Hustle: successes and failures

Trying out different side hustles has been an interesting journey for me. I've had both successes and failures, each teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

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One side hustle I attempted but didn't succeed in was charging phones and selling phone accessories. At first, it seemed like a promising idea. I noticed a demand for phone charging services, especially in public places like parks and events where people needed to top up their battery. Additionally, selling phone accessories like chargers, cases, and screen protectors seemed like a natural extension of this service.

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Despite the initial excitement, I soon encountered several challenges.
First, there was significant competition in the market. Many businesses and individuals were already offering similar services, making it difficult to stand out.
Second, the profit margins were lower than I anticipated. With the cost of purchasing accessories and maintaining charging stations, it was challenging to make a decent profit.
Third, due to increment in the price of fuel, it was really difficult to keep charging because at the end of the day the money for fuel won't be recovered.
Lastly, managing the logistics of keeping charging stations stocked and operational proved to be more time-consuming than I anticipated.

The experience left me feeling frustrated and disillusioned. Despite my efforts to identify a market need and offer a valuable service, I couldn't overcome the obstacles that came with this particular side hustle. However, I learned valuable lessons about market research, competition analysis, and the importance of realistic profit margins.

On the other hand, one side hustle that did work for me was selling snacks. It started almost as a hobby – I enjoyed baking and cooking, and I noticed a demand for homemade snacks among my friends and colleagues. So, I decided to turn this passion into a small business.

I started by offering a variety of homemade snacks, including cookies, brownies, and energy bars, to friends, family, and coworkers. To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the idea of having access to freshly baked treats made with high-quality ingredients.

As the word spread, I began receiving orders from beyond my immediate circle, including local businesses, schools, and community events. I expanded my offerings to include customized gift baskets and catering services for parties and gatherings.

Selling snacks brought me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that I hadn't experienced with my previous side hustle attempts. I enjoyed the creative process of developing new recipes and packaging designs, as well as the interactions with customers who appreciated my products.

Moreover, the financial rewards were significant. The profit margins were higher than with my previous side hustle, allowing me to reinvest in the business and expand my offerings further.

Selling snacks not only provided a source of additional income but also brought me joy and a sense of accomplishment. It taught me the importance of pursuing something I was passionate about and leveraging my skills and interests to create a successful side hustle.

this is my entry for Hive naija weekly prompt