Stay at home parent, or entrepreneur?
We're all aware that taking care of your little one is already a full-time commitment. However, for those adventurous parents who want a side hustle, starting a home-based business can be an excellent means to earn some additional income or start a savings account for your mini-me! Being a stay at home parent doesn’t mean that you are restricted in terms of starting a business, now that the world is moving towards remote working, there are a wealth of business opportunities that can be started right from the comfort of your home, and that won’t impact precious time spent with your family. So, let’s have a look at some businesses you can start as a stay at home Mum or Dad.
1. Freelance writing
If you’ve got a natural flair for writing, and consider yourself to be somewhat of a wordsmith, freelance writing might be the home-based business for you. This creative career choice will involve connecting with other businesses that need your skills to create content or write copy for them. Websites such as Upwork and Freelance UK can put you in touch with businesses looking for someone to write content for them.
Here are a few content types that businesses may need your services for:
- Blogs
- Video script writing
- Email marketing content
- Social media content
- Journalism
- Ghostwriting books and biographies
Freelance writing is a perfect business to start around raising a family, although there may be deadlines, the hours can be outside of the usual 9-5. So, when your baby is having a nap you have an opportunity to produce some high-quality content!
2. Sell preloved clothing and items online
We all know that babies don’t stay little for long, and your mini me is growing every day. With every new inch that your baby grows, comes an outfit that no longer fits them! Luckily, there are a plethora of platforms where you can sell your little ones pre-loved clothes! Apps such as Depop and Vinted are popular sites to sell your second-hand items. With a combined total of over 100 million users, this could make the ideal place to make a bit of extra money. While selling clothes online may not seem like a business idea, it’s amazing what passion and commitment to an idea can achieve. You may also be able to generate additional income in the long run if you establish a reputation among friends and even earn a commission!
3. Online course
The beauty of the internet now makes it possible to share subject knowledge with a wide range of people without having to leave your house! Education is just a Zoom call away these days, and there are lots of people who are eager to learn what you’ve got to share! Being a stay-at-home parent can really benefit you when it comes to starting your own online course. Being a parent is an educational experience in itself and lends itself to many different online opportunities.
Here are a few that we think would be perfect for a home-based parent:
- Baby yoga
- Breastfeeding support group
- Private tutoring
- Life coaching
- Postpartum and Baby nutritionist
- Online prenatal classes
- DIY baby home sensory group
- Baby storytime group / ASMR
- New parent support group/counselling
- New parent exercise class
Although being a parent means that you have a little one attached to you at all times, it can be a lonely experience. Many stay-at-home Mums and Dads seek connection and to know that other parents are living similar experiences to themselves. Being a parent can be isolating, so creating an online support group or baby group can really help connect both parents and their children. Even an exercise group can help to connect parents to their new arrivals, baby yoga can be an excellent way for parents to bond with their children and to relieve stress and tension.
Scroll down for more home based business ideas!
4. Monetise your creative talents
Harnessing your creative skills as a stay-at-home parent can give you more than just personal satisfaction; it can also generate a significant income stream. By taking your handmade crafts and selling them on platforms like Etsy, you can turn your passion into profit. Etsy is a marketplace teeming with buyers who value and seek out unique, artisanal items. Your homegrown creativity could translate into a range of products – be it custom jewellery, bespoke home decor, commissioned artwork or personalised clothing. And the beauty of Etsy is its global reach, offering a potential customer base spanning continents. So, not only do you get to spend precious time with your children, but you also find a financially rewarding outlet for your creative talents. Take that leap, and you could create a lucrative business right from your living room.
5. Cake maker
Baking is a great way to bond with your little one as a stay at home parent, but it can also be an excellent way to make some extra income, or even turn it into a business. Starting a baking business offers a way to balance family responsibilities with a robust source of income. Although baking is a historic profession, there are emerging trends such as gender reveal cakes. These party treats, made to reveal a baby’s gender, have become increasingly popular. It’s not just a new and profitable product for the cake maker, but it also guarantees repeat business as customers are likely to come back for future events like baby showers, birthdays, and anniversaries. So, becoming a cake maker can be a great business idea that offers flexibility and allows you to unleash your creativity! It’s a sustainable and rewarding business venture with flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle.
6. Gift hampers
Gift baskets are suitable for all occasions from birthdays, new homes, new baby, wedding anniversaries or even just a simple I love you, there will never be a shortage of people looking for gift baskets. This presents a great opportunity for a business idea, especially if you have a creative flair and a keen eye for detail. Starting a gift basket business can be done from the comfort of your home, you could choose to join forces with local suppliers and offer locally sourced gift baskets, or order popular items in bulk. There are also lots of ideas on sites such as pinterest to give you design inspiration.
7. Childcare service
If looking after your own children isn’t taxing enough, and you feel that you have the capacity (and energy) to look after even more, then a babysitting or home childminding service might be a great option for a stay-at-home parent. If you have a qualification in childcare, it might be time to put it to use. This isn’t just a great way to earn an income, it also is a great way to socialise your children and to prepare them for school.
Which ideas strike a chord with you?
There is a growing need for personalised clothes!
Starting a baby yoga online class can be both good for bonding, and meeting new parents!
Lots of millennials are opting for house plants instead of children, why not cash in on that?
8. Interior design
Running an interior design business can be a fantastic career choice, especially for stay-at-home parents. It offers flexibility and great financial rewards. You can easily adjust your schedule to fit your family responsibilities, no need for strict 9-to-5 hours! Plus, thanks to technology, you can collaborate online with clients, suppliers, and contractors, all from the comfort of your own home. It’s a chance to let your creativity shine and transform spaces, adding value to homes and businesses. Nowadays, people are realising the importance of a well-designed space on productivity, wellbeing, and lifestyle. So, as a stay-at-home parent, starting an interior design business could be the perfect way to find personal fulfillment and professional success.
9. Start a YouTube channel
Starting a YouTube channel is a fantastic way for stay-at-home parents to earn extra income. Share your unique parenting journey, connect with a wide audience, and monetise your content. Plus, consider starting a personal blog to engage with your audience on a deeper level. Turn your day-to-day parenting experiences into a profitable venture from the comfort of your home. Enjoy the connection, sharing, and earning!
10. Meal prep service
Offering a meal prep service could be an ideal business venture for a stay-at-home parent. Think about it – you’re already in the kitchen, whipping up nutritious meals for your child. With a little planning and organisation, you could efficiently scale up this process, preparing extra servings to sell. This arrangement not only lets you capitalise on something you’re already doing, but also allows you to provide a solution for those who lack the time or skill to make healthy meals themselves. What’s more, it’s flexible; you can work around your child’s schedule. It’s a win-win situation, really: a potential income source from the comfort of your home and a service that meets a universal need.
11. Alterations/seamstress service
Have you ever thought about starting your own alterations or seamstress service from the comfort of your own home? It’s a brilliant business idea, especially for stay-at-home parents. Not only would it provide you with a flexible and convenient source of income, but it also allows you to utilise your invaluable sewing skills in a world where there is a growing demand for personalised and well-fitted clothing. Imagine the satisfaction of helping people look and feel their best, while running your business on your own terms. With determination and passion, the possibilities are endless!
12. Growing and selling plants
Starting a plant resale venture can be a fantastic business decision, especially for stay-at-home parents. It’s a great way to balance work and family commitments while earning some real money. Plus, did you know that horticulture has therapeutic benefits? It’s not just about making an income, but also about improving mental well-being. With the growing interest in green spaces and indoor plants, along with the trend of supporting local businesses, now is the perfect time to get into the plant resale business.
13. Travel agency
As a stay-at-home parent, have you considered becoming a remote travel agent? It’s a great business idea that capitalises on your organisational skills and passion for travel. Working from the comfort of your own home, you can create memorable travel experiences for others. With the rise in demand for personalised travel, your bespoke service could be just what the market needs. Now, in order to generate trust in this type of business and appeal to a wider market, you may need a few things in place early on. Having an established business address that already offers professionalism and a high reputation, will help to enhance your brand’s credibility, while still allowing you the convenience of working from home. You won’t have to break the bank to do so either, as you can utilise a far cheaper alternative to physical office space with a virtual office. You can use a virtual office address for your new remote travel agent business, and get your website and business marketing up and running in no time!
14. Become a virtual assistant
Starting a career as a virtual assistant is a fantastic business opportunity for stay-at-home parents. The flexibility of the role allows you to create a work schedule that fits perfectly with your family responsibilities. Plus, you can work from the comfort of your own home, so no more commuting! As a virtual assistant, you can offer a wide range of services, like admin tasks, customer service, and even digital marketing, depending on your skills. With the growing demand for virtual services in today’s digital business world, it’s a great way to earn some extra income while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. So, if you’re a stay-at-home parent, this could be the perfect option for you!
As providers of virtual office services, we collaborate with numerous virtual assistants across the nation. We take pride in offering support to individuals within this industry! If you’re a virtual assistant seeking to safeguard your home address, cultivate a professional image, and acquire a local telephone number that matches your business, reach out to us today. In a demonstration of our support, we are extending a special offer of £30 off the first invoice for all virtual assistants. Simply get in touch with our sales team!
15. Proofreading business
Starting a proofreading business can be a great venture for stay-at-home parents. In today’s digital world, written content is everywhere – from blogs to academic papers – which means there’s always a demand for proofreading services. Plus, as a proofreader, you’ll sharpen your language skills and learn about different topics, making it a fulfilling job that combines income with personal growth. So, if you’re a stay-at-home parent looking for flexible work hours, financial stability, and intellectual stimulation, starting a proofreading business could be the perfect choice for you.
16. Start a CV writing business
Starting a CV writing business is a great opportunity for a startup. In today’s competitive job market, everyone wants to put their best foot forward, and a well-crafted CV is crucial. A professional CV not only showcases qualifications and experiences but also sets candidates apart from the rest, giving them an edge. With the high demand for this service, a CV writing startup can expect a steady stream of clients. Plus, operational costs are relatively low since it’s primarily an online service-based business. This means lower overheads and access to a global market. So, starting a CV writing business is not only a viable idea but also a profitable one for a startup.
17. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a fantastic business idea for home-based parents. The best part is that it’s super easy to get started. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and you’re good to go! With this model, you can promote other businesses’ products or services and earn a commission on every sale that comes from your recommendation. No need to worry about inventory or delivery. As an affiliate marketer, you can turn your online presence into a money-making machine, right from the comfort of your own home. Plus, the flexible working hours make it perfect for balancing work and personal life. With some strategic planning, consistent effort, and a focus on your customers, affiliate marketing can really take off and become a successful home-based business.
Why should you start a home-based business?
So, why exactly should you, as a stay-at-home parent, consider starting your own business? Well, firstly, let’s talk about the freedom you would gain. Imagine having the flexibility to design your own work hours around the schedules of your little ones. This means being able to attend school events, doctors appointments, and spending quality time with your family, all while earning an income. It’s a perfect blend of work and life balance that many parents strive for.
Not to mention, running your own business allows you to pursue something you’re truly passionate about. Whether it’s a hobby that you’ve always wanted to turn into a business or a skill that you’ve mastered over the years, starting your own venture gives you the opportunity to do what you love. This can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, as you are able to channel your creativity and talents into something that brings you joy.
And let’s not forget the potential financial benefits. With the right planning and a sprinkle of perseverance, your business could provide a substantial income, giving your family that extra financial security. No more relying solely on one income source, as you have the potential to earn and grow your business at your own pace. This financial independence can give you peace of mind and allow you to provide more for your family’s future.
Conclusion
The opportunities for stay-at-home parents to start their own businesses are abundant and diverse. From personalised travel planning to proofreading services, virtual assistance, CV writing, or even affiliate marketing, there’s a myriad of options that can be tailored to your skills and interests. This entrepreneurial venture not only provides the flexibility that harmonises with your family responsibilities but also allows you to follow your passions and achieve financial independence. And, crucially, embarking on this journey empowers you to build a fulfilling career without compromising your role as a parent. So, take that brave step forward, utilise your unique talents, and revel in the rewards of owning a business that truly fits your life.
