When I first started my side hustle, I never imagined it would turn into a full-time job and result in the birth of Jelly South West. Like many others, I began with a passion and some hours around small children—something I enjoyed doing in my spare time while juggling being mum and a part time job. But as the hours went by and I dedicated more energy to my side project, I quickly realized something important: I had found my calling.
Here’s how my side hustle transformed into a full-time career:
The Start: A Small Spark
Like most side hustles, mine began with a simple idea—something I loved doing that I thought could help others. At first, it was just a way to make a little extra cash, a fun escape from my daily routine. I would stay up late, working on my project after kids gone to bed or on weekends, learning as I went. I was driven by the joy of the work itself.
What I didn’t expect was how quickly my side hustle would gain traction. Word spread, and soon enough, I had a few clients. The feedback was encouraging, and I began to see that what I was doing could be more than just a hobby—it could become a business.
I had trained as a Graphic designer, then spent many years living abroad as a scuba diving instructor / dive centre manager and through all this time, I continued to design on the side, but when I came back to the UK, had two children and had to then balance a secure income job, two small assistants (;)) and release some creativity, I turned back to design and creating new born cards and gifts. Tiny Feet Designs was born (…. to become Tiny Designs later as the side hustle developed.)
Finding the Balance
For months, I balanced my part-time job and kids with my side hustle, trying to manage both without burning out. It wasn’t easy. I often found myself juggling, missing quality family time, and sacrificing sleep. But there was one thing that kept me going: passion. My side hustle didn’t feel like work. It felt like an opportunity to pursue something that truly excited me.
I started becoming more intentional with my time. I streamlined processes, invested in tools to be more efficient, and set clear goals for my side hustle’s growth. It became less of a "side gig" and more of a "second job." I had a vision, and I was determined to make it work.
Taking the Leap: When It’s Time to Go Full-Time
Eventually, I faced a big decision when we moved to Devon: stay in my comfort zone with a steady pjob or take the leap and turn my side hustle into a full-time business that could fit around the demand of the kids. The decision wasn’t easy. I had financial considerations, risks to weigh, and a lot of self-doubt. But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became: if I didn’t take the leap now, I’d always wonder “what if?”
I took the plunge. I transitioned from being a part-time entrepreneur to running my business full-time. The shift was nerve-wracking at first, but it also felt liberating. No more late-night emails or squeezing in work between office hours—this was my chance to focus all my energy on building something I loved.
The Challenges of Going Full-Time
Going full-time wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were new challenges I hadn’t anticipated. Managing my own time, navigating the uncertainties of self-employment, and learning how to market my business effectively all took some getting used to. I had to figure out things like taxes, networking around kids, managing client relationships, and staying motivated without the structure of a regular job.
But with those challenges also came rewards. I had more freedom, flexibility, and control over my work. I could make decisions that aligned with my values and vision. Plus, every day felt like an opportunity to learn, grow, and create something meaningful.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
If you're thinking of turning your side hustle into a full-time job, here are a few things I’ve learned from my own journey:
Start with Passion: You need to love what you do, because it will take a lot of hard work to make it a success. Passion will fuel you through the tough days.
Set Clear Goals: When your side hustle grows, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Setting clear, measurable goals helps you stay focused and motivated.
Prepare for the Transition: Make sure you have a plan in place before going full-time. Financial stability, a solid client base, and the right mindset are key.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Whether it’s a mentor, a business coach, or just a friend for support, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
Embrace the Learning Curve: There will always be new things to learn, so embrace the process. Every setback is an opportunity for growth.
The Future: What’s Next?
Now that my side hustle is my full-time career, the journey is far from over. Every day is an opportunity to push my business forward, expand my services, and continue learning. I’m still figuring out the balance between work and life, but I know I am lucky.
But through my side hustle and adapting around me to support it, from setting up The Sidmouth Business Café, creating a local monthly networking meeting that worked around school drops offs and targeted other small businesses, this proved a huge success with discovery of so many others like me. (Breakfast and evening networking a no go with small kids.) and i started to create a name for myself.
From this, I was introduced to the Jelly Concept and Jelly South West (previosiuly East Devon Jelly) was born, before covid and co-working places then becoming the norm, Jelly’s were instrumental in creating free co-working spots (and collaborations) for fellow small businesses and freelancer’s, something Devon has many off- did you know 90% of businesses in Devon are micro businesses? Jelly South West (www.jellysouthwest.co.uk) continues but with a stronger focus on support and signposting.
Turning my side hustle into a full-time job wasn’t easy, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you're thinking of making the leap, know that it’s possible. With dedication, the right mindset, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your passion into your profession too.
I now focus my graphic design support and business advisory / mentor support for those side hustles, so if you have one already, or thinking of starting one, and not sure… talk to me, jump on zoom or grab a coffee and I am more than happy to help, signpost to funded support and advise.
Maybe you are on a similar journey, I’d love to hear about your side hustle stories in the comments below!
Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other along the way.
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