twins. Side Hustle School Ep. 1753.
- Tailgate Lover Creates Product Review Business
Tailgating product review business built by insurance manager combining sports passion with entrepreneurship. Side Hustle School Ep. 1746.
- Instructor Offers Online Wellness Classes for Seniors
How a college instructor earns $1,500/month teaching wellness classes to seniors on GetSetUp. Side Hustle School Ep. 1744.
- Crafter Fashions Upcycled Chairs Into Six-Figure Shop
How a Texas crafter turns upcycled chairs into a six-figure shop. Wendy's ChairWhimsy started with $500/month on Etsy. Side Hustle School Ep. 1737.
- TBT: “ColorHype” Owner Sells 8,000 Painting Kits
ColorHype painting kits: Texas entrepreneur sells 8,000+ kits nationwide after pandemic pivot. Side Hustle School Ep. 1727.
- Utah Dad Makes a Splash with Paddle board Rentals
Paddle board rentals in Utah using Google Maps to drive bookings. A seasonal side hustle with low startup costs. Side Hustle School Ep. 1723.
- Houseplant Biz Blossoms for Hong Kong Transplant
How a Hong Kong transplant earns $4,000/month selling Feng Shui houseplants on Facebook Marketplace in D.C. Side Hustle School Ep. 1716.
- P.E. Teacher Livestreams Lessons to 50,000 Students
P.E. teacher livestreams daily workouts to 50,000 students on YouTube, then launches fitness business. Side Hustle School Ep. 1711.
- No Code, No Problem: Easy-to-Build Apps for Everyone
No-code app builder helps marketing clients create professional apps without coding skills. Miami side hustle. Side Hustle School Ep. 1709.
- The Six-Figure Belly Dancing Course
Belly dancing course for chronic pain relief generates $100,000+ annually. Health-focused niche beats generic dance tutorials. Side Hustle School Ep. 1704.
- Finance Worker Strikes Gold with Custom Jewelry
How a finance worker built a custom jewelry business earning $20k in revenue by cutting out the middleman. Side Hustle School Ep. 1695.
- TBT: Small 3D Printing Site Competes With Etsy
3D printing templates business expands after job loss. Cosplay fabricator Nikko Mendoza competes with Etsy. Side Hustle School Ep. 1685.
- Former Lego Instructor Makes Real Play Money
How former Lego instructor Jeff Harry earns money teaching adults the value of play at Google, Facebook, Adobe, PayPal. Side Hustle School Ep. 1676.
- Think Inside the Subscription Box
Subscription box for female entrepreneurs becomes Julie's full-time business in North Carolina. Side Hustle School Ep. 1674.
- Q&A: How to make a board game from start to finish?
How to design, prototype, and manufacture a board game. Steps from concept to launch. Side Hustle School Ep. 1673.
- Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”
Wedding live streaming service fills pandemic gap for engaged couples unable to gather in person. Side Hustle School Ep. 1669.
- Q&A: How to break out of a sales slump?
How to break out of a sales slump when your side hustle loses momentum. Chris shares strategies to reignite growth. Side Hustle School Ep. 1666.
- Warehouse Manager Sells Twitter-Threads-As-a-Service
Warehouse manager creates Twitter threads as a service for businesses. Side Hustle School Ep. 1662.
- Cheese Connoisseur Makes Legen-dairy Creations
Charcuterie and cheese boards turn into a side hustle when a Boston remote worker gifts her creations to healthcare staff. Side Hustle School Ep. 1655.
- Q&A: Is my candle business idea too niche?
Can a niche candle business work? Chris weighs in on selling inspirational candles for Black women. Side Hustle School Ep. 1654.
- Real Estate Agent Profits from Bulk Mail Biz
How a real estate agent earns $650/year from bulk mail marketing. Direct mail services for nonprofits and law firms. Side Hustle School Ep. 1653.
- Digital Marketer’s Playlist Skills Pay Off
How a digital marketer earns $1,750/month hosting music bingo in Charleston. Playlists meet free beer. Side Hustle School Ep. 1648.
- “Side Hustle Bread” Insta Account Sells $100,000
How a Hollywood producer built a $100,000 bread business on Instagram. Sourdough became a family weekend tradition. Side Hustle School Ep. 1646.
- Social Studies Teacher Gains 1.5 Million TikTok Followers
Social studies teacher gains 1.5 million TikTok followers by creating viral videos during lockdown to connect with students. Side Hustle School Ep. 1641.
- Graduate Uses Equestrian Art to Canter Out of Debt
Psychology graduate pays off $65,000 debt with equestrian art business. From student loans to thriving artist entrepreneur. Side Hustle School Ep. 1639.
- Peace Corps Alum Tutors U.S. Military Recruits
Peace Corps alum tutors military recruits for $1,800/month, helping soldiers prepare for the ASVAB entry exam. Side Hustle School Ep. 1634.
- Zen Master Makes Mindful Moola
Wellness blog affiliate site built by marketing manager generates 6-figure revenue. Started during pandemic. Side Hustle School Ep. 1625.
- Savvy Couple Grows Finance Blog into Six Figure Business
How a husband and wife duo grew their finance blog to $3,000/month while paying off $40K student debt. Side Hustle School Ep. 1620.
- Accountant Shifts Gears To Renting Out Cars
Atlanta accountant rents out fleet of cars using sharing economy model. Kisean Smith built passive income beyond his day job. Side Hustle School Ep. 1618.
- Sports Cards Trading Hobby Becomes Pandemic Payday
How a finance coach earns $10,000+ buying and reselling sports cards on COMC. A childhood hobby becomes pandemic income. Side Hustle School Ep. 1606.
- French Bulldog Blog Fetches Extra Bones
How a website designer earns $750/month blogging about his French Bulldog. Augie the pup became an unexpected income stream. Side Hustle School Ep. 1604.
- Pastor Keeps the Faith with Clergy Subscription Boxes
How a Lutheran pastor earns $39/month with a clergy subscription box. Ruth escaped paycheck-to-paycheck living. Side Hustle School Ep. 1599.