5 steps to turn a pastime to profit

Today it’s a hobby, tomorrow it could be your profession

Your thoughts (104)

Is there something that you’re really good at?

Whether it’s writing, drawing, taking beautiful pictures, cooking, plaiting hair, sewing, or even talking, you can make a living from it.

Want to know how? Keep reading.

Start with what you love
What do you really enjoy doing? Having a business can be a challenge sometimes. Doing something you love makes the hard work seem easier.

Get better
Practice it until you become very good. Find people already doing what you want to do. It might be an age mate, someone older, or even someone famous. Find out how they started and take lessons from their story. Find out more from books or online. Keep learning to get better.

Find your market
Who do you know who can make use of your skill? Ask your family and friends if they know anyone who would pay for what you do. Talk to these people about what they need and how much they would pay.

Tell people about it
Once you have decided you are ready, don’t be shy. Tell your family, friends, classmates, even the people in your compound. They can be your first customers. If you do a good job for them, they will tell other people. As you get more customers, make sure you ask them to tell their own friends and family.

Manage your money
Keep good records of what you make and what you spend. You started the business to make money for yourself, but don’t spend it all. Save some to buy tools or materials to make your business better.

Remember to stay safe! If you have to go to people’s houses or offices, do not go alone. If they come to your house, make sure someone you trust is always around. Do not keep too much money with you. Ask a trusted adult about opening a savings or mobile money account.

Want to read more inspiring stories like this one? Then head to our Springster Facebook page and connect with a community of girls just like you! - https://www.facebook.com/heyspringster

Share your feedback

Your thoughts

don't have financial support

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Black! Thanks for opening up with this comment. You can make money for yourself through so many ways. If you have a hobby or something you like to do, you can turn it into a business and make money out of it. For instance, you if you like to cook, you can prepare some food to sell to people, if you are really tidy and you always clean up after your siblings, you can clean houses in your neighborhood while you make some money or if you are good with taking care of kids, you can babysit in your community for some money. The list is endless... just think of what you really love to do and you will be able to make money out of it. We hope this helps.

I lik doing cooking

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

I love playing disco music

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Yes. Advicing people and helping them minimize their problem

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Mz22! That sounds like a counselor. That's really great. Keep up the good job.

lov babysitting how do i start

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

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Hey Black! That's great. First of all, you need the trust of the people in your community. Next, start with your younger ones and then walk up to the mums in your community and tell them what you do. Also write down a list of things you intend doing to engage the kids. Remember to take this list with you to show your potential clients. Start with a bonus to attract even more people. Finally, please make sure your environment is very neat too. We wish you all the best.

I love plaiting hair...I make people's hair especially my friends and get paid. How do I get more people to know about it and how do I resist from spending whatever profit I make?

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

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Hey Bhella! It's good to hear that you already have friends patronizing you. To get more people to know about your skill, try doing your work in the open so that people passing by can see you. Also, tell everyone you make hair for to refer you to someone. You can also go around your community telling everyone that you plait hair (you can do a door to door publicity for this). To save the money you make, why don't you try saving towards something. You can set a short term and long term saving plan. The short term plan for basic hair dressing tools (combs, cream, catalogs etc) while the long term plan for major equipment (dryer, weaves and attachments or even a shop). This will make you want to save even more. We hope this helps.

Me i like making people's nail and get paid.

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Peace! That's great to hear! Keep up the good job.

HEY I LIKE PLANTING PEOPLE HAIR

i love writing and debating. i have written a lot of books but dont have the means to publish it

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

please assist me

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

nice one. comfiscate it please.

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Pls help me

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

I love to have fun & help people

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

i love making hair nd writing stories

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey 12345! Thanks for the comment. You have really great talents already and so you have so many options to choose from. First of all, you need to pick out the one thing you love to do most and focus on it. Talk to your friends and members of your community about your talent. If you have to showcase what you do, please do that. The most important thing is; Do not keep quiet! Tell everyone you know about your skills and we are sure you will get referrals. We hope this helps.

help me plz

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

yes, my hubby can be my future. I Want To Become A Great Footballer And I Know One Day I Will Achieve It.Thanks Big Sis

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

I luv singing bt my mum is no in support bcoz f lack f funds

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

I love singing and writing stories.....how can I develop it

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey 5432! For writing, you can start by participating in our Your words competition where you stand a chance of winning airtime worth 500 naira. You can also participate in other writing competitions to gain confidence and also to reach a large audience. For singing, you can talk to small organisations around you that may need your service for events they may host. These organisations could be religious organisations, schools or even companies. We hope this helps.

Thanks big sister,how can I join the competition(Your word competition)

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey 5432! Scroll to the bottom of the page to where the instructions are for the Your words competition. Click on the icon that says "write your story" and it takes you to the page where you can write your story. After writing your story, click submit. We hope this helps.

Big sister please drop me ur phone number

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Unwise! Personal information such as phone numbers, addresses and locations are not allowed on this platform. If you have any questions for big sister, feel free to ask, no one judges anyone here. We hope this helps.

Big sister i sing in church but i dont know how to make everyone know me pls help me

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey girl! You are already known. For you to sing in the choir, people know you but maybe they are not just talking yet. Keep singing well and try to take solo's and we are sure more people will get to know you. You can also try to get invited to other churches in your neighborhood so that even more people will get to know about you. We hope this helps.

I am a good stylist, I love hair making the most

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

I can snap beautiful picture can I get work here...?

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

What if u don't have the chance and money to start can u guys help me please

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Rita0708! You do not necessarily need money to start something. You can make money for yourself through so many ways. If you have a hobby or something you like to do, you can turn it into a business and make money out of it. For instance, you if you like to cook, you can prepare some food to sell to people, if you are really tidy and you always clean up after your siblings, you can clean houses in your neighborhood while you make some money or if you are good with taking care of kids, you can babysit in your community for some money. The list is endless... just think of what you really love to do and you will be able to make money out of it. We hope this helps.

Big sister how will i know if i win any story?

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Exe! You will receive a call from a representative of GEM Nigeria if you win our your words competition. This is why it is important for you to always add your name and phone number at the end of your story.

Yes i do..i learnt bead-making..but not making anything out of it.. Uh,the materials,instrument and accesories are way too expensive

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Big sis is it possible to do two things at a time?I love giving counsels to people and also love dancing.

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

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Hey Pearl! Yes, you can. It is all about balance. As you know, there is time for everything. Schedule a time for counselling and also time for dancing. We believe in you and we are sure you will do a great job balancing both. We hope this helps.

Hi Big Sis Am A Stylist, I Just Open My Own Shop And I Have Nt Get Customer Pls What Should I Do?

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Sammy223! Have you tried door to door publicity? Go from house to house telling people that you just opened a salon. Also, be friendly with people in your community. If possible, make someone's hair for free just to show others how good you are. We hope this helps.

I know what I like doing, I love writing motiviational things and inspire poem, and i also love cooking

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

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Hey Favi! We love the fact that you know your area of strength. Keep working hard and writing. The sky is your starting point. You can also participate in our Your words competition where you stand a chance of winning airtime worth N500. You can also participate in other writing competitions to gain confidence and also to reach a large audience. We hope this helps.

Thanks big sis am gratful i will love be part of the competition

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Hey, what i really love doing would me doing makeup for people I'm 16 and I'm really good at it. I wouldn't want to be a makeup artist as my only profession that's why i came up with the idea of studying mass communication because i love it and i feel it's for me. I'd like to be a tv presenter too but not that it would be the only thing I'd do with makeup. What jobs are linked to mass communication in the media aspect ? Please I'd really love it if you give me advice and answers THANK YOU

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

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Hey Justzeebah! There are so many career choices for graduates of mass communication. Some of these include; TV presenter, radio presenter, journalist, writer, author, editor, reporter, public relations officer etc. It's up to you to make up your mind on what you will be most comfortable with. We hope this helps.

I am a writer and I need to publish my books but have no money can you help me

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Kobocity! You can start by participating in our Your words competition where you stand a chance of winning airtime worth N500. You can also participate in other writing competitions to gain confidence and also to reach a large audience who knows, you can also win prices through this medium. We hope this helps.

Hw do I join the your words competition

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Kobocity! Scroll to the bottom of the page to where the instructions are for the Your words competition. Click on the icon that says "write your story" and it takes you to the page where you can write your story. After writing your story, click submit. We hope this helps.

Am A Computerist But No Help

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

I know how to plait hair,draw and also write stories and i want to be a doctor after i finish my school.can i do all of them at once big sis

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Pinkybabe! Yes, you can. It is all about balance. As you know, there is time for everything. Schedule a time for everything you want to do. We believe in you and we are sure you will do a great job balancing everything. We hope this helps.

Same as me

thanks big sis for all d replies, and how can i join d competition

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

I make peanut Burger ,I started by taking it to church, I sell it at 50naira,when I saw how people love it I started making it in large quantity, nd I love my new business, praying to God to enlarge my coast so that my peanut will go round d world.

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

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Hey Tomiwa! This is so great to hear! We believe in you and we love to hear stories like this. Don't stop doing your business. See you at the top! Thanks for sharing this.

Heyy.....i can sing very well

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

how can someone completely make a hobby meaningful wen its so different from ur career choice. I can't join de two. singing, art works, designing nd writting books is difficult to manage with being a doctor. help me

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Casey! Yes dear, it will be difficult but it is very possible. Nothing good comes easy. Most successful people do not have just one source of income, they have SEVERAL streams of income so you can see that people are doing it and so that makes it very possible. Being a doctor is very demanding on it's own but once you are able to balance everything, you will see that it is do-able. The key words you need to have at the back of your mind are; PASSION, BALANCE and HARDWORK. We hope this helps.

casey dear, things could be difficult yes but all you need is focus,hardwork,believe and strenth which is the power to do it.Even falz he is a lawyer, comedian and an actor

I'm very outspoken

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

photography

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Very creative in designing clothes

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Writing

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Very good in sewing

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

I love making beaded neckpiece, but getting the market for it, is quite difficult 😢

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Temmylove! Have you tried looking for customers in your own circle/community? Make less expensive beads and show it to them (even if it is wrist bracelets… it is something tangible). You will be surprised at the number of people that will patronise you. We hope this helps

Very Gud With Music -

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Am very good at writing books I started writing book, novels at the age of 7... But still hoping one day i will publish my books

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Jane! That's great to hear! You can start by participating in writing competitions like our Your Words competition for free publicity and also gifts. Also, we advise that you submit your articles to media houses to publish. Most of them are open to accepting good articles. You do not always have to start with publishing a book, start with getting your work out and who knows who you get to meet. We wish you the very best!

i have de talent 4 writting novels and singing as well and have almost fifteen unpublished books 2 my credit but no one 2 sponsor me

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey bliss! That's great to hear! You can start by participating in writing competitions like our Your Words competition for free publicity and also gifts. Also, we advise that you submit your articles to media houses to publish. Most of them are open to accepting good articles. You do not always have to start with publishing a book, start with getting your work out and who knows who you get to meet. We wish you the very best!

Hey, big sis. Am new here. My talent is singing and I've composed lot's of Gospel songs but don't know the next step and also i don't have someone who will mentor me or sponsor me.

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

by everyone, am new here. am good at Beads making, operating computer, decorating. wat my next step.

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

hy everyone, am new here. am good at Beads making, operating computer, decorating. wat my next step.

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

I LOVE CLOTHES ALOT, I COMPLIMENT EVERY NICE DRESS, SKIRT, SHIRT ETC, MY PARENTS KNOW THAT BUT WON'T ALLOW ME GO LEARN HOW TO MAKE CLOTHES, THEY PREFER ME TEACHING IN OUR SCHOOL. I REALLY FEEL BAD, WHAT DO I DO NOW.

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

I love dancing a lot What do u really think I can do with it

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

i lv singing and dancing

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

i luv bakin nd decorating,nd i know hw 2 bake bu i dont know hw 2 decorate nd there is no money 2 finance it nd i ave checked everywhere but 2 no avai.wat should i dol

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey KIMMY! Thanks for the comment. We are so glad that you already know how to bake and we are so happy at the fact that you want to learn more. There are so many options and places for you to learn how to decorate online. All you need to do is to google it. The internet is a very good place for you to learn and we are sure that you will learn a lot there too. We hope this helps

Yes I have a dream on becoming a great Nollywood Actor that's my dream.

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

I want to go for catering school bt no money

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

I want to go for catering school bt no money

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

Latest Reply

like how

it work , thanks for that ideal

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

I love music ,I just love Art..but I don't even have a track, what should I do

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Frank! The fact that you love music does not mean that you must have a track. Loving music is very different from having a track. You can love music and not still have a track. We hope this helps

I love taking photos and videos abd will like to learn more

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

I LOVE PLAITING HAIR BUT MY FATHER WON'T ALLOW ME WORK,WHAT SHOULD I DO?

March 20, 2022, 7:56 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey ZINZI! Thanks for the comment. You do not have to work to make hair. You can make your friend's hair, neighbours and others and get paid for it in the comfort of your home. All you need to is to talk to your dad about this and we are sure he will allow you. You do not have to get a job in a salon to plait hair. We hope this helps

helo

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

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Hi mike.

hello

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

loving a girl but don't know how to approach her

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey juvendus! Thanks for the comment. We advise that you get to know her better before you admit how you feel about her. Love is deep... very deep and most times, we claim to love people when we do not even know them. So, be friends with her first and be friends too before you can know if you really like her or not. We hope this helps

I know how to sew ladies wears very well, but I dnt have sewing machine to work. Pls can any body help me?

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Josy! Thanks for the comment. We are always so happy when we hear that Springsters have skills and talents that are exceptional. You can ask an established tailor to give you some time to use on his/her sewing machine when he/she isn't so busy. You can also save towards getting your own sewing machine. We hope this helps

like rendering service to people but i do not know how to start it

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Gold! Thanks for the comment. What kind of service do you offer? Do you mind sharing? What you need is to tell as many people as possible about the service you offer. This is the first step. We hope this helps

i can make hair but i need money to buy baby so that i will practise more

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

I am very good at talking but I really don't know how to use that or if its of any advantage. Pls big sis what can I possibly make out of it?

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

I really love advising people., I love it when I impact knowledge on people.., I love speaking like someone who has got alot of experience and knowledge, but I don't know what I can make out of this as a profession

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.