Real talk, being a mom is absolutely wild. But you know what's even crazier? Attempting to hustle for money while handling toddlers and their chaos.
My hustle life began about a few years back when I figured out that my impulse buys were reaching dangerous levels. I had to find my own money.
Virtual Assistant Hustle
So, I started out was doing VA work. And honestly? It was ideal. It let me hustle while the kids slept, and all I needed was a computer and internet.
I started with easy things like email sorting, scheduling social media posts, and entering data. Not rocket science. I started at about fifteen dollars an hour, which seemed low but for someone with zero experience, you gotta build up your portfolio.
What cracked me up? Picture this: me on a video meeting looking like I had my life together from the shoulders up—full professional mode—while rocking sweatpants. Main character energy.
My Etsy Journey
After getting my feet wet, I ventured into the handmade marketplace scene. Everyone and their mother seemed to have an Etsy shop, so I was like "why not me?"
I started making digital planners and home decor prints. The thing about selling digital stuff? Make it one time, and it can sell forever. Genuinely, I've made sales at 3am while I was sleeping.
My first sale? I actually yelled. My partner was like the house was on fire. But no—I was just, cheering about my $4.99 sale. Judge me if you want.
The Content Creation Grind
Eventually I discovered blogging and content creation. This one is not for instant gratification seekers, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it.
I launched a family lifestyle blog where I posted about what motherhood actually looks like—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Keeping it real. Simply authentic experiences about how I once found a chicken nugget in my bra.
Getting readers was a test of patience. The first few months, it was basically writing for myself and like three people. But I didn't give up, and eventually, things took off.
Now? I earn income through promoting products, collaborations, and advertisements on my site. Last month I brought in over $2K from my blog income. Crazy, right?
The Social Media Management Game
As I mastered managing my blog's social media, brands started inquiring if I could help them.
Truth bomb? Many companies are terrible with social media. They understand they need a presence, but they don't have time.
This is my moment. I oversee social media for several small companies—various small businesses. I develop content, queue up posts, respond to comments, and analyze the metrics.
I bill between five hundred to a thousand dollars per month per account, depending on how much work is involved. Here's what's great? I manage everything from my iPhone.
The Freelance Writing Hustle
For those who can string sentences together, freelancing is a goldmine. This isn't literary fiction—I'm talking about business content.
Brands and websites constantly need fresh content. I've created content about everything from dental hygiene to copyright. You just need to research, you just need to be good at research.
Usually earn between fifty and two hundred per article, depending on what's involved. When I'm hustling hard I'll crank out 10-15 articles and pull in a couple thousand dollars.
The funny thing is: I was the person who hated writing papers. Now I'm earning a living writing. The irony.
Tutoring Online
After lockdown started, everyone needed online help. I used to be a teacher, so this was right up my alley.
I started working with various tutoring services. You make your own schedule, which is crucial when you have tiny humans who throw curveballs daily.
I mainly help with basic subjects. Income ranges from fifteen to thirty bucks per hour depending on which site you use.
The funny thing? Every now and then my children will crash my tutoring session mid-session. I've literally had to teach fractions while my toddler screamed about the wrong color cup. The parents on the other end are usually super understanding because they're living the same life.
The Reselling Game
Alright, this side gig wasn't planned. During a massive cleanout my kids' things and tried selling some outfits on Mercari.
Things sold so fast. I suddenly understood: one person's trash is another's treasure.
These days I shop at estate sales and thrift shops, on the hunt for name brands. I grab something for $3 and sell it for $30.
Is it a lot of work? Absolutely. I'm photographing items, writing descriptions, shipping packages. But there's something satisfying about discovering a diamond in the rough at a yard sale and making money.
Additionally: my children are fascinated when I find unique items. Last week I grabbed a vintage toy that my son went crazy for. Got forty-five dollars for it. Mom for the win.
The Honest Reality
Real talk moment: side hustles aren't passive income. It's called hustling because you're hustling.
Some days when I'm exhausted, doubting everything. I wake up early being productive before the madness begins, then handling mom duties, then back at it after bedtime.
But here's what matters? These are my earnings. I don't have to ask permission to treat myself. I'm contributing to my family's finances. I'm teaching my children that moms can do anything.
Tips if You're Starting Out
If you're considering a side gig, here are my tips:
Don't go all in immediately. You can't start five businesses. Pick one thing and become proficient before taking on more.
Work with your schedule. If you only have evenings, that's perfectly acceptable. Whatever time you can dedicate is better than nothing.
Stop comparing to what you see online. Those people with massive success? They put in years of work and has resources you don't see. Stay in your lane.
Invest in yourself, but carefully. Free information exists. Don't spend thousands on courses until you've validated your idea.
Work in batches. This is crucial. Use specific days for specific tasks. Use Monday for writing day. Use Wednesday for handling business stuff.
Let's Talk Mom Guilt
Let me be honest—guilt is part of this. There are days when I'm hustling and my child is calling for me, and I feel guilty.
Yet I remember that I'm showing them what dedication looks like. I'm showing my daughter that motherhood doesn't mean giving up your identity.
And honestly? Making my own money has improved my mental health. I'm more satisfied, which makes me a better parent.
Let's Talk Money
My actual income? Typically, between all my hustles, I earn $3K-5K. Some months are better, others are slower.
Is this millionaire money? Not really. But we've used it to pay for so many things we needed that would've been really hard. It's also creating opportunities and knowledge that could evolve into something huge.
Wrapping This Up
Look, doing this mom hustle thing is challenging. There's no such thing as a magic formula. Many days I'm making it up as I go, surviving on coffee, and doing my best.
But I wouldn't change it. Each dollar I earn is a testament to my hustle. It's evidence that I have identity beyond motherhood.
For anyone contemplating starting a side hustle? Start now. Don't wait for perfect. Your tomorrow self will be grateful.
And remember: You aren't only making it through—you're hustling. Even though there's probably snack crumbs stuck to your laptop.
For real. This is pretty amazing, mess included.
From Rock Bottom to Creator Success: My Journey as a Single Mom
Real talk—being a single parent was never the plan. Nor was turning into an influencer. But here I am, three years later, making a living by being vulnerable on the internet while doing this mom thing solo. And not gonna lie? It's been scary AF but incredible of my life.
The Beginning: When Everything Fell Apart
It was three years ago when my relationship fell apart. I will never forget sitting in my mostly empty place (he took the couch, I got the kids' art projects), unable to sleep at 2am while my kids were finally quiet. I had less than a thousand dollars in my bank account, two kids to support, and a job that barely covered rent. The panic was real, y'all.
I'd been mindlessly scrolling to avoid my thoughts—because that's the move? when we're drowning, right?—when I stumbled on this solo parent sharing how she paid off $30,000 in debt through making videos. I remember thinking, "That can't be real."
But when you're desperate, you try anything. Or stupid. Usually both.
I grabbed the TikTok app the next morning. My first video? Completely unpolished, sharing how I'd just spent my last $12 on a cheap food for my kids' lunches. I uploaded it and wanted to delete it. Who wants to watch someone's train wreck of a life?
Spoiler alert, thousands of people.
That video got 47K views. Nearly fifty thousand people watched me almost lose it over processed meat. The comments section became this incredible community—fellow solo parents, folks in the trenches, all saying "me too." That was my lightbulb moment. People didn't want perfect. They wanted honest.
Discovering My Voice: The Honest Single Parent Platform
Here's what they don't say about content creation: your niche matters. And my niche? I stumbled into it. I became the unfiltered single mom.
I started posting about the stuff nobody talks about. Like how I didn't change pants for days because washing clothes was too much. Or the time I served cereal as a meal three nights in a row and called it "survival mode." Or that moment when my six-year-old asked why we don't live with dad, and I had to have big conversations to a kid who believes in magic.
My content wasn't polished. My lighting was terrible. I filmed on a busted phone. But it was honest, and evidently, that's what resonated.
After sixty days, I hit ten thousand followers. Three months later, 50K. By six months, I'd crossed 100K. Each milestone seemed fake. Actual humans who wanted to follow me. Little old me—a financially unstable single mom who had to figure this out from zero not long ago.
The Daily Grind: Juggling Everything
Let me paint you a picture of my typical day, because creating content solo is nothing like those aesthetic "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm screams. I do absolutely not want to wake up, but this is my sacred content creation time. I make coffee that I'll microwave repeatedly, and I get to work. Sometimes it's a get-ready-with-me sharing about single mom finances. Sometimes it's me cooking while discussing custody stuff. The lighting is whatever natural light comes through my kitchen window.
7:00am: Kids get up. Content creation ends. Now I'm in parent mode—feeding humans, hunting for that one shoe (seriously, always ONE), packing lunches, mediating arguments. The chaos is intense.
8:30am: Getting them to school. I'm that mom filming at red lights when stopped. Not proud of this, but I gotta post.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my hustle time. Peace and quiet. I'm editing content, engaging with followers, planning content, sending emails, looking at stats. Everyone assumes content creation is just posting videos. Absolutely not. It's a whole business.
I usually batch-create content on Monday and Wednesday. That means filming 10-15 videos in one sitting. I'll change clothes so it appears to be different times. Hot tip: Keep several shirts ready for quick changes. My neighbors must think I'm insane, talking to my camera in the backyard.
3:00pm: Picking them up. Mom mode activated. But here's the thing—frequently my biggest hits come from the chaos. A few days ago, my daughter had a complete meltdown in Target because I wouldn't buy a expensive toy. I made content in the vehicle once we left about managing big emotions as a solo parent. It got over 2 million views.
Evening: Dinner through bedtime. I'm generally wiped out to make videos, but I'll plan posts, respond to DMs, or outline content. Often, after bedtime, I'll stay up editing because a partnership is due.
The truth? No such thing as balance. It's just managed chaos with moments of success.
The Money Talk: How I Support My Family
Look, let's discuss money because this is what you're wondering. Can you actually make money as a online creator? Yes. Is it simple? Hell no.
My first month, I made zero dollars. Month two? $0. Month three, I got my first paid partnership—$150 to share a meal delivery. I literally cried. That hundred fifty dollars covered food.
Today, years later, here's how I monetize:
Brand Deals: This is my primary income. I work with brands that fit my niche—practical items, helpful services, kids' stuff. I ask for anywhere from five hundred to five thousand dollars per collaboration, depending on what's required. Last month, I did 4 sponsored posts and made $8K.
Ad Money: The TikTok fund pays not much—$200-$400 per month for huge view counts. YouTube money is actually decent. I make about $1,500 monthly from YouTube, but that was a long process.
Affiliate Links: I share links to things I own—anything from my go-to coffee machine to the bunk beds in their room. If someone clicks and buys, I get a percentage. This brings in about $1K monthly.
Online Products: I created a single mom budget planner and a meal planning ebook. Each costs $15, and I sell 50-100 per month. That's another thousand to fifteen hundred.
Coaching/Consulting: Aspiring influencers pay me to guide them. I offer consulting calls for $200/hour. I do about several of these monthly.
Total monthly income: Most months, I'm making ten to fifteen thousand per month now. It varies, some are less. It's variable, which is nerve-wracking when you're the only income source. But it's triple what I made at my 9-5, and I'm home when my kids need me.
The Hard Parts Nobody Posts About
Content creation sounds glamorous until you're crying in your car because a video didn't perform, or reading vicious comments from internet trolls.
The trolls are vicious. I've been accused of being a bad mother, told I'm problematic, called a liar about being a solo parent. Someone once commented, "No wonder he left." That one destroyed me.
The algorithm changes constantly. Certain periods you're getting millions of views. The following week, you're getting nothing. Your income is unstable. You're never off, always "on", afraid to pause, you'll lose relevance.
The mom guilt is worse beyond normal. Every video I post, I wonder: Am I sharing too much? Am I protecting my kids' privacy? Will they regret this when they're older? I have strict rules—no faces of my kids without permission, no sharing their private stuff, protecting their dignity. But the line is not always clear.
The I get burnt out. Sometimes when I can't create. When I'm touched out, over it, and just done. But life doesn't stop. So I do it anyway.
The Wins
But the truth is—despite the hard parts, this journey has given me things I never expected.
Financial freedom for once in my life. I'm not a millionaire, but I became debt-free. I have an savings. We took a real vacation last summer—the Mouse House, which was a dream a couple years back. I don't dread checking my balance anymore.
Flexibility that's priceless. When my boy was sick last month, I didn't have to ask permission or stress about losing pay. I worked from the pediatrician's waiting room. When there's a school event, I'm present. I'm available in ways I couldn't be with a normal job.
Connection that saved me. The other influencers I've befriended, especially other moms, have become true friends. We support each other, collaborate, support each other. My followers have become this family. They cheer for me, send love, and remind me I'm not alone.
Identity beyond "mom". For the first time since having kids, I have an identity. I'm not just an ex or somebody's mother. I'm a entrepreneur. A content creator. A person who hustled.
Tips for Single Moms Wanting to Start
If you're a single mother wanting to start, here's my advice:
Begin now. Your first videos will be awful. Mine did. That's normal. You grow through creating, not by overthinking.
Keep it real. People can tell when you're fake. Share your actual life—the chaos. That resonates.
Protect your kids. Set limits. Be intentional. Their privacy is the priority. I never share their names, rarely show their faces, and protect their stories.
Diversify income streams. Spread it out or one income stream. The algorithm is unpredictable. Multiple streams = safety.
Batch your content. When you have free time, record several. Next week you will thank present you when you're burnt out.
Connect with followers. Reply to comments. Respond to DMs. Connect authentically. Your community is your foundation.
Track your time and ROI. Some content isn't worth it. If something is time-intensive and gets nothing while another video takes 20 minutes and goes viral, adjust your strategy.
Don't forget yourself. Self-care isn't selfish. Rest. Guard your energy. Your wellbeing matters more than anything.
Be patient. This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It took me months to the linked page make decent money. Year one, I made fifteen thousand. The second year, $80,000. Now, I'm hitting six figures. It's a long game.
Stay connected to your purpose. On tough days—and there are many—remember your reason. For me, it's financial freedom, being there, and proving to myself that I'm capable of anything.
Being Real With You
Listen, I'm being honest. This life is challenging. Like, really freaking hard. You're basically running a business while being the only parent of kids who need everything.
Some days I second-guess this. Days when the negativity affect me. Days when I'm completely spent and asking myself if I should go back to corporate with stability.
But but then my daughter shares she appreciates this. Or I see my bank account actually has money in it. Or I receive a comment from a follower saying my content changed her life. And I remember why I do this.
The Future
Not long ago, I was broke, scared, and had no idea how to survive. Today, I'm a full-time content creator making way more than I made in traditional work, and I'm home when my kids get off the school bus.
My goals going forward? Get to half a million followers by this year. Start a podcast for single parents. Write a book eventually. Continue building this business that gives me freedom, flexibility, and financial stability.
Content creation gave me a second chance when I was drowning. It gave me a way to support my kids, be available, and build something real. It's not what I planned, but it's meant to be.
To every solo parent wondering if you can do this: Yes you can. It won't be easy. You'll consider quitting. But you're handling the hardest job—raising humans alone. You're more capable than you know.
Begin messy. Be consistent. Keep your boundaries. And know this, you're more than just surviving—you're building an empire.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go make a video about why my kid's school project is due tomorrow and nobody told me until now. Because that's this life—turning chaos into content, one post at a time.
No cap. This life? It's everything. Even though there's probably crumbs stuck to my laptop right now. No regrets, mess included.