Real talk, being a mom is not for the weak. But what's really wild? Working to make some extra cash while dealing with tiny humans who think sleep is optional.
I entered the side gig world about a few years back when I had the epiphany that my Target runs were getting out of hand. I needed some independent income.
Being a VA
Right so, my first gig was becoming a virtual assistant. And not gonna lie? It was exactly what I needed. I could hustle while the kids slept, and the only requirement was a computer and internet.
I started with basic stuff like handling emails, scheduling social media posts, and data entry. Super simple stuff. My rate was about $20/hour, which felt cheap but when you don't know what you're doing yet, you gotta build up your portfolio.
Here's what was wild? I'd be on a Zoom call looking like I had my life together from the waist up—full professional mode—while wearing pants I'd owned since 2015. Main character energy.
My Etsy Journey
Once I got comfortable, I thought I'd test out the handmade marketplace scene. All my mom friends seemed to be on Etsy, so I thought "why not get in on this?"
I created creating downloadable organizers and digital art prints. What's great about digital products? Make it one time, and it can make money while you sleep. For real, I've gotten orders at times when I didn't even know.
My first sale? I freaked out completely. He came running thinking there was an emergency. Nope—it was just me, cheering about my five dollar sale. I'm not embarrassed.
The Content Creation Grind
Eventually I started blogging and content creation. This hustle is definitely a slow burn, let me tell you.
I created a blog about motherhood where I documented what motherhood actually looks like—everything unfiltered. Keeping it real. Only real talk about finding mystery stains on everything I own.
Building up views was like watching paint dry. The first few months, I was essentially writing for myself and like three people. But I stayed consistent, and over time, things began working.
These days? I earn income through promoting products, collaborations, and ad revenue. This past month I made over $2K from my blog alone. Crazy, right?
Managing Social Media
When I became good with social media for my own stuff, local businesses started asking if I could help them.
Here's the thing? A lot of local businesses are terrible with social media. They know they have to be on it, but they don't know how.
Enter: me. I handle social media for several small companies—various small businesses. I create content, queue up posts, handle community management, and monitor performance.
I bill between $500-$1500/month per account, depending on how much work is involved. Here's what's great? I do this work from my phone during soccer practice.
Writing for Money
If writing is your thing, content writing is incredibly lucrative. Not like writing the next Great American Novel—I mean business content.
Websites and businesses need content constantly. I've written articles about everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. You just need to research, you just need to be good at research.
On average charge $50-150 per article, depending on length and complexity. On good months I'll produce a dozen articles and make a couple thousand dollars.
Plot twist: I was the person who barely passed English class. Currently I'm earning a living writing. Life's funny like that.
Virtual Tutoring
During the pandemic, tutoring went digital. I used to be a teacher, so this was kind of a natural fit.
I joined a couple of online tutoring sites. You make your own schedule, which is essential when you have unpredictable little ones.
I mainly help with basic subjects. Income ranges from $15-25 per hour depending on the company.
What's hilarious? Sometimes my children will interrupt mid-session. I've literally had to be professional while chaos erupted behind me. Other parents are incredibly understanding because they're living the same life.
Reselling and Flipping
So, this hustle happened accidentally. During a massive cleanout my kids' stuff and put some things on Facebook Marketplace.
They sold so fast. I had an epiphany: you can sell literally anything.
These days I hit up thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections, on the hunt for good brands. I grab something for $3 and sell it for $30.
This takes effort? Absolutely. There's photographing, listing, and shipping. But it's strangely fulfilling about finding a gem at a yard sale and making profit.
Plus: my kids are impressed when I bring home interesting finds. Last week I discovered a collectible item that my son lost his mind over. Sold it for $45. Score one for mom.
The Truth About Side Hustles
Let me keep it real: side hustles aren't passive income. There's work involved, hence the name.
Some days when I'm completely drained, wondering why I'm doing this. I'm working before sunrise getting stuff done while it's quiet, then all day mom-ing, then more hustle time after the kids are asleep.
But you know what? I earned this money. I can spend it guilt-free to treat myself. I'm supporting my family's finances. I'm showing my kids that you can be both.
What I Wish I Knew
If you're thinking about a side hustle, here are my tips:
Don't go all in immediately. You can't juggle ten things. Pick one thing and nail it down before expanding.
Work with your schedule. If naptime is your only free time, that's perfectly acceptable. Whatever time you can dedicate is better than nothing.
Stop comparing to what you see online. The successful ones you see? She's been grinding forever and has help. Stay in your lane.
Spend money on education, but smartly. You don't need expensive courses. Don't waste thousands on courses until you've proven the concept.
Work in batches. I learned this the hard way. Dedicate certain times for certain work. Monday could be content creation day. Wednesday might be organizing and responding.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
I have to be real with you—mom guilt is a thing. There are times when I'm focused on work while my kids need me, and I feel terrible.
But then I consider that I'm showing them work ethic. I'm demonstrating to my children that moms can have businesses.
Also? Making my own money has helped me feel more like myself. I'm more satisfied, which helps me be better.
Income Reality Check
The real numbers? Most months, combining everything, I bring in $3K-5K. Some months are better, it fluctuates.
Will this make you a useful article wealthy? Nope. But this money covers family trips and unexpected expenses that would've been impossible otherwise. It's also giving me confidence and knowledge that could become a full-time thing.
Final Thoughts
Listen, combining motherhood and entrepreneurship takes work. There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Often I'm making it up as I go, powered by caffeine, and praying it all works out.
But I'm proud of this journey. Every dollar earned is validation of my effort. It shows that I have identity beyond motherhood.
For anyone contemplating beginning your hustle journey? Do it. Start before it's perfect. You in six months will appreciate it.
And remember: You're not just making it through—you're building something. Even though there's likely Goldfish crackers everywhere.
Seriously. It's the life, chaos and all.
Surviving to Thriving: My Journey as a Single Mom
Here's the truth—single motherhood was never the plan. I also didn't plan on making money from my phone. But yet here I am, years into this crazy ride, paying bills by being vulnerable on the internet while parenting alone. And I'll be real? It's been life-changing in every way of my life.
How It Started: When Everything Fell Apart
It was 2022 when my relationship fell apart. I can still picture sitting in my new apartment (he took what he wanted, I kept what mattered), staring at my phone at 2am while my kids slept. I had eight hundred forty-seven dollars in my checking account, two humans depending on me, and a job that barely covered rent. The stress was unbearable, y'all.
I'd been scrolling TikTok to numb the pain—because that's what we do? when we're drowning, right?—when I saw this single mom sharing how she became debt-free through being a creator. I remember thinking, "No way that's legit."
But desperation makes you brave. Maybe both. Sometimes both.
I downloaded the TikTok creator app the next morning. My first video? Raw, unfiltered, messy hair, talking about how I'd just blown my final $12 on a pack of chicken nuggets and fruit snacks for my kids' lunch boxes. I shared it and felt sick. Who gives a damn about my broke reality?
Apparently, way more people than I expected.
That video got forty-seven thousand views. 47,000 people watched me breakdown over frozen nuggets. The comments section was this safe space—women in similar situations, other people struggling, all saying "me too." That was my turning point. People didn't want the highlight reel. They wanted raw.
Building My Platform: The Unfiltered Mom Content
Here's the secret about content creation: you need a niche. And my niche? I stumbled into it. I became the mom who tells the truth.
I started posting about the stuff no one shows. Like how I once wore the same yoga pants for four days straight because I couldn't handle laundry. Or when I fed my kids cereal for dinner all week and called it "creative meal planning." Or that moment when my daughter asked why we don't live with dad, and I had to talk about complex things to a kid who still believes in Santa.
My content was raw. My lighting was terrible. I filmed on a phone with a broken screen. But it was honest, and evidently, that's what worked.
In just two months, I hit 10,000 followers. Month three, 50,000. By six months, I'd crossed a hundred thousand. Each milestone blew my mind. Actual humans who wanted to hear what I had to say. Me—a barely surviving single mom who had to figure this out from zero recently.
The Actual Schedule: Content Creation Meets Real Life
Here's what it actually looks like of my typical day, because this life is nothing like those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm goes off. I do NOT want to get up, but this is my hustle hours. I make coffee that I'll forget about, and I begin creating. Sometimes it's a getting ready video sharing about budgeting. Sometimes it's me meal prepping while sharing dealing with my ex. The lighting is whatever I can get.
7:00am: Kids are awake. Content creation goes on hold. Now I'm in parent mode—feeding humans, finding the missing shoe (why is it always one shoe), making lunch boxes, mediating arguments. The chaos is next level.
8:30am: Carpool line. I'm that mom making videos while driving at stop signs. I know, I know, but bills don't care.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my power window. Kids are at school. I'm editing content, responding to comments, planning content, reaching out to brands, looking at stats. People think content creation is simple. Nope. It's a real job.
I usually create multiple videos on Monday and Wednesday. That means shooting multiple videos in one go. I'll swap tops so it looks varied. Advice: Keep wardrobe options close for outfit changes. My neighbors probably think I'm unhinged, talking to my camera in the parking lot.
3:00pm: Getting the kids. Transition back to mom mode. But this is where it's complicated—many times my top performing content come from this time. Just last week, my daughter had a complete meltdown in Target because I couldn't afford a toy she didn't need. I made content in the vehicle once we left about managing big emotions as a single parent. It got over 2 million views.
Evening: Dinner through bedtime. I'm completely exhausted to make videos, but I'll plan posts, check DMs, or outline content. Some nights, after the kids are asleep, I'll edit videos until midnight because a brand deadline is looming.
The truth? Balance doesn't exist. It's just controlled chaos with occasional wins.
Let's Talk Income: How I Generate Income
Okay, let's discuss money because this is what everyone's curious about. Can you actually make money as a influencer? Absolutely. Is it straightforward? Absolutely not.
My first month, I made zero dollars. Second month? Also nothing. Month three, I got my first paid partnership—$150 to post about a meal kit service. I literally cried. That $150 covered food.
Currently, three years later, here's how I make money:
Brand Deals: This is my primary income. I work with brands that fit my niche—affordable stuff, parenting tools, kid essentials. I bill anywhere from five hundred to five thousand dollars per campaign, depending on deliverables. Last month, I did four brand deals and made eight grand.
Creator Fund/Ad Revenue: TikTok's creator fund pays pennies—two to four hundred per month for tons of views. YouTube revenue is way better. I make about $1,500/month from YouTube, but that was a long process.
Affiliate Links: I share affiliate links to items I love—ranging from my beloved coffee maker to the beds my kids use. If they buy using my link, I get a percentage. This brings in about $800-1,200 monthly.
Online Products: I created a budget template and a cooking guide. $15 apiece, and I sell dozens per month. That's another $1-1.5K.
One-on-One Coaching: People wanting to start pay me to guide them. I offer consulting calls for $200/hour. I do about 5-10 per month.
Combined monthly revenue: On average, I'm making $10-15K per month these days. Certain months are better, some are tougher. It's unpredictable, which is nerve-wracking when you're the only income source. But it's three times what I made at my old job, and I'm present.
The Hard Parts Nobody Talks About
It looks perfect online until you're having a breakdown because a video flopped, or dealing with cruel messages from keyboard warriors.
The negativity is intense. I've been accused of being a bad mother, told I'm a bad influence, called a liar about being a divorced parent. A commenter wrote, "Maybe your husband left because you're annoying." That one destroyed me.
The algorithm changes constantly. One month you're getting millions of views. Then suddenly, you're lucky to break 1,000. Your income goes up and down. You're constantly creating, 24/7, worried that if you take a break, you'll lose momentum.
The mom guilt is worse exponentially. Every upload, I wonder: Am I sharing too much? Are my kids safe? Will they resent this when they're adults? I have firm rules—minimal identifying info, nothing too personal, no embarrassing content. But the line is hard to see.
The burnout is real. Some weeks when I can't create. When I'm done, talked out, and totally spent. But rent doesn't care. So I push through.
What Makes It Worth It
But listen—even with the struggles, this journey has brought me things I never imagined.
Financial stability for the first time ever. I'm not wealthy, but I paid off $18,000 in debt. I have an savings. We took a vacation last summer—Disney, which was a dream two years ago. I don't stress about my account anymore.
Time freedom that's priceless. When my kid was ill last month, I didn't have to stress about missing work or lose income. I handled business at urgent care. When there's a school thing, I attend. I'm there for them in ways I couldn't manage with a traditional 9-5.
Support that saved me. The other creators I've befriended, especially single moms, have become true friends. We talk, help each other, lift each other up. My followers have become this amazing support system. They cheer for me, send love, and make me feel seen.
Me beyond motherhood. For the first time since having kids, I have my own thing. I'm not just an ex or someone's mom. I'm a business owner. An influencer. A person who hustled.
Tips for Single Moms Wanting to Start
If you're a single parent thinking about this, here's my advice:
Just start. Your first videos will be awful. Mine did. Everyone starts there. You grow through creating, not by procrastinating.
Be authentic, not perfect. People can sense inauthenticity. Share your actual life—the unfiltered truth. That's the magic.
Guard their privacy. Set boundaries early. Be intentional. Their privacy is sacred. I never share their names, limit face shots, and never discuss anything that could embarrass them.
Build multiple income streams. Spread it out or one revenue source. The algorithm is unstable. Multiple streams = safety.
Batch your content. When you have free time, make a bunch. Tomorrow you will appreciate it when you're too exhausted to create.
Build community. Respond to comments. Answer DMs. Create connections. Your community is your foundation.
Track metrics. Be strategic. If something is time-intensive and gets 200 views while something else takes no time and gets 200,000 views, change tactics.
Prioritize yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup. Step away. Set boundaries. Your health matters more than anything.
This takes time. This requires patience. It took me half a year to make meaningful money. Year one, I made maybe $15,000 total. Year 2, $80K. Year three, I'm on track for six figures. It's a process.
Stay connected to your purpose. On tough days—and there are many—remember why you're doing this. For me, it's money, being present, and proving to myself that I'm capable of anything.
The Reality Check
Look, I'm being honest. Content creation as a single mom is tough. So damn hard. You're basically running a business while being the lone caretaker of children who require constant attention.
Many days I doubt myself. Days when the negativity get to me. Days when I'm drained and questioning if I should go back to corporate with consistent income.
But then my daughter says she's proud that I work from home. Or I check my balance and see money. Or I receive a comment from a follower saying my content helped her leave an unhealthy relationship. And I understand the impact.
What's Next
A few years back, I was lost and broke how to make it work. Fast forward, I'm a full-time creator making triple what I earned in corporate America, and I'm home when my kids get off the school bus.
My goals going forward? Get to half a million followers by year-end. Create a podcast for solo parents. Write a book eventually. Keep building this business that makes everything possible.
This path gave me a path forward when I needed it most. It gave me a way to take care of my children, be available, and build something real. It's unexpected, but it's perfect.
To every single mom out there on the fence: You can. It will be hard. You'll want to quit some days. But you're handling the hardest job in the world—raising humans alone. You're powerful.
Start imperfect. Be consistent. Guard your peace. And know this, you're doing more than surviving—you're building something incredible.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go create content about the project I just found out about and surprise!. Because that's this life—turning chaos into content, video by video.
For real. This path? It's everything. Even when I'm sure there's crumbs in my keyboard. Living the dream, imperfectly perfect.