It can take a giant leap of faith to turn your hobby into a business. But if you’re passionate about your pastime and willing to put the work in, there’s no reason you can’t make money from doing something you love. Tune into More Details, Please podcast for the episode “Your Passion Is Not Just a Pastime”.
Podcast hosts Emmanuel and Angela Williams are also founders and executive leaders of DetailXPerts, a green mobile cleaning company and franchise. They invited artist Laura Madden into the studio to talk about turning her pastime into a profitable business. Laura shared her tips on how to build a business online and the lessons learned along the way.
Your Passion Is Not Just a Pastime
Laura Madden had been making art for most of her adult life. But she wasn’t confident she could turn her hobby into a business. However, positive feedback from friends encouraged Laura to pursue her pastime professionally. In 2019, she founded ReFashioned Art, a sustainable business specializing in abstract upcycled artwork using repurposed materials.
Seize the Moment
“You get to a certain age, and you realize time is not coming back,” says Laura, who has been working on her art for years. She knew she had to start a business when she couldn’t outrun the longing to make more of her pastime. “I didn’t want to be a jack of all trades,” she explains. So, Laura focused on doing more of what she loved.
If you want to turn your hobby into a business, think hard about your level of passion and commitment. Are you willing to invest time and money into your pastime? Is there market demand? Also, identify your unique selling proposition (USP). Pinpoint what makes your hobby-based products or services different from what’s already available. Having a strong USP gives you a competitive edge.
Green Business: More Style, Less Waste
Laura makes artwork with a difference. Her USP is creating abstract art using materials that people have thrown away. “I’ve always been curious about the environment. And waste was always something that kind of just bothered me. Why do people have to throw things away that we can still use?” says Laura. Therefore, her business mantra is “more style, less waste”. Her artwork is created from unwanted items, such as fashionable fabric discards.
Owning an eco-friendly business can be a profitable venture. Research shows that 85% of consumers have become “greener” in their shopping habits in recent years. For example, there is customer demand for a water-conscious car wash. Moreover, one-third of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and services.
Turn Your Hobby Into a Business Online
If you want to know how to turn your hobby into a business, Laura shares tips on the podcast about growing her business online. For instance, she reveals how Instagram for small business is a smart way to monetize your hobby. And she talks about the best ways to build up your following.
The conversation also touches on how being an entrepreneur can be lonely. For example, you work long hours. And when you’re focusing on your business, your social life can suffer. Also, you’re making big decisions on your own, which can be challenging. However, there are ways to overcome feelings of isolation. Discover more when Angela, Emmanuel, and Laura share their views.
Work-Life Balance
Starting a business takes hard work and commitment. So, prepare to put in the hours if you want to turn your pastime into something more. However, Laura highlights striking a good work-life balance can be tricky. After all, your work is your passion, your career, and income.
Laura cautions that working 24/7 will quickly use up all your energy. And you will be less productive as a result. Time management is crucial. She shares tips on how to avoid hitting burnout point and the importance of making time for yourself.
To sum up, you can turn your hobby into a business if you love what you do and are willing to work hard. Statistics show that around one-quarter of Americans have a hobby. However, not everyone can make money from a pastime.
But if you believe your passion has strong potential as a business, why not get the ball rolling today? Laura shows you that it is possible. Remember to do your market research, identify your USP, and create a business plan. Good luck!
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