Here's the tea, motherhood is absolutely wild. But you know what's even crazier? Trying to get that bread while juggling kids, laundry, and approximately 47 snack requests per day.
My hustle life began about several years ago when I realized that my random shopping trips were reaching dangerous levels. It was time to get funds I didn't have to justify spending.
Virtual Assistant Hustle
Here's what happened, I kicked things off was jumping into virtual assistance. And honestly? It was ideal. I was able to hustle while the kids slept, and the only requirement was a computer and internet.
Initially I was doing basic stuff like email sorting, doing social media scheduling, and entering data. Not rocket science. I charged about fifteen to twenty bucks hourly, which seemed low but for someone with zero experience, you gotta prove yourself first.
Honestly the most hilarious thing? Picture this: me on a video meeting looking like I had my life together from the chest up—full professional mode—while wearing sweatpants. Peak mom life.
Selling on Etsy
Once I got comfortable, I decided to try the selling on Etsy. Literally everyone seemed to sell stuff on Etsy, so I thought "why not join the party?"
My shop focused on creating PDF planners and digital art prints. The thing about selling digital stuff? You create it once, and it can generate passive income forever. Genuinely, I've made sales at times when I didn't even know.
My first sale? I literally screamed. My partner was like the house was on fire. But no—just me, cheering about my first five bucks. Don't judge me.
Blogging and Creating
Eventually I got into writing and making content. This one is playing the long game, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it.
I created a parenting blog where I wrote about the chaos of parenting—all of it, no filter. None of that Pinterest-perfect life. Only real talk about how I once found a chicken nugget in my bra.
Building up views was painfully slow. The first few months, I was basically creating content for crickets. But I didn't give up, and over time, things started clicking.
Currently? I generate revenue through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertisements on my site. Just last month I brought in over $2K from my website. Mind-blowing, right?
The Social Media Management Game
After I learned my own content, local businesses started inquiring if I could manage their accounts.
And honestly? A lot of local businesses suck at social media. They know they have to be on it, but they can't keep up.
This is my moment. I now manage social media for three local businesses—a bakery, a boutique, and a fitness studio. I make posts, plan their posting schedule, interact with their audience, and monitor performance.
My rate is between $500-$1500/month per business, depending on the complexity. What I love? I handle this from my phone during soccer practice.
Writing for Money
If writing is your thing, writing gigs is a goldmine. This isn't becoming Shakespeare—this is blog posts, articles, website copy, product descriptions.
Businesses everywhere constantly need fresh content. I've written everything from the most random topics. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be able to learn quickly.
I typically charge $50-150 per article, depending on how complex it is. Some months I'll produce 10-15 articles and pull in $1-2K.
What's hilarious: I'm the same person who hated writing papers. Currently I'm getting paid for it. Life is weird.
Tutoring Online
After lockdown started, online tutoring exploded. With my teaching background, so this was an obvious choice.
I registered on several tutoring platforms. The scheduling is flexible, which is absolutely necessary when you have tiny humans who throw curveballs daily.
My sessions are usually basic subjects. Rates vary from fifteen to thirty bucks per hour depending on the platform.
The awkward part? There are times when my children will burst into the room mid-session. I once had to educate someone's child while mine had a meltdown. The families I work with are totally cool about it because they understand mom life.
Flipping Items for Profit
Here me out, this side gig I stumbled into. I was cleaning out my kids' things and tried selling some outfits on copyright.
Items moved so fast. I suddenly understood: people will buy anything.
Now I frequent thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections, on the hunt for good brands. I purchase something for a few dollars and make serious profit.
Is it a lot of work? For sure. It's a whole process. But there's something satisfying about spotting valuable items at a garage sale and making profit.
Additionally: my kids are impressed when I bring home interesting finds. Recently I grabbed a rare action figure that my son went crazy for. Flipped it for forty-five bucks. Victory for mom.
The Truth About Side Hustles
Let me keep it real: these aren't get-rich-quick schemes. It's called hustling because you're hustling.
There are days when I'm running on empty, asking myself what I'm doing. I'm up at 5am working before my kids wake up, then being a full-time parent, then working again after the kids are asleep.
But here's the thing? That money is MINE. No permission needed to splurge on something nice. I'm adding to our household income. My kids are learning that moms can do anything.
Tips if You're Starting Out
If you're thinking about a side hustle, here's my advice:
Start small. You can't start five businesses. Pick one thing and become proficient before adding more.
Work with your schedule. Whatever time you have, that's fine. Whatever time you can dedicate is valuable.
Comparison is the thief of joy to other moms. The successful ones you see? She probably started years ago and has resources you don't see. Focus on your own journey.
Spend money on education, but smartly. There are tons of free resources. Be careful about spending huge money on programs until you've validated your idea.
Batch your work. This is crucial. Dedicate certain times for certain work. Monday might be creation day. Wednesday could be handling business stuff.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
I have to be real with you—guilt is part of this. There are times when I'm hustling and my child is calling for me, and I struggle with it.
But then I think about that I'm modeling for them that hard work matters. I'm proving to them that you can be both.
And honestly? Making my own money has made me a better mom. I'm more content, which makes me more patient.
Income Reality Check
So what do I actually make? Typically, total from all sources, I earn between three and five grand. Certain months are higher, some are tougher.
Is it life-changing money? Nope. But it's paid for family trips and unexpected expenses that would've been impossible otherwise. It's also building my skills and skills that could grow into more.
Wrapping This Up
At the end of the day, being a mom with a side hustle isn't easy. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Most days I'm flying by the seat of my pants, surviving on coffee, and hoping for the best.
But I'm glad I'm doing this. Every single penny made is evidence of my capability. It's the supporting source evidence that I'm not just someone's mother.
If you're thinking about beginning your hustle journey? Take the leap. Begin before you're ready. Your tomorrow self will appreciate it.
Keep in mind: You're not merely making it through—you're creating something amazing. Despite the fact that you probably have mysterious crumbs on your keyboard.
No cap. It's the life, mess included.
From Survival Mode to Content Creator: My Journey as a Single Mom
Here's the truth—single motherhood wasn't part of my five-year plan. Neither was becoming a content creator. But fast forward to now, years into this crazy ride, making a living by creating content while raising two kids basically solo. And I'll be real? It's been scary AF but incredible of my life.
Rock Bottom: When Everything Came Crashing Down
It was three years ago when my divorce happened. I will never forget sitting in my mostly empty place (he took what he wanted, I kept what mattered), scrolling mindlessly at 2am while my kids were finally quiet. I had barely $850 in my checking account, two mouths to feed, and a job that barely covered rent. The anxiety was crushing, y'all.
I'd been mindlessly scrolling to numb the pain—because that's self-care at 2am, right? in crisis mode, right?—when I came across this woman discussing how she changed her life through being a creator. I remember thinking, "No way that's legit."
But rock bottom gives you courage. Or both. Sometimes both.
I installed the TikTok creator app the next morning. My first video? Me, no makeup, messy bun, explaining how I'd just spent my last $12 on a cheap food for my kids' school lunches. I shared it and felt sick. Why would anyone care about someone's train wreck of a life?
Apparently, thousands of people.
That video got nearly 50,000 views. Forty-seven thousand people watched me breakdown over $12 worth of food. The comments section turned into this incredible community—other single moms, folks in the trenches, all saying "I feel this." That was my turning point. People didn't want perfection. They wanted authentic.
Finding My Niche: The Hot Mess Single Mom Brand
The truth is about content creation: your niche matters. And my niche? It happened organically. I became the mom who tells the truth.
I started filming the stuff nobody talks about. Like how I didn't change pants for days because washing clothes was too much. Or when I served cereal as a meal multiple nights and called it "breakfast for dinner week." Or that moment when my daughter asked why daddy doesn't live here anymore, and I had to explain adult stuff to a kid who is six years old.
My content wasn't polished. My lighting was trash. I filmed on a ancient iPhone. But it was unfiltered, and evidently, that's what resonated.
Two months later, I hit ten thousand followers. 90 days in, fifty thousand. By half a year, I'd crossed six figures. Each milestone blew my mind. Real accounts who wanted to follow me. Me—a financially unstable single mom who had to Google "what is a content creator" months before.
The Actual Schedule: Content Creation Meets Real Life
Let me show you of my typical day, because this life is the opposite of those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm screams. I do NOT want to get up, but this is my work time. I make coffee that I'll forget about, and I begin creating. Sometimes it's a getting ready video sharing about single mom finances. Sometimes it's me cooking while discussing co-parenting struggles. The lighting is whatever I can get.
7:00am: Kids emerge. Content creation stops. Now I'm in mommy mode—feeding humans, finding the missing shoe (where do they go), packing lunches, breaking up sibling fights. The chaos is intense.
8:30am: School drop-off. I'm that mom filming at red lights in the car. Not proud of this, but bills don't care.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my productive time. I'm alone finally. I'm in editing mode, being social, thinking of ideas, doing outreach, analyzing metrics. Folks imagine content creation is simple. Absolutely not. It's a full business.
I usually create multiple videos on Monday and Wednesday. That means filming 10-15 videos in a few hours. I'll change clothes so it appears to be different times. Pro tip: Keep several shirts ready for easy transitions. My neighbors definitely think I'm crazy, making videos in public in the parking lot.
3:00pm: Pickup time. Parent time. But plot twist—often my top performing content come from the chaos. A few days ago, my daughter had a epic meltdown in Target because I couldn't afford a toy she didn't need. I created a video in the vehicle after about surviving tantrums as a lone parent. It got over 2 million views.
Evening: The evening routine. I'm usually too exhausted to film, but I'll plan posts, respond to DMs, or plan tomorrow's content. Certain nights, after bedtime, I'll work late because a deadline is coming.
The truth? Balance doesn't exist. It's just organized chaos with occasional wins.
The Money Talk: How I Actually Make a Living
Look, let's discuss money because this is what people ask about. Can you legitimately profit as a content creator? Yes. Is it easy? Not even close.
My first month, I made zilch. Second month? Zero. Month three, I got my first sponsored post—one hundred fifty dollars to share a meal box. I actually cried. That $150 paid for groceries.
Currently, three years later, here's how I generate revenue:
Collaborations: This is my main revenue. I work with brands that make sense—budget-friendly products, helpful services, children's products. I charge anywhere from five hundred to several thousand per partnership, depending on what's required. Just last month, I did 4 sponsored posts and made eight grand.
Creator Fund/Ad Revenue: Creator fund pays very little—a few hundred dollars per month for massive numbers. YouTube revenue is actually decent. I make about $1.5K monthly from YouTube, but that took two years to build up.
Affiliate Income: I promote products to stuff I really use—anything from my go-to coffee machine to the bunk beds in their room. If someone clicks and buys, I get a commission. This brings in about eight hundred to twelve hundred.
Digital Products: I created a money management guide and a cooking guide. $15 apiece, and I sell dozens per month. That's another $1,000-1,500.
Consulting Services: Aspiring influencers pay me to guide them. I offer consulting calls for two hundred dollars. I do about several a month.
Combined monthly revenue: Most months, I'm making $10,000-15,000 per month currently. Certain months are better, some are lower. It's unpredictable, which is scary when you're the only income source. But it's three times what I made at my previous job, and I'm available for my kids.
What They Don't Show Nobody Mentions
From the outside it's great until you're crying in your car because a video flopped, or dealing with nasty DMs from keyboard warriors.
The trolls are vicious. I've been told I'm a terrible parent, told I'm a bad influence, accused of lying about being a solo parent. I'll never forget, "Maybe your husband left because you're annoying." That one hurt so bad.
The algorithm shifts. One month you're getting insane views. The following week, you're struggling for views. Your income fluctuates. You're always on, always "on", afraid to pause, you'll fall behind.
The mom guilt is intense exponentially. Each post, I wonder: Is this too much? Am I doing right by them? Will they resent this when they're teenagers? I have firm rules—no faces of my kids without permission, nothing too personal, nothing that could embarrass them. But the line is blurry sometimes.
The burnout is real. Certain periods when I can't create. When I'm exhausted, socially drained, and totally spent. But rent doesn't care. So I do it anyway.
The Wins
But here's what's real—through it all, this journey has created things I never expected.
Money security for the first damn time. I'm not loaded, but I paid off $18,000 in debt. I have an safety net. We took a vacation last summer—Disney, which was a dream not long ago. I don't stress about my account anymore.
Flexibility that's priceless. When my son got sick last month, I didn't have to call in to work or worry about money. I worked from the pediatrician's waiting room. When there's a field trip, I'm present. I'm in their lives in ways I wasn't with a corporate job.
My people that saved me. The other influencers I've befriended, especially other moms, have become actual friends. We talk, collaborate, have each other's backs. My followers have become this incredible cheerleading squad. They support me, encourage me through rough patches, and make me feel seen.
Me beyond motherhood. Since becoming a mom, I have something that's mine. I'm not just someone's ex-wife or just a mom. I'm a business owner. A businesswoman. Someone who made it happen.
What I Wish I Knew
If you're a single mom considering content creation, here's what I wish someone had told me:
Begin now. Your first videos will be trash. Mine did. That's normal. You improve over time, not by overthinking.
Be authentic, not perfect. People can sense inauthenticity. Share your actual life—the unfiltered truth. That's what connects.
Guard their privacy. Set limits. Have standards. Their privacy is everything. I never share their names, rarely show their faces, and never discuss anything that could embarrass them.
Don't rely on one thing. Don't put all eggs in one basket or one revenue source. The algorithm is unpredictable. Multiple income streams = stability.
Batch create content. When you have quiet time, create multiple pieces. Tomorrow you will thank present you when you're unable to film.
Interact. Answer comments. Check messages. Be real with them. Your community is crucial.
Track metrics. Be strategic. If something requires tons of time and tanks while another video takes no time and gets massive views, shift focus.
Don't forget yourself. You need to fill your cup. Unplug. Protect your peace. Your mental health matters more than going viral.
This takes time. This takes time. It took me half a year to make meaningful money. Year one, I made barely $15,000. Year 2, $80K. Year 3, I'm projected for $100K+. It's a process.
Remember why you started. On difficult days—and there are many—think about your why. For me, it's independence, being there, and validating that I'm capable of anything.
The Honest Truth
Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this. This life is tough. So damn hard. You're operating a business while being the sole caretaker of demanding little people.
Many days I wonder what I'm doing. Days when the negativity affect me. Days when I'm exhausted and stressed and asking myself if I should get a regular job with benefits and a steady paycheck.
But and then my daughter says she loves that I'm home. Or I see my bank account actually has money in it. Or I get a DM from a follower saying my content changed her life. And I know it's worth it.
What's Next
Years ago, I was scared and struggling how to make it work. Fast forward, I'm a content creator making way more than I made in my 9-5, and I'm available when they need me.
My goals moving forward? Reach 500K by year-end. Start a podcast for single parents. Maybe write a book. Expand this business that makes everything possible.
This journey gave me a path forward when I had nothing. It gave me a way to provide for my family, show up, and accomplish something incredible. It's a surprise, but it's exactly where I needed to be.
To any single parent on the fence: You can. It isn't simple. You'll consider quitting. But you're managing the hardest job—raising humans alone. You're tougher than you realize.
Begin messy. Keep showing up. Guard your peace. And know this, you're doing more than surviving—you're building something incredible.
Gotta go now, I need to go record a video about another last-minute project and I just learned about it. Because that's how it goes—making content from chaos, one TikTok at a time.
No cap. This path? It's everything. Even if there's probably Goldfish crackers in my keyboard. Dream life, mess included.