A few years ago, a friend of mine started doing bridal hair and makeup on weekends. At first, it was just extra cash helping brides get ready, learning new styles, and building a small portfolio.
Fast forward to today, and she’s running her own beauty business, booking weddings months in advance, and making more than she did at her old 9-to-5.
This isn’t a rare story. Plenty of people start side hustles just to make ends meet, only to realize they can turn their skills into a full-time career. Whether you want flexibility, financial freedom, or simply a job you love, the right side hustle can become something much bigger.
The key is picking one that has demand, growth potential, and a path to scalability. Some side gigs stay small, but others—like the ones on this list—have the potential to replace your full-time job if you put in the effort.
Let’s dive into the 9 best side hustles for women that can become thriving businesses.
9. Doula or Birth Support Services
Becoming a doula is one of the most rewarding side hustles, especially if you are passionate about supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
With more families looking for personalized birth experiences, this side hustle is in demand and it can become a full-time career.
How to Get Started
- Take a certification course through organizations like DONA International or CAPPA.
- Offer free or discounted services at first to gain experience and referrals.
- Build a simple website and social media presence to attract local clients.
Potential Earnings
- $800 to $2,500+ per birth depending on location and experience.
- Some doulas also offer postpartum care, which can add $25-$50 per hour.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
Many doulas start solo but eventually grow into full-time businesses by:
- Offer additional services like childbirth education, postpartum support, or lactation consulting.
- Partnering with midwives and birthing centers to get more referrals.
- Training other doulas and starting an agency.
If you love working with expecting families, this is one of the best side hustles that can turn into a thriving career.
8. Home Staging for Realtors
Home staging could be a perfect fit if you have an eye for design. Realtors and homeowners pay good money to make properties look more appealing to buyers, and a well-staged home can sell faster and for a higher price. This makes home staging a valuable service with repeat business opportunities.
How to Get Started
- Offer staging services for friends or family selling their homes to build a portfolio.
- Take an online course or get a certification in home staging.
- Connect with local realtors and offer a free or discounted trial staging.
Potential Earnings
- $500 to $2,500 per home, depending on the level of staging needed.
- If you provide furniture rentals, earnings can increase significantly.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Invest in staging inventory instead of renting pieces for every job.
- Hire assistants to stage multiple homes at once.
- Build relationships with high-volume realtors for consistent work.
This side hustle has low startup costs but great earning potential. Once you have steady clients, it can easily become a full-time business.
7. Maternity and Newborn Photography
Photography is a classic best side hustle that can grow into a full-time business, and specializing in maternity and newborn sessions can be especially lucrative. Parents are always willing to invest in capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments, meaning this niche has strong demand.
How to Get Started
- Start by offering discounted sessions to friends and family.
- Invest in a good camera and lighting equipment.
- Take an online course on newborn safety and posing.
Potential Earnings
- $300 to $1,500 per session, depending on experience and location.
- Many photographers offer package deals, increasing revenue per client.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Create packages for milestone photography (maternity, newborn, 6-month, and first birthday).
- Partner with local doulas, midwives, or baby boutiques for referrals.
- Hire an editor or assistant to take on more bookings.
Once you establish yourself, maternity and newborn photography can easily replace a full-time income.
6. Bridal Hair and Makeup Services
The wedding industry is booming, and brides are always looking for talented hair and makeup artists to make their big day special. If you’re skilled with beauty techniques, this is one of the best side hustles for women that can quickly turn into a full-time career.
How to Get Started
- Practice on friends and family to build your portfolio.
- Invest in high-quality beauty products and tools.
- Offer discounted or free bridal trials to attract new clients.
- Use Instagram and TikTok to showcase your work and gain visibility.
Potential Earnings
- $100 to $500 per session for bridal makeup or hairstyling.
- $1,000 to $3,000+ per wedding for full bridal party services.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Offer makeup lessons or beauty workshops.
- Build a team of artists to handle multiple weddings at once.
- Sell beauty products or create online courses for additional income.
Once you establish a reputation, you can book weddings months in advance, making this a high-earning, full-time business.
5. Boudoir Photography
Boudoir photography is a specialized niche that has gained massive popularity. Clients book sessions for self-confidence, anniversaries, or wedding gifts, making this a high-demand, high-profit business.
How to Get Started
- Learn posing techniques and lighting setups for boudoir shoots.
- Rent a studio or set up a home-based studio.
- Offer discounted sessions to build your portfolio.
- Market on social media and collaborate with local bridal shops or lingerie stores.
Potential Earnings
- $500 to $2,500 per session, depending on packages and location.
- Add-ons like albums and prints can boost profits.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Offer luxury packages with professional hair and makeup.
- Sell digital courses on boudoir photography techniques.
- Expand into other photography niches, such as couples or empowerment sessions.
Boudoir photography is the best side hustle that can grow into a highly profitable, full-time business with the right marketing and pricing strategies.
4. Wedding and Party Planning
If you’re organized, creative, and love event planning, this is the perfect best side hustle that can turn into a full-time career. Weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations all require skilled planners, making this a business with repeat clients and steady demand.
How to Get Started
- Plan small events for friends or family to gain experience.
- Get certified in event planning for added credibility.
- Network with local vendors and venues.
- Offer affordable packages to book your first few clients.
Potential Earnings
- $1,500 to $10,000 per event, depending on size and complexity.
- High-end wedding planners can make six figures per year.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Specialize in a niche, such as destination weddings or corporate events.
- Hire a team to handle multiple events simultaneously.
- Offer virtual event planning or consulting services.
With strong word-of-mouth referrals and a great portfolio, wedding and event planning can easily replace a traditional job.
3. Personal Styling Services
If you have an eye for fashion and love helping people feel confident in their clothes, personal styling is a great side hustle that can turn into a full-time business.
Many people struggle with wardrobe choices and are willing to pay for expert guidance, especially for workwear, special events, or complete style makeovers.
How to Get Started
- Offer free or discounted styling sessions to friends and family to build a portfolio.
- Create a website or social media page showcasing your styling transformations.
- Take online courses or get certified as a personal stylist.
- Offer virtual styling sessions to expand your client base.
Potential Earnings
- $50 to $200 per hour for personal styling consultations.
- $500 to $2,500+ for full wardrobe makeovers.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Offer seasonal styling packages or subscription-based services.
- Partner with boutiques and clothing brands for commissions.
- Create an online styling course or membership program.
As your reputation grows, you can attract high-paying clients and turn personal styling into a thriving, full-time career.
2. Fitness Coaching for Women
The fitness industry is booming, and women-focused coaching is in high demand. Whether it’s weight loss, strength training, or postpartum fitness, this best side hustle can easily become a full-time business with the right approach.
How to Get Started
- Get certified through organizations like NASM, ACE, or ISSA.
- Start by offering free or low-cost coaching sessions to build testimonials.
- Promote your services on social media and fitness groups.
- Offer virtual coaching for a broader client reach.
Potential Earnings
- $50 to $150 per session for in-person coaching.
- $100 to $500+ per month for online coaching programs.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Create digital fitness programs or meal plans for passive income.
- Start a membership-based fitness community.
- Launch a YouTube or Instagram fitness brand for additional revenue streams.
With consistent clients and a strong online presence, fitness coaching can quickly replace a 9-to-5 job.
1. Professional Closet Organizing
If you love organizing and decluttering, professional closet organizing is an underrated but highly profitable side hustle. Many people struggle with clutter and are willing to pay for someone to transform their space.
How to Get Started
- Offer free or discounted sessions to build your portfolio.
- Take a certification course in organizing or minimalism.
- Market your services through social media and local networking.
- Partner with interior designers and realtors for referrals.
Potential Earnings
- $50 to $200 per hour depending on location and experience.
- Full-home organizing projects can earn $1,000 to $5,000+.
Scaling to a Full-Time Business
- Offer virtual organizing consultations.
- Create an online course or eBook on home organization.
- Hire assistants to take on more clients and scale the business.
With strong demand and minimal startup costs, closet organizing is a best side hustle that can quickly turn into a high-paying, full-time business.
Final Thoughts
Not all side hustles have the potential to replace a full-time income, but these nine options have proven time and time again that they can. The key is to start small, build your skills, and market yourself effectively.
Whether you choose home staging, photography, fitness coaching, or wedding planning, each of these best side hustles offers real potential for financial freedom and flexibility.
Which one interests you the most? Let me know in the comments!
FAQs: The Best Side Hustles For Women
1. How long does it take for a side hustle to become a full-time job?
It depends on the hustle, your dedication, and how quickly you can attract paying clients. Some side hustles, like bridal hair and makeup or fitness coaching, can grow into full-time businesses within 6-12 months. Others, like home staging or event planning, may take 1-2 years to establish a steady income.
2. Do I need certifications to start these side hustles?
Not all side hustles require certifications, but some, like doula services, fitness coaching, and personal styling, benefit from formal training. Certifications can add credibility and help attract higher-paying clients.
3. Which of these side hustles has the lowest startup costs?
Professional closet organizing, virtual personal styling, and fitness coaching (if done online) have very low startup costs. You mainly need a website, a social media presence, and a small initial investment in tools or training.
4. Can I do these side hustles while working a full-time job?
Yes! Many of these side hustles, like photography, wedding planning, and home staging, can be done on weekends or evenings. The key is managing your schedule effectively until you’re ready to transition to full-time.
5. How do I find my first clients?
Start with your network of friends, family, and social media. Offer free or discounted services to get testimonials. Build a portfolio and use online platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and local Facebook groups to showcase your work and attract paying clients.