I Almost Didn’t Start This Side Hustle

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I Almost Didn’t Start This Side Hustle — Now It Pays My Bills

Have you ever wished you could make a little extra money? Not a full-blown, burn-your-life-down kind of change — just something that helps with bills, groceries, or that constant why is everything so expensive feeling. That thought is exactly what pushed me to start selling on Etsy.

About 15 years ago, I sold items on eBay, just casually. So when Etsy started popping into my head years later, I figured… if I could sell on eBay, why not Etsy? I researched the fees, learned how the platform worked, and stared at the Cricut I already owned thinking, I can probably do this.

What I didn’t know was how quickly things were about to change.

I opened my Etsy shop in October 2020. By the end of December, I had sold over $10,000 in products. What started as a “let’s see what happens” side project turned into something very real, very fast.

Why I Almost Didn’t Start

Here’s the honest part: I almost didn’t start at all.

I worried people wouldn’t like my products. I wondered if anyone would even find my shop. I questioned whether I had the time or the extra money to invest in something that might not work. Life was already full, and adding one more thingfelt overwhelming.

So instead of going all in, I started slow. I didn’t overbuy supplies. I didn’t pressure myself to be perfect. I just listed a few products and told myself I’d figure it out as I went.

What happened next still surprises me.

What Surprised Me the Most

The biggest shock wasn’t just getting sales — it was realizing I was making real money. Not “coffee money.” Not “this is cute but doesn’t matter” money. This was money that helped pay bills and support my family.

Within one year, my shop grew into the top 1% of Etsy sellers.

I remember thinking, How is this even real? This thing I almost talked myself out of was suddenly changing how we lived. Over time, I scaled my supplies, learned what worked, and built a business that grew faster than I ever expected. In September 2021, I left my job to focus on Etsy full time.

Life shifted again in late 2023, and I returned to my job — but this business never disappeared. It’s still here, still thriving, and still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“But What Would I Even Sell?”

This is the question I hear the most, and the answer is usually closer than you think.

Start with what you already love to make. The things you enjoy creating in your spare time matter more than you realize.

Then think about this: What do your friends and family always ask you to make for them?

The shirts you design for every event
The signs you make for birthdays or holidays
The labels, planners, or printables you create “just because”
The gifts people say, You should sell these

Those are clues. People asking you for something is proof there’s already demand.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to bring your version of it.

The Truth About Starting a Side Hustle

I didn’t start with a perfect plan. I didn’t know everything. I learned by doing — and honestly, by making mistakes.

What this side hustle gave me wasn’t just income. It gave me confidence. It gave me options. It showed me that I could build something on my own terms, even if I didn’t feel ready yet.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, wondering if it’s worth trying, let this be your nudge. You don’t have to go all in. You don’t have to know everything.

You just have to start — slowly, imperfectly, and bravely.

Sometimes, that’s how the best things begin.

Etsy Business FAQ’s

No. I started slow and intentionally kept costs low. You don’t need to buy everything upfront or invest thousands. Many people start with supplies they already own or by selling digital products with little to no overhead.

It depends on how big you want to grow, but it’s absolutely possible to start small. I built my shop around real life — evenings, weekends, and pockets of time. You don’t need hours every day to begin.

This is one of the biggest fears — and I get it. But people are still shopping on Etsy every single day. What matters isn’t being first; it’s being clear, consistent, and offering something people already want in your own way.

That fear almost stopped me from starting. But the truth is, you don’t need everyone to buy — just the right people. Sales also come with learning: adjusting listings, photos, pricing, and descriptions over time.

Absolutely not. This started as a side hustle for me and stayed that way for a long time. A side hustle should support your life — not add pressure or stress before you’re ready.

The best place to start is with things you already love making — especially items your friends and family ask you to create. Personalized products, digital downloads, gifts, and everyday problem-solvers are all great options.

Yes. I was shocked when it started helping pay bills. With consistency and learning as you go, an Etsy side hustle can grow into meaningful, dependable income — even if you start small.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a side hustle but keep waiting until you feel ready — this is your sign. You don’t need confidence. You need curiosity and the courage to begin.

Head over to Etsy and search for what you love to make. You never know — it might be the first step toward something bigger than you ever imagined.