If you’ve ever dreamed of making money from skills, experiences, or hobbies that you’re passionate about, but always put this idea off as wishful thinking or “that would be nice if only it was possible,” then guess what, it actually is possible.

Platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and even Airbnb are democratizing what it means to start a business from your hobbies. These and other tools enable everyday people just like you, with everyday skills, to make decent side hustle money and even launch entire enterprises full-time if you’re committed enough and have a robust business and marketing plan.

Here’s just how easy it is to start making money and building an entire career around your hobbies and interests, without needing a physical storefront, thousands of dollars of capital, or even a business degree:

1. Become An Airbnb Services Host

When you hear about Airbnbs, the first image that comes to mind is staying in a room or property for a short period of time. And if you’re renting and don’t own a house, you’re likely to scoff at the suggestion of making money on Airbnb’s platform because it seems out of reach when you’re not even a home-owner. But what you may not know yet is that Airbnb has recently extended its portfolio of offerings that benefit consumers as well as aspiring entrepreneurs…yes that means you, even if you’re just hoping to profit from your hobby.

Airbnb recently added a “services” feature, which has 10 distinct categories. According to their website announcement, Airbnb Services are designed “to make a stay more special,” and are offered in select cities for now. “Services can take place in a home, the service host’s business, or a public space,” the company says. The 10 categories include photography, hair styling, makeup, nails, personal training, and even customizable meals, with three categories related to the catering industry alone.

Of course, you’ll need to be vetted when applying to be an Airbnb Services host. However, once you’ve passed the application process, this new feature offers you the ability to make money from simple hobbies like cooking and photography, right from your home or other desired location.

2. Sell Digital Templates

Even if you’ve just learned or acquired a new hobby and are at beginner level, you can share what you’re learning and help others who share your interests have fun with the same activity or hobby by selling digital templates, resource packs, kits, and resources.

For example, you might be passionate about baking. In that case you could sell how-to guides, release free step-by-step videos on platforms like YouTube and monetize them through affiliate links, and you could even sell baking kits, editable templates, and recipe packs from home.

3. Offer Micro-Consulting Sessions

If you’re passionate about something and are exceptionally good at it, you could offer online “pop-up clinics” or short sessions lasting 15-20 minutes, where you offer your advice and expertise on that subject, to help beginners or those who would benefit from your help.

For instance, if you love video editing, you could offer video marketing audits and hold short 1-2-1 sessions advising entrepreneurs on how to make their videos pop and increase traction with traffic, viewing duration, and engagement.

Or if you love all things social media, perhaps hold a LinkedIn or Facebook optimization strategy session. These consulting opportunities allow you to tap into what you already know, while also challenging you to keep learning so you can adapt to the needs and enquiries of your clients.

You don’t need to quit your job right away. And you certainly don’t need to toss your dreams to the side either just so you can focus on what’s paying the bills. It’s not either/or, it’s both/and. You can have the best of both worlds, a life and career where you make money, not just from a typical 9-5 job, but from a venture you’ve created because it gives you genuine joy, passion, and meaning. This boosts your career satisfaction. And who knows, you might one day soon be in a position where what you thought was “just a hobby” becomes your primary source of income.

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