The 18 Best Side Hustles for Women

Creative Ways to Build a Side Hustle in 2025

January 25, 2025

When I didn’t get accepted into medical school, I felt completely defeated.

I had spent five years working tirelessly toward my bachelor’s degree as an undocumented student, graduating summa cum laude. I even made it to a few medical school interviews. But my MCAT score fell short, and with that, so did my lifelong dream.

The plan was to take a gap year, study harder, and try again. But life had other plans for me. During that year, my family opened a small retail shop and urgently needed help with marketing. With nothing but my dusty high school Photoshop skills and a lot of determination, I jumped in to help.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how that small family need would completely reshape my future. I started by creating simple flyers and websites, and before I knew it, I was learning while earning—turning a necessity into an unexpected side hustle. The joy I found in helping others succeed with my creativity lit a fire in me I hadn’t felt before.

Soon, word spread, and I found myself designing everything from quinceañera invitations to restaurant websites. It wasn’t the career path I had envisioned, but it became a passion that I couldn’t ignore.

Shortly after that another chapter of my life began—I became a mom! My priorities shifted drastically, and I knew my medical school dream would need to take a back seat. But rather than feel defeated again, I decided to embrace my side hustle fully. I leaned into my bilingual background, honed my skills, and carved out a niche working with Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.

Fast forward seven years, and I’m now the proud owner of a sustainable web design business - Uniweb Digital LLC. It’s a career built on flexibility, creativity, and self-reliance.

Most importantly, it’s a life where my success is tied directly to my own efforts. My journey may have veered far from medicine, but my mission to uplift my community—especially those facing the same barriers I did—has remained steadfast.

To the younger version of me, and to anyone reading this: You can build a life on your own terms. Whether you’re a single parent, a college graduate, or someone craving more freedom and control over your income, a side hustle can be the first step toward a life you design yourself.

So, if you’re ready to take that step, I hope the ideas below inspire you to start. Here are 18+ of the best side hustles for women—I hope you find purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment in your own entrepreneurial journey.

If You Love to Teach or Inspire Others...

1. Teach English Online

Teaching English online is a rewarding way to share your knowledge while helping others. Whether you’re working with immigrants to help them succeed in the U.S. or empowering families to preserve their heritage language, your bilingualism can open doors for others.

Companies like VIPKid and QKids connect you with students globally, but creating your own platform or small group classes offers more flexibility and income potential.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Create a teaching profile on platforms like VIPKid or Preply.

  • Offer personalized lessons for kids or adults, tailored to their language goals.

  • Use tools like Zoom or Google Meet for virtual classes.

  • Build a YouTube channel or social media following by sharing practical English tips.

  • Offer a free trial class or discount to attract your first students.

Additional Tip: Parents are eager to give their children the advantage of bilingualism. Consider offering tailored lessons for kids.

Resource:

  • VIPKid – A popular platform for teaching English online.

2. Tutor Students

Tutoring allows you to share your expertise while helping students overcome academic challenges. Some students don’t struggle because they can’t learn—they just haven’t found the right teacher who explains things in a way that clicks. You can be that person.

Alex Hormozi’s advice resonates here: offer real value while keeping rates affordable. For example, charge $30–$50 per hour for one-on-one sessions or host group classes at $35 per student.

Example: A class of 20 students at $35 each could earn you $700 per session, and if you do this twice a week, you’ve got a solid side hustle.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Focus on in-demand subjects (e.g., SAT prep, math, science).

  • Create a professional flyer or social media post to market yourself.

  • Offer a free trial session to attract your first clients.

  • Use testimonials from successful students to build credibility.

  • Expand into group tutoring or online courses for passive income.

Resource:

  • Wyzant – A platform that connects tutors with students.

3. Create & Sell Online Courses

Have you noticed people consistently turning to you for help with a specific skill? That’s your online course idea! From fitness to creative writing, you can monetize your expertise by packaging it into a structured program.

Two great examples:

You can also start by offering a mini version of your course for free. This builds trust, gathers feedback, and attracts potential customers for the full version.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Identify your "superpower"—a skill or knowledge you can teach exceptionally well.

  • Choose a platform to host your course (Teachable, Podia, or Kajabi).

  • Create a free mini-course to showcase your expertise and gather feedback.

  • Use social media or email marketing to attract your first students.

  • Continuously improve your course based on student feedback.

Resource:

  • Teachable – A user-friendly platform for creating and selling courses.

If You Love Art and Design...

4. Become a Canva Graphic Designer

Canva makes graphic design accessible even for beginners. With a bit of creativity and an eye for design, you can create social media graphics, logos, PowerPoint presentations, and more. Many small businesses and individuals need affordable design services, and Canva lets you start with zero upfront costs.

You could also specialize in niche services, like photo restoration, creating branded templates, or customizing designs for specific industries (e.g., Instagram templates for fitness coaches).

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Explore Canva’s free design tutorials to improve your skills.

  • Create a portfolio showcasing various design examples (social media posts, logos, etc.).

  • Offer free or discounted designs to your first clients to build a reputation.

  • Market your services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even local Facebook groups.

  • Offer personalized Canva tutorials to clients who want to learn the platform themselves.

Resource:

5. Sell Digital Printables on Etsy

Etsy is one of the easiest platforms to sell digital products without needing to manage inventory. You can create planners, business card templates, wedding invitations, wall art, or educational worksheets. For example, I’ve bought nearly all of my daughter’s birthday invitations from Etsy because it saves me time—and there’s a huge market for personalized products like these.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Choose a printable product type that excites you (e.g., invitations, planners, worksheets).

  • Use Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create high-quality designs.

  • Open an Etsy shop and upload your products with detailed descriptions and attractive images.

  • Research popular keywords on Etsy to optimize your listings for search.

  • Offer discounts to your first few customers to get reviews and build credibility.

Resource:

If You Like to Work with Other Business Owners...

6. Consulting

Business owners often need help in areas like marketing, bookkeeping, or operations. For instance, I hired a tax consultant because it was worth every penny for peace of mind instead of relying on Google. Consultants can charge per hour or per project and focus on solving specific problems.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Define your consulting niche (e.g., marketing, finance, HR).

  • Create a website or LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise.

  • Network locally through chambers of commerce or business groups.

  • Offer a free or discounted consultation to your first clients to build case studies.

  • Use testimonials to establish credibility and market your services.

7. Virtual Assistant Services

Virtual assistants (VAs) handle tasks like scheduling, email management, social media posting, and bookkeeping. This is a perfect fit for organized individuals who want to work from home. Cathy, founder of Virtual Cathy, is a great example of someone who built a thriving VA business.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Choose the services you’ll offer (e.g., email management, calendar organization).

  • Create profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn.

  • Use tools like Asana, Slack, and Calendly to streamline your work.

  • Offer affordable rates or free trials to land your first client.

  • Build a portfolio showcasing testimonials or sample projects.

Resource:

8. Social Media Management

Small businesses often lack the time or expertise to navigate social media, and you can step in to fill that gap. This could involve creating content, running ad campaigns, or managing engagement across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Learn the basics of social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, etc.).

  • Use tools like Canva to create attractive, branded content.

  • Offer a free audit or trial for a local business to prove your skills.

  • Stay updated on algorithm changes and trends through social media blogs or YouTube channels.

  • Build a portfolio by showcasing client successes or before-and-after analytics.

Resource:

  • Later Blog – A helpful resource for mastering social media.

9. Photography or Videography

From food to product photography, businesses need high-quality visuals to market their products or services. With the rise of video content, specializing in short-form video creation is an even better opportunity. Tools like CapCut make editing a breeze.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Invest in a good camera or a smartphone with a high-quality lens.

  • Learn editing basics with tools like Lightroom (photos) or CapCut (videos).

  • Offer mini-sessions to small businesses or individuals to build your portfolio.

  • Use Instagram or TikTok to showcase your work and attract clients.

  • Specialize in a niche like product photography, headshots, or food videography.

Resource:

  • CapCut – A free and easy-to-use video editing tool.

If You Want to Turn Your Hobby Into a Business...

10. Event Planning and Services

Whether it’s weddings, birthdays, or corporate events, event planning is perfect for the organized and detail-oriented. My sister planned her wedding but still hired a coordinator to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Build a vendor list of caterers, florists, and venues in your area.

  • Offer your services for small events to gain experience.

  • Use tools like HoneyBook to manage contracts, invoices, and communication.

  • Take photos of your events to build a portfolio for future clients.

  • Network with other vendors to create referral opportunities.

Resource:

  • HoneyBook – A project management tool for event planners.

11. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting

This is a great way to stay active and make money while spending time with furry friends. It’s especially popular in urban areas where busy professionals need help caring for their pets.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Set your rates and advertise your services through Rover or local Facebook groups.

  • Use tools like Calendly to make scheduling easy for clients.

  • Offer a free trial or discounted rate to get your first clients and reviews.

  • Build trust by sharing photos or updates with pet owners.

Resource:

  • Rover – Connect with pet owners looking for walkers or sitters.

12. Childcare or Elder Care

Childcare and elder care will always be in demand, especially for working parents or families with aging relatives. Beyond tasks, this role often involves providing companionship, which can be incredibly rewarding.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Obtain certifications like CPR or first aid to increase credibility.

  • Advertise your services through Care.com, local community boards, or word of mouth.

  • Set clear boundaries and expectations with clients about schedules and duties.

  • Offer a trial session to build trust with families.

Resource:

  • Care.com – A platform connecting caregivers with families.

13. Sell Stuff on OfferUp

Instead of donating unwanted items, turn them into cash! OfferUp is a great platform for selling gently used items. You can even bundle outfits or furniture sets to appeal to busy buyers.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Take clear, well-lit photos of the items you’re selling.

  • Write honest descriptions, including dimensions and any flaws.

  • Price items competitively by researching similar listings.

  • Use OfferUp’s rating system to build credibility as a seller.

Resource:

  • OfferUp – A platform to sell items locally or nationwide.

14. Meal Planning or Cooking Services

Busy families or individuals often don’t have the time to plan and prep meals. If you love cooking, this could be your niche. Focus on hard-to-find meal options, like gluten-free baked goods or Kid-approved meal prep.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Create sample menus or meal plans to show potential clients.

  • Market yourself on social media with photos of your creations.

  • Offer free tastings or discounts to attract your first few customers.

  • Use shared commercial kitchens or commissary kitchens to prepare food.

Resource:

15. Personalized Fitness Coaching

Have you experienced your own fitness journey? Whether it’s weight loss or strength training, you can coach others on achieving their goals.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Get certified as a personal trainer through organizations like NASM or ACE.

  • Offer your first sessions to friends and family for free or at a discount.

  • Create workout plans tailored to your clients’ goals and fitness levels.

  • Share your journey and success stories on social media to attract clients.

Resource:

16. House Cleaning or Closet Organizing

With tools like recurring billing software, you can manage regular clients who need cleaning or decluttering services.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Invest in basic cleaning or organizing supplies.

  • Offer a free or discounted trial cleaning to attract your first clients.

  • Use software like Jobber to manage bookings and recurring clients.

  • Create social media reels with cleaning or decluttering tips to market your services.

Resource:

  • Jobber – A tool for managing cleaning businesses.

If You Love to Write...

17. Start an Email Newsletter

Starting a newsletter is one of the most accessible ways to build a community around a topic you’re passionate about. Daniella Pierson, founder of The Newsette, turned her college newsletter into a $40 million business in just seven years. Stories like hers prove that if you have a passion and a voice, there’s an audience waiting for you.

Platforms like Substack and Beehiiv make it easy to launch a newsletter. You can monetize through sponsorships, premium subscriptions, and collaborations. Plus, once you’ve built your newsletter writing skills, you can help other businesses with email marketing.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Choose a niche you’re passionate about (e.g., parenting, wellness, or design).

  • Use platforms like Substack or Beehiiv to start your newsletter.

  • Commit to a posting schedule (weekly or bi-weekly to start).

  • Build an audience by promoting your newsletter on social media.

  • Monetize by offering sponsorships, affiliate links, or exclusive paid content.

Resource:

18. Write a Blog

A blog is like your digital storefront. One of my favorite humans, my lifelong friend Antonia turned her love of travel into Embrace Someplace, a thriving blog that attracts readers looking for honest reviews of Portland parks, coffee shops, and travel destinations.

What made her blog successful? She stayed laser-focused on SEO to reach the right audience and used her authentic voice to build trust. Blogs are evergreen—once you create high-quality content and keep it updated, they can generate income for years through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.

Tips for Success:

  • Choose a Niche You Love: What topics can you talk about endlessly? Your passion will translate into engaging content.

  • Focus on Quality: Deliver well-written, helpful advice that keeps readers coming back.

  • Be Consistent: Posting regularly (weekly or monthly) builds credibility and keeps readers engaged.

Checklist to Get Started:

  • Pick a niche that excites you (e.g., travel, parenting, personal finance).

  • Set up your blog on WordPress (not Squarespace, Wix, GoDaddy etc.)

  • Learn the basics of SEO to get your content seen.

  • Write a minimum of 20 posts before promoting your blog to establish credibility. (it’s a slow and steady game, it took her years before she monetized her blog.)

  • Monetize through ads, affiliate links, or partnerships once you have steady traffic.

Resource:

Final Thoughts

Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and strategies, you can turn your passions into profit. Choose something that excites you, start small, and don’t be afraid to pivot as you grow.

You’ve got this—and I can’t wait to hear what you create!

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