Real talk, mom life is absolutely wild. But what's really wild? Trying to earn extra income while dealing with tiny humans who think sleep is optional.
This whole thing started for me about a few years back when I discovered that my random shopping trips were getting out of hand. I had to find my own money.
Virtual Assistant Hustle
So, my initial venture was becoming a virtual assistant. And not gonna lie? It was exactly what I needed. I could work during naptime, and all I needed was my laptop and decent wifi.
I began by basic stuff like handling emails, managing social content, and data entry. Not rocket science. My rate was about $15-20 per hour, which felt cheap but when you're just starting, you gotta begin at the bottom.
What cracked me up? I would be on a client call looking completely put together from the chest up—looking corporate—while sporting sweatpants. Peak mom life.
My Etsy Journey
After getting my feet wet, I wanted to explore the selling on Etsy. Every mom I knew seemed to be on Etsy, so I was like "why not start one too?"
I began crafting downloadable organizers and wall art. What's great about digital products? Design it once, and it can keep selling indefinitely. Actually, I've made sales at times when I didn't even know.
My first sale? I actually yelled. My partner was like there was an emergency. Negative—just me, cheering about my first five bucks. Judge me if you want.
Blogging and Creating
After that I ventured into the whole influencer thing. This one is a marathon not a sprint, let me tell you.
I started a parenting blog where I posted about my parenting journey—everything unfiltered. No Instagram-perfect nonsense. Simply real talk about how I once found a chicken nugget in my bra.
Building traffic was painfully slow. The first few months, I was basically writing for myself and like three people. But I kept at it, and slowly but surely, things started clicking.
Currently? I earn income through promoting products, sponsored posts, and ad revenue. Recently I earned over two thousand dollars from my blog income. Mind-blowing, right?
SMM Side Hustle
When I became good with my own content, other businesses started asking if I could help them.
Real talk? Many companies are terrible with social media. They know they should be posting, but they're too busy.
Enter: me. I oversee 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 check their stats.
I bill between five hundred to fifteen hundred monthly per business, depending on the scope of work. What I love? I handle this from my phone.
Freelance Writing Life
For the wordy folks, freelance writing is a goldmine. I'm not talking writing the next Great American Novel—I mean commercial writing.
Companies always need writers. I've written articles about everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be good at research.
On average charge fifty to one hundred fifty bucks per piece, depending on the topic and length. On good months I'll write a dozen articles and pull in an extra $1,000-2,000.
Plot twist: I'm the same person who thought writing was torture. And now I'm a professional writer. The irony.
The Online Tutoring Thing
After lockdown started, virtual tutoring became huge. I was a teacher before kids, so this was right up my alley.
I signed up with a couple of online tutoring sites. It's super flexible, which is absolutely necessary when you have children who keep you guessing.
My sessions are usually K-5 subjects. Rates vary from fifteen to thirty bucks per hour depending on which site you use.
Here's what's weird? Sometimes my children will burst into the room mid-session. I've had to be professional while chaos erupted behind me. Other parents are very sympathetic because they get it.
The Reselling Game
So, this one wasn't planned. While organizing my kids' closet and tried selling some outfits on copyright.
Things sold immediately. That's when I realized: you can sell literally anything.
Now I shop at thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections, hunting for things that will sell. I purchase something for a few dollars and make serious profit.
It's definitely work? Not gonna lie. I'm photographing items, writing descriptions, shipping packages. But there's something satisfying about discovering a diamond in the rough at a garage sale and turning a profit.
Plus: the kids think it's neat when I discover weird treasures. Just last week I found a collectible item that my son freaked out about. Got forty-five dollars for it. Score one for mom.
The Honest Reality
Truth bomb incoming: side hustles aren't passive income. There's work involved, hence the name.
There are days when I'm running on empty, questioning my life choices. I'm working before sunrise working before my kids wake up, then doing all the mom stuff, then working again after the kids are asleep.
But here's what matters? That money is MINE. No permission needed to get the good coffee. I'm helping with our financial goals. My kids see that you can be both.
Advice for New Mom Hustlers
If you're thinking about a mom hustle, here's what I'd tell you:
Begin with something manageable. Don't try to start five businesses. Choose one hustle and become proficient before expanding.
Honor your limits. Whatever time you have, that's totally valid. A couple of productive hours is valuable.
Comparison is the thief of joy to the highlight reels. Those people with massive success? She probably started years ago and has resources you don't see. Run your own race.
Spend money on education, but wisely. There are tons of free resources. Avoid dropping huge money on programs until you've tested the waters.
Batch your work. This is crucial. Dedicate days for specific hustles. Use Monday for writing day. Wednesday could be organizing and responding.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
Real talk—the mom guilt is real. Sometimes when I'm on my laptop and they want to play, and I feel terrible.
But then I remind myself that I'm modeling for them what dedication looks like. I'm teaching my kids that you can be both.
Also? Financial independence has been good for me. I'm happier, which makes me more patient.
Income Reality Check
How much do I earn? Most months, from all my side gigs, I make $3,000-5,000 per month. Some months are better, some are tougher.
Is this millionaire money? Nope. But I've used it for stuff that matters to us that would've stressed us out. And it's giving me confidence and skills that could turn into something bigger.
Wrapping This Up
Listen, hustling as a mom is challenging. There's no such thing as a secret sauce. Most days I'm improvising everything, surviving on coffee, and hoping for the best.
But I'm glad I'm doing this. Every penny made is a testament to my hustle. It demonstrates that I'm more than just mom.
So if you're considering diving into this? Take the leap. Don't wait for perfect. Your tomorrow self will be so glad you did.
Always remember: You're not merely getting by—you're growing something incredible. Even when there's probably Goldfish crackers stuck to your laptop.
Not even kidding. The whole thing is incredible, despite the chaos.
My Content Creator Journey: My Journey as a Single Mom
Real talk—becoming a single mom was never the plan. I also didn't plan on becoming a content creator. But fast forward to now, three years into this wild journey, making a living by being vulnerable on the internet while handling everything by myself. And real talk? It's been scary AF but incredible of my life.
The Starting Point: When Everything Came Crashing Down
It was a few years ago when my marriage ended. I remember sitting in my new apartment (he took the couch, I got the kids' art projects), unable to sleep at 2am while my kids slept. I had eight hundred forty-seven dollars in my bank account, two humans depending on me, and a job that barely covered rent. The panic was real, y'all.
I was scrolling social media to escape reality—because that's how we cope? when our lives are falling apart, right?—when I came across this single mom sharing how she paid off $30,000 in debt through being a creator. I remember thinking, "That's either a scam or she's incredibly lucky."
But when you're desperate, you try anything. Maybe both. Probably both.
I grabbed the TikTok studio app the next morning. My first video? Me, no makeup, messy bun, talking about how I'd just put my last twelve dollars on a frozen nuggets and juice boxes for my kids' lunch boxes. I uploaded it and wanted to delete it. Who gives a damn about someone's train wreck of a life?
Turns out, way more people than I expected.
That video got forty-seven thousand views. 47,000 people watched me breakdown over chicken nuggets. The comments section was this validation fest—fellow solo parents, others barely surviving, all saying "me too." That was my lightbulb moment. People didn't want perfect. They wanted authentic.
Discovering My Voice: The Hot Mess Single Mom Brand
The truth is about content creation: your niche matters. And my niche? It happened organically. I became the single mom who keeps it brutally honest.
I started creating content about the stuff everyone keeps private. Like how I wore the same leggings all week because laundry felt impossible. Or when I served cereal as a meal three nights in a row and called it "creative meal planning." Or that moment when my six-year-old asked why daddy doesn't live here anymore, and I had to talk about complex things to a kid who still believes in Santa.
My content wasn't polished. My lighting was trash. I filmed on a busted phone. But it was real, and turns out, that's what worked.
In just two months, I hit ten thousand followers. 90 days in, fifty thousand. By six months, I'd crossed a hundred thousand. Each milestone blew my mind. Actual humans who wanted to follow me. Me—a broke single mom who had to learn everything from scratch not long ago.
The Actual Schedule: Juggling Everything
Let me show you of my typical day, because creating content solo is totally different from those perfect "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm blares. I do not want to move, but this is my work time. I make coffee that will get cold, and I get to work. Sometimes it's a get-ready-with-me sharing about single mom finances. Sometimes it's me making food while venting about custody stuff. The lighting is not great.
7:00am: Kids wake up. Content creation ends. Now I'm in survival mode—making breakfast, locating lost items (seriously, always ONE), throwing food in bags, mediating arguments. The chaos is next level.
8:30am: Drop off time. I'm that mom filming at red lights at red lights. Not proud of this, but the grind never stops.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my hustle time. I'm alone finally. I'm editing content, replying to DMs, brainstorming content ideas, reaching out to brands, analyzing metrics. Folks imagine content creation is only filming. It's not. It's a entire operation.
I usually film in batches on certain days. That means creating 10-15 pieces in one session. I'll switch outfits so it looks varied. Hot tip: Keep several shirts ready for fast swaps. My neighbors definitely think I'm crazy, talking to my camera in the driveway.
3:00pm: Getting the kids. Mom mode activated. But plot twist—frequently my top performing content come from real life. Last week, my daughter had a epic meltdown in Target because I couldn't afford a $40 toy. I created a video in the vehicle afterward about managing big emotions as a lone parent. It got millions of views.
Evening: All the evening things. I'm completely exhausted to create anything, but I'll plan posts, answer messages, or outline content. Often, after bedtime, I'll stay up editing because a brand deadline is looming.
The truth? Balance is a myth. It's just managed chaos with some victories.
Let's Talk Income: How I Generate Income
Look, let's get into the finances because this is what you're wondering. Can you legitimately profit as a online creator? For sure. Is it effortless? Nope.
My first month, I made zero dollars. Second month? Also nothing. Month three, I got my first paid partnership—$150 to promote a meal box. I literally cried. That $150 covered food.
Fast forward, three years in, here's how I make money:
Brand Deals: This is my primary income. I work with brands that my followers need—budget-friendly products, single-parent resources, kids' stuff. I get paid anywhere from five hundred to five thousand dollars per partnership, depending on what's required. Last month, I did 4 sponsored posts and made $8,000.
Creator Fund/Ad Revenue: Creator fund pays not much—two to four hundred per month for huge view counts. YouTube ad revenue is way better. I make about $1,500/month from YouTube, but that took two years to build up.
Affiliate Marketing: I share links to things I own—anything from my beloved coffee maker to the beds my kids use. If anyone buys, I get a kickback. This brings in about $800-1,200 monthly.
Downloadables: I created a budget template and a food prep planner. They're $15 each, and I sell maybe 50-100 per month. That's another $1-1.5K.
Coaching/Consulting: Other aspiring creators pay me to guide them. I offer 1:1 sessions for two hundred dollars. I do about five to ten each month.
My total income: Generally, I'm making $10-15K per month currently. It varies, some are lower. It's variable, which is stressful when you're it. But it's three times what I made at my corporate job, and I'm present.
The Dark Side Nobody Posts About
From the outside it's great until you're sobbing alone because a video didn't perform, or handling cruel messages from random people.
The trolls are vicious. I've been mom-shamed, told I'm a bad influence, questioned about being a solo parent. A commenter wrote, "I'd leave too." That one stuck with me.
The algorithm shifts. One month you're getting millions of views. Then suddenly, you're struggling for views. Your income is unstable. You're always on, always working, nervous about slowing down, you'll lose relevance.
The mom guilt is intense times a thousand. Every upload, I wonder: Am I oversharing? Am I protecting my kids' privacy? Will they be angry about this when they're adults? I have non-negotiables—protected identities, no sharing their private stuff, protecting their dignity. But the line is hard to see.
The exhaustion is real. Some weeks when I am empty. When I'm depleted, over it, and just done. But rent doesn't care. So I show up anyway.
The Beautiful Parts
But here's the thing—through it all, this journey has brought me things I never anticipated.
Economic stability for the first time ever. I'm not a millionaire, but I eliminated my debt. I have an savings. We took a real vacation last summer—Disney World, which I never thought possible not long ago. I the full article don't stress about my account anymore.
Schedule freedom that's priceless. When my child had a fever last month, I didn't have to call in to work or panic. I handled business at urgent care. When there's a class party, I attend. I'm there for them in ways I couldn't manage with a normal job.
My people that saved me. The other creators I've met, especially single moms, have become my people. We support each other, collaborate, have each other's backs. My followers have become this family. They hype me up, send love, and show me I'm not alone.
Something that's mine. After years, I have something that's mine. I'm not defined by divorce or just a mom. I'm a CEO. A content creator. A person who hustled.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
If you're a single parent wanting to start, listen up:
Begin now. Your first videos will suck. Mine did. Everyone starts there. You improve over time, not by waiting.
Keep it real. People can spot fake. Share your honest life—the chaos. That's what works.
Keep them safe. Set limits. Have standards. Their privacy is non-negotiable. I don't use their names, limit face shots, and never discuss anything that could embarrass them.
Don't rely on one thing. Diversify or one revenue source. The algorithm is unstable. Multiple streams = safety.
Create in batches. When you have available time, record several. Tomorrow you will be grateful when you're burnt out.
Connect with followers. Respond to comments. Check messages. Connect authentically. Your community is everything.
Monitor what works. Some content isn't worth it. If something requires tons of time and gets 200 views while a different post takes minutes and blows up, pivot.
Take care of yourself. Self-care isn't selfish. Step away. Guard your energy. Your wellbeing matters most.
Be patient. This requires patience. It took me months to make real income. My first year, I made fifteen thousand. Year two, $80,000. Year 3, I'm making six figures. It's a process.
Stay connected to your purpose. On hard days—and there are many—remember your reason. For me, it's supporting my kids, flexibility with my kids, and showing myself that I'm capable of more than I thought possible.
Being Real With You
Here's the deal, 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 demanding little people.
Certain days I doubt myself. Days when the nasty comments affect me. Days when I'm completely spent and questioning if I should get a regular job with consistent income.
But and then my daughter tells me she loves that I'm home. Or I check my balance and see money. Or I read a message from a follower saying my content changed her life. And I remember my purpose.
What's Next
A few years back, I was lost and broke how I'd survive as a single mom. Now, I'm a professional creator making more money than I ever did in my 9-5, and I'm available when they need me.
My goals moving forward? Get to half a million followers by this year. Create a podcast for single parents. Maybe write a book. Continue building this business that gives me freedom, flexibility, and financial stability.
This journey gave me a second chance when I had nothing. It gave me a way to feed my babies, be present in their lives, and create something meaningful. It's unexpected, but it's perfect.
To all the single moms on the fence: Yes you can. It won't be easy. You'll consider quitting. But you're handling the toughest gig—parenting solo. You're stronger than you think.
Start messy. Stay the course. Guard your peace. And always remember, you're more than just surviving—you're building an empire.
BRB, I need to go make a video about the project I just found out about and I just learned about it. Because that's how it goes—turning chaos into content, one post at a time.
Honestly. This path? It's worth every struggle. Even if there might be old snacks all over my desk. No regrets, one messy video at a time.