Imagine being free to pursue your passions and still be present for your family. Imagine turning your skills and talents into a fulfilling business that brings you joy, financial stability, and a sense of purpose. This is the reality that many stay-at-home moms dream of, and it’s entirely within reach. I am going to share some business ideas that you can do as a stay-at-home mom. And if you’re a student or a regular 9 to 5 you can check out our lucrative business list.
Before I start let me introduce myself and share a personal story about my mom who was once a stay-at-home mom. My name is Maxwell and I’m from Rivers State here in Nigeria. If you know my state very well you know our history with crude oil they call us the oil state😂. But no joke, we’re the oil state. My dad works with one of the oil companies and my mom was a full stay-at-home, not for long though. I remember when coming back from school as a kid and seeing my mom with the TV remote, watching her favourite shows. My dad comes home once a month so I barely spend time with him.
My mom was a full-time housewife, but something happened, my dad’s company was downsizing and he was affected, he stopped earning his usual salary and things became hard for the family in the long run. Then, my mom realised she needed to contribute to the family income. She had always been a great cook, and friends and family ate her food. She decided to turn her talent into a business. With a small loan from a friend and a lot of enthusiasm, she started her own catering business. It wasn’t easy – she had no formal training, and she had to learn everything from scratch. There were long hours, and days when she felt like giving up. But she persisted, driven by a desire to provide for her family and show her children that hard work pays off.
Today, her catering business is well-known in our community. and her food is loved by everyone who tastes it. But more than that, she’s shown me and my siblings that with hard work and determination, we can achieve our dreams and contribute to society.
Why Stay-at-Home Moms Need a Business of Their Own
As a stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to lose yourself in the daily routine of childcare and household chores. But having a business of your own can be a game-changer. It’s not just about the extra income (although that’s a big perk too! 😂). It’s about having a sense of purpose and fulfilment outside of parenting. It’s about building a community and connection with others who share your passions. And it’s about showing your children that hard work and determination can lead to amazing things. Whether you’re interested in starting a small side hustle or building a full-fledged business, the benefits are endless. So why not leap and explore the possibilities? Your future self (and your family) will thank you!
This blog was written- to share ideas, resources, and inspiration with stay-at-home moms who are searching for something they can do from home to support their families. I believe that every mom has a unique talent or skill that can be turned into a business or income stream. And I hope that by sharing my mom’s story and other resources, I can help empower stay-at-home moms to take the first step towards turning their passions into reality. I will be sharing Online business ideas, food business ideas, service-based business ideas, and home craft business ideas. Let’s get started
Online business ideas
Starting an online business as a stay-at-home mom in Nigeria can be a total lifesaver! I mean, let’s be real – being a mom is a 24/7 job, and sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But with an online business, you can work on your terms, from the comfort of your own home (or even in your PJs, let’s be real!). Plus, you’ll join a community of amazing Nigerian moms who have already done it – like Linda Ikeji, Nelly Agbogu, and Tara Durotoye. They’re proof that with hard work and determination, you can turn your passions into a profitable business that brings in extra income and gives you a sense of purpose.
And the best part? You can do it all without sacrificing time with your family. Many online businesses can be run during naptime, after bedtime, or even with your kids by your side!
Online Business Ideas:
Benefits of Starting An Online Business
Starting an online business as a stay-at-home mom in Nigeria can be a total lifesaver! I mean, let’s be real – being a mom is a 24/7 job, and sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But with an online business, you can work on your terms, from the comfort of your own home (or even in your PJs, let’s be real!). Plus, you’ll join a community of amazing Nigerian moms who have already done it – like Linda Ikeji, Nelly Agbogu, and Tara Durotoye. They’re proof that with hard work and determination, you can turn your passions into a profitable business that brings in extra income and gives you a sense of purpose.
And the best part? You can do it all without sacrificing time with your family. Many online businesses can be run during naptime, after bedtime, or even with your kids by your side!
- Virtual Assistant: Do you have administrative skills and a knack for organization? Consider starting a Virtual Assistant business! As a Virtual Assistant, you can offer services like email management, social media management, data entry, and more to businesses and entrepreneurs who need help with day-to-day tasks. You can find clients on platforms like; Linkedin, Upwork, Fiverr and other job sites. Learn how to start your own virtual assistant business from this video.
- Digital Marketing Services: If you’re one of those stay-at-home moms who know about all the trends going on on Twitter and Instagram, then you can turn it into a business. A lot of businesses are looking for someone to manage their online activities, you can leverage your social media savvy skills to offer digital marketing services to them. From creating engaging content to managing social media campaigns, and offering SEO services to email marketing, you can help small businesses thrive online. This certification course from Google can help get started. Get an overview of Digital Marketing from this short video.
- Online Tutoring: If you’re a mom who loves teaching their kids how to do their homework, did you know that your teaching skills and expertise can still be put to great use (and earn you an income!) even when you’re not in a traditional classroom? Online tutoring is a fantastic way to connect with students who need guidance and support, from the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s math, science, language arts, or another subject, you can use online platforms like Dolessons, Upskillstutors and Educare to conduct sessions, share resources, and watch your students thrive. Learn how to get started from this video.
- Online Store Business: Are you a mom who’s tired of supermarket stress, but secretly dreams of building a business that makes shopping easier for others? Then starting an online store can be a flexible and fulfilling way to earn an income, pursue your entrepreneurial spirit, and still be there for your family. You can sell products that make life easier for moms, like organic snacks, household essentials, or baby products, all from the comfort of your own home. You can use QShop to set up your store and start selling today!
- Graphic Design: Let’s be real here, a lot of moms love drawing shapes and objects for their kids’ homework. But do you know you can turn that creative skill into a career? Graphic design is a lucrative business idea for stay-at-home moms, leveraging your artistic talent to help businesses shine online. From logos to websites, social media graphics to ads, companies need visual content to stand out. With design software like Canva, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, you can monetize your creativity, work with global clients, and scale your business to new heights! There are gigs on platforms like; Linkedin, 99design, and Upwork. Watch this video to learn how to get started.
Food-Related Business Ideas
Benefits of Starting a Food Business
Starting a food business as a mom can be very creative! I mean you’re already a talented cook, making delicious meals for your family every day. Why not share that talent with the world and turn it into a successful business? Other Nigerian entrepreneurs like Afrolems, Kitchen Butterfly, and The Foodie Photographer have already done it. They’re proof that with hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for food into a profitable venture.
Food Business Ideas:
- Catering Service: Just like my mom, you can start your own catering business. Let me ask you, how many times have you been to a party aka Owanbe and thought, ‘Wow, the food here is amazing!’? And then you glance over at the catering staff, expertly refilling trays and pouring drinks like pros. But have you ever thought, I could do that!’? Because, let’s be real, we’ve all spent hours in the kitchen perfecting our favourite recipes and making sure our party spreads are on point. So why not monetize that talent and start your own catering business?! It’s a flexible way to earn some extra cash, meet new people, and yes, even get out of the house every now and then. Watch this video to help you get started.
- Baking and Cake Decorating: I know you’re already a rockstar when it comes to baking pancakes and chinchin for your family. But have you ever thought about taking it a step further and sharing that love with others? Like, seriously, your baked goods are probably so good that people would pay you for them! Just think about it – you could start a little side hustle, making custom cakes or pastries for special occasions. You can watch this video to learn how to turn your baking skills into a profitable business.
- Food Blogging: Mom, you’re already an amazing cook, and your family loves your food (I’m sure!). Now, imagine sharing that love with others and getting paid for it! A food blog is a great way to share your recipes, tips, tricks, and techniques that have worked for you with a wider audience and monetize it. You can set up a YouTube channel and social media pages for it. Plus, it’s flexible; you work on it whenever you want, from home. Here is a video to help you get started.
- Meal Delivery Service: Let’s face it, you’re already cooking for your family, right? I mean, you’re probably already making enough food for an army (or at least, that’s what it feels like, 😂). So, why not share some of that love with others and make a little extra cash on the side? Starting a meal delivery service is a great way to monetise your cooking skills and share your passion with others. Plus, it’s super flexible – you can work on your own schedule and choose the types of meals and clients you want to work with. Just think about it. This video can point you in the right direction.
- Online cooking classes: You’re already cooking for your family, so why not share your skills with others and make some extra money. Starting online cooking classes is a great way to monetise your talents and teach others how to make delicious meals. You can use the same recipes you love, and show others how to make them too! It’s a flexible way to earn some extra cash, and you can even involve your family in the process. This playlist from Chef Evelyn can teach you everything.
Service-based Business Ideas
Benefits of starting a Service based business
Starting a service-based business as a stay-at-home mom in Nigeria can be a game-changer! I mean, think about it – you’re already using your skills and talents to manage your household and care for your family, so why not get paid for it? With a service-based business, you can offer services like event planning, hair making, or interior decorating, and work with clients who truly appreciate your expertise. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to work on your own schedule, and the fulfillment of knowing you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
Service-Based Business Ideas
- Event Planning: I know you’re already a pro at planning birthday parties and family gatherings, but have you thought about turning that skill into a business? Like, seriously, you could get paid for making events unforgettable! Just think about it – you could start a little side hustle, planning custom events for special occasions. This video can show you how to get started. How to Start Your Event Planning Business from Scratch!
- Hair Braiding: Mom, I know you’re a rockstar when it comes to braiding and styling your kids’ hair (and maybe even your own!). Now, imagine sharing that talent with others and getting paid for it! A hair-making business is a great way to monetize your skills and make people feel confident and beautiful. You can start small, offering services to friends and family, and then grow from there. This video can give you some tips. How to Start Your Hair Business from Home!
- Interior Decorating: Let’s face it, you’re already decorating your home and making it cosy, so why not help others do the same? Starting an interior decorating business is a great way to share your style and flair with others and get paid for it! You can start by offering services to friends and family, and then grow your business from there. This video can give you some inspiration. How to Start Your Interior Decorating Business from Scratch!
- Childcare: Taking care of your own kids is what you love doing most, but have you thought about taking care of a few more? Starting a childcare business is a great way to monetize your nurturing skills and help families in need. You can start small, offering services to friends and family, and then grow from there. This video can give you some tips. How to Start Your Childcare Business from Home!
- Home Cleaning: Cleaning the house is a never-ending task, but someone has to do it! Why not get paid for it? Starting a home cleaning business is a simple yet effective way to earn extra income and help people keep their homes tidy. You can start by offering services to friends and family, and then grow your business from there. This video can give you some tips. How to Start Your Home Cleaning Business from Scratch!
Handmade Business
Benefits of starting a handmade business
Starting a handmade and craft business as a stay-at-home mom in Nigeria can be a creative outlet and a source of income! Let’s face it, being a mom can be overwhelming, but making things with your hands can be therapeutic. With a handmade and craft business, you can turn your hobbies into products, and sell them online or at local markets. You’ll join a community of talented Nigerian moms who have already turned their passions into businesses, and you’ll have the flexibility to work at your own pace, with your kids by your side.
Handmade Business Ideas
- Fashion Design: A lot of moms are already a rockstar when it comes to making clothes for their families. I guess you’re one of them. So why not share that talent with others and get paid for it? Starting a fashion design business is a great way to monetize your skills and make people feel confident and stylish. You can start small, offering custom clothes for special occasions, and then grow from there. This video can give you some inspiration. How to Start Your Fashion Design Business from Scratch!
- Jewellery Making: Many moms find accessories making for themselves and their kids a way of showing their motherly love, you might be one of them. But do you know you can actually sell those accessories you’re making and turn them into a profitable business? Starting a jewellery-making business is a fun and creative way to earn extra income and share your style with others. you can set up your social media accounts and a website with QShop where you can post your beautiful jewellery collection for free, start selling to friends and family, and then grow your business from there. This video can give you some tips. How to Start Your Jewelry Making Business from Home!
- Soap Making: It seems soap making is one of the skills that many Nigerian moms have in common, especially liquid soap.😂 Let’s face it, everyone needs soap, so why not make some extra cash making it? Starting a soap-making business is a simple yet effective way to earn extra income and help people feel clean and refreshed. You can start small, making soap for friends and family, and then grow your business from there. This video can give you some tips. How to Start Your Soap-Making Business from Scratch!
- Scent Candle Making: I know you’re already making your home cosy and inviting with those lovely scented candles you’re making at home, so why not share that with others and get paid for it? Starting a scent candle-making business is a great way to monetize your skills and help people have cosy and inviting homes. You can start small, making candles for friends and family, and then grow your business from there. This video can give you some inspiration. How to Start Your Scent Candle-Making Business from Home!
- Crochet Making: Mom, you’re already making beautiful blankets and hats for your kids, so why not sell them? Starting a crochet-making business is a fun and creative way to earn extra income and share your talents with others. You can start small, selling to friends and family, and then grow your business from there. This video can give you some tips. How to Start Your Crochet-Making Business from Scratch!
So, there you have it, moms! 20 business ideas that can help you turn your passions into a profitable venture, and achieve that elusive work-life balance. Remember, starting a business is not just about making money, it’s about pursuing your dreams and creating a better life for yourself and your family.
So, go ahead, take the leap, and start your own business today! Your family will thank you, your bank account will thank you, and most importantly, you’ll thank yourself. Happy entrepreneurship, moms!
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