25 Hobbies You Can Turn Into A Business In 2024
If you are looking for business ideas using your hobbies to begin your path to entrepreneurship, you are in the right place.
With starting a business using your hobbies, there are plenty of opportunities that can help you follow your dreams and build a successful career.
In this post, you will discover profitable business ideas, perfect for those who want to have a flexible job, capable of multiplying the average income, while becoming your own boss.
Check out the full list below to help you find your next idea!
Here they are:
1. Start a painting business
If you are looking for a self-employment opportunity that gives you a chance to define your working schedule, consider starting a painting business. Painting is one of the low startup costs craft businesses with a high-profit margin. However, only some have the patience or the skill to do painting tasks.
To start a painting business, craft a business plan and register your business. Then, get insurance cover for your business and apply for licenses. Finally, get the right painting equipment and focus on marketing your business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $61,583/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How a recent college graduate started COOLERSbyU, a paintable cooler and accessories business geared towards Greek life and DIY crafting, growing from a few thousand dollars to an average of over $25k per month in just four years through mostly organic growth and a focus on SEO.
2. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
3. Become a referee
The referee business provides trained and certified officials to oversee and enforce rules in various sporting events. This can include youth leagues, amateur and professional games, and special events such as tournaments or playoffs.
To run a successful referee business, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations of the specific sports you will be officiating. You should also ensure that all of your referees are properly trained and certified by the appropriate governing bodies.
In addition to being knowledgeable about the sport, it is important for referees to be unbiased and fair in their decision-making. This requires good communication skills and the ability to handle difficult situations with tact and professionalism.
To attract clients, it is helpful to have a website and social media presence to showcase your services and provide information about your referees. Building relationships with local sports organizations and consistently providing quality service can also help attract new business.
Properly managing finances is also essential, including setting competitive pricing and tracking expenses. Continuing education and staying up to date on any changes or updates to the rules and regulations of the sports you officiate can also help ensure the success of your business.
4. Start a crafts business
If you're interested in starting a crafts business begin by gathering the necessary materials, tools, and a dedicated workspace to create your unique products.
In addition to crafting expertise, it’s important to possess basic business skills such as marketing, pricing, and customer service.
To sell your items, you can participate in local craft fairs take advantage of online platforms like Etsy, or create your own website.
It’s crucial to keep track of your expenses and profits to ensure that you’re making a profit. Nevertheless, running a crafts business can be a fulfilling and creative way to channel your passion for making things.
How much you can make: $600 — $1,200/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
The Crafty Gentleman, a UK-based DIY and craft blog, generates over $1.2k per month through sponsored brand partnerships and recently launched an online shop after organically growing a reader base and consistently nurturing an engaging online presence.
5. Start a comedy club
Have a knack for making people laugh and want to turn it into a business? Consider starting a comedy club.
A comedy club offers a venue where stand-up comedians perform live for an audience. It’s a simple but effective way to combine entertainment with a touch of community spirit. Owning a comedy club means organizing nightly events, booking talented comedians, and ensuring that your venue provides a welcoming atmosphere.
Comedy clubs are great for building regular clientele, as people love to return for a great laugh and a night out with friends. Plus, you’ll be offering performers a platform to showcase their talents, potentially attracting big names as your club grows in reputation.
It requires commitment, from managing the logistical details to ensuring comedians and audiences alike have a great experience, but the payoff can be a vibrant, thriving hub of laughter and joy.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
Gary Ferrar, a professional magician and mentalist, shares how he marketed himself to high-end clients and corporations, resulting in a 25k/month career which has included performances for clients such as Google, Facebook, Uber, and Pepsi.
6. Start a surveying business
Surveying is a business that involves the measurement, analysis, and mapping of land, structures, and other features of the earth's surface. Surveying professionals, also known as surveyors, use specialized equipment and software to collect and interpret data that is used for construction, land development, and other purposes.
To start a surveying business, you must have a thorough understanding of math and geospatial technologies and a solid attention to detail. You will also need to be licensed as a surveyor in your state, which typically requires a degree in surveying or a related field and passing a written exam.
To run a successful surveying business, you must build a strong reputation in your community by providing accurate, reliable, and timely services to your clients. You should also continually educate yourself on the latest technologies and techniques in the field and stay up to date on any changes in local regulations or laws. Additionally, it is important to have strong communication and project management skills, as you will often be working with multiple clients and stakeholders on complex projects.
In terms of marketing your business, networking with local builders, developers, and other professionals in the construction industry can be a great way to get your name out there and attract new clients. You should also consider building a website and leveraging social media platforms to showcase your services and portfolio.
Overall, a surveying business can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in working in a technically-skilled and data-driven field. With the right knowledge, skills, and marketing strategies, you can build a successful surveying business that provides valuable services to clients in your community.
How much you can make: $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
QuestionPro's Founder, Vivek Bhaskaran, shares the story of how he started the most robust survey software on the market, which has provided innovative technology to Fortune 100 companies, academic institutions, small businesses, and individual DIY researchers for over 12 years.
7. Start a mobile pet grooming
Do you love attending to pets? Starting a pet grooming business is a fun and profitable business idea.
Pet grooming service includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing of pet animals. Grooming pets ensure they remain healthy and enjoy an improved physical appearance. To start a pet grooming business, create a business plan and portfolio.
Establish a business website and market your services to the target audience. Then, buy pet grooming tools and supplies and focus on offering your services to the target audience.
8. Become a proofreader
Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.
As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.
If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:
- Have an excellent grasp of grammar
- Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
- Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
- Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words
Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.
Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
A proofreader was able to build a consistent income of ~$2,000 per month from scratch with zero experience in the field, no expenses, and barely any upfront costs by targeting bloggers and content creators who want their content to be copy edited and proofread.
9. Start a mobile photography business
Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.
There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!
To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
10. Start an antique business
Owning an antique and vintage business can be fulfilling and profitable for those targeting the elite.
Antique businesses focus on procuring items at a low price and restoring them, then selling them at a profit. The items can include old toys, cars, bikes, household items, crafts, vintage jewelry, etc.
Opening an antique item store may seem somewhat daunting. However, once you have researched the items available and acquired the necessary skills and expertise, you will be ready to kick off.
For some, a storefront with enough storage for antique items might fit the bill. For others, an online store will work pretty well. Regardless of your approach, the secret is applying your entrepreneurship strategies to an overall framework for success.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How a former educator built a successful antique restoration business from scratch, growing from a 2-car garage to a 2200 sq. ft. space over seven years, thanks to communication skills, dedication to organization, regular website updates, and utilization of Google My Business and Maps.
11. Become a graphic designer
Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.
Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $81,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
12. Start a photo editing business
Photo editing businesses edit and retouch existing photos for their clients. The service ranges from cleaning up image blemishes and lighting issues. The photo editing business can be a fun and rewarding venture. The profit margin largely depends on your target customers and your set rate.
If starting a photo editing business, conduct market research and ensure competitive rates to keep attracting customers.
How much you can make: $24,998 — $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
CandidShutters co-founder Pranjal started an online-only, profitable business in 2018 creating custom-designed handcrafted photo albums that currently averages over 100 albums per month, serving couples and families seeking to create memorable keepsakes.
13. Start a DIY business
Ever wondered how your knack for crafting could turn into a thriving business? Consider starting a DIY business. A DIY business involves creating handmade, unique products to sell directly to consumers, often through online platforms like Etsy or local market stalls.
The beauty of this venture is its accessibility; you can commence with minimal investment by using materials you already own or sourcing affordable supplies. Crafting jewelry, home decor, or personalized gifts—your product line is entirely up to your creativity.
While the work involves manual labor and time, the rewards are compelling. You have the flexibility to work from home and the satisfaction of turning passion into profit. Interested in learning more? Discover the potential of DIY entrepreneurship today and start crafting your success story.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $1,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Cooking Gift Set Co. generated $866,000 in sales in 2020, with 70% on Amazon, 26% Wholesale, and 4% e-commerce, using their strengths in design to create cooking kits with beautiful packaging, customized instructions, and high-quality lifestyle photos to differentiate from copycats.
14. Become a carpenter
Carpentry is the art of working with timber to construct and maintain buildings, furniture, and other wooden products.
To date, carpentry remains one of the oldest skilled trades and a craft with plenty of options for a career. You can start repairing or constructing new carpentry products and selling them to customers online or locally at your workshop.
To become a carpenter, you may obtain basic education and take up an apprenticeship program through commercial and industrial employers or construction unions. An apprenticeship program equips you with essential knowledge and experience so you are better prepared to start your own business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $18,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
This case study follows Brett Burdick, founder of Brex International, LLC, and the creation of his patented spiral featherboard designed to improve safety and quality in woodworking, which has now generated $18k per month, with 87% of sales coming from Amazon.
15. Start a blog
In recent years, blogging has become a highly sought-after & lucrative Business. This location-independent business is a creative outlet to reach a broader audience and even work at any time. According to Optinmonster’s list of blogging statistics and facts:
- Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information.
- 77% of internet users read blogs.
- Each month, approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages.
Originally blogging started as an online journal, but today it is a highly profitable career option. Many people are choosing blogging as their full-time career and are earning their bread and butter from this profession.
If you want to start blogging as a side hustle or as a full-time profession, choose a niche you will enjoy writing about and have a content strategy ready. Then, create a mailing list, and decide on a good blog posting routine to keep your audience engaged.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
16. Start an auto repair business
Many people just love to tinker with, fix and repair cars. This is an all-consuming hobby for some people. They like to take things apart and figure out how things work. The process of fixing and repairing cars is almost therapeutic for them.
An auto repair business is a rewarding way to make extra money or build an entire business.
You can do it in the comforts of your own home, working around your schedule and getting paid handsomely for it. The United States automotive service market is expected to reach $75B by 2026.
How much you can make: $415,000/month
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
Finish Line Towing & Auto Repair is Wisconsin's largest roadside assistance provider, bringing in $5 million in annual sales through its dedication to customer service, effective dispatching, and clean service, with a goal of expanding to other markets in Wisconsin and Illinois.
17. Start a tutoring business
Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.
If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.
Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.
18. Become a music tutor
Are you passionate about music or looking for a profitable coaching business? How about becoming a music tutor?
To start a music coaching business, decide your target audience and location and set your rates. For example, you can meet new students through a community event, online, or a music club, or target the local community. Set rates for your music classes and advertise your business to get as many clients as possible.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $70,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,035 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
Piano In 21 Days built a low pressure and flexible online piano course, bringing in 5 figures every month while allowing the founder to spend time on other interests and family while its profitable business runs itself.
19. Start an online video editing business
Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.
To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
20. Become a public speaker
Motivational speakers share powerful messages based on their life experiences. The focus is on helping others gain life's wisdom and become successful.
If you plan to become a motivational public speaker, learn how you can transition your genuine passion to becoming a professional public speaker who inspires others.
Then, start a social media channel and share your videos widely to go viral.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder Ellen Yin shares how she profitably bootstrapped growth from a $300 client project into 7 figures in lifetime revenue and how she launched a $10K/month online course using pre-selling to test and validate her offer.
21. Become a social media marketer
Social media marketing is gaining website visitors or customers by promoting your company on social media. To succeed in social media marketing, you must regularly post tasty, entertaining, and engaging share material on your social media channels.
Everybody knows that social media is a tool that has become extremely important to businesses of all sizes. It allows them to connect with people worldwide and provides a platform for customer service. Social networks are changing the way we do marketing. They offer an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach millions instantly.
Nowadays, it is easy to earn money through social media marketing. You just need to invest some time and effort to make a profit. Social media has been an essential part of many businesses marketing campaigns, and it is expected to be a significant part of any company’s future.
How much you can make: $100 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)
This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.
22. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
23. Start a niche web design business
Niche web design business focuses on a specialized market such as law, home improvement, videography, fashion, etc. typically, when a web designer niches down their services, they are simply choosing to concentrate on one industry and create websites for businesses within the particular niche. To become a niche web designer, consider honing the following skills and personal qualities:
- Visual design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Strong communication skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and research skills
- Attention to detail
Narrowing your focus to a particular niche gives you a higher chance of becoming a recognized expert and places you in a better position to charge more for your services.
How much you can make: $200 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
Never Settle, a digital agency with over 1,000 completed projects and a focus on lean methodology and building relationships with clients, has made a name for itself in the eCommerce space, offering comprehensive solutions to businesses of all sizes while maintaining consistent and moderate growth.
24. Become an online fitness coach
Online fitness coaching is using live or recorded video to offer fitness classes to an online audience at a fee. To become successful in business, online fitness coaches should possess the following personal qualities:
- Stay focused on clients’ needs and goals
- Be ready to walk the talk
- Ask the clients questions
- Focused on educating the client
- Adjust to a language clients understand
Increase in number of internet usersand more hours spent online, online businesses will keep thriving.
Therefore, fitness coaches looking to expand their businesses or venture into new markets can consider starting an online fitness coach business.
How much you can make: $250 — $82,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
25. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
