20 Ways to Make Money on Your Terms: For Women Who Dare to Dream

As a woman who made the bold decision to step away from a 35-year stable career in education to become a full-time life transformation coach and content creator, I understand the courage it takes to start a new journey.

I left behind my role as a Principal and embraced my calling to empower others, sharing my life lessons and spiritual insights with millions. This transition wasn’t just about a career change; it was a leap of faith, a shift from the known to the unknown, driven by my deep desire to make a meaningful impact.

Over the years, my viewers have appreciated my work, and many have reached out, saying, “Ma’am, you’ve inspired us so much. We want to do something too, but we don’t know where to start.”

So, to all the women out there—whether you’re a homemaker, a working professional looking to pivot, or a retiree with decades of wisdom—this is for you. It’s for every mother, grandmother, young woman, or anyone who has ever felt the spark to create something of their own, to earn without asking, to follow their passion, and to redefine their lives.

1. Teaching – Closest to My Heart

Teaching holds a special place in my heart. My journey as an educator began in the bustling corridors of schools, where each day brought a new lesson, not just for my students but for me as well. Teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge – it’s about shaping lives, building futures, and inspiring minds. It’s the profound satisfaction of seeing a student’s eyes light up when they grasp a concept, the quiet pride when a struggling learner finally finds their stride.

I remember when I first experimented with teaching through WhatsApp during Covid. I would share short video lessons, voice notes, and motivational messages with my students.

Now that the world has moved beyond the pandemic, we’ve realized the immense potential of online learning. If you cannot physically provide classes, you can still leverage platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or even WhatsApp to reach your students from anywhere in the world.

Tips for Success:

• Choose Your Niche: Focus on a subject you are passionate about, whether it’s math, language, history, or even life skills.
• Leverage Technology: Use platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or even WhatsApp to conduct live classes.
• Personalize Your Approach: Every student learns differently – be flexible and adaptive.
• Build a Community: Create WhatsApp or Telegram groups where you can share resources and stay connected.
• Crystal for Educators: Keep a piece of Blue Lace Agate close – it’s known to enhance communication, clarity, and calm, helping you connect with your students effectively.

Action Step: Start by offering a free introductory class to build your confidence and attract students.

2.Baking – Turning Passion into Profit

For those who find joy in the aroma of freshly baked cakes, cookies, and breads, baking can be a beautiful way to share your passion and earn at the same time. Baking is not just about mixing ingredients – it’s about crafting moments of happiness and spreading warmth.

A dear friend of mine, a passionate home baker, started her journey by baking cakes for family gatherings. She soon began taking pre-orders through her WhatsApp groups. Over time, her hobby turned into a full-time venture, with customers eagerly waiting for her special treats every weekend. Today, she not only bakes for birthdays and anniversaries but also offers themed dessert boxes during festivals.

With the rise of online food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, she now reaches a much larger audience, delivering fresh, homemade goodness to doorsteps across the city.

Tips for Success:

• Start Small: Offer a few signature items before expanding your menu.
• Build a Personal Brand: Use Instagram, Facebook, or even WhatsApp to share pictures, customer reviews, and baking tips.
• Focus on Quality: Freshness and taste are your biggest selling points.
• Leverage Festive Seasons: Create special menus for holidays like Diwali, Christmas, and Raksha Bandhan.
• Use Delivery Platforms: Consider partnering with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, or Dunzo to reach a wider audience. These platforms also offer visibility to local businesses.
• Crystal for Bakers: Keep Citrine in your baking space – it’s known as the “Merchant’s Stone,” promoting success, abundance, and creativity, helping you infuse your creations with positive energy.

Action Step: Create a simple menu and share it with your friends and family to kickstart your baking business.

Also read: How to Successfully Switch Careers at Any Age (Yes, Even in Your 50s!)

3. Gardening – Growing More Than Just Plants

Gardening is more than just a hobby – it’s a journey of nurturing life. For those with a green thumb, this can be a fulfilling way to earn while staying connected to nature. Whether you’re growing herbs, decorative succulents, or indoor plants, there’s a growing market for fresh, homegrown greenery.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on Niche Plants: Choose popular and easy-to-maintain varieties like succulents, air-purifying plants, or indoor herbs.
• Create Plant Care Guides: This adds value for your customers and sets you apart from competitors.
• Leverage Local Markets: Sell at local farmers’ markets or through neighborhood WhatsApp groups.
• Leverage the Urban Demand: Focus on promoting indoor plants as natural air purifiers, stress relievers, and home decor accents, making them perfect for city dwellers dealing with pollution.
• Add a Personal Touch: Handmade planters or personalized plant labels can enhance your product’s appeal.
• Crystal for Gardeners: Keep Green Aventurine in your garden or near your planting area – it’s known as the “Stone of Growth,” attracting abundance, prosperity, and a flourishing environment for your plants.

Action Step: Start by propagating a few easy-to-grow plants like snake plants or aloe vera and share their journey on social media.

4. Knitting and Sewing – Crafting with Love

Knitting and sewing are timeless crafts that carry the warmth of tradition. These skills not only produce beautiful creations but also connect us to the hands that made them.

I once came across a beautiful hand-knitted cardigan on Instagram. When I reached out, I learned it was crafted by a grandmother in her late 70s. Despite her age, she managed to knit three to four pieces every month, earning a steady income. On the day Nitty Gritty with Dr. Neeti Kaushik hit 1 million subscribers, I chose to wear one of her creations, a gesture that brought both of us immense joy.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship: Use high-quality yarn and pay attention to detail.
• Leverage Social Media: Instagram and Pinterest are excellent platforms for showcasing handmade creations.
• Offer Customization: Personalized items like baby blankets, scarves with initials, or hand-knitted sweaters can be a big hit.
• Tell Your Story: Share the inspiration behind your creations to connect with your audience emotionally.
• Crystal for Crafters: Keep Rose Quartz in your crafting space – it enhances creativity, patience, and infuses your handmade creations with love and positive energy.

Action Step: Create a small batch of products and share them with friends or family to gather initial feedback.

5. Home-Cooked Food – Sharing the Taste of Love

Cooking is a beautiful way to share your love with the world. Many of us have that one special dish that everyone in the family craves, whether it’s a spicy pickle, rich ladoos, or traditional snacks. If you’re known for your culinary skills, why not turn this passion into a profitable business?

Today, there’s a significant demand for homemade food, especially in cities where countless people live away from their families, longing for the taste of home. There are also busy professionals who simply don’t have the time to cook but crave fresh, wholesome meals. Recognizing this, many food delivery platforms are now collaborating with home-based chefs, allowing them to reach a larger audience without the need for a physical restaurant.

Tips for Success:

• Start Small: Offer a few signature dishes that you excel at.
• Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: This is your biggest selling point.
• Package Thoughtfully: Beautiful packaging adds a special touch and justifies premium pricing.
• Leverage Local Networks: Use WhatsApp groups, community pages, or even word of mouth to spread the word.
• Share Your Story: People love a good story behind the food. Share your journey, family traditions, and personal recipes to create a deeper connection with your customers.
• Crystal for Home Chefs: Keep Carnelian in your kitchen – it boosts creativity, passion, and warmth, infusing your dishes with the vibrant energy of love and nourishment.

Action Step: Create a simple menu of your best dishes and share it with your contacts. Consider offering samples to gather initial feedback.

6. Daycare Services – Nurturing the Next Generation

If you have a genuine love for children and a bit of extra space at home, starting a daycare can be a deeply fulfilling venture. It’s not just about earning an income – it’s about providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and grow. You’re not just a caregiver but a crucial part of a child’s early development, offering peace of mind to working parents.

A dear family friend of mine transformed a portion of her home into a cozy daycare. She started with just two kids, focusing on a homely, personalized approach. Over time, her daycare grew, with children returning year after year and parents referring her to others. Today, she offers both full-day care and after-school services, helping kids with their homework and providing a safe space for them to unwind.

Tips for Success:

• Safety First: Ensure your space is childproofed, clean, and equipped with age-appropriate toys.
• Create a Routine: Kids thrive on structure, so plan daily activities like storytime, art, and outdoor play.
• Communicate with Parents: Regular updates, photos, or even a WhatsApp group can help build trust.
• Get the Right Licenses: Depending on your location, you might need a childcare license.
• Crystal for Daycare Providers: Keep Moonstone close – it’s known for its nurturing, calming energy, promoting patience and emotional balance, perfect for those caring for little ones.

Action Step: Start by offering babysitting services or short-term daycare to gain experience and build trust.

7. Crafting and Handicrafts – Unleash Your Creativity

Crafting is a beautiful way to turn your creative passion into a profitable business. Whether it’s handcrafted candles, painted diyas, personalized gift hampers, or macramé wall hangings, handmade items carry a special charm that mass-produced goods simply can’t match.

And I’m sure you’ve seen similar businesses on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook, where creative minds sell everything from custom candles and resin art to handcrafted jewelry and personalized home decor.

Tips for Success:

• Start with a Signature Product: Choose one or two items you’re passionate about and perfect them before expanding.
• Leverage Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are excellent platforms to showcase your work.
• Offer Seasonal Collections: Create special products for festivals like Diwali, Christmas, or Raksha Bandhan.
• Focus on Packaging: Beautiful packaging can elevate your brand and create a memorable unboxing experience.
• Crystal for Crafters: Keep Carnelian in your workspace – it’s known as the stone of creativity and motivation, helping you bring your artistic visions to life with passion and confidence.

Action Step: Create a small batch of your best-selling products and share them with friends or family for feedback.

8. Selling Used Books – Sharing Knowledge, Earning Profits

If you’re a book lover like me, you probably have a collection of pre-loved books that have filled your shelves over the years. Selling these books can be a wonderful way to share knowledge, declutter your space, and earn a bit of extra cash. Plus, you’re giving each book a second life and a new home.

A friend of mine recently decided to clear out her extensive book collection. She started by listing her books on second-hand marketplaces and within weeks had made enough to fund her next reading spree. What started as a simple decluttering exercise quickly turned into a side hustle, connecting her with fellow book lovers.

Tips for Success:

• Organize and Categorize: Group your books by genre, author, or language to make it easier for buyers to browse.
• Leverage Online Marketplaces: Use platforms like Amazon, eBay, or specialized book selling sites like BookChor or PustakKosh.
• Create a Personal Touch: Include a handwritten note or bookmark to make the experience special for your buyers.
• Host a Virtual Book Sale: Use Instagram or Facebook Live to showcase your collection.
• Crystal for Book Sellers: Keep Fluorite nearby – it enhances focus, clarity, and intellectual growth, helping you connect readers with the perfect books and create a thriving book-selling venture.

Action Step: Start by listing a few of your best-condition books online and see the response.

9. Blogging and Content Creation – Sharing Your Voice with the World

Blogging is one of the most powerful ways to share your voice, ideas, and experiences with a global audience. It’s not just about writing – it’s about building a community, sharing knowledge, and potentially earning through ads, sponsorships, and digital products.

Tips for Success:

• Choose a Niche: Focus on a topic you’re passionate about, whether it’s travel, wellness, personal finance, or parenting.
• Consistency is Key: Regularly publish high-quality content to build a loyal readership.
• Monetize Strategically: Use Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts to generate income.
• Engage with Your Readers: Respond to comments, host live sessions, and build a community around your blog.
• Crystal for Bloggers and Content Creators: Keep Lapis Lazuli close – it’s known to enhance communication, creativity, and self-expression, empowering you to share your authentic voice with confidence.

Action Step: Start by writing a few posts on topics you’re passionate about and share them with friends or on social media for initial feedback.

10. YouTube Channel – Share Your Expertise

Starting a YouTube channel is more than just creating videos; it’s about sharing your knowledge, passion, and creativity with the world. Whether you’re passionate about cooking, teaching, fitness, or even niche subjects like astrology or spirituality, YouTube offers a global platform to connect with like-minded individuals.

Let’s take a look at Nitty Gritty with Dr. Neeti Kaushik. By combining my love for personal growth, spirituality, and life lessons, I’ve built a community of over 1.3 million active followers. It wasn’t an overnight success, but rather a journey of consistency, understanding my audience’s needs, and staying authentic to my values.

Tips for Starting:

• Find Your Niche: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s important to define your specific expertise. For instance, if you’re a life coach, create content around personal development, growth, manifestation, and well-being.
• Consistency is Key: Consistent uploads keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create videos based on their requests.
• Optimize for Search: Use the right keywords in your video title, description, and tags to ensure that your videos are discoverable.
• Crystal for YouTubers: Keep Clear Quartz nearby – it amplifies energy and clarity, helping you communicate your message clearly and attract positive vibes to grow your channel.

Action Step: Start by uploading your first video, no matter how basic it may seem. You’ll learn and improve as you go.

11. Art and Painting – Express Your Creativity

Art is a beautiful form of expression, and the world is always looking for new, unique pieces. Whether you’re creating abstract paintings, landscapes, portraits, or digital artwork, there are numerous platforms where you can sell your work, from Etsy to local galleries.

A client – or should I say a close student of mine – an incredibly talented artist, began sharing her vibrant water color paintings on Instagram. Today, her Instagram page is growing day by day, with a loyal community that admires her unique style. She now conducts workshops, teaching others the art of water color painting, helping them discover their own creative voices while turning her passion into a thriving business.

Platforms like Instagram have given countless artists the opportunity to share their work, connect with like-minded creators, and build a global audience. With a little consistency and creativity, what starts as a small hobby can blossom into a successful venture.

Tips for Success:

• Show Behind-the-Scenes: Share the creative process to build a deeper connection with your audience.
• Create Limited Editions: This creates a sense of exclusivity around your work.
• Collaborate: Work with other artists or influencers to expand your reach.
• Join Art Communities: Sites like DeviantArt and Behance can help you connect with potential buyers.
• Conduct Workshops or Classes: Whether online or offline, teaching others the skills you’ve mastered is a great way to share your knowledge and create an additional revenue stream.
• Crystal for Artists and Painters: Keep Azurite close – it stimulates creativity, intuition, and artistic inspiration, helping you bring your visions to life with vibrant energy and clarity.

Action Step: Create an online portfolio or social media page and start sharing your creations regularly.

12. Voiceover Artist – Use Your Voice to Earn

Voiceover work is a hidden gem that many overlook. From audio books to animated films, podcasts, and online courses, the demand for talented voice-over artists is growing rapidly. If you have a distinct, clear, and expressive voice, you can monetize it by offering voice-over services.

Tips for Success:

• Train Your Voice: Just like an actor, a voice-over artist needs to warm up their voice and practice modulation.
• Create a Demo Reel: This is essential to showcase your range and talent to potential clients.
• Use Freelance Platforms: Websites like Fiverr or Voices.com are great places to start.
• Specialize: Consider specializing in one area, like children’s audio books or corporate videos, to stand out.
• Crystal for Voiceover Artists: Keep Amazonite nearby – it supports clear communication, calms the mind, and boosts confidence, helping you deliver your voice with ease and authenticity.

Action Step: Practice by reading different types of content aloud, from news articles to novels, to improve your versatility.

13. Photography – Capturing Moments for Others

Photography is an art that lets you freeze a moment in time. Whether you’re capturing weddings, corporate events, or portraits, the ability to tell a story through your lens is invaluable. Moreover, you can sell your photos to stock photography websites or work as a freelancer.

One of my son’s friend started taking pictures at local events and gradually built a photography business. Over time, they began selling their stock images online, allowing them to build passive income.

Tips for Success:

• Invest in Good Equipment: While your phone camera can work for social media, investing in a professional camera is essential if you want to go beyond the basics.
• Create an Online Portfolio: Showcase your best work in a professional portfolio. Websites like SmugMug or 500px are ideal for this.
• Network: Attend events, join photography groups, and collaborate with other creatives.
• Understand Lighting and Composition: These are key elements that make a great photograph.
• Crystal for Photographers: Keep Smoky Quartz close – it grounds your energy, enhances focus, and helps you see things clearly through your lens, capturing the perfect moments every time.

Action Step: Start by offering free shoots to friends or family to build your portfolio.

14. Freelance Consulting – Share Your Expertise

If you have years of experience in a particular field, why not turn that expertise into a consultancy? Consulting can be highly rewarding as it allows you to use your knowledge to help businesses or individuals solve problems and reach their goals.

A former colleague of mine, who was an HR specialist, started offering consulting services to small businesses. She now helps organizations streamline their HR processes and has built a thriving consulting business.

Tips for Success:

• Define Your Niche: Focus on your area of expertise and avoid trying to be everything to everyone.
• Leverage Your Network: Your professional connections can be an excellent source of clients.
• Offer Free Content: Webinars, blog posts, or free consultations can be an effective way to establish yourself as an expert.
• Set Clear Pricing and Expectations: Be transparent about your rates and what clients can expect from your services.
• Crystal for Freelance Consultants: Keep Tiger’s Eye nearby – it enhances confidence, focus, and decision-making, helping you present your expertise with clarity and attract success.

Action Step: Start by offering free advice or consultations to build credibility in your niche.

15. Makeup Artist – Beautifying the World

The beauty industry is booming, and makeup artistry is a great way to express your creativity while helping others feel more confident. As a makeup artist, you can offer services for weddings, photoshoots, fashion shows, or even teach others through online tutorials.

Tips for Success:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your work on Instagram or a personal website.
• Offer Online Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube and Instagram Live are great for reaching a wider audience.
• Network with Event Planners and Photographers: This can help you get gigs for weddings or photoshoots.
• Stay Updated on Trends: The beauty industry evolves quickly, so stay updated on the latest makeup techniques and products.
• Crystal for Makeup Artists: Keep Rose Quartz close – it radiates self-love, beauty, and harmony, inspiring you to enhance natural beauty with compassion and creativity.

Action Step: Begin with a few free sessions for friends or family to refine your skills and build a reputation.

16. Copywriting and Content Writing – Power of Words

If you have a talent for writing, copywriting and content writing can be incredibly lucrative. Many businesses are looking for writers to help them craft compelling blog posts, marketing materials, social media content, and product descriptions.

One of my clients, a talented writer, started by offering blog writing services to small businesses. They soon found clients who needed more extensive content, like eBooks and course material. Today, they are a sought-after freelance writer.

Tips for Success:

• Create a Writing Portfolio: A solid portfolio can help you land better-paying gigs.
• Specialize in One Niche: Consider focusing on a particular industry, like health, tech, or finance, to become an expert.
• Pitch Your Services: Don’t wait for clients to come to you—actively reach out to businesses or individuals in need of your services.
• Use Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork and Freelancer can connect you with potential clients.
• Crystal for Copywriters and Content Writers: Keep Citrine nearby – it sparks creativity, boosts confidence, and attracts abundance, helping your words flow effortlessly and impactfully.

Action Step: Start writing blog posts or articles on platforms like Medium or your own website to build your portfolio.

17. Healer and Life Coach – Guiding Others to Transform Their Lives

If you have a deep understanding of human emotions, spiritual growth, and the power of positive thinking, becoming a healer or life coach can be a profoundly fulfilling career. It’s about helping others find clarity, overcome challenges, and align their lives with their true purpose.

When I started my journey as a life coach and healer, I realized the immense impact of guiding others through their personal transformations. Today, I have a thriving community of like-minded souls who seek guidance on everything from manifesting their dreams to finding inner peace. My courses, workshops, and personalized sessions have not only allowed me to share my knowledge but also to connect deeply with those who resonate with my message.

Tips for Success:

• Develop Your Niche: Focus on a specific area, like manifestation, chakra healing, emotional resilience, or spiritual growth.
• Offer Online and Offline Sessions: Use platforms like Zoom, Instagram, or even WhatsApp to reach a wider audience.
• Build a Personal Brand: Share your journey, insights, and success stories to build trust and connect authentically with your audience.
• Host Workshops and Retreats: These can be powerful ways to build a community and create lasting connections.
• Create Digital Products: Offer courses, e-books, or guided meditations to reach a global audience and create passive income streams.
• Crystal for Healers and Life Coaches: Keep Amethyst close – it enhances intuition, spiritual connection, and calming energy, helping you guide others with clarity and compassion.

Action Step: Start by creating small, focused workshops or one-on-one coaching sessions, and gradually expand as you gain experience and confidence.

18. Freelance Digital Marketer – Helping Businesses Grow Online

In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes need a strong online presence. If you understand social media, SEO, content creation, and digital advertising, this could be a highly lucrative option. As a digital marketer, you can work with startups, small businesses, or established brands to boost their visibility and attract more customers.

Tips for Success:

• Stay Updated: The digital world changes rapidly, so continuous learning is essential.
• Specialize in a Niche: Whether it’s Instagram growth, LinkedIn networking, or YouTube strategy, find your area of expertise.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work through case studies and client testimonials.
• Network: Join online forums, attend webinars, and connect with fellow marketers to stay ahead.
• Crystal for Freelance Digital Marketers: Keep Labradorite nearby – it boosts creativity, intuition, and protection, helping you craft innovative strategies and navigate the digital world with confidence.

19. Personal Fitness Trainer – Inspiring a Healthier Lifestyle

If you’re passionate about fitness and wellness, becoming a personal trainer can be incredibly rewarding. You can offer one-on-one sessions, group classes, or even online coaching. With the rise of fitness apps and virtual workouts, there’s never been a better time to share your expertise.

One of my students started her journey as a yoga instructor during the pandemic, conducting classes over Zoom. Today, she runs her own wellness brand, offering online courses, in-person retreats, and personalized health plans.

Tips for Success:

• Get Certified: Invest in a professional certification to boost your credibility.
• Create a Personal Brand: Share your fitness journey, tips, and client transformations on social media.
• Leverage Technology: Use apps like Zoom or Instagram Live to reach a wider audience.
• Host Workshops and Challenges: These can be great for building a community and attracting new clients.
• Crystal for Personal Fitness Trainers: Keep Carnelian close – it energizes motivation, boosts endurance, and inspires confidence, helping you and your clients stay driven toward health goals.

20. Social Media Manager – Turning Engagement into Earnings

If you have a knack for creating engaging content and understanding online trends, consider becoming a social media manager. Businesses are constantly looking for creative minds to manage their online presence, grow their follower base, and increase engagement.

Tips for Success:

• Master Multiple Platforms: Understand the nuances of different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Analyze Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by tracking social media trends and algorithm changes.
• Create a Portfolio: Showcase your work through before-and-after case studies.
• Offer Specialized Services: Like content planning, ad management, or influencer collaborations to stand out.
• Crystal for Social Media Managers: Keep Pyrite nearby – it boosts confidence, willpower, and abundance, helping you magnetize engagement and turn likes into revenue.

I hope you found these ideas inspiring and insightful. Remember, it’s not just about reading through this list, but about taking action. Decide on your next step today. If you already have the knowledge and skills, start now – take one step at a time.

And if you don’t feel fully prepared yet, that’s okay too. There are countless resources available, from free YouTube tutorials to online courses, that can help you master these skills and turn your passion into profit.

Wishing you all the success on your journey. I’ll be waiting to hear your success story. Until then, keep believing in yourself, keep learning, and most importantly, keep moving forward.

With love,
Dr. Neeti Kaushik

For more information visit our YouTube Channel “Nitty Gritty With Dr Neeti Kaushik”