I’m excited to introduce a new blog series: side hustle case studies. When I asked my readers what they wanted more of, many of you mentioned practical examples of work-from-home ideas and ways to make extra money.
I’ve already shared most of my personal tips for earning extra cash, but there are countless other opportunities out there. To explore these, I reached out to my friends and fellow bloggers to learn about their side hustles. I was blown away by the creative and profitable ideas they shared!
This week, Laura from Thrifty Londoner kicks off the series by explaining how she makes money selling on Etsy. Laura creates beautiful embroidered T-shirts and sells them in her Etsy store. But really, you can sell almost any handmade product on Etsy. Do you have a creative skill or hobby you could turn into extra income?
**How to Make Money Selling on Etsy with Laura from Thrifty Londoner**
**Tell us a little about yourself and your side hustle.**
Hi, I’m Laura, and I blog about millennial money at thriftylondoner.com. I focus on making the most of your money while living in London and earning some extra on the side. My favorite side hustle, which I often mention, is owning an Etsy store where I sell personalized, hand-embroidered T-shirts.
**How long have you been doing your side hustle? How did you get into it?**
I’ve been at it for about 18 months. It all started when I bought some embroidery thread and a hoop to embroider one of my T-shirts. I wore it to work the next day, and a colleague asked if I took commissions. I said yes, and soon after, I opened an Etsy store and an Instagram account. Orders started coming in quickly!
**What does the work actually involve? What does a typical day look like for you?**
First, I create designs and upload them with photos and descriptions onto my Etsy store. The T-shirts are made to order, so once someone places an order, I sew it up and send it within two weeks. If someone requests a custom design, I sketch it out on paper for their approval, then transfer it onto the T-shirt for sewing. A typical work session involves me with my hoop and embroidery threads on the sofa, watching TV.
**How much can you make doing this side hustle?**
Your earnings depend on how much effort you put into marketing. The more I work on my Instagram page and create new designs, the more I make. In my best months, where bloggers have shared my designs and I’ve put a lot of effort into promotion, I’ve made around £400 in profit. In slower months with minimal promotion, I might make £80 in profit. The beauty of this side hustle is that you can scale it up or down depending on your schedule and crafting interest.
**Are there any start-up costs or ongoing expenses?**
Opening an Etsy store is free, so your only start-up costs are the materials and tools needed to make your product. For my T-shirts, this included an embroidery hoop and some threads. Ongoing expenses include Etsy’s 4% commission on each sale.
**What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started?**
Start a dedicated Instagram page at the same time as your Etsy store. Most of my sales come from customers who find me on Instagram. It’s also a great way to join the crafting community. If you have an idea, just get started and put yourself out there. I felt a bit awkward sharing my Instagram page and store with friends and family at first, but they were very supportive and became my first customers!
**Any recommended websites or resources?**
My favorite resource for selling on Etsy is their Seller Handbook. It has everything you need to create a successful Etsy business, from starting your store to taking your small business to the next level.
**Where can we find you?**
Blog: thriftylondoner.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thriftylondoner
Twitter: twitter.com/thrifty_london
Etsy store: etsy.com/uk/shop/teepartyclothing
Thank you, Laura!