27 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms: Quick & Easy Startups
As a stay-at-home mom, I was always looking for new ways to balance my time between caring for my family and finding a fulfilling outlet for my skills and passions.
Starting a work-from-home business was the perfect solution for me as it gave me the flexibility and freedom I needed, and created a new source of income. So I want to inspire other moms just like me to become mompreneurs by sharing creative and rewarding profitable at-home business ideas perfect for moms like you!
Whether you’ve got an eye for design, a love for upcycling, or a flair for writing, there are a wealth of opportunities to build a successful stay-at-home business!
Grab a cup of coffee, take a seat, and get ready to unlock your entrepreneurial spirit. With determination, hard work, and a little creativity, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving business that brings you joy and supports your family, all from the comfort of your own home!
Identifying your skills and interests
Before we dive into the list of business ideas for stay-at-home moms, it’s essential to take some time to identify your skills and interests. Consider your talents, experience, and hobbies, as well as your personal priorities and desires.
Start by making a list of your strengths and abilities.
Are you good at communication or organization?
Are you a talented artist, writer, or cook?
Do you have excellent knitting or sewing skills?
Do you have any certifications or professional experience?
Next, think about your passions and interests. What activities do you enjoy in your free time? What topics do you find engaging and exciting? Consider the things that make you feel fulfilled and energized, and write them down.
Once you have a better understanding of the best home-based business ideas for your skills and interests, try to narrow down your list by identifying potential business ideas aligned with your strengths and passions. Here are some suggestions:
If you enjoy writing and have excellent grammar, consider starting a resume writing service to help job applicants create professional-looking resumes, or start a proofreading business or freelance writing business.
For those with a creative side and an eye for detail, think about becoming a nail technician and opening your own salon.
If you have a knack for organization and planning, explore the idea of starting a surprise travel agency, and creating custom travel itineraries for clients.
For moms with a taste for cooking or baking, consider developing a catering business, recipe blog, or offering meal prep services for busy families.
Remember, as a stay-at-home mom, you’ll want to choose a business idea that offers time flexibility and allows you to balance work with family life. It’s important to select a venture that suits your skills and interests, as this will increase your chances of success and personal fulfillment.
I’ve split my suggestions into the following categories:
Creative business ideas
Online services
Product-based business ideas
Teaching and coaching
Face-to-face businesses
Outside the box business ideas for stay-at-home moms
Creative business ideas
1. Crafts and DIY Projects
If you’re naturally creative and have a passion for making things with your hands, consider turning your hobby into a business. From custom jewelry to handmade home decorations, there’s a market for unique, one-of-a-kind products. To get started, you can sell your creations on online platforms like Etsy or Handmade at Amazon.
Establish your unique brand by focusing on a specific product or technique, and build your own online presence through social media and your own website or blog.
Remember to ensure your products showcase your attention to detail and dedication to quality. Having excellent product photographs is essential so either hire a professional or learn to take them yourself with your own camera.
2. Graphic Design and Illustration
Are you a skilled artist or have a knack for designing visually attractive layouts? Graphic design or illustration could be the ideal stay-at-home business opportunity for you. You can work as a freelance freelance graphic designer, website designs, or custom illustrations for clients.
Graphic designers also help businesses create logos and marketing materials. Canva and Adode are excellent tools for these tasks. You can work with clients online to keep all your operations remote.
To showcase your work and attract clients, create a professional online portfolio. Websites like Behance and Dribbble are excellent platforms to display your designs and connect with potential customers.
Keep honing your technical skills by exploring new design trends, and reach out to your network for opportunities.
3. Photography and Videography
Do you have an eye for capturing compelling images? Photography or videography can be a fulfilling stay-at-home business option. You could start your own photography business that specializes different niches such as portraits, family photos, product photography, real estate shoots, or even event coverage like weddings.
Stock photography business photographers can create a lucrative business by making money from their images. By submitting your photographs to stock photography websites such as Getty Images photographers can earn a passive income as their images are licensed and used by businesses, publications, and individuals.
Building a solid portfolio is crucial for attracting clients. Social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok can serve as useful tools for showcasing your photography skills and connecting with your target audience. Additionally, don’t forget to network within your community and clients’ social media accounts to spread the word about your services.
Online services
Being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean you can’t generate income while nurturing your kids. In the digital world, a variety of online services offer great business opportunities to explore. Let’s dive into some popular options!
4. Freelance Writing
If you have a knack for the written word, freelance writing could be your calling. Use your writing skills to create articles, blog posts, or ghostwrite books to help clients convey their message effectively. As a freelance writer, you can focus on any written content that interests you. This includes everything from blog posts and web content to articles and ebooks to even being a business plan writer.
Online platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start pitching your own writing skills and services.
5. Social Media Management
Brands and businesses always need someone to help them navigate the ever-changing world of social media. As a social media manager, you’ll plan content, engage with users, and create performance reports to optimize your clients’ online and own social media presence.
Sprout Social and Buffer are great tools to simplify your tasks. Check out my book Get sociable in 2023 … with your marketing planner! – it will help you plan all of your posts in advance!
6. Virtual Assistance
An organized and detail-oriented mom can excel as a virtual assistant. This versatile role serves other businesses with various services like calendar management, email correspondence, and data entry.
Offer your services to busy entrepreneurs or small businesses and set your own hours based on your availability.
7. Website Design
With website design skills, you can build stunning digital spaces for clients. Use design tools like Adobe XD or popular web platforms like WordPress and Wix to create user-friendly, eye-catching websites.
8. YouTube channel Creator
If you’re comfortable in front of the camera or enjoy video editing, starting a YouTube channel could be a fun project. Share your passions, vlog your daily life, or create tutorials to engage with viewers and grow your channel. Monetize your content with ads, sponsorships, and product partnerships.
9. Bookkeeping
Attention to detail and a penchant for number-crunching make starting your own bookkeeping business an ideal online service for stay-at-home moms. Manage financial records, track expenses and revenue, and help clients keep their businesses organized.
Platforms like QuickBooks can streamline your work.
10. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products or services you love and earn a commission with affiliate marketing. Create content on your own website, social media channels or email list, and share your unique affiliate links to generate sales.
Amazon Associates and ShareASale are popular platforms to get started.
11. Blogging
Share your thoughts, interests, or expertise with the world by starting a blog. Regularly post engaging content and use search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to increase traffic. Monetize your blog through sponsored content, ad placements, or even selling your own products or services.
Using SEO optimising tools like Surfer and keyword research tools like Ahrefs are great ways to maximize your potential for success.
12. Sell digital products
Despite the AI explosion in 2023 there is still plenty of demand for original art. Try your hand at creating designs that you could sell on an online creative market.
Midjourney is an excellent tool for this.
13. Consulting Business
If you have experience with business, marketing, or other technical skills, work with clients remotely as a consultant. A consulting business usually gives clients the knowledge and tools to improve operations on their own, rather than offering ongoing services.
With these online business ideas for moms, you can embrace the balance of being a stay-at-home mom while carving your own path in the digital realm. Start pursuing your favorite options now and enjoy the flexibility and financial independence they offer.
Product-based business ideas
14. Etsy Shop
Do you have a creative skill, such as crafting, drawing, or designing? Turn your hobbies into a profitable business by opening an Etsy shop. You can sell handmade products, custom designs, and digital downloads for a wide range of customers to enjoy.
Remember to take high-quality photos and write clear, descriptive product listings to attract potential buyers.
Using my book Stop the self-doubt … and hustle anyway! is the perfect way to start planning your new business!
As you grow your Etsy shop, consider how you can optimize your inventory, scale your production, and manage your shipping processes efficiently. By doing so, you’ll be able to provide excellent customer service and build a loyal client base.
Streamline your system … by simplifying fulfillment! is perfect for Etsy sellers or small handmade businesses – easily organize orders with this order tracker. Specially designed for handmade small businesses this book has multiple columns for every detail about the order placed. Keep a log of monthly sales plus sum up your year by establishing which were your best and worst sellers.
You may want to consider expanding onto your own ecommerce store using a popular platform like Shopify.
15. Print on Demand
Love creating designs, but are not interested in managing your own inventory? A print on demand business might be perfect for you. This is one of the best business ideas for moms with very little storage space in their homes.
This model allows you to create your own designs, which are printed on various products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases only when a customer orders them.
This low-risk online business model requires little to no upfront investment, as the printing and shipping are handled by a third-party provider. You only need to focus on creating eye-catching designs, promoting your products, and maintaining a user-friendly online store.
16. Subscription Boxes
Are you passionate about a particular niche or product type? Create a custom-curated subscription box for fellow enthusiasts. Subscription box services allow customers to receive a regular delivery of handpicked products that cater to their interests.
To start, research your target market and determine what types of products they would enjoy receiving. You can then put together a unique and fun selection, and offer various subscription options for your customers to choose from.
Remember to plan your marketing strategy to reach your target audience and create an enticing unboxing experience that encourages repeat customers.
As you grow your subscription box business, be sure to cultivate relationships with suppliers and negotiate better prices for your products. This will help increase your profit margins and allow you to reinvest in your company.
Teaching and coaching
As a stay-at-home mom, you can share your knowledge and help others by teaching and coaching. In this section, we will explore a few opportunities that can fit into your schedule while allowing you to earn some extra cash.
17. Online Courses
If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, consider creating a course to sell online. With platforms like Udemy and Teachable, you can easily design and sell your courses to a global audience.
All you need is a computer, a microphone, and a willingness to share your knowledge. Plus, creating courses allows you to work on your own, flexible schedule, making it a fantastic option for busy moms.
18. Tutoring and Homeschool Support
Your skills in a particular subject can be put to use in tutoring. With the growing popularity of homeschooling, many parents seek assistance in teaching their own children. Offer your services to families in need of homeschool support, or join an online tutoring platform like Tutor.com.
This flexible opportunity lets you set your own schedule and choose your subjects, making it an ideal fit for your busy life.
19. Fitness and Wellness Coaching
Do you enjoy staying active and healthy? If so, consider becoming a fitness and wellness coach. This can entail leading workout classes, creating customized fitness plans for personal training clients, or offering healthy meal planning guidance. You can choose to operate in-person or virtually, giving you total control over your schedule.
To get started, consider obtaining a certification from an organization like the American Council on Exercise.
20. Life Coach
As a life coach, you can help people overcome challenges, bring clarity to their goals, and find success in both their personal and professional lives. This rewarding career allows you to work remotely through phone calls or video sessions, so you can manage your time effectively.
To become a life coach, you can complete a certification from an organization like the International Association of Professions Career College.
With these teaching and coaching opportunities, you can make a difference in others’ lives while earning a supplemental income while creating a flexible schedule. Embrace your passions, and discover which option best suits your unique skills and interests.
Face-to-face businesses
21. Pet Sitting
As a stay-at-home mom, offering your own pet-sitting business or services can be a wonderful way to generate extra income. You can start by caring for your friends’ and neighbors’ pets when they are on vacation or at work.
All you need is a love for animals and a clean, safe space to accommodate them in your own home-based business.
Don’t forget to advertise your services by word of mouth, social media, or local community boards.
22. Personal Trainer
Do you have a passion for exercise and wellness? Then becoming starting a personal training business could be the perfect role for you! You could specialize in women’s fitness or postpartum health and work your own hours around your family.
23. Dog Walking
Another great face-to-face business for stay-at-home moms is a dog walking business. It’s not only a great form of exercise, but also a fantastic way to make some extra money while spending time with furry friends.
Start by offering your services to friends, neighbors, and local dog owners. Create customized walk packages to cater to diverse client needs and don’t be afraid to use apps like Rover to connect you with potential clients.
24. Makeup Artist
If you have a passion for makeup and beauty, becoming a makeup artist can be an excellent way to turn your passion into your own business opportunity. Build your skills through self-tutorials, online courses, or attending a makeup school.
To start, offer your services for special occasions like weddings, proms, and parties. Share your work on social media, and ask satisfied clients to refer you to their friends and family.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so always be eager to hone your skills and experiment with new techniques.
Outside-the-box business ideas for stay-at-home moms
25. Vacation Rental Business
Do you have a spare room, guest house, or other unused space in your home? Why not turn it into a vacation rental? Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO make it easy to list and market your property to potential guests. You’ll also need to:
Make your space comfortable and welcoming.
Set competitive pricing based on comparable listings in your area.
Offer excellent customer service and respond quickly to inquiries.
Keep track of bookings and manage your rental calendar.
With dedication and attention to detail, your vacation rental business can generate a steady passive income, all from the comfort of your home.
26. Event Planning Business
If you’re highly organized and have an eye for detail, consider starting your own event planning and or catering service business. Perfect for someone with a creative flair, tasks can include:
Planning parties, weddings, corporate functions, or other special occasions.
Managing budgets and coordinating vendors such as caterers, photographers, and entertainers.
Designing event spaces and table arrangements.
Helping clients promote their events and taking care of invitations.
As your reputation grows, so too will your client base, making your business a profitable and rewarding venture.
27. At-Home Daycare
With many families seeking affordable childcare options, starting an at-home daycare business can be a great option for stay-at-home moms. To get started, you’ll want to:
Research local licensing and insurance requirements.
Create a safe, child-friendly environment with age-appropriate toys and learning materials.
Set up a daily schedule that includes engaging activities and healthy meals.
Market your services through word of mouth, social media, and community events.
Offering a nurturing and educational atmosphere, your at-home daycare business can become a go-to childcare solution for families in your community where you can take a daily or weekly fee.
Benefits of starting a business as a stay-at-home mom
There’s no denying that starting your own business as a stay-at-home mom has some incredible advantages.
You’ll have flexible hours, allowing you to balance your work and family life more efficiently.
The ability to earn additional cash on the side. With the extra income, you can further support your family, pay off debts, or even save extra money for a special treat or family trip.
It’s an excellent way to channel your passion into something productive. By focusing on an area that genuinely interests you, your work becomes a fulfilling and enjoyable activity rather than just another chore.
You don’t need to worry about lengthy commutes or renting a separate workspace; your office could be right in your own living room!
When you run your own business, you’re in control. This means you get to make your own decisions and shape the direction of your company.
You are creating an opportunity for personal growth. Embracing the challenges that come with entrepreneurship can help you develop organizational skills, time management techniques, and other valuable abilities that will benefit you in both your personal and professional life.
All in all, the benefits of starting a business as a stay at home parent or-at-home mom are vast and varied. So, take advantage of your unique position and explore the possibilities of becoming a mompreneurship today!
Starting your business
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start a home-based business idea. That’s exciting! In this section, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to make your dream a reality.
Planning and research
First things first, you need to do some planning and research. Start by thinking about what type of business you want to establish. Consider your skills, interests, and the demand for your proposed services or products.
Check out my book Good ideas are nothing … without action! Whether you want to be inspired by the 50 side hustle ideas included or you already have a million schemes in your head use this practical structured journal as a jumping-off point to get you firmly on your side hustle journey!
Get organized and embrace entrepreneurial life!
Once you’ve settled on a business idea, it’s time to create a business plan. This plan should include your goals, target market, pricing, and how you plan to reach your customers.
Stop the self-doubt … and hustle anyway! is a book designed and self published by me specifically for moms wanting to start their own business. Use this practical guided workbook planner to niche down your business idea, set achievable monthly goals, log lessons learned, plan social media posts and generally kick-start your newly entrepreneurial self down the road of success!
Networking and support groups
As you begin your journey, it’s essential to connect with like-minded individuals, both online and offline. Engage with other stay-at-home moms who have started their own businesses, join relevant mompreneur groups, and attend local networking events in your area.
These connections will provide valuable support, resources, and insights as you grow your business.
Marketing and promotion
Now, let’s talk about getting the word out about your new venture. There are several marketing strategies you can adopt to promote your online business idea, such as:
Setting up a website and optimizing it for search engines (SEO).
Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Creating engaging, helpful content through blogging or vlogging.
Offering promotions, discounts, or freebies to entice new customers.
Experiment with various marketing materials and techniques and track their effectiveness to refine and improve your promotional efforts over time.
With careful planning, strategic networking, and effective marketing, you’ll be on your way to launching your dream business as a stay-at-home mom. Good luck!
Balancing business and family
As a stay-at-home mom, it’s important to strike the right balance between business and family life.
In this section, we’ll explore a few ways to achieve that balance, including some valuable time management tips, creating a dedicated workspace, and involving your kids in your business.
Time management tips
No matter how busy you are, effective time management is essential for balancing your work and family life. Here are some pointers to help you stay organized and productive:
Prioritize tasks
Focus on the most important tasks first and avoid multitasking.
Set goals
Create daily, weekly, and monthly goals to keep yourself motivated and on track.
Batch tasks
Group similar tasks together to maximize efficiency.
Take breaks
Remember to give yourself time to recharge and relax throughout the day.
Use a planner or calendar
Organize your schedule and set reminders to stay on top of deadlines and appointments. Use my social media planner Get sociable in 2023 … with your marketing planner! to manage all of your marketing.
Creating a workspace
Designating a specific area for your business activities helps to separate work and family life. Here are some tips for creating an effective workspace:
Choose a dedicated area: Find a quiet spot in your home, away from distractions, where you can focus on your work.
Keep it organized: Maintain a clean and clutter-free workspace to minimize distractions and increase productivity.
Invest in ergonomic furniture: Select a comfortable chair and desk to reduce physical strain during long work hours.
Set boundaries: Establish clear rules with your family regarding your workspace and working hours.
Involving your kids
When appropriate, involving your kids in your business can be a great way to spend quality time together and teach them valuable skills. Here are some ideas:
Assign age-appropriate tasks
Depending on their age, involve your kids in tasks such as packaging orders or organizing supplies.
Teach them about entrepreneurship
Share your experiences and knowledge about running a business, encouraging their curiosity and creativity.
Set a good example
Show your children the importance of hard work, commitment, and perseverance by being a positive role model.
Remember, finding the right balance between business and family life may take some experimentation and adjustment, but with a little effort, you can make it work for both you and your loved ones.
Conclusion
As a stay-at-home mom, you have plenty of opportunities to start a business that suits your passions and skills. With a wide range of home-based business ideas available, you can find the perfect venture that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Before diving into any business idea, be sure to research and plan carefully to ensure success. Keep in mind that leveraging your existing skills and interests can make the transition into entrepreneurship smoother and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from others as you embark on this new and exciting journey.
So go ahead and dream big, stay-at-home moms! With determination, creativity, and the right resources, you can create a thriving home-based business that not only brings in extra income but also allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance for you and your family.
Final thoughts
I worked for years as a shift worker in the ambulance service and then in hospital as a paramedic. Trying to juggle 2 very young children with this punishing schedule (while my husband was also working shifts!) took its toll and eventually, I said enough is enough. I love the freedom of mompreneureal life and couldn’t imagine going back to working for someone else!
It is hard though and there was a very steep learning curve for me – that’s why I created the books that I talk about in this post to help moms just like me to brainstorm ideas, create their businesses and take care of social media and marketing planning – enjoy!
FAQ’s
Have questions? I have answers.
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