These days it seems like everyone is talking about them. “If you don’t have one, you need to get one” this mindset seems to be taking over social media.

The reality is: side hustles aren’t for everyone. They take a lot of time and depending on what your day to day looks like, it may not be realistic. Don’t look for a side hustle because you think everyone else has one.

That being said. Side hustles can be great! If I had a $1 for every time someone asked how we pay for Disney, I could afford another Disney trip. The answer, by the way, is side hustles.

I was in a ton of clubs and sports in high school. I didn’t have time to work, but I wanted to drive and mom expected me to pay for my gas and insurance. I became adept at learning alternative ways to make money. Yes, I didn’t eat lunch to save my lunch money, but I also started taking my own clothes to consignment and taking my families unwanted stuff to the flea market. I was able to drive and not work in high school and a entrepreneurial spirit was born.

Throughout college and until I got pregnant I worked more traditional jobs. Usually three at a time, but I didn’t have a lot of time for side hustles.

When I got pregnant with Sharkie I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom. Chase makes a tidy living, but I still wanted to contribute, to feel like I had my “own” money. None of that is to say Chase feels like the money he makes is his money because he 100% doesn’t feel that way and is actually an enabler who would let me buy anything I wanted.

I knew I didn’t want to do any of the traditional side hustles. MLM and teleworking jobs were not gonna fit in with raising an infant. I had heard of people reselling but honestly didn’t think I could do it.

Still I loved going to Goodwills and had 5 years of consignment store experience. Fashion is one of my favorite things. Chase encouraged me to try. So the idea of Aquabeaustyling was born.

I’ve been incredibly blessed with a child who has always loved to be out and about. Her temperament has definitely been helpful for this endeavor. She loves shopping and from the beginning we made a deal she gets one $1 item when we’re out sourcing if she’s good. She usually picks a book.

So in spring of 2019, Sharkie and I opened Aquabeaustyling.

Getting started reselling is very simple but it takes a lot of time. Sharkie and I combed our local Goodwills for things I thought we could sell. At first I bought things I would wear in my size in case this fell apart. From my work experience and love of clothes. I started picking up brands I was familiar with.

• Lilly Pulitzer
• Anthropologie
• Free People
• Lululemon
• J. Crew

You can find high end items at Goodwill but it takes a lot of patience. Many days we would go home empty handed.

Sourcing is the fun part! A ton more work goes on behind the scenes. Listing items takes a ton of time; but I typically use Poshmark. It’s quick and easy. I will occasionally list on eBay, but I don’t like doing business with them as I feel like they never have the sellers back. But those are stories for another time.

I only sell things that I source at Goodwill, so you won’t see me buying out designer collabs at Target or other rare items.

If you’re interested anyone can do reselling! It’s relatively easy and I’m always happy to help you get started. The best way to start is following resellers on Instagram. I’ve learned so much from other resellers.

Two years later Aquabeau runs itself on autopilot. I source 2/3 days a week. I ship packages in the morning. Schedule a daily mail pickup. I do my bookkeeping on Fridays.

So of course I’ve picked up another side hustle: blogging. I started posting on Instagram in 2014 to share my love of Lilly Pulitzer and outfits. It grew slowly, but during shutdown last year its grown more than I ever expected. I love creating from outfits to crafts to toddler activities.

I certainly don’t make a ton of money blogging but I appreciate every single one of you who shops my affiliate links. I can’t wait to see where this side hustle takes me!

I love having side hustles. Especially since Sharkie is at school 3 days a week it’s nice to keep busy and pay for that Disney addiction.

If you’re looking for an unconventional side hustle you can totally do it! There are so many creative ways to earn money out there!