Even if you’re not engaged in one side hustle or the other, you definitely have friends and family members for whom this is a reality.
5 Nigerians shared their side hustle stories with us. Read on. You might get an idea for yours.
Amy, 24
I started my side hustle because of hairs. I like all these material things a lot; the gadgets, clothes, slay mama looks, but unfortunately, I can’t afford it. I came across a page on Instagram selling mad ass hairs but extremely pricey, say, 200k plus. So, I resorted to stalking them. Finally, a friend of mine told me that she could get the hair for me at an affordable rate – 50k thereabout. Awoof dey run belle sha, because when I eventually got the hair, it was pure unadulterated synthetic. Not even the good kind of synthetic hair. I cried, then decided to start a business to afford the lifestyle I wanted. Currently, I sell different things – bags, waist trainers, and others. I initially started with hair, but that didn’t last. I found it too difficult and stressful although it is very lucrative. If you know how much these people are making! My advice for anyone who wants to start a side hustle is: don’t start anything without adequate capital, and be very loving with your clients.
Fave, 20
I’m currently serving and working as a face-to-face fundraiser. I started this side hustle thing as a source of extra income in the university, 200 level to be precise. I went to a private school and they didn’t let us cook, so we had to buy food. My dad gave me pocket money, but he didn’t really understand that I needed to buy clothes, handouts, shoes, extra food (because I can’t comman kill myself) and chill with friends. So I decided to work for my own money. I was literally the most reliable and affordable seller of female accessories in my whole school and I didn’t save a dime! That was my biggest mistake and it affected me after graduation. But we learn and relearn so, I’m becoming better in that aspect.I got into fundraising about two months ago while searching for a PPA in Abuja. Nobody tells you that the starting point of all these things is not easy at alll. My friend who introduced me to the NGO made the role seem so interesting, but then I started the job and I’m like, ‘this adulting is not for me now😭.’ Asides working as a fundraiser, I still have my business selling female accessories. I love my job because it gives me a chance to serve humanity and it is satisfying! I would recommend that every lady read Smart Money Woman and Smart Money Tribe. Then most importantly, SAVE. If you come across very reasonable investments too, invest, but make sure you get proper advice before going into it sha.
KC, 23
I started selling shoes, clothes, bags and every other fashion accessory in January. Before then, I never thought I’d venture into anything business until very much later in my life. My life plans revolved around academics, but corona, ASUU strike, and the poor academic system in the country made me rethink. I felt I was wasting away and not being productive. Every skill I wanted to learn cost a lot, so I just started a side hustle. Currently, I no longer see education as ‘the key’ and especially not in this country, Nigeria. I’m on the lookout for other prospects that will help my survival in the country. My business is online (mostly drop shipping). I lose customers sometimes because they have to pay before I supply as I don’t have the goods ready and they can’t come around to pick-up. I’m planning on running ads on multiple social media platforms because it helps with visibility and with visibility comes sales and profits. It’s not a smooth sailing side business, but it pays off eventually with consistency and advertising. My advice to anyone who wants to start a side hustle is to always have a plan B. Our country is wack and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like there is any hope for now and in the nearest future. Concerning side hustles, consistency is key. It might look like things aren’t going well in the beginning. Don’t focus on that, in the end, your efforts will pay off if you work smart. As for me, I won’t stop my side hustle even if more lucrative opportunities come along. I am very ambitious and hopefully, this mini online store I run would turn into something bigger in the future.
Toju, 26
I work two jobs – one as a full time associate with a Big 4 in Lagos, and the second as a freelance “any work” as long as it has to do with computers. Basically, anything from building websites to building financial models and business plans, CVs, LinkedIn profiles, marketing decks, abroad school applications, and every now and then I write essays and have written a couple dissertations for abroad MBA students. I don’t code or anything. I can just figure out how to use a software, be it R studio for data analysis, Excel for modeling or Joomla and Wix for building sites. So far, I have made say 2 million in 2 years which just goes to show you that a lot of people are not willing to pay, or are unable to pay and it’s a shame, because I’m pretty good at all the things I do. That’s why I barely advertise and I keep getting referrals.I started this side hustle because my salary is not enough. Problem is, I do the side hustle to supplement and it’s still not enough. I hate that I have to do so much and still be broke. Oluwa I’m working hard. If I was to quit this hustle, I’ll probably create a model where I help with business plans and the financials for a smaller fee. Then I’ll continue to provide consulting services for a small percentage of profits. Say, around 5 – 10%. I want to get to a point where I can sit back and be collecting alat. What I would say to someone who wants to start a side hustle is: you need to learn a lot and learn very quickly but never at the expense of quality. It’s also good to have friends that are experienced in what you’re going into so they can let you know if what you’re doing is okoto meow.
Jemilade, 25
I’m not currently employed under any organisation. I used to work for a fashion house as their pattern drafter but I got sacked 8 months into. I’ve always loved to work with my hands and by myself, so I took it as the universe’s way of affirming that narrative. My only sources of income are the three businesses I run. Luckily for me, they’re sort of intertwined because they all have to do with creativity. The only downside is their time-consuming nature. To deal with that, I’ve got in-house tailors handling the production of clothes when we get orders down. I’ve also got some trusty hairdressers on speed dial that can handle hair jobs as they come. I see myself continuing these in the long run, that’s why I’m taking the time to build up a solid foundation. I don’t want them being “side hustles” alone. I see them as strong bodies capable of booming in the nearest future, such that they will become the main gigs.
You can successfully live a life of dual hustles e.g Photographer and Forex trader. Find more information here.
