From Hobby to Hustle: 9 Ways to Make Extra Cash Doing What You Love

Ever since my aunt retired, she’s taken to making the most adorable stuffed gnomes. Christmas gnomes. Seasonal gnomes. Gnomes for every occasion and sports teams. When she first gifted a pair to me, I had to ask, after admiring these adorable creatures: “Where do you sell them?”

She hadn’t considered it. It was just a hobby, she told me. This left me wondering whether she should invest in turning her hobby into a hustle.

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Having a hobby that lights you up is essential, but sharing it with others is also very fulfilling. There’s nothing like finding a community of other creators and artists so you can share your skills and ideas.

You can find other people who enjoy the same hobbies anywhere. You can join a million virtual or in-person groups to interact with a community of fellow creators. From crocheting Christmas trees to cross-stitching your favorite sayings, by sharing your hobby you will make new connections.

Earning extra cash to supplement your income or boost your rainy day fund is a wise plan. But before jumping in with both feet, consider these specifics to set yourself up for success:

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1. Assessing your audience

Some places yield more sales and traffic than others. Knowing who will be there is key.

“Finding an audience isn't always easy,” Adam Goldfarb, an animal advocate who took up pet portraits in ink for fun, told AARP Experience Counts. He now sells prints online and at events.

“In-person shows are nice for finding an audience because you can talk to customers and find out what interests them and what doesn't,”he said.

2. Factoring in expenses and fees

Beware of any costs you’ll pay upfront, such as online listing fees or vendor fees. Also, factor the cost of any supplies you use into your bottom line.

3. Amazon Handmade

Amazon has this dedicated seller site for artisans. Create a selling account, then complete the Amazon Handmade application to waive the monthly fee. When you make a sale, Handmade will deduct a 15 percent referral fee.

4. Other online vendors

These are online sites such as eBay and Etsy, where you can sell pretty much anything. Make sure you are aware of listing and transaction fees. Also, check out Uncommon Goods. For this online vendor, you submit your product for review to get the ball rolling.