“I make $70 an hour writing holiday cards and putting up decorations!”
“I had been a stay-at-home mom, but about 15 years ago, I wanted to find a flexible way to earn an income. I had talked to a friend of a friend about the need for a business that offered help with personal tasks, home organization and moving. Since our area is very transient and has many people that work long hours and don’t have time, we knew our services would be needed, so together, we launched Potomac Concierge (PotomacConcierge.com).
“We created a website and used search engine optimization (SEO), such as using keywords on our website, and paid for Google AdWords so people can find us, but we got a lot of word-of-mouth referrals too. As the business grew, we received many requests for help around the holidays with tasks like writing and addressing holiday cards, so we added that as a service. Families provide us with their photos, then we design, print, address and send the cards out for them. We also offer holiday decorating services, like putting up trees, garland, nativity scenes and menorahs. Plus, we work with a partner to hang lights on the exteriors of buildings and homes. After the holidays, we take everything down and put it away until the next year.
“The holidays are a stressful time, and we love to help people so they can spend time with family and friends. Our rates vary, but start at around $70 an hour. The money I make pays the bills, goes back into the business, pays for my children’s holiday gifts and is donated to charity.”