Make $$ doing what you love
From experimenting in the kitchen to watching movies, these women have found ways to turn their downtime into serious cash. Read on to learn their secrets!
“I make a full-time salary selling popcorn cakes!”
“When my son was deployed in Afghanistan and my daughter went into the Peace Corps, I needed to distract myself. I love popcorn— I eat it every day. So one day, I was experimenting in my kitchen when I got the idea to make a popcorn cake: It’s shaped like a bakery cake and slices like one, but it’s made of freshly popped popcorn with dried fruit, nuts, candy, chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. I needed to get the popcorn to stick together, so I decided on marshmallows. I spent a month thinking my recipe through and testing it. When I posted a photo of my first creation on Facebook, overnight, people started asking me how they could buy one. Within a month, I had sold 600 cakes and realized I had a full-fledged business!
“Initially I sold the cakes on Etsy.com, but then a friend helped me design a website. I spent time learning about the food licenses I needed, and I watched YouTube videos about where to buy wholesale popcorn, how to keep it fresh and which types retained flavor the best. I started out in my kitchen, but eventually moved into a commercial kitchen. Today my custom-made cakes are sold on my website (PoppedPassion.com) and Amazon for $25. I make cakes for corporations, holidays, gender reveals—even weddings!
“I love running this business because it’s my creative outlet. This year, I expect to make six figures—money that goes back into the business, pays for fitness classes and for travel to see my kids.”
“I earn 6 figures making handmade jewelry!”
“I’ve always loved making handmade jewelry, and I would often get together with other women to do so. A few years ago, I wanted to learn about a jewelry-making technique called wire-wrapping, so I watched YouTube videos and taught myself along the way.
“In 2015, I decided to sell my jewelry on Etsy.com. I launched with 20 to 25 pieces, and my goal was to make at least $40. One of the items sold out in two weeks, and after the third month, I made $120! Every week, my revenue doubled and I continued to add more pieces. Within eight months, I was doing so well that I was able to quit my job and run my jewelry business full-time.
“I make all of the jewelry myself by hand, but as the business grew, I also hired someone to help with some of the wire-wrapping and the shipping. In addition to Etsy, I also sell my jewelry on Amazon Handmade, on my website (SForSparkle.com) and in 20 to 25 retail stores. Last year, I expanded into wholesale. I market the business on social media, mainly through Instagram, as well as through my email list.
“It has been a dream to turn my hobby into a business! It’s so challenging and creative. I make six figures a year—money that pays the bills, goes back into the business, is saved for retirement and pays for travel to fun places.”
“I earn up to $15 an hour going to the movies!”
“Years ago, a colleague was making extra cash as a mystery shopper and scoring free movies. After she told me about one company that hired mystery shoppers, I did some research and found more and realized it would be a fun way to make money.
“I just filled out an online application and submitted a writing sample. As soon as I was approved, I was able to search for opportunities.
“For each job, I arrive at the movie theater 20 minutes before the film and introduce myself to the manager. I watch the trailers and make sure all of the advertisers are included. I also count how many people are there before and during the movie, as well as the number of empty seats. Some companies add on extra tasks, like making a purchase from the concessions area.
“For some jobs, I have to make sure everyone entering the theater is of age and is asked for identification. Most of the companies ask you to enter your report on their app, and some even have video-recording capability. It takes between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the job. I work between two and 10 jobs a weekend. I’ve been doing this type of work for 20 years, and I’m currently registered with more than 200 companies.
“I enjoy this work because it’s flexible and I get paid to do what I love! I also like helping the clients verify that their employees are doing their jobs. The money I make—up to $15 an hour—is saved for retirement.”
Note: You can find similar jobs in your area at MarketForce.com and RealityBasedGroup.com.