Real talk, mom life is literally insane. But plot twist? Trying to secure the bag while managing tiny humans who think sleep is optional.
My hustle life began about three years ago when I figured out that my random shopping trips were way too frequent. It was time to get funds I didn't have to justify spending.
Virtual Assistant Hustle
Okay so, I kicked things off was jumping into virtual assistance. And real talk? It was chef's kiss. I was able to work during naptime, and all I needed was my trusty MacBook and a prayer.
I started with easy things like email sorting, managing social content, and basic admin work. Super simple stuff. I charged about fifteen dollars an hour, which wasn't much but for someone with zero experience, you gotta build up your portfolio.
The funniest part? Picture this: me on a client call looking completely put together from the shoulders up—business casual vibes—while wearing my rattiest leggings. That's the dream honestly.
The Etsy Shop Adventure
About twelve months in, I wanted to explore the Etsy world. Every mom I knew seemed to have an Etsy shop, so I was like "why not start one too?"
I began designing digital planners and home decor prints. Here's why printables are amazing? You create it once, and it can generate passive income forever. Actually, I've earned money at 3am while I was sleeping.
That initial sale? I literally screamed. He came running thinking something was wrong. But no—it was just me, celebrating my $4.99 sale. I'm not embarrassed.
The Content Creation Grind
Then I discovered creating content online. This one is playing the long game, real talk.
I created a blog about motherhood where I documented what motherhood actually looks like—all of it, no filter. Keeping it real. Simply the actual truth about the time my kid decorated the walls with Nutella.
Building up views was painfully slow. Initially, I was essentially talking to myself. But I didn't give up, and over time, things began working.
Now? I generate revenue through affiliate links, sponsored posts, and advertisements on my site. Last month I earned over $2,000 from my blog income. Insane, right?
The Social Media Management Game
As I mastered my own content, brands started asking if I could manage their accounts.
Here's the thing? Most small businesses struggle with social media. They realize they need to be there, but they can't keep up.
Enter: me. I currently run social media for three local businesses—a bakery, a boutique, and a fitness studio. I create content, plan their posting schedule, engage with followers, and track analytics.
They pay me between $500-1500 per month per business, depending on the scope of work. Best part? I handle this from my phone while sitting in the carpool line.
Freelance Writing Life
For the wordy folks, freelance writing is where it's at. I'm not talking literary fiction—I mean business content.
Companies constantly need fresh content. I've created content about everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. You just need to research, you just need to know how to find information.
I typically bill $0.10-0.50 per word, depending on the topic and length. On good months I'll write a dozen articles and bring in an extra $1,000-2,000.
The funny thing is: I'm the same person who barely passed English class. These days I'm a professional writer. Life is weird.
The Online Tutoring Thing
2020 changed everything, virtual tutoring became huge. As a former educator, so this was an obvious choice.
I joined several tutoring platforms. It's super flexible, which is non-negotiable when you have unpredictable little ones.
My sessions are usually basic subjects. Rates vary from fifteen to thirty bucks per hour depending on the company.
The awkward part? Sometimes my kids will crash my tutoring session mid-session. I've literally had to be professional while chaos erupted behind me. The parents on the other end are very sympathetic because they understand mom life.
The Reselling Game
Alright, this one started by accident. I was cleaning out my kids' room and listed some clothes on copyright.
They sold immediately. Lightbulb moment: you can sell literally anything.
These days I visit secondhand stores and sales, searching for things that will sell. I'll buy something for three bucks and flip it for thirty.
This takes effort? Absolutely. You're constantly listing and shipping. But it's oddly satisfying about finding hidden treasures at a yard sale and making money.
Plus: the kids think it's neat when I find unique items. Recently I discovered a retro toy that my son lost his mind over. Got forty-five dollars for it. Mom for the win.
Real Talk Time
Here's the thing nobody tells you: this stuff requires effort. They're called hustles for a reason.
Some days when I'm surviving on caffeine and spite, doubting everything. I'm grinding at dawn hustling before the chaos starts, then handling mom duties, then more hustle time after bedtime.
But here's what matters? That money is MINE. I don't have to ask permission to get the good coffee. I'm adding to our household income. My kids see that you can be both.
What I Wish I Knew
For those contemplating a mom hustle, here's my advice:
Begin with something manageable. Avoid trying to do everything at once. Focus on one and nail it down before adding more.
Be realistic about time. Whatever time you have, that's totally valid. Two hours of focused work is better than nothing.
Stop comparing to Instagram moms. That mom with the six-figure side hustle? She's been grinding forever and has support. Run your own race.
Learn and grow, but strategically. You don't need expensive courses. Don't spend massive amounts on training until you've tested the waters.
Do similar tasks together. This is crucial. Dedicate specific days for specific tasks. Use Monday for writing day. Use Wednesday for organizing and responding.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
Real talk—mom guilt is a thing. There are times when I'm working and my kid wants attention, and I feel terrible.
But I think about that I'm showing them work ethic. I'm demonstrating to my children that moms can have businesses.
Also? Earning independently has been good for me. I'm more fulfilled, which makes me a better parent.
Let's Talk Money
How much do I earn? Typically, between all my hustles, I make $3,000-5,000 per month. Some months are lower, it fluctuates.
Is this millionaire money? Not really. But we've used it to pay for so many things we needed that would've been really hard. It's developing my career and experience that could turn into something bigger.
Wrapping This Up
At the end of the day, being a mom with a side hustle takes work. You won't find a secret sauce. Many days I'm flying by the seat of my pants, surviving on coffee, and doing my best.
But I don't regret it. Every bit of income is evidence of my capability. It's proof that I'm more than just mom.
If you're thinking about beginning your hustle journey? Do it. Start messy. Your future self will be grateful.
Always remember: You're not merely getting by—you're creating something amazing. Despite the fact that there's probably Goldfish crackers in your workspace.
No cap. This mom hustle life is the life, complete with all the chaos.
From Rock Bottom to Creator Success: My Journey as a Single Mom
I'm gonna be honest—being a single parent was never the plan. Nor was becoming a content creator. But here I am, three years into this wild journey, making a living by sharing my life online while handling everything by myself. And not gonna lie? It's been scary AF but incredible of my life.
The Starting Point: When Everything Came Crashing Down
It was 2022 when my marriage ended. I remember sitting in my new apartment (he took the couch, I got the kids' art projects), staring at my phone at 2am while my kids were finally quiet. I had barely $850 in my checking account, two kids to support, and a salary that was a joke. The fear was overwhelming, y'all.
I was scrolling social media to numb the pain—because that's what we do? when everything is chaos, right?—when I saw this single mom discussing how she became debt-free through posting online. I remember thinking, "She's lying or got lucky."
But desperation makes you brave. Maybe both. Often both.
I downloaded the TikTok creator app the next morning. My first video? Raw, unfiltered, messy hair, talking about how I'd just blown my final $12 on a frozen nuggets and juice boxes for my kids' lunches. I posted it and immediately regretted it. Why would anyone care about this disaster?
Spoiler alert, a lot of people.
That video got 47K views. 47,000 people watched me get emotional over frozen nuggets. The comments section became this validation fest—women in similar situations, others barely surviving, all saying "me too." That was my epiphany. People didn't want perfect. They wanted honest.
My Brand Evolution: The Hot Mess Single Mom Brand
Here's what nobody tells you about content creation: finding your niche is everything. And my niche? I stumbled into it. I became the unfiltered single mom.
I started sharing the stuff nobody talks about. Like how I didn't change pants for days because executive dysfunction is real. Or the time I fed my kids cereal for dinner multiple nights and called it "breakfast for dinner week." Or that moment when my child asked about the divorce, and I had to explain adult stuff to a kid who is six years old.
My content was raw. My lighting was terrible. I filmed on a cracked iPhone 8. But it was unfiltered, and apparently, that's what worked.
In just two months, I hit 10,000 followers. Three months later, fifty thousand. By half a year, I'd crossed 100K. Each milestone felt impossible. Real accounts who wanted to listen to me. Plain old me—a broke single mom who had to Google "what is a content creator" not long ago.
A Day in the Life: Balancing Content and Chaos
Here's the reality of my typical day, because being a single mom creator is not at all like those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm screams. I do want to throw my phone, but this is my work time. I make coffee that I'll forget about, and I begin creating. Sometimes it's a get-ready-with-me talking about budgeting. Sometimes it's me meal prepping while talking about co-parenting struggles. The lighting is not great.
7:00am: Kids emerge. Content creation goes on hold. Now I'm in survival mode—pouring cereal, locating lost items (why is it always one shoe), throwing food in bags, referee duties. The chaos is intense.
8:30am: School drop-off. I'm that mom making videos while driving at stop signs. Not proud of this, but bills don't care.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my work block. House is quiet. I'm editing videos, being social, ideating, reaching out to brands, analyzing metrics. Everyone assumes content creation is simple. Wrong. It's a full business.
I usually batch-create content on Monday and Wednesday. That means making a dozen videos in a few hours. I'll change clothes so it looks varied. Advice: Keep multiple tops nearby for quick changes. My neighbors definitely think I'm crazy, recording myself alone in the yard.
3:00pm: Getting the kids. Transition back to mom mode. But here's where it gets tricky—often my viral videos come from the chaos. Recently, my daughter had a massive breakdown in Target because I said no to a toy she didn't need. I recorded in the vehicle later about handling public tantrums as a solo parent. It got 2.3M views.
Evening: The evening routine. I'm generally wiped out to create content, but I'll queue up posts, reply to messages, or strategize. Often, after they're down, I'll work late because a brand deadline is looming.
The truth? No such thing as balance. It's just managed chaos with moments of success.
Income Breakdown: How I Really Earn Money
Look, let's get into the finances because this is what people ask about. Can you make a living as a content creator? For sure. Is it straightforward? Nope.
My first month, I made $0. Month two? Also nothing. Third month, I got my first sponsored post—$150 to promote a meal kit service. I actually cried. That one-fifty fed us.
Currently, years later, here's how I monetize:
Brand Deals: This is my biggest income source. I work with brands that align with my audience—budget-friendly products, mom products, children's products. I ask for anywhere from $500-5K per campaign, depending on deliverables. This past month, I did four brand deals and made eight grand.
Platform Payments: Creator fund pays basically nothing—a few hundred dollars per month for huge view counts. YouTube ad revenue is better. I make about fifteen hundred a month from YouTube, but that was a long process.
Affiliate Income: I share links to items I love—ranging from my favorite coffee maker to the beds my kids use. If anyone buys, I get a cut. This brings in about $1K monthly.
Downloadables: I created a financial planner and a food prep planner. Each costs $15, and I sell maybe 50-100 per month. That's another thousand to fifteen hundred.
One-on-One Coaching: Other aspiring creators pay me to teach them the ropes. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions for $200/hour. I do about five to ten of these monthly.
Overall monthly earnings: On average, I'm making between ten and fifteen grand per month now. Some months are higher, some are lower. It's variable, which is stressful when you're the only income source. But it's three times what I made at my corporate job, and I'm present.
The Dark Side Nobody Talks About
Content creation sounds glamorous until you're losing it because a post got no views, or dealing with vicious comments from keyboard warriors.
The haters are brutal. I've been told I'm a terrible parent, told I'm exploiting my kids, told I'm fake about being a single mom. A commenter wrote, "Maybe your husband left because you're annoying." That one hurt so bad.
The algorithm shifts. One week you're getting insane views. The following week, you're barely hitting 1K. Your income varies wildly. You're always creating, always working, scared to stop, you'll fall behind.
The guilt is crushing to the extreme. Every video I post, I wonder: Am I sharing too much? Is this okay? Will they resent this when they're teenagers? I have clear boundaries—protected identities, no discussing their personal struggles, protecting their dignity. But the line is fuzzy.
The burnout is real. Sometimes when I don't want to film anything. When I'm done, socially drained, and totally spent. But the mortgage is due. So I push through.
The Wins
But the truth is—even with the struggles, this journey has created things I never expected.
Economic the content here stability for the first damn time. I'm not a millionaire, but I became debt-free. I have an cushion. We took a family trip last summer—Disney World, which I never thought possible two years ago. I don't dread checking my balance anymore.
Time freedom that's priceless. When my kid was ill last month, I didn't have to call in to work or worry about money. I worked from the doctor's office. When there's a class party, I'm present. I'm present in my kids' lives in ways I couldn't manage with a regular job.
My people that saved me. The fellow creators I've met, especially other moms, have become true friends. We talk, help each other, encourage each other. My followers have become this incredible cheerleading squad. They hype me up, support me, and validate me.
Something that's mine. Since becoming a mom, I have an identity. I'm not just someone's ex-wife or somebody's mother. I'm a entrepreneur. A businesswoman. A person who hustled.
Tips for Single Moms Wanting to Start
If you're a single mom curious about this, here's what I wish someone had told me:
Start before you're ready. Your first videos will suck. Mine did. That's normal. You learn by doing, not by waiting until everything is perfect.
Be authentic, not perfect. People can smell fake from a mile away. Share your actual life—the mess. That resonates.
Keep them safe. Set limits. Be intentional. Their privacy is everything. I keep names private, rarely show their faces, and never discuss anything that could embarrass them.
Multiple revenue sources. Diversify or a single source. The algorithm is unpredictable. More streams = less stress.
Create in batches. When you have free time, make a bunch. Future you will thank yourself when you're unable to film.
Interact. Respond to comments. Reply to messages. Build real relationships. Your community is what matters.
Analyze performance. Be strategic. If something takes forever and tanks while something else takes no time and gets massive views, adjust your strategy.
Don't forget yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup. Take breaks. Create limits. Your wellbeing matters most.
This takes time. This takes time. It took me ages to make any real money. The first year, I made maybe $15,000 total. Year two, eighty grand. Now, I'm hitting six figures. It's a process.
Stay connected to your purpose. On hard days—and there are many—remember your reason. For me, it's financial freedom, being there, and demonstrating that I'm stronger than I knew.
The Honest Truth
Here's the deal, I'm telling the truth. Content creation as a single mom is challenging. So damn hard. You're running a whole business while being the lone caretaker of kids who need everything.
Certain days I question everything. Days when the nasty comments affect me. Days when I'm burnt out and questioning if I should go back to corporate with a 401k.
But then suddenly my daughter mentions she loves that I'm home. Or I see my bank account actually has money in it. Or I read a message from a follower saying my content inspired her. And I know it's worth it.
The Future
Years ago, I was lost and broke how I'd survive as a single mom. Today, I'm a professional creator making more than I imagined in corporate America, and I'm present for everything.
My goals moving forward? Get to half a million followers by end of year. Start a podcast for single parents. Write a book eventually. Continue building this business that gives me freedom, flexibility, and financial stability.
This journey gave me a path forward when I had nothing. It gave me a way to support my kids, be there, and build something I'm genuinely proud of. It's unexpected, but it's exactly where I needed to be.
To every solo parent thinking about starting: You absolutely can. It won't be easy. You'll consider quitting. But you're currently doing the hardest job in the world—doing this alone. You're more capable than you know.
Begin messy. Stay the course. Guard your peace. And know this, you're doing more than surviving—you're building an empire.
BRB, I need to go make a video about the project I just found out about and surprise!. Because that's how it goes—making content from chaos, one TikTok at a time.
Seriously. Being a single mom creator? It's worth it. Even though there's definitely old snacks stuck to my laptop right now. Dream life, mess included.