What does it mean to have a side hustle? It is any type of employment undertaken in addition to one’s full-time job. They are often things we are passionate about..fashion, animals, teaching, cooking, reselling..the list is endless. *More than 44 million Americans have a side hustle and of the 86% who say they earn extra money from a side hustle every month, 36% are making $500 or more. What would YOU do with an extra $500/mo?
Why the side hustle? Of course, the main objective is to make a little extra money. But what if you wanted that to be your main source of income? Is it possible? I say yes. I have worked in the retail industry for 25+ years in many different management roles and I’m here to tell you it kills you slowly. No one deserves that. For most in the retail industry, the money is good, a little too good in the fact that in looking outside the retail world for another job, you will be paid considerably less. So, too often, we become stuck (and sometimes comfortable), knowing that this is as good as it gets. And we put up with the politics, rude customers, horrible bosses, long days and physical demands because we think we have no choice.
So, we start to look inward..are we happy? What does happy look like in relation to our work-life? If you could do what makes you happy and get paid, would you do it? It’s a scary thought, to quit your job and do what you love. And where do you even start? It’s pretty overwhelming.
I am on my way to just that..independence. I have started with reselling clothing, jewelry, etc. on Poshmark, Mercari and Ebay. I have always had an avid interest in fashion, and I am thrilled that in reselling, I’m also recycling and helping to keep clothing out of landfills.
What I don’t sell, I donate.
There will be bumps and roadblocks and there will be great successes, but I am not prepared to let one more hour of my life be wasted on something I don’t believe in and that I’m not inspired by. This same philosophy goes for a number of different aspects of my life: friends, family members, bad habits. Sometimes you just need to let go of negative energy, you know those people who suck the life out of you and have nothing to give in return? Yes, them, we all have them (or had) and it’s time to move on to greener pastures with people who bring something to your life and enrich it. Cut those strings and you’ll feel 1000% better for it.
But I digress.
I am currently navigating this crazy hustle business and have been pretty immersed for about 2 months now. I am in no way an expert and will never claim to be BUT I have stumbled across some pretty great ideas, hacks, how-to’s and just some all-around fantastic information on how to start an E-Commerce B to C (business to consumer) business. I have been figuring this out on my own from all different sources and would like to compile them all for you here, so you have it all in one place, should you decide to get your hustle on.
Something as simple as an Excel spreadsheet to be able to track everything from Day 1 is essential. So, to start out, I’m going to share the one I’ve been using (and tweaking) to ensure I have accurate inventory, ROI, COGS, margins, etc. Click on the link above to download it and USE it. It will make your life that much easier, trust me!
My goal is to share as much information as possible, as often as I can. Believe me when I say TAKE THE HELP. It can be overwhelming to do it all on your own. I’m excited to have you on this journey with me and to keep each other lifted up and on our way to an inspiring, joyous, successful hustle turned small business.
Xo, Amy