I'm gonna be honest with you, mom life is a whole vibe. But what's really wild? Working to get that bread while juggling toddlers and their chaos.
I started my side hustle journey about a few years back when I figured out that my random shopping trips were way too frequent. I had to find funds I didn't have to justify spending.
Virtual Assistant Hustle
Here's what happened, I kicked things off was becoming a virtual assistant. And not gonna lie? It was perfect. It let me hustle while the kids slept, and literally all it took was my laptop and decent wifi.
I began by easy things like handling emails, managing social content, and basic admin work. Super simple stuff. I started at about $20/hour, which felt cheap but as a total beginner, you gotta begin at the bottom.
What cracked me up? Picture this: me on a Zoom call looking all professional from the shoulders up—business casual vibes—while rocking sweatpants. Living my best life.
Selling on Etsy
About twelve months in, I thought I'd test out the selling on Etsy. Everyone and their mother seemed to be on Etsy, so I figured "why not join the party?"
My shop focused on crafting printable planners and digital art prints. The thing about selling digital stuff? Make it one time, and it can generate passive income forever. Actually, I've made sales at ungodly hours.
When I got my first order? I literally screamed. He came running thinking something was wrong. Not even close—just me, doing a happy dance for my glorious $4.99. I'm not embarrassed.
Content Creator Life
After that I ventured into blogging and content creation. This hustle is definitely a slow burn, let me tell you.
I created a family lifestyle blog where I shared what motherhood actually looks like—the good, the bad, and the ugly. No Instagram-perfect nonsense. Only the actual truth about surviving tantrums in Target.
Getting readers was painfully slow. Initially, I was basically my only readers were my mom and two bots. But I stayed consistent, and over time, things began working.
Currently? I generate revenue through affiliate marketing, collaborations, and ad revenue. Last month I brought in over $2,000 from my website. Crazy, right?
SMM Side Hustle
Once I got decent at running my own socials, small companies started asking if I could help them.
Real talk? Most small businesses don't understand social media. They understand they have to be on it, but they're clueless about the algorithm.
I swoop in. I currently run social media for several small companies—various small businesses. I create content, queue up posts, respond to comments, and check their stats.
They pay me between five hundred to a thousand dollars per month per client, depending on the complexity. Best part? I manage everything from my phone while sitting in the carpool line.
Freelance Writing Life
If writing is your thing, content writing is where it's at. Not like becoming Shakespeare—this is business content.
Companies constantly need fresh content. I've created content about everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. You just need to research, you just need to know how to find information.
Generally bill $50-150 per article, depending on the topic and length. the reference guide On good months I'll write fifteen articles and make $1-2K.
Here's what's wild: I was that student who barely passed English class. Currently I'm earning a living writing. Life is weird.
Tutoring Online
During the pandemic, everyone needed online help. I used to be a teacher, so this was right up my alley.
I joined a couple of online tutoring sites. You make your own schedule, which is crucial when you have kids with unpredictable schedules.
I mostly tutor basic subjects. Income ranges from fifteen to twenty-five hourly depending on where you work.
The funny thing? Occasionally my kids will interrupt mid-session. I've had to maintain composure during complete chaos in the background. The parents on the other end are totally cool about it because they're parents too.
Reselling and Flipping
So, this side gig wasn't planned. I was decluttering my kids' closet and listed some clothes on various apps.
Stuff sold out so fast. I had an epiphany: one person's trash is another's treasure.
Currently I shop at estate sales and thrift shops, hunting for name brands. I'll find something for cheap and resell at a markup.
This takes effort? Yes. There's photographing, listing, and shipping. But it's strangely fulfilling about spotting valuable items at Goodwill and turning a profit.
Bonus: my children are fascinated when I find unique items. Last week I scored a collectible item that my son absolutely loved. Flipped it for forty-five bucks. Mom win.
The Honest Reality
Truth bomb incoming: side hustles aren't passive income. There's work involved, hence the name.
Certain days when I'm surviving on caffeine and spite, wondering why I'm doing this. I wake up early being productive before the madness begins, then doing all the mom stuff, then working again after the kids are asleep.
But you know what? I earned this money. I'm not asking anyone to get the good coffee. I'm helping with our financial goals. I'm showing my kids that moms can do anything.
Tips if You're Starting Out
If you want to start a hustle of your own, here are my tips:
Begin with something manageable. You can't start five businesses. Pick one thing and nail it down before adding more.
Be realistic about time. If naptime is your only free time, that's fine. A couple of productive hours is more than enough to start.
Avoid comparing yourself to the highlight reels. Everyone you're comparing yourself to? They put in years of work and has help. Focus on your own journey.
Don't be afraid to invest, but strategically. Free information exists. Don't spend $5,000 on a coaching program until you've validated your idea.
Work in batches. This is crucial. Block off time blocks for different things. Use Monday for writing day. Wednesday could be organizing and responding.
The Mom Guilt is Real
I have to be real with you—guilt is part of this. Sometimes when I'm working and my kid wants attention, and I feel terrible.
But I consider that I'm teaching them what dedication looks like. I'm showing my daughter that moms can have businesses.
And honestly? Financial independence has been good for me. I'm more satisfied, which translates to better parenting.
The Numbers
The real numbers? Most months, combining everything, I bring in three to five thousand monthly. Certain months are higher, others are slower.
Will this make you wealthy? No. But we've used it to pay for so many things we needed that would've been impossible otherwise. It's also giving me confidence and experience that could evolve into something huge.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, being a mom with a side hustle is hard. There's no magic formula. Often I'm making it up as I go, fueled by espresso and stubbornness, and praying it all works out.
But I'm proud of this journey. Every dollar earned is evidence of my capability. It demonstrates that I'm more than just mom.
If you're on the fence about launching a mom business? Do it. Start before it's perfect. You in six months will be so glad you did.
Keep in mind: You're not just getting by—you're building something. Even if there's likely mysterious crumbs in your workspace.
For real. This is pretty amazing, complete with all the chaos.
From Rock Bottom to Creator Success: My Journey as a Single Mom
Here's the truth—becoming a single mom wasn't the dream. I never expected to be becoming a content creator. But fast forward to now, three years into this wild journey, making a living by posting videos while parenting alone. And not gonna lie? It's been the best worst decision of my life.
How It Started: When Everything Came Crashing Down
It was three years ago when my relationship fell apart. I will never forget sitting in my half-empty apartment (he got the furniture, I got the memories), unable to sleep at 2am while my kids were passed out. I had less than a thousand dollars in my checking account, two humans depending on me, and a income that didn't cut it. The panic was real, y'all.
I was on TikTok to numb the pain—because that's what we do? when everything is chaos, right?—when I came across this woman sharing how she changed her life through being a creator. I remember thinking, "No way that's legit."
But desperation makes you brave. Or both. Sometimes both.
I downloaded the TikTok creator app the next morning. My first video? No filter, no makeup, pure chaos, venting about how I'd just spent my last $12 on a frozen nuggets and juice boxes for my kids' lunches. I shared it and felt sick. Why would anyone care about someone's train wreck of a life?
Plot twist, thousands of people.
That video got forty-seven thousand views. Nearly fifty thousand people watched me breakdown over chicken nuggets. The comments section became this incredible community—other single moms, other people struggling, all saying "me too." That was my lightbulb moment. People didn't want filtered content. They wanted honest.
Finding My Niche: The Real Mom Life Brand
Here's what they don't say about content creation: niche is crucial. And my niche? It found me. I became the unfiltered single mom.
I started sharing the stuff everyone keeps private. Like how I wore the same leggings all week because executive dysfunction is real. Or when I gave them breakfast for dinner all week and called it "breakfast for dinner week." Or that moment when my daughter asked where daddy went, and I had to explain adult stuff to a kid who thinks the tooth fairy is real.
My content was raw. My lighting was awful. I filmed on a phone with a broken screen. But it was real, and turns out, that's what connected.
Within two months, I hit 10K. 90 days in, 50K. By six months, I'd crossed six figures. Each milestone felt impossible. Actual humans who wanted to hear what I had to say. Plain old me—a barely surviving single mom who had to Google "what is a content creator" recently.
My Daily Reality: Balancing Content and Chaos
Here's the reality of my typical day, because content creation as a single mom is nothing like those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm goes off. I do want to throw my phone, but this is my hustle hours. I make coffee that I'll forget about, and I get to work. Sometimes it's a getting ready video discussing budgeting. Sometimes it's me cooking while discussing custody stuff. The lighting is natural and terrible.
7:00am: Kids emerge. Content creation ends. Now I'm in survival mode—pouring cereal, the shoe hunt (why is it always one shoe), making lunch boxes, stopping fights. The chaos is overwhelming.
8:30am: School drop-off. I'm that mom in the carpool line filming TikToks in the car. Don't judge me, but content waits for no one.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my work block. House is quiet. I'm editing content, responding to comments, brainstorming content ideas, reaching out to brands, reviewing performance. They believe content creation is just making TikToks. Nope. It's a full business.
I usually batch-create content on certain days. That means creating 10-15 pieces in a few hours. I'll change clothes so it looks varied. Advice: Keep wardrobe options close for easy transitions. My neighbors probably think I'm unhinged, talking to my camera in the parking lot.
3:00pm: Pickup time. Back to parenting. But plot twist—frequently my biggest hits come from real life. Last week, my daughter had a massive breakdown in Target because I said no to a expensive toy. I created a video in the parking lot once we left about managing big emotions as a solo parent. It got 2.3M views.
Evening: Dinner, homework, bath time, bedtime routines. I'm typically drained to create anything, but I'll plan posts, reply to messages, or outline content. Some nights, after the kids are asleep, I'll work late because a brand deadline is looming.
The truth? No such thing as balance. It's just controlled chaos with occasional wins.
Let's Talk Income: How I Actually Make a Living
Okay, let's get into the finances because this is what everyone wants to know. Can you make a living as a creator? Absolutely. Is it simple? Nope.
My first month, I made nothing. Month two? $0. Month three, I got my first sponsored post—one hundred fifty dollars to promote a food subscription. I literally cried. That one-fifty covered food.
Today, three years later, here's how I make money:
Sponsored Content: This is my largest income stream. I work with brands that align with my audience—practical items, helpful services, family items. I charge anywhere from five hundred to several thousand per partnership, depending on the scope. Last month, I did 4 sponsored posts and made eight grand.
TikTok Fund: TikTok's creator fund pays not much—a few hundred dollars per month for massive numbers. AdSense is better. I make about $1.5K monthly from YouTube, but that required years.
Affiliate Links: I post links to things I own—anything from my go-to coffee machine to the bunk beds I bought. If someone purchases through my link, I get a percentage. This brings in about eight hundred to twelve hundred.
Info Products: I created a single mom budget planner and a meal planning ebook. Each costs $15, and I sell dozens per month. That's another over a thousand dollars.
Coaching/Consulting: Other aspiring creators pay me to mentor them. I offer consulting calls for $200 hourly. I do about 5-10 a month.
Total monthly income: Generally, I'm making $10-15K per month these days. Some months I make more, others are slower. It's variable, which is nerve-wracking when you're it. But it's 3x what I made at my old job, and I'm there for them.
The Hard Parts Nobody Talks About
Content creation sounds glamorous until you're having a breakdown because a post got no views, or dealing with cruel messages from keyboard warriors.
The haters are brutal. I've been told I'm a terrible parent, told I'm exploiting my kids, accused of lying about being a single mom. One person said, "Maybe that's why he left." That one stung for days.
The algorithm changes constantly. Certain periods you're getting viral hits. The next, you're barely hitting 1K. Your income fluctuates. You're always on, never resting, nervous about slowing down, you'll be forgotten.
The mom guilt is amplified beyond normal. Every upload, I wonder: Is this too much? Am I doing right by them? Will they be angry about this when they're older? I have non-negotiables—no faces of my kids without permission, keeping their stories private, no embarrassing content. But the line is hard to see.
The burnout hits hard. Some weeks when I don't want to film anything. When I'm touched out, over it, and at my limit. But bills don't care about burnout. So I create anyway.
The Wins
But here's what's real—despite everything, this journey has blessed me with things I never imagined.
Economic stability for the first time ever. I'm not loaded, but I eliminated my debt. I have an emergency fund. We took a family trip last summer—Disney World, which was a dream two years ago. I don't dread checking my balance anymore.
Time freedom that's priceless. When my kid was ill last month, I didn't have to ask permission or panic. I handled business at urgent care. When there's a field trip, I attend. I'm in their lives in ways I wasn't with a traditional 9-5.
Support that saved me. The creator friends I've found, especially solo parents, have become true friends. We support each other, exchange tips, have each other's backs. My followers have become this beautiful community. They cheer for me, lift me up, and remind me I'm not alone.
Identity beyond "mom". For the first time since having kids, I have an identity. I'm not just someone's ex-wife or just a mom. I'm a entrepreneur. A businesswoman. Someone who built something from nothing.
My Best Tips
If you're a single mother considering content creation, listen up:
Just start. Your first videos will be terrible. Mine did. Everyone starts there. You grow through creating, not by overthinking.
Keep it real. People can sense inauthenticity. Share your honest life—the mess. That resonates.
Keep them safe. Establish boundaries. Know your limits. Their privacy is the priority. I keep names private, rarely show their faces, and never discuss anything that could embarrass them.
Multiple revenue sources. Don't rely on just one platform or one way to earn. The algorithm is unstable. Multiple streams = safety.
Create in batches. When you have available time, make a bunch. Next week you will be grateful when you're too exhausted to create.
Connect with followers. Respond to comments. Answer DMs. Connect authentically. Your community is crucial.
Track metrics. Some content isn't worth it. If something requires tons of time and gets nothing while another video takes no time and blows up, change tactics.
Prioritize yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup. Step away. Protect your peace. Your sanity matters more than anything.
Give it time. This requires patience. It took me months to make meaningful money. Year one, I made barely $15,000. Year two, eighty thousand. This year, I'm projected for $100K+. It's a journey.
Know your why. On difficult days—and trust me, there will be—remember why you're doing this. For me, it's financial freedom, being there, and showing myself that I'm capable of more than I thought possible.
The Honest Truth
Look, I'm telling the truth. Being a single mom creator is hard. Really hard. You're operating a business while being the single caregiver of children who require constant attention.
Certain days I question everything. Days when the hate comments affect me. Days when I'm drained and wondering if I should quit this with benefits and a steady paycheck.
But but then my daughter mentions she appreciates this. Or I see my bank account actually has money in it. Or I read a message from a follower saying my content inspired her. And I remember my purpose.
Where I'm Going From Here
Years ago, I was terrified and clueless what to do. Currently, I'm a full-time creator making more than I imagined in corporate America, and I'm present for everything.
My goals for the future? Hit 500K by year-end. Launch a podcast for solo parents. Possibly write a book. Keep growing this business that supports my family.
This path gave me a lifeline when I had nothing. It gave me a way to take care of my children, be present in their lives, and create something meaningful. It's not what I planned, but it's perfect.
To any single parent on the fence: Hell yes you can. It won't be easy. You'll want to quit some days. But you're managing the toughest gig—doing this alone. You're more capable than you know.
Begin messy. Stay consistent. Protect your peace. And always remember, you're beyond survival mode—you're changing your life.
BRB, I need to go film a TikTok about the project I just found out about and nobody told me until now. Because that's how it goes—chaos becomes content, video by video.
No cap. This path? It's everything. Despite I'm sure there's crumbs stuck to my laptop right now. Dream life, imperfectly perfect.