If you’re looking for a new career, there are many different options available. You could start an online store, sell handmade goods, or even become a freelance writer. There are also many ways to earn money through side hustles. For example, you could offer your services as a virtual assistant, tutor, or babysitter.
Women have many options when it comes to starting a business. There are plenty of ways to earn money while still staying true to yourself. Here are some great business ideas for women that will help you get started.
Business Ideas for Women
If you are looking for a home-based business that will allow you to work from home, then this is the best article for you. We’ve compiled a list of over 40 high-paying businesses for women who want to start their own home-based businesses. These are all legitimate ways to make money online by working from home as a woman.
1. Clothing Business
The clothing business trend is catching on among women. With a little investment, many women started their businesses from home. Some creative women with a vision started their own clothing brands.
The clothing industry offers many small business opportunities. You can have a start from a simple printed apparel store to creating your own clothing brand, depending upon the investment you have.
These are the clothing and apparel products you should consider when you’re thinking to clothe business:
- Short Sleeve Shirts
- Long Sleeve Shirts
- Hoodies
- Pants/Leggings
- Dresses
- Lingerie/Underwear/Socks
You may need: clothing business names
Women entrepreneurs look at these things when starting a new business:
- Businesses with growing potential
- Small businesses with high-profit margin
- Businesses with low startup costs
- Small businesses with high capital growth
2. Foodservice business
One of the most suitable business ideas for women is a food service business. If you’re a woman who loves to cook, no one can stop you from becoming a food entrepreneur.
All you need is some space for cooking and serving if you’re not planning to have a mobile food service. You can cook anything that has some demand in your area.
These are a few industry trends that you should know:
- Food trucks, carts, and kiosks are popular because of their mobility and recognizable menu.
- Nutrition-conscious customers prefer fresh and locally sourced food with low fats.
- Often families go out for dinner and so you can consider something that would interest children.
If you buy your food from a restaurant or a cafeteria, you are part of the $1 trillion food service industry. This includes restaurants, school meals, and other establishments that serve food and beverages to customers. With so many people relying on food service providers, the food service industry is a huge business!
By serving food to paying customers, the food service business can be profitable, but it takes hard work and smart planning to keep people coming in to your establishment!
Related: Food Business Ideas
3. Graphics designing
Every company needs a graphic designer. That’s why there is always a good room available for creative graphic designers. If you are a graphic designer, you need to create graphics that stand out from the crowd. Most graphic designs grab the attention of a target audience because they are trying to sell a product or a service.
The better part is, even if you do not work under someone, you can start freelance graphic designing and do work as much as you want.
You’ll need to create a portfolio and make yourself enough popular to get big projects. It requires creative minds and is one of the top home-based business ideas for moms.
The question is how do you get started?
If you’re new and want to learn graphic design, you’ll find this book worth reading: “White Space Is Not Your Enemy: A Beginner’s Guide to Communicating Visually Through Graphic, Web & Multimedia Design”.
You can also look for premium video courses on Udemy for graphic design.
There are chances that may know the work, have a portfolio, but know where to get projects. If it so, you can sign up for freelance sites right now. Some of the most popular sites that will help you get projects faster are UpWork, Fiverr, 99design, and DesignCrowd.
4. Sewing business
If you enjoy sewing, creating designs, or performing alterations, starting a sewing business could be the best idea for you. Depending on the skills you have, you can get projects of different types including dressmaking, costume design, embroidery service, and clothing repair.
Sewing is one of the most enjoyable hobbies, either as a recreation or as a future business. You already know the fun and happiness involved in making clothing from scratch if you’re already a sewing-enthusiast.
If you’re a beginner, focus on learning skills, getting experience, and making your business known out there. If you do great work and charge reasonably, you’ll find more and more customers every month.
Try to keep yourself up to date with fashion and sewing trends, so that you could communicate with potential customers and make them happy customers.
More: Small Town Business Ideas That Thrive
5. Photography business for woman
Do you love photography? Maybe you’re a family photographer but you haven’t considered photography to earn money from? Have you? If you know the art of photography, believe me, it is something that can pay you off significantly.
You can get started by just buying a camera plus accessories. We recommend you Nikon D850 plus camera body for stunning quality images and excellent performance.
When you get into the business, you’ll have to build a portfolio of your business. Initially, find out local customers who might want your help with photographs at weddings, celebrations, parties, and other special occasions.
Use social media to let more people know about your photography services. Make a Facebook page and an Instagram profile where you upload high-quality pictures taken by your camera.
There are a few other options you can opt for once you’re in the business:
- You can offer your photography services to the real estate agents who would want pictures of their new listings for their sites.
- Submit your pictures to magazines and press. E.g. The Sun Magazine
- You can upload your images to online photography sites and get paid. For example, Shutterstock.
Recommended: Photography Business Ideas
6. Interior designer
If you a creative person and would love to decorate rooms, interior designing could be a profitable business idea for you.
You’ll have to select and blend color, fabrics, furniture, lighting as per client wishes. Most of your clients will be residential or commercial property owners.
What is the best business for a woman to start? These are the top small business ideas for women:
- Blogging.
- Affiliate Marketing.
- Freelance Writing.
- Proofreader.
- Bookkeeper
- Social media influencer.
- Sell on Amazon.
- Life Coach.
However, institutions, hotels, restaurants, and office owners would also need your designing services.
It isn’t a bad idea to have a location-based office where you’ll be able to talk to your clients, show them your sample book of fabrics, and other work you could do.
7. Yoga training
The greatest gift you can give to yourself is the yoga training. And yoga is a lifestyle, a way of living and a way of thinking not just some kind of exercising.
Yoga preparation helps you stay well and helps you achieve both your goals and goals. Several women’s yoga sessions have poured extra pounds and better sleep and get the right mental balance.
Many people want to do yoga to keep themselves healthy. If you’re one of them and know this art, you could teach it and earn money out of it. You do not need a studio, you can start from your home. It is a great business idea for ladies sitting at home. You not only earn money but also keep yourself busy in a healthy activity.
At the beginning of your yoga training, you won’t earn big money. Only your students will pay you. But as soon as you find a good number of students, you’ll start getting sponsorship too.
8. Blogging
Blogging is about making money from ads and affiliates programs. It is one of the most suitable business ideas for women at home. The good part is that you can work flexibly as per your wish.
Women entrepreneurs have plenty of reasons to pursue writing. Blogging is the least expensive way to advertise your business on the Internet. Your time and efforts are not needed to get a blog up and running. So, for example, if you registered a domain name for $10 per year, you are prepared to go.
Many “stay at home” moms are making between $1K to $50K every month. You can too, right? The question is how do you get started? All you need is to build a website and write articles about anything you like. Once you become able to bring enough visitors every month, you’ll start earning.
Certainly, it is going to take some time to earn. And you’ll have to learn a lot of new things related to this field if you haven’t already. So, make a good plan before jumping into it.
9. Dog walking and pet sitting
This is yet another small business idea for women that has no startup costs. Dog walking and pet sitting are both great side hustles, and your local community will probably welcome the extra attention. Dog walking services in particular can be a great way to make money on days when you just don’t feel like going into an office.
If you’re looking for businesses that can offer you a steady income, consider per sitting. It is about sitting with pets, feeding them, taking care, and walking.
You can also think of selling dog’s food (or pet’s food) and offering grooming and training services. Maybe you love puppies, but the business requires hard work. You’ll need to do a great job to attract more and more clients.
If you do not have any experience in this field, you could talk to existing businesses in the animal industry. You do not need any startup capital, however, you can have a hard time finding your first client.
10. Home-based chef business idea
Have you ever considered teaching people how to cook? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Think of it now! It’s a good way to earn money and meet new people.
It is amongst the easy home based business ideas for housewives. You’ll need to buy ingredients and cooking utensils. And you may also need to advertise to get people’s attention.
One another way to getting visibility is to record your sessions and upload them online on YouTube. You’ll get students and earn money as well.
What are the most successful small businesses? Most profitable small businesses for women are:
- Bookkeeping and Accounting.
- Consulting Business.
- Courses in Other Hobbies.
- Graphic Design.
- Marketing Copywriter.
- Personal Wellness.
- Social Media Management.
- Virtual Assistant Services.
11. Wedding planning
Wedding planning is a popular, and exciting field. But the work may require experience and good startup capital.
So, if you’re interested in wedding planning, you’ll have to get some experience by working for a catering company.
Once you have enough experience, you can get your own business started. You’ll require several employees. The weddings may involve different protocols and traditions for which you and your team will create and manage the timeline.
What business is good for beginners women entrepreneurs? Small business ideas for women at home
are:
- Virtual Assistant Services.
- Social Media Management.
- Personal Wellness.
- Marketing Copywriter.
- Graphic Design.
- Courses in Other Hobbies.
- Consulting Business.
- Bookkeeping and Accounting.
Once you have a few contracts on your portfolio, you’ll be able to get more and more events to plan. You can get clients online by publishing your portfolio.
12. Soap making
If you’re thinking to manufacture a product on a large scale, soap and related product can be a good choice. You’ll have to plan soaps, as per your formula.
Once the product is ready to be sent to the market, it’s the time to market. Run ads campaign on TV, newspaper, and Social media ads.
The traditional marketing tactics, including banners, flyers, and door-to-door campaign can also help. Your products must be available in cosmetic shops, spas, boutiques, e-commerce stores, wholesale markets.
The easier it is for the people to buy, the better it will be. And you’ll find a loyal customer base soon if you’re making quality soap.
How do I start a small business from scratch? How to start a business from scratch:
- Start with a good business idea.
- Conduct research about your business idea.
- Write a business plan.
- Make your new business official.
- Know your finances.
- Protect your business.
- Build your business.
Further Reading: Small Scale Manufacturing Business Ideas
13. Affiliate marketing
It is a home-based business idea that falls under blogging. It is actually selling other’s products and getting a commission out of it.
You can do blogging/vlogging and earn money as an affiliate marketer. If you have a blog or a YouTube Channel, you might recommend some products to your audience.
And if they buy the product, the product seller will earn money.
But the sale was possible due to you, so to benefit you the product owners will give you a commission. And this is how you earn through affiliate marketing. It is easy if you’re a good writer or well-known YouTuber.
14. Life coach
Do you enjoy helping people? If yes, you might be interested in becoming a life coach.
As a life coach, you can charge between $70 to $260, depending on what you offer, whether group coaching or 1 to 1 coaching.
Natalie Bacon became a life coach, and she is making seven-figure income, so can you. But you must make your market first.
What services are in high demand for women entrepreneur? High paying small business ideas for women are:
- Accounting and tax advice.
- Consulting
- Legal Businesses
- Marketing
- Web and app design.
- HR and Recruting
- Writing and translating.
If you’re new and looking for helpful resources, “Coaching Skills Training Course” is highly recommended.
15. Teach or tutor
Teaching is another home-based business idea for moms. You can either spare a room in your home for students or opt home tuitions.
If you teach a group of students in your home, you’ll charge less and will need to get a good number of students to make a decent income.
On the other hand, if you choose home tuition, you’ll charge high and you can earn sufficient money from a couple of students.
There is one another option that you can also consider. I.e. online tutoring. It is a trending business idea and many teachers are opting for them over traditional teaching.
Unlike home-based tuitions, online tutoring is easy to start. You can join popular online tutoring sites (VIPKids and Tutor.com ) today.
Recommended: Online Business Ideas for Beginners
16. Owning rental properties
Did you ever think of making money while you sleep? Passive income from rental properties is a cool business idea. How much you make money depends on the items you choose to buy.
Now, the question is: what items to buy for rental purposes? It depends on your pocket. And of course, it’s better if you choose products you feel interested in. You’ll also use them and feed your interest.
For example, if you’re a photography lover, you can buy a camera for rental purposes! Whenever you’re free you could just take outstanding photos and upload them on your social media page. You can become a social media influencer this way, which can give you big sponsorships too.
Other rental properties include house, cars, furniture, popcorn machines, construction machinery, and party supplies, etc.
Related: Construction business Ideas
17. Freelance writing
Maybe you’re a hardworking woman looking for businesses with unlimited earning potential. If yes, freelance writing is for you.
You can work hard to achieve your earning goals while you’re flexible in hours of work and projects. Join UpWork and search for jobs:
- Send proposals on the projects that interest you.
- Avoid sending proposals more than you can handle.
- Initially, look for building your portfolio, not just making money.
- Once you’re an expert in writing, opt to go for big projects only.
You do not need to join Upwork. You can find freelance writing jobs on other popular freelance sites, including Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelance.
18. Start a laundry business
Laundry business is among the profitable small business ideas. But it is suitable for active and physically fit people. So, if you’re looking for less physical work, laundry isn’t suitable for you.
Laundry is an ongoing chore, but not everyone has time for it. That’s the reason people are paying money for it. When you’re planning to start, make sure you conduct a comprehensive research. This is because it might not work in some places. For example, most people in small towns would prefer doing their own laundry. So, there you can’t be successful.
You should look for a place in schools, hostels, offices, and other institutions where most of the people will need laundry services.
19. Sell on ETSY
Etsy is a platform where you can open an online shop. It feels like a complicated thing to do, however; it is straightforward and simple. You can run it part time while doing a full-time job.
What is a good low cost business for women to start? If you want to start a low-cost business, these great ideas will help inspire women entrepreneurial passion.
- Content creation.
- Personal or virtual assistant.
- Event planning services.
- Errand/concierge service.
- Professional reviewer.
- Social media consultant.
- Etsy shop.
- Online courses and tutoring.
If you do not know what you should be selling, start with research. Once you know the top-selling products on Etsy, you could start your digital venture then.
More: Low Investment part-time business ideas
20. In-home childcare
In-home childcare business is another profitable business opportunity that women can engage themselves in.
If you love kids and you have one or two of your own, you would not only impact your kid’s life but also benefit other kids by starting childcare.
The amount you’ll earn in this business varies depending on the location. In some places, you can charge $30 for a day while in others you can charge even more.
When you’re starting, you should keep your prices a little lower than your competitors.
Once you build some client base, you can raise your prices to stay competitive with daycares in your area.
21. Beauty parlor
Women know the importance of beauty and so, can deal with it. That’s the reason the beauty parlor business idea has proven to be one of the most successful business ideas for women.
Setting a beauty parlor in a commercial or busy market can make you good revenue. Certainly, you’ll need to invest money.
The chances of your beauty parlor success can be guessed after having a look at the plan you have.
If you have a very small budget and you want to start your parlor from home, you could give it a start.
But as soon as you become stable, you should think of expanding your business by putting more money, buying new and advanced equipment and hiring qualified staff.
22. Cosmetics Shop
It is yet another profitable small business idea from the beauty industry. Almost every one of us uses beauty and skincare products to look. And that’s why they are always in demand.
If you’re planning to start a retail cosmetic shop, you should learn the federal government regulations.
Initially, it is okay to have a small start. But with time it should grow and your goal should be to make it a standard cosmetic shop that keeps every related product.
This is not all. You could set up an online store and send the products to the customers. This way you’ll be able to generate enormous sales and profits.
23. Fitness Center (Gym)
The gym center requires good money to set up. The equipment is expensive. But the good thing is that it is a one-time investment business. You won’t need to bother about anything for years.
In case, you want to expand your gym business, you can consider renting more space and increasing revenue streams.
Certainly, you can’t just depend on the money that you earn from gym membership and monthly fees.
Therefore, you’ll have to make more stream of income such as juice bars, tanning salons, fitness classes, and renting out space to personal trainers.
This is a good small business idea for women who are passionate about their health and fitness. The bad part is that it doesn’t have a flexible work schedule.
24. Proofreading Service
Proofreaders are needed and even home-based writers hire proofreaders. So, if you think you’re good at catching mistakes, you should give it a try.
If you make your mind to start service as a proofreader, join an online freelance platform now. Initially, you’ll get low paying clients as you won’t have a good portfolio to show. You can get hired on the related Facebook group as well.
As soon as you work and get good feedback, you’ll start getting bigger projects. Some companies could even hire you permanently.
25. Gift Shop
The gift shop is a good full-time business idea for moms who want to invest little. The great part, unlike many small businesses, is that no prior experience is needed to start a gift shop.
Search the internet for the latest and most preferred gift items and find a trusted dealer who could supply the stock without any delay.
Prefer to get a small space but in a prime location. You can adjust gifts in small spaces and also people know what to find in a gift shop. And the idea is to make yourself known in the market.
More Ideas: Small Business Ideas for Beginners
26. Basket making at home
Gift baskets are needed in parties, birthdays, festivals, and other events. And if you have a flair of creativity, you could easily make decorative baskets, boxes, and bags to suit anyone’s taste.
It is a great side business idea for ladies sitting at home.
Marketing of attractively packaged basket isn’t hard at all. You’re to take pictures and upload them online on your social media page.
You should also contact the nearby local shops and show them your designs.
Some clients may also order customized baskets with their company’s logo on them. You could charge them relatively high.
27. Hair Stylist
Many experienced employees are making the transition from workers to become a salon owner. So, if you’re waiting for the right time, just decide and jump into it.
Certainly, you’ll face the competition. But that’s not something to worry about if you have knowledge and skill to bring the new customers and retain them by offering quality services.
The big mistake that most entrepreneurs make while starting a hairstyling business is that they pick the wrong location.
If you ask hair salon owners, you’ll come to know that many of them wish to have picked a location with high visibility and more traffic. The point is “be very careful about the location”.
Recommended: Practical Beauty Business Ideas
28. Children Party Planning
Children love parties. That’s the reason why the demand for party planners is high, especially in urban areas. Depending on the location you live in, party planning could be the right business opportunity for you.
It is important that you find out the market feasibility by conducting research. And also, you better have a vision of the future of this business before getting into it.
Children’s party planning isn’t a bad idea. You’ll learn organizing, managing and other aspects of party planning, which later can help you handle corporate clients of event planning and partying.
29. Be A Florist
Many people have turned their hobbies into businesses. And you can do that if you have an interest in gardening and natural beauty by becoming a florist.
Thousands of people buy flowers for loved ones every single day. So, you can help them by providing them fresh flowers and customized bouquets. Can’t you?
30. Form filling or data entry
Data entry is among easy and suitable internet business ideas for housewives. The good part is that you only need a PC and internet connection. You might have that already.
- It is a home-based work.
- Flexible work hours allowed.
- Online tools and software help you become efficient and faster.
Data entry business has some potential challenges:
- You’ll need fast and accurate typing.
- You must be a person who gives attention to details.
- It can be low paying than many other small businesses.
- The competition is stiff.
Now the question is where can you start form filling or data entry? Some of the high paying legit sites are SmartCrowd, 2Captcha, and ClickWorker.
31. Embroidery Services
Embroidery industry is a multi-billion industry. Embroidery machines are now available in the market.
Moreover, it is made easier by modern equipment and computer software.
It can be home-based, but a separate showroom where items can be displayed should be established. It will increase your chances of standing out in the competition.
What do you need to get into the embroidery business? Inventory items such as shirt, hats, jackets, embroidery machines and accessories, and other items for your store.
32. Bridal Store
The bridal store is a profitable retail business idea. Women know the things people spend money on at wedding ceremonies and therefore, bridal store business is a fun business idea for them.
Just having an interest or knowing about a niche is not enough, you must do some planning and research to ensure the success of your bridal store.
Initially, you will have to find reliable manufacturers and distributors. You’ll need to participate in local bridal events to promote your dresses and other products.
You can also network with wedding planners to get referral traffic and make more sales.
33. Fashion Design School
Fashion schools are popular these days. Many women entrepreneurs are in the business but there is still room for new individuals. If you have got some experience, you could do it.
Sufficient knowledge and experience are essential and of course, you should know how to motivate your students, teach them, and give them confidence and skill.
Fashion designing school not only earn money from the monthly fee but also sell the design they make. So, it is a good idea to consider.
35. Voiceover Artist
Do you have great speaking skills and a good voice? If yes, you can start working online without any investment with this home business idea. Voice over work can be your go.
You can lend your voice for audiobooks, video ads, radio, and YouTube videos.
Working women can do voice-over work to earn some extra cash part-time. But the question is how do you find work to do?
Join freelance platforms (UpWork) and make a sample of your voice over work. You’re good to bid on jobs that are related to voice over work.
Definitely, it would be difficult initially as you are no expert and you do not have great feedback on your profile. But you’ll learn everything with time and soon you’ll be getting invitations from the clients themselves.
Read: Business Ideas for Students
36. Cake Making Business
Women are smart and intelligent cooks. And if you’re one of them, cake making is your business idea to work on. You can easily excel in the food industry if you have made up your mind.
The cake demands increase on special occasions, including Halloween, Eid, and Christmas. So, you can earn big money on such occasions.
The good part is that the cake demand isn’t affected by season and therefore, it can guarantee you a steady income throughout the year.
37. Jewelry Making Business
One of the coolest business ideas for women in the fashion industry is the jewelry business. But here you need to put both money and hard work to be successful.
Once you’re in the business, you’ll have to design jewelry from different materials from plastic to gold. Also, you would make unique and creative designs that have never been made.
You can also design customized jewelry on client’s request. In order to make your brand known, you must do marketing, especially at the beginning of your business.
38. Public Speaking Business
Public speaking is an art and not everyone can do that. It requires eloquence, great communication skills, and a good grip on different topics.
Becoming a public speaker doesn’t cost you money. However, you must enrich your public speaking skills by getting a mentor, enrolling in online courses, and watching YouTube videos.
39. Social media managing from home
Would you like you to manage social media account for businesses to earn yourself money? Maybe. You can do it part-time from the comfort of your home.
Social media marketing is one of the best things to do today. There are plenty of online courses on this topic and you can start learning from home and then start your own business from home.
This is the perfect business idea for home based businesses.
The more clients’ social media accounts you manage, the more money you’ll make. You can make, on average, $1000 to $10,000 a month.
40. YouTube Personality
If you’re a woman who’s interested in videography, making YouTube videos is your way to move forward. There is no guarantee that you would be big!
But the thing is “If you consistently create great videos that engage the audience very well, you would earn yourself good money.
You can earn from AdSense ads. Along with this, you’ll get sponsorships once your subscribers are enough. You can start affiliate marketing with it.
Running a small business without employees, getting a business loan and marketing for a small business could be done by women business owners better than anyone. Women owned business in the cosmetic and designing industry are very popular.
Sell online courses
You can make and sell online courses on the topics you’re expert in. This can be good business idea to start your online business career as a woman entrepreneur.
Become Amazon FBA Seller
If you have an e-commerce store, then you can import products to Amazon FBA. The process of importing products will vary depending on the country where the product is being imported from. The following are some of the additional requirements for Amazon FBA.
- Amazon FBA requires an Amazon Pro account
- You have to be an Amazon Seller
- You must have an active bank account
- You must have a valid shipping address
- You must have a valid credit card
- You must have a bank statement of no more than 6 months old.
This is an online business idea that actually works for many people.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs are working on this idea to make extra income by making unique products for potential clients. If you want to work today as women small business owner, you can work on these women business ideas:
- Virtual assistant
- Freelance writer
- Digital marketing
- Online courses making
- Event planner
- Interior design
- Social media manager
- Personal trainer
- Start a food truck
- Run a Coffee Shop
- Make Digital Products
- Start Dropshipping business.
You must know that a successful entrepreneur never quits!
Recommended for you: