Ask An Expert: Turning A Hobby Into A Side Hustle

Happy April! Is it me or was March 78,355 days long?! I don’t know about you, but Spring gives me such a refreshed sense of inspiration. It’s when my hobbies (crafts, art, photography, blog collabs…) all tend to take off. Imagine taking one of your hobbies and turning it into a side hustle. Making money off of something you actually enjoy doing is something most people just daydream about while sitting at their work desk. Well, my good friend Tina took a leap of faith on her talents and interests and is reaping the benefits. Her work has even been featured on The Wedding Chicks. I hope this interview inspires you to reevaluate what you enjoy and how you can share your passion (and get paid to do it!).

Give everyone a brief description of your business. How did it all start?

I started The Write Board in 2013. I have spent a lifetime loving art and all things crafty. I was the girl in High School doodling all over my homework instead of actually doing it.

My first son was born in 2011, and my husband and I decided together that I would stay home with him. I would still continue to work one day a week as a hairdresser, but my main focus would be my little guy. I really struggled with the idea of not having that extra spending money to support my (maybe a bit excessive) shopping habits. I had worked and had my own money since I was 15 years old. I really loved my new role as a stay at home mom, but was itching for something more.

In 2013 I was crafting as usual, in this instance for my son’s 2nd birthday, by creating a birthday chalkboard for him. I posted the birthday chalkboard on my Facebook page and got a HUGE response. There were numerous people asking me if I could make one for their child. The light bulb went off, and The Write Board was born.

So then it began. It started with just the Birthday Boards, but did not stop there. I eventually began getting requests to do many different signs. Whatever people asked for, I found a way to create. I then took it a step further and taught myself how to do pen and ink calligraphy. With this added to my signs, the business took off in a way that I never expected! I was beyond excited to have finally found purpose in my creative doodles, and craft projects, by sharing them with others!

Just recently, I have added Calligraphy and Hand Lettering Workshops to the services I offer. You can host an In-Home Workshop with your friends, or take a workshop at any of the various local businesses I have partnered up with. It can be a fun addition to any event, such as a girls night out or even a bridal shower.

What have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)?

In those early years of The Write Board, I took on everything, and would feel guilty saying no. Being home with my son during the day, naptime and the hours after bedtime were consumed with my work. It got to a point where I was up until 2am every night working, and it began to wear on me. I was no longer loving making the boards, with the constant pressure of deadlines and being overbooked. The once “stress reliever” for me, began to be the cause of my stress. When I became pregnant with my second son, I decided that sometimes its ok to say no, and that I cannot always do everything! I worked a lot better not having all that extra pressure, and really began loving it again.

What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?

I think getting pregnant (and feeling terribly sick all the time) was the kick in my butt that I needed to slow me down a bit. Having crazy amounts of orders hanging over my head, doing it alone, plus being a mom and hairdresser at the same time, really made me stop loving it. It became work, work, work. This really made me sad. My advice to anyone struggling to balance life with a small business would probably be to step back, and look at your situation. If it is causing you more stress than good, figure out what is causing the stress, and change it up.

How do you set yourself apart from other similar businesses?

I like to say The Write Board is different, because everything is done by me personally, and no one else. Everything has my personal touch and is an original piece. I also work one on one with my customers, to create exactly what they are looking for. I send them photos and ask their opinions throughout the entire creative process, this way I can get a feel for what they truly want.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

I think my lack of organization is my biggest “failure.” I tend to be (as many artists are) disorganized and scatterbrained! I feel like I can get very overwhelmed with the finances, bills, and administrative aspects of the business. I just want to color and draw! When I get overwhelmed, I tend to put these things aside and pretend they don’t exist. Lucky for me my very “Type A” husband has swooped in and taken over that part of the business. So I am left to do what I do best, CREATE!

What is your #1 advice for someone wanting to start something on their own?

Don’t be afraid to do what you love! Starting this side business was the best thing I have ever done for myself in terms of my career and family. I am able to take my passion and share it with others. I am lucky enough to have turned it into a business. A business where I am also able to do the thing I love the most, be home with my children and create.

What inspires you?

So many things. Art is all around you, everywhere you go, all of the time. Something as simple as passing a billboard on the highway and seeing a cool font or layout I love can instantly inspire me to create something. I find inspiration everywhere in my daily life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed and unfocused, I need to momentarily step away from my work. I have a very hard time creating when I feel pressured and overwhelmed, and I can really see it in my work. If my deadline is time sensitive, I stop working on the particular project that is overwhelming me. I put it aside for the next day so I can start with a clear head.