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Elevate Magazine
July 24, 2024

The Realities of Monetising Your Hobby

sharons favourite creations

Let’s face it: with the rising cost of living, the idea of turning a hobby into a side hustle sounds pretty darn appealing. We all dream of replacing the daily grind with something we truly enjoy. But that romanticised vision of turning passion into profit often overlooks the realities. It’s not just about sprinkling some glitter on your hobby and hoping for money to rain down. It’s about transforming that source of joy into a sustainable business, and that takes serious dedication, sacrifice, and a good dose of strategy.

sling bags

From Teacher to Crafter

Sew Me Creations owner Sharon de Kock did just this. What began as a way to fill the long hours stuck at home during the pandemic turned into a thriving side hustle crafting beautiful handbags and other sewn goods. ” I was teaching in Mozambique at the time, but when COVID shut down all the borders, I decided that I had to find a hobby to alleviate the boredom of being stuck indoors. My husband bought me a second-hand sewing machine, and I started buying some of the beautiful Capulana fabric.”

Sharon’s journey wasn’t an overnight success. It all started with simple tote bags and backpacks that she donated to local schoolchildren. Her first paying customer? A teacher who fell in love with one of those backpacks and wanted one for herself. Soon, word of mouth spread, and people started requesting custom bags drawn to the unique combinations of fabrics Sharon used.

market set up

The Importance of Time Management and Support

Now, Sharon juggles her full-time teaching job with running Sew Me Creations. Weekends are spent at bustling markets selling her handmade goods, but she’s also built a loyal customer base who order directly and spread the word through recommendations. ” I do most of my sewing over the weekends,” Sharon says. “But when there is pressure to get myself prepared for upcoming markets, or I have lots of custom orders, I will work on my sewing projects early in the morning before I get ready for my primary job and in the evenings. The downside is that I don’t have much time for socialising, and I do miss catching up with friends and family.”

Time might be her biggest sacrifice, but Sharon emphasises the unwavering support of her husband, who’s been her rock through the tough patches. “I am blessed to have a husband who supports me and my side hustle 100%. He has taken over preparing the meals and other chores, which I don’t seem to have time for anymore,” she shares. “He has made shelving and display boards for me to take to markets, and he attends every market I go to to help with setting up. I would not be able to continue without his help and support.”

3 in 1 bag

Recognising the Value In Your Work

The market community has also been a source of encouragement for Sharon. She’s built relationships with other stallholders who have welcomed her with open arms. One particular customer, who also happens to be a skilled seamstress herself, offered some invaluable advice. “When I first started out, I wasn’t getting many sales at markets. I thought that lowering my prices would help,” Sharon recalls. “Until a customer, who also happens to sew, mentioned that my work was worth way more than my asking price. She asked me whether I was just covering my costs or if I was actually including the cost of my labour. I’ve learned that lowering my prices not only devalues my work but also does not improve sales.”

Recognising the worth of what you create is crucial on the financial side. It’s about considering the quality of your product, the time and effort you pour into it, and how it compares to similar offerings. Underpricing can lead to a quick burnout as you struggle to make a profit.

Financing can also be a challenge. “Other than time, my big challenge is definitely financing this venture. I’m not at a point where the money I make from sales is enough to cover future costs. I have to be careful about how much of my primary income I spend on investing in equipment and tools.”

Despite the sacrifices and hurdles, Sharon’s passion for creating hasn’t dimmed a bit. “I’m always wanting to take my creations to the next level,” she beams. “A new style will catch my eye, or there will be fabrics I can’t wait to get my hands on, and this motivates me to try new things and keep up with the latest trends.”

So, if you’re thinking about monetising your hobby, take a page out of Sharon’s book. Remember, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, but with dedication and the right support system, it can be a journey filled with immense satisfaction and reward.