You know those moments when life takes you by surprise, and suddenly you find yourself on a completely different path?
Well, that’s exactly where my journey took a turn – from the monotonous routine of a nine-to-five job to the beautifully chaotic world of stay-at-home motherhood and eventually to the exciting realm of Etsy entrepreneurship.
I want to share my story with you because, well, it’s a story that most of us can relate to on some level. It’s a story of stepping away from the corporate hustle, embracing the challenges and joys of being a stay-at-home mom and finding an incredible sense of purpose and success on Etsy.
My Personal Journey To Etsy Success
Back in 2020, after surviving a pandemic while pregnant, a new chapter of my life was unfolding. I had recently traded my office attire for baby onesies and my daily commute for midnight diaper changes.
Yes, I became a stay-at-home mom, and while I relished every moment with my adorable bundle of joy, a yearning to contribute financially tugged at my heart.
I actually missed working and being productive! But the thought of returning to a 9-to-5 job, missing my baby’s milestones, the tiny giggles, and those first wobbly steps were simply inconceivable.
So in 2021, with a lot of determination, I decided to explore the world of side hustles. A path that promised both financial freedom and the flexibility I craved.
I was focused on finding a source of income that could give me 2 things:
- Flexible work hours and
- Be able to stay home with my baby
Learn about all the Side Hustles that worked for me in this FREEBIE.
During this time, I went through a lot of emotions, but I’ve learned that I’m not alone. Many other moms are on this journey too. Feeling the same mix of overwhelm, frustration, but also HOPE and MOTIVATION.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. A beautiful journey of growth, strength, and the belief that we can shape a brighter future for our families.
I’d like to share with you a little about all those feelings:
Stay-at-home Moms have limited Options
~ I experienced frustration due to the limited financial options and the desire for more financial stability.
When I made the transition from the corporate world to being a stay-at-home mom, I quickly realized that the change came with a lot more than just diapers and sleepless nights.
It came with a shift in our family’s financial dynamics, one that required creative solutions and a whole lot of resourcefulness.
Gone were the regular paychecks, the financial independence, and the sense of contributing directly to the family’s income. I remember sitting down with my husband and having some real conversations about our financial situation.
We had to be honest about our budget, our expenses, and our goals. We explored ways to cut unnecessary costs, renegotiate bills, and make the most of every dollar we had.
There was a deep frustration that settled in when I thought about the limited financial options at the disposal of stay-at-home moms. Knowing that we can’t leave the house nor pay for expensive child care.
The truth is that the cost of childcare often outweighs the potential earnings from a job outside the home. It was a tough choice to make – stepping back from my career to care for my child, while also dealing with the financial constraints that came with it.
For many of us, the thought of spending a significant portion of our earnings on someone else to look after our children doesn’t make financial sense.
Stay-at-home Mom burnout
~ I was feeling a sense of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood and the need for additional income.
There were days when the weight of motherhood felt like it was pressing down on every corner of my being. The endless tasks of caring for my little baby girl, managing the household, and nurturing her well-being left me feeling lost in a sea of responsibilities. And then, there’s that lingering thought of needing to contribute financially. It’s like balancing on a tightrope while juggling a hundred balls in the air.
And I would find myself thinking… How can I possibly fit in another commitment when I’m barely keeping up with what’s on my plate already?
As a new mom, I didn’t know how to survive sleepless nights, properly manage my time and organize my responsibilities.
Picture this: you’re trying to keep the little ones entertained while still managing the everyday chores, and suddenly the idea of starting a side hustle to earn extra income pops into your mind. But how do you even begin to fit that into an already packed day?
stay at home moms have opportunities
~ I felt hopeful that there were solutions and opportunities available to improve my financial situation. I just need to find them.
Amidst the chaos and challenges, a glimmer of hope started to shine through. It was the idea that there must be a way, a solution, a path that leads to a better financial situation. It was like seeing a faint light at the end of a tunnel. A light that promised that things could improve and that there were opportunities waiting to be explored.
Scrolling through social media and watching youtube videos, I found stories of other moms who, just like me, were navigating the maze of motherhood and financial responsibilities. And they found their way; they found those opportunities.
It gave me a sense of hope, a belief that with determination and the right approach, I could find my path too.
stay at home moms can make money
~ I felt motivated to take action and find ways to gain financial independence and create a better future for themselves and their families.
This feeling of motivation was like a fire that started to burn within me. It was the realization that I have the power to take action, to create change.
The thought of gaining financial independence, of contributing to my family’s well-being propeled me forward. It fueled my determination to explore every avenue, to find that sweet spot where I could be the best mom and create a brighter financial future.
All those dreams I had for my family – the vacations, the activities, the experiences I wanted to give them, were the source of my determination that pushed me every day to step out of my comfort zone and take those steps toward change.
I want to provide my family with the best life I can offer, and that’s a powerful driving force.
In the midst of those emotions, I’ve come to understand that I’m not alone in this journey. Many other moms are walking the same path, feeling the same way, and seeking solutions. It’s a journey of growth, strength, resilience, and the belief that we can shape a brighter future for our families.
However, the path of a side hustler wasn’t always smooth. There were late nights and early mornings, balancing baby naps with trying new side hustles that would work with my current stay-at-home situation.
I realized that these side hustles weren’t just about money. They were a testament to my resilience and love for this new season of my life – being a mom.
Learn about all the profitable Side Hustles I tried in this FREEBIE.
SELLING ON ETSY
The extra income boosted my confidence, igniting a fire within me to explore further. After all, there were more skills to unearth and avenues to pursue.
At the end of 2021, as my baby took those first wobbly steps, I too took a giant leap –
I opened my own Etsy shop!
Armed with courage and a heart full of creativity, I created a few designs on Canva to upload on some print-on-demand items. Those first products were not perfect, but they reflected the love of being a new mom.
And to my surprise, this new Etsy shop soon blossomed into a successful biz.
Months turned into my first year on Etsy being super profitable, and now a successful 6-fig Etsy seller!!!
These side hustles not only added a substantial income stream but also gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I had transitioned from a new mom unsure of my path to a thriving woman who had transformed a dream into profit.
I conquered my fears, nurtured my dreams, and paved a unique path – all from the comfort of my home.
So, I understand the challenges you face, from limited budgets to juggling family responsibilities.
But I’m here to show you that selling on Etsy can be your gateway to financial freedom and personal fulfillment.
Ready to start your own Etsy journey?
Introducing Your First Step-by-Step Guide to Start Selling on Etsy for Busy Stay-at-Home Moms…
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Join me at the “She Engineers Etsy Shop: Let’s Start” step-by-step guide and workbook, where I’m dishing out more tips, tricks, and support to help you kickstart your Etsy journey.
You are not alone on this journey; sign in to my newsletter for ongoing guidance and support, or explore the blog for further inspiration.
Always remember… you are amazing, you are strong, and you mean the world to your children.
Love,
Jackie.
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