Relying on a single income stream isn’t the only path to financial security. With 44% of Americans saying they’ll always need a side business and 39% already having one, side gigs are a game-changer – especially for women.
Whether you’re juggling family, a day job, or pursuing personal growth, side hustles offer flexible, profitable ways to earn extra cash on your schedule.
This guide is filled with ideas for side hustles for women, from freelance writing and social media management to pet sitting and virtual assistant work. Discover how to turn your free time into a powerful income stream and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Key takeaways
- There’s a wide range of side hustle ideas for women, from print-on-demand (POD) and virtual assistant jobs to freelance writing and tutoring.
- POD and stock photo sales are excellent options for earning passive income. Create and upload once, then earn from repeat sales with minimal ongoing effort.
- Many side hustles, such as freelance work or a POD store, require little to no upfront investment, making them flexible and accessible starting options.
- Join online groups, use free tools, and seek advice from those with experience. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network will help you stay motivated.
- Side hustles like a POD business or virtual assisting are scalable business ideas, meaning you can start small and expand as your income and confidence grow.
Why side hustles matter for women today
Side hustles are key for women seeking financial independence, creative fulfillment, and flexibility to balance family and personal life. Whether you’re supplementing a full-time job or building an income stream that fits your lifestyle, a side hustle lets you earn on your own terms.
The rise of women entrepreneurs in eCommerce proves that, with the right strategies, a side hustle can become a substantial income source.
Print-on-demand businesses are especially appealing, offering the chance to design and sell custom products without inventory hassles.
Success stories, like Rileigh’s $30,000 earnings from a niche POD business, show how strategic choices can transform a simple side gig into a profitable venture. POD offers a flexible, low-risk pathway to entrepreneurial success.With side hustlers earning a median of $1,122 per month by dedicating just 12 hours a week, and the US side hustle market valued at over $2.58 trillion, there’s plenty of opportunity to carve out a piece of the pie.
Make it happen today!
Side hustles for women from home
Many women have transformed their lives by embracing POD businesses from the comfort of their homes.
- Mandy Dobosenski used innovative design strategies to leave her traditional 9-to-5 job, achieving financial independence on her own hours through POD.
- Similarly, Liora Goren, a mother of four, successfully balanced family responsibilities while running a thriving Etsy store, offering personalized home decor items.
- Nicole Holleman and Lexi Ayala, the sisters behind the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast, monetized their content by launching a POD merchandise store, effectively engaging their audience and generating income.
- Gina Van De Voorde, a stay-at-home mom, built a profitable POD business, earning over $100,000 by leveraging her creativity and dedication.
- Artist Tobi Couture expanded her reach by selling her artwork on various products through POD, turning her passion into a sustainable income stream.
These stories highlight how women can successfully manage side hustles from home, achieving financial independence and personal fulfillment through POD businesses on their own schedule.
No money upfront for these side hustles for women
Forget the old-school idea of needing a wad of cash to start a business. Today, there are tons of side hustle opportunities that won’t cost you a penny upfront.
Whether you’re a busy mom, a student juggling classes, or simply looking to increase your income without breaking the bank, these ideas are your ticket to financial freedom.
And let’s not forget Print on Demand. As mentioned earlier, POD is a game-changer for creative women who want to turn their passion into profit without a huge time commitment.
Design awesome products like t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags, and platforms like Printify handle production, shipping, and customer service. It’s a low-risk, high-reward way to build your brand and earn income on your own terms.
Criteria for a good “No money upfront” side hustle for women
With so many options, choosing a side job that fits your lifestyle and goals is important. Here are a few key things to consider:
- Flexibility and accessibility. Life can be unpredictable, especially for women handling multiple responsibilities. Look for side hustles that offer remote work options and flexible hours, allowing you to fit work around your schedule.
- Zero or low-risk start-up. Focus on opportunities that don’t require a large upfront investment. Think zero sign-up fees, no need to purchase inventory, and minimal (or no) marketing costs.
- Scalability. While a side hustle might start small, it’s great to have the option to grow it into something bigger. Look for opportunities that can increase your income over time, whether by taking on more clients, expanding your product line, or increasing your prices.
Now, let’s explore 18 good side hustles for women that require little to no investment. Start offering your services online to earn extra income and foster personal growth.
1. Print-on-demand business
A print-on-demand business is a low-risk, profitable side hustle that allows you to sell custom-designed products – such as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags – without the need for inventory or upfront costs.
Platforms like Printify let you sign up for free and handle production and shipping, making it easy to make money online. This is one of the best side hustles for women who want to make money while expressing their creativity.
To get started:
- Use design tools like Adobe Express or Canva to create eye-catching designs.
- Once ready, upload your designs to a POD platform and connect it to an online storefront like Etsy to reach potential customers.
- Printify’s Product Creator also makes it easy to create designs from scratch or upload ready-made ones directly onto products.
The best part? This side hustle scales well, allowing you to grow your online store and income streams over time, whether as a part-time project or a full-time business.
Sell products on your own website, at your own schedule, from your own home
2. Freelance writing and editing
For women looking to earn extra money from home, freelance writing and editing is a flexible and accessible side hustle.
Joining freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr will help you quickly find work that fits your schedule and interests. LinkedIn is also a great tool for expanding your professional network. Simply fill out your profile and check the box that says Open for work.
These platforms offer opportunities to pitch for small projects, allowing you to showcase your writing skills while building a professional portfolio. Oh, and don’t forget about proofreading services – reading pays, too.
As you gain experience, you can scale up to more profitable side hustle projects, using your portfolio to attract higher-paying clients.
3. Virtual assistance
As a virtual assistant, you can offer a range of remote services, from administrative support to social media management and customer service. Many businesses, from small local companies to larger online brands, actively seek virtual assistants to handle essential tasks, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
Platforms like Fiverr and specialized VA networks like Zirtual, Belay, and Vasumo can connect you with potential clients seeking help with virtually everything (pun intended). Manage social media accounts, schedule and handle emails, and organize financial records.
VA is a highly flexible role that fits well into busy schedules. Over time, expand your client base, add new services like bookkeeping or project management, and build a profitable side hustle or even a full-time income.
4. Online tutoring or coaching
Through platforms like Wyzant and Cambly, or by marketing your services directly on social media, you can find clients who need tutoring or coaching support, whether they’re students, professionals, or hobbyists.
For those interested in more specialized areas, consider tutoring in niche subjects or offering personal coaching sessions, such as life coaching or even personal chef lessons.
You can also create and start selling online courses to reach a broader audience, allowing you to earn passively over time.
Online tutoring or coaching allows for a flexible schedule, making it ideal for balancing family responsibilities or a day job. This side hustle also provides scalability; as you gain experience and clients, you can expand your offerings and even develop a full-fledged online business.
5. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a fantastic side hustle for women interested in earning a commission by promoting products and services they genuinely believe in. Many brands offer free affiliate programs, making this a great way to generate extra income.
Start a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account focused on a specific niche – whether it’s health, fashion, or home decor – to create content that includes affiliate links to products you love. With time and search engine optimization, you can grow your audience and increase your commissions.
The Printify affiliate program, for example, allows you to earn 5% (with no earning cap) by recommending print-on-demand services. Learn more in this guide to the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners.
Affiliate marketing is an accessible way to make money as a stay-at-home mom and start building an income stream from home.
It’s also scalable: work with local businesses, build your own around this model, or even turn it into your dream job with consistent effort and an investment of time and dedication.
With the right approach, affiliate marketing can become a reliable income stream with long-term growth potential.
Earn money as an affiliate with the Printify Affiliate program
6. Social media management
This side hustle involves managing content, engagement, and growth for small businesses or entrepreneurs who want to connect with their target audience effectively but lack the time to maintain their own social media accounts.
Focus on one or two social platforms to build your expertise – whether it’s Instagram for visual brands or LinkedIn for professional services. This way, you can attract clients who value targeted social media growth and increase your credibility.
Project management tools like Trello or Asana can help organize tasks, plan content, and manage your clients’ accounts efficiently.Social media management is highly flexible, allowing you to work in your free time and deliver services virtually without a hefty time commitment.
7. Online surveys and market research
Online surveys and market research provide a simple way to earn extra cash by sharing your opinions and testing products. And, girl, we do have opinions, right?
Platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and UserTesting connect users with companies seeking feedback on products, websites, and apps, offering rewards or payments in return for your time. This side hustle is ideal for women looking for flexible, no-commitment work that can be done from anywhere.
Participating in surveys, testing products, or providing user feedback requires minimal effort, making it an easy way to make money during free moments. Although it may not provide a full-time income, online surveys and market research can be a convenient source of extra income that fits around other responsibilities.
8. Freelance makeup artist
For women passionate about beauty and cosmetics, working as a freelance makeup artist can be a profitable and fulfilling side hustle that allows you to showcase your creativity while meeting new clients.
This side hustle is in high demand for weddings, corporate events, and photoshoots, offering plenty of opportunities to build a professional network and expand your client base.
Start by marketing your services online, using social media platforms to target your ideal audience effectively and showcase your work. Creating an online portfolio or a dedicated Instagram account can help potential clients discover your work and see your range of skills.
To grow your business, consider offering services online, like virtual consultations or makeup tutorials, for clients who want personalized advice but can’t meet in person.
While it does require an initial investment in quality products and tools, it can be highly profitable, with potential annual earnings between $50,000 and $86,000, according to Glassdoor.
9. Photographer
For those who enjoy working with clients, photography offers opportunities to capture family portraits, events, or corporate photoshoots.
However, if you’re looking for a less demanding option, selling stock photos is perfect. Take the picture once and generate passive income as people buy your images repeatedly on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
Stock photography offers the flexibility to earn on your own schedule while building a portfolio that keeps paying. Whether you prefer the direct interaction of offline gigs or the passive income that comes with online sales, photography provides a creative, scalable way to generate extra cash.
10. Sell vintage clothing
Starting a POD business isn’t the only way how to make money from home on Etsy. Selling vintage clothing is a fun and profitable side hustle for women with an eye for style and a passion for unique finds.
Source vintage clothing from thrift stores, estate sales, or even your own closet, and resell them for a profit.
For online sales, platforms like Etsy, Depop, and eBay offer access to a global audience, allowing you to build a brand and showcase your finds. Or create a dedicated Instagram page for your online consignment store to separate this venture from your main account.
If you prefer in-person sales, consider setting up shop at local flea markets or pop-up events.
11. Organizing a masterclass/workshop
Whether it’s teaching a craft, offering cooking tips, or providing coaching sessions, hosting a workshop allows you to turn your expertise into a profitable event.
This side hustle can be run in person and online, making it flexible for different schedules and target audiences.
Easily market and host online classes for a global audience with Zoom or Eventbrite. Alternatively, for a more hands-on experience, hold workshops locally, connecting directly with your community.
By charging a registration fee, you’ll create a high-value experience while generating income from a skill you’re passionate about. This approach is especially scalable – start small, then expand as demand grows, potentially turning it into a full-time business.
12. Online fitness or yoga instructor
Becoming an online fitness or yoga instructor is a fulfilling side hustle that allows you to share your passion for wellness while helping others improve their health. With minimal initial investment in a quality camera or smartphone and a few pieces of equipment, you can start offering classes from home.
Zoom, Instagram, or YouTube make it easy to connect with clients remotely, allowing you to create flexible classes tailored to various fitness levels.
For those interested in passive income, consider recording classes and selling access to them on platforms like Teachable or Udemy. You can also create an online community by offering subscription-based memberships, giving clients access to exclusive workouts and personal coaching.
This side hustle offers scalability, with the option to expand into other wellness areas, such as online courses on nutrition or mindfulness training, as your client base grows. An online fitness business can be profitable and rewarding, with the flexibility to fit seamlessly into your schedule.
13. Meal prep services
Offer pre-prepared meals or customized meal plans to help busy professionals, families, or health-conscious individuals stick to their dietary goals without the hassle of daily cooking or grocery shopping.
This side hustle can start small, with a few local clients, and grow through word-of-mouth or social media marketing. With a starting investment in quality ingredients and containers, you can offer weekly meal prep packages that clients pick up or have delivered.
Plus, meal prep services are easily customizable: whether you focus on vegan, gluten-free, or family-friendly meals, there’s room to scale based on demand and dietary needs. This flexible, food-focused side hustle can quickly become a steady income stream and even transition into a full-fledged day job.
14. Organization services
Many people struggle with organizing their homes, offices, or even digital spaces, making this a popular and in-demand option for women with a flair for order.
Remember Marie Kondo? Her KonMari method changed many lives a few years back, encouraging women to get rid of anything that ‘doesn’t spark joy’.
A particularly sought-after niche is closet organization, where you can help clients streamline their wardrobes, making them more accessible and stylishly arranged. By combining closet organization with fashion advice, you can assist clients in curating their wardrobe, identifying staple pieces, and even styling outfits – all while helping them save time and reduce clutter.
This side hustle can be offered in person for hands-on projects, or you could provide online courses or virtual consultations with personalized layout and style recommendations. Additionally, it pairs well with services like personal shopping for storage solutions or fashion pieces, creating a seamless experience for clients.
With the increasing desire for organized, fashionable living, organization services offer flexible and profitable ways to help others achieve a streamlined and stylish space.
15. Pet sitting or dog walking
Pet sitting and dog walking are perfect side hustles for women who love animals and want a flexible way to earn extra income. This side hustle offers a great opportunity to provide much-needed care and attention to pets, whether it’s walking dogs during the day or providing in-home pet care while owners are away.
With the demand for reliable pet sitters and dog walkers on the rise, especially among active professionals and frequent travelers, there’s plenty of potential to build a steady client base.
Platforms like Rover and Wag! make it easy to connect with local pet owners looking for trusted caregivers.
Pet sitting and dog walking services require no investment and can fit easily around other responsibilities, making them ideal for anyone seeking extra income in their spare time. Plus, the work is enjoyable and active, allowing you to spend quality time with pets while staying physically engaged.
16. Plant sitting or gardening services
Just as pet owners need reliable care for their furry friends, plant owners are often looking for someone to tend to their green companions while they’re away. Plant sitting and gardening services are ideal side hustles for women who enjoy plants and have a green thumb.
These services can range from simply watering plants and checking on their health to providing more hands-on gardening help, like repotting or basic landscaping.
For those who want to get more involved, offering gardening consultations or helping clients set up home gardens adds extra value. This side hustle is flexible, easy to start with minimal tools, and highly satisfying for plant lovers.
You can connect with clients through local community boards, gardening groups, or online platforms, and build a solid base of plant parents who appreciate your expertise and care.
17. Errand running services
Errand-running services are a practical side hustle for females who enjoy helping others and have a knack for organization. Busy professionals, elderly individuals, and those with limited time often need assistance with daily errands, like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or mailing packages.
Many clients may also need help with administrative tasks, such as organizing paperwork, managing appointments, or handling basic office tasks.
This side hustle requires minimal investment – just reliable transportation and a phone to communicate with clients. Advertise your services locally or on platforms like TaskRabbit, where you’ll find people looking for help with a variety of errands and admin tasks.
18. Food delivery driver
With the rise of apps like UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, getting started is easy and requires minimal upfront investment – just a reliable vehicle or bike and a smartphone.
Women who want to work in their free time, whether during peak lunch and dinner hours or on weekends, can easily start earning by becoming food delivery drivers.
Plus, with the online food delivery market thriving, there are plenty of opportunities to earn a stable income without a long-term commitment.
The online food delivery market in the US is currently generating substantial revenue, reaching approximately $353.3 billion.
Side hustles for women with Print on Demand: A step-by-step guide
Step 1: Choose a niche or theme
To stand out, select a focused niche. Targeting a specific audience – such as entrepreneurs, students, or pet lovers – helps create products that resonate and attract loyal customers.
Step 2: Upload your design
Sign up for Printify and use its intuitive Product Creator to easily make or upload designs. You can also partner with freelance designers or feature your own art on products.
Step 3: Start selling
Connect your Printify account to Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, or TikTok, and more thanks to our easy integrations. Focus on strong branding with a memorable storefront name, visuals, and clear product descriptions to capture your ideal customer’s attention and drive sales.
Make it happen today!
Real stories of women succeeding with no-cost side hustles
Let’s take a closer look at two inspiring stories of women who turned their POD ventures into thriving businesses, gaining both financial independence and career freedom along the way.
Mandy Dobosenski: From HR director to six-figure entrepreneur
Mandy Dobosenski, a former HR director, found herself burnt out during the pandemic and needed a change for her well-being. She had dabbled in selling handmade products on Etsy, but after discovering Print on Demand, she saw an opportunity to grow her side hustle without having to manage inventory.
Through a strategic approach, focusing on specific design niches and efficient batching techniques, Mandy transformed her POD venture into a six-figure business.
Her journey from a stressed corporate worker to a successful entrepreneur highlights the importance of setting clear goals and staying consistent. By harnessing the power of social media and leaning into her productivity hacks, Mandy has turned her side hustle into a scalable, passive income stream while helping others replicate her success.
Key takeaway
Persistence and planning are crucial – Mandy’s batching approach and dedication to consistency were key to hitting her six-figure goal.
Gina Van De Voorde: Turning a creative outlet into $100,000
Gina Van De Voorde, a stay-at-home mom with no previous design experience, launched her POD journey with a simple goal: to escape the confines of a draining full-time job.
Starting with text-based designs on Etsy, Gina experimented with different niches until she discovered a winning theme – Western-style apparel. She uploaded hundreds of designs and eventually timed her shop launch perfectly for the holiday season, earning $80,000 within her first Q4.
Now, Gina’s business has surpassed $500,000 in revenue, thanks to her persistence and knack for trend-spotting. She expanded her business by branching out onto Shopify, allowing her to grow beyond Etsy and gain more control over her brand.
Key takeaway
Gina’s story emphasizes the value of trial and error, niche research, and consistency to achieve long-term growth.
For anyone considering a POD business, these stories serve as powerful examples of what’s possible with dedication and a willingness to learn.
Side hustles for women can turn more profitable than you think
Now you’re ready to make extra money with a side hustle. Whether it’s helping others with administrative tasks, pet sitting, or print-on-demand business through Printify, remember that small steps add up.
If POD sparks your interest, start with a simple design, test different niches, and don’t hesitate to join communities of fellow POD entrepreneurs to share insights and get advice. With Printify, you have access to tools that make setup easy.
Dive in, experiment, and keep moving forward. Every design and sale brings you closer to creating a meaningful income stream aligned with your goals and creativity.
FAQ
Women can explore various side hustles based on their skills, interests, and availability. Some popular options include print-on-demand businesses, freelance writer jobs, proofreading services, and creating online courses and coaching. Each of these allows for flexible work and can be tailored to fit around other commitments.
High-earning side hustles generally involve specialized skills or scalable models. Freelance services such as graphic design or consulting, event planning, online course creation, and print-on-demand businesses have strong earning potential.
Additionally, leveraging platforms like Etsy or Shopify for online stores can lead to significant income over time.
The best side hustle for women varies depending on individual skills and goals, but one of the most popular and accessible today is a print-on-demand business. Using platforms like Printify, you can design and sell custom products without upfront costs or inventory, making it an excellent choice for flexible income with minimal risk.
Easy side gigs for women include tasks like online surveys, errand-running services, selling stock photos, and Print on Demand. These options require minimal upfront investment and can often be done in your spare time, making them accessible and straightforward to start.
To make money quickly, consider gig-based work like food delivery, pet and plant sitting, becoming a personal chef, or freelance services on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. POD is also relatively quick to start, allowing you to set up an online store and potentially earn from sales soon after launching.
