A year ago, I was working a stressful day job and pouring my evenings and weekends into a little side hustle. Initially, it was just a creative outlet, a side hustle. I never thought it would be a full-time business. But this past year, that’s just what happened.
The Beginning
Like many, I started small. Before my side hustle was even a consideration, even a vague contemplation, I was providing a single service online: something I was already good at, but never considered a serious pursuit. My up front money invested was almost nominal, just to get the basics. I was invested mostly in time and consistency.
The Challenges
Juggling work, life and my side hustle was no easy task. Many nights, I worked well past midnight to hit deadlines. I had self-doubt about whether this was something I could really do long term. There were times when sales were slow, and it felt like walking away was the simplest choice. Yet why I began came back to me — to make something of my own.
The Turning Point
When I hit the six-month mark, things started to change. Word of mouth brought in more clients, and the side-hustle income started to approach what I was making in a month. That was when I really saw how true the potential was. I also got into marketing more, establishing stronger online identity and putting systems in place to absorb more growth.
Going Full-Time
I did it! After all the months of planning and the saving and making sure a pad was available to me, I took the leap to go off of work. It was terrifying but liberating. All of the sudden, I was free to give my best hours, not my leftover energy, to my business. Within a few weeks I saw New faster growth, happier clients and I was more enthused.
Key Takeaways
I learned three key lessons from this journey:
1. Consistency wins - Since progress is slow to start, the small actions taken daily will gradually add up to results.
2. Invest in your education - Marketing, finances, and customer service matters just as much as your discipline or skill.
3. Jump when you're ready - You will never feel fully ready, but when you have a plan and savings, the risk is worth it.
Future
Today, my side hustle has transcended "the side." It is my "real" job now, and I am so grateful for this. This past year has proven that a simple idea can become a sustainable business with the right amount of persistence, strategy, and courage.
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