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Looking for a hobby that can double as a profitable side hustle? I've gathered ten unique perspectives from CEOs and founders on this topic. From the unconventional venture of ghost hunting to the creative pursuit of blogging for passive income, these hobbies offer a fun and fulfilling way to spend your free time. They can also help to generate a steady stream of income. So why not broaden your horizons and explore these exciting opportunities?
10 Hobbies That Can Be Profitable Side Hustles
Ghost Hunting: An Unconventional Business Venture
Going against the grain, it can be said that a lot more hobbies can be turned into a side hustle than one might think.
Take ghost hunting, for instance. This hobby involved a lot of learning, doing, and purchasing the right equipment. Eventually, selling that equipment became a side hustle, and now it's a business called Spirit Shack.
In the beginning, there would have been many doubters if the idea of turning this into a side hustle was proposed, and there wasn't a direct path to making it work. However, finding the right rhythm eventually led to the creation of a unique business that has a market and earns money.
Sam Ashford, Director, SpiritShack
Investing in Startups: A Risky but Rewarding Hobby
It may not exactly be a side hustle, but investing in startups is a project that I quite enjoy being involved in and am very passionate about. It is also a very good avenue to earn a passive income.
In my downtime from my main project of co-founding a gaming website, I engage in either business-related advising or working with startups. The startups that I am usually drawn to have the potential to assist future generations; they are generally linked to educational purposes. While holding substantial risks, a startup can have a massive future payout if successful.
Basically, we provide capital to a budding business, and, in return, we own rights to a portion of the business and the profits they make. Not only is it a good income opportunity, but it is also a method of creating generational wealth for your future descendants.
Neal Taparia, Co-Founder, Cribbage Online
Monetizing Social Media: A Modern Side Hustle
Social networking is a thriving industry with enormous earning possibilities. If you know how to earn likes on Instagram or go viral on TikTok, social media may be the ideal location for your side hustle.
There are numerous social media side-hustle options available, such as photo/video editing, social media administration, caption writing, and scheduling. Alternatively, you can grow your own page and use it to your own liking, such as affiliate marketing, online selling, advertisements, and more.
These are valid ways to generate income from your scrolling hobby on social media. The best part about this side business is that you can do it from anywhere in the world!
Samantha Hawrylack, Founder, How To FIRE
Writing: A Profitable Passion
If you love to write a journal before bed and have the skills to write stories and articles, you may monetize your hobby. Writing can help you generate a side income.
If you have skills and a passion for writing, you can pitch to different clients or companies with your outstanding writing samples. You can be a copywriter for advertising content, as they are in high demand. Also, you can diversify your hobby by creating short e-books for major platforms. You will make a reasonable sum of money as your side hustle.
Perry Zheng, Founder and CEO, Pallas
Real Estate Investing: A Scalable Side Hustle
Real estate investing can start as a hobby and become a serious side hustle—or even a full-time business. This is a lesson learned from my grandfather, who earned enough through real estate to have consistent income streams long after his early retirement.
It's scalable (start small and buy more rental properties as your income grows). It's recession-proof (people will always need affordable housing), and you don't need to be an expert to get started.
Ryan Chaw, Founder and Real Estate Investor, Newbie Real Estate Investing
Baking: A Delicious Way to Earn Extra
Baking and selling homemade treats is a hobby with great side hustle potential. It's a win-win—you enjoy baking, and others get delicious goodies. There's a demand for homemade and unique treats, making it a viable income source.
You can start small, sell at local markets or online, and gradually build a customer base. The low initial investment and flexible hours make it suitable for busy schedules. Plus, your passion for baking adds an extra touch to your products. With consistent quality and creativity, it's a great way to earn some extra bucks.
Ann Young, CEO, Fix The Photo
Metal Detecting: Unearthing Hidden Treasures for Profit
One hobby that can become a steady income is metal detecting, just like my friend, who often spends weekends doing it. He explores different areas with a metal detector and finds various items, some of which have surprising value.
Many people lose rings, coins, or other valuable metal objects; a skilled hobbyist with a good metal detector can find them.
After cleaning and sometimes restoring these items, my friend can sell them to collectors or others who appreciate their value. It's a hobby that can pay for itself and generate extra money. It's exciting and rewarding, making it a great side hustle.
Martin Potocki, CEO, Jobera
Pet Training: A Niche Market with Potential
One hobby with the potential for good money is helping pet owners with pet training and resolving problems. Most people own pets today but get frustrated when their pets destroy things, seem out of control, or appear untrainable. Those who have had pets, taken classes with their pets, or love and know about animals are a perfect fit to help.
Since it involves working with the pet and pet owners in the home as a personalized service, you will be in a unique niche that pet stores and obedience schools aren't offering. You can charge decently, and it can be fun as well.
Bruce Tasios, CEO, Tasios Orthodontics
Photography: A Creative Outlet for Passive Income
One hobby that holds the potential to generate a consistent income as a side job is photography. In today's digital age, photographers can monetize their art by selling it online to a worldwide audience. This can be accomplished through stock photo websites, print sales, or even bespoke commissioned projects.
Furthermore, photographers can offer their services for special occasions such as weddings or business events. Photography is an ideal side hustle due to its flexible nature, creative outlet, and potential for passive income through online sales. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of high-quality visuals, the demand for professional photography services continues to rise.
Photography is an ideal side hustle due to its flexible nature, creative outlet, and potential for passive income through online sales. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of high-quality visuals, the demand for professional photography services continues to rise.
Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc.
Blogging: Creating Passive Income through Writing
If you love to write and have been thinking about getting paid to do so, blogging is a great option for you. There are tons of websites out there that will pay you to write about a certain topic, product, or service. You will need to research and find the right websites that will be the best fit for you, but once you do, you will create passive income by writing content for them.
Matthew Ramirez, Co-Founder, USMLE Test Prep
What's a hobby that you have that's been profitable? Leave a comment below.