Business / 10 Side Hustle Ideas For Busy Desi Moms In North America

10 Side Hustle Ideas For Busy Desi Moms In North America

Business Sep 04, 2024

by Tushar Unadkat | Features Editor - Business

For South Asian women living in North America, the intersection of tradition, family responsibilities, and the desire for financial independence presents unique challenges and opportunities. Many women juggle cultural expectations with the demands of modern life, seeking ways to contribute to their household finances without compromising their roles as mothers, wives, and daughters-in-law. Side hustles offer a flexible and empowering solution, allowing these women to earn extra income while honoring their cultural values and family commitments. The flexibility of these side hustles means you can work around your schedule, giving you more control over your time and responsibilities. Here are some side hustles that align with the lifestyle and aspirations of South Asian women in North America.

1. Cultural and Language Tutoring

Offering tutoring services in languages like Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, or Bengali can be a fulfilling way for South Asian women who are fluent in their native languages to earn extra income. With many South Asian parents wanting their children to learn their mother tongue, there is a growing demand for language tutors. Also, sharing cultural knowledge, such as classical dance forms, music, or traditional cooking, can be a niche market. You can offer classes online or in person, making it easy to work around your schedule. Some tutoring platforms are: Platforms like Superprof, TutorMe, and VIPKid.

2. Catering and Homemade Food Delivery

Cooking is a skill that many South Asian women excel at, and turning this talent into a side hustle can be both fulfilling and profitable. Whether it’s preparing traditional South Asian dishes for local families, catering for events, or offering tiffin services for busy professionals, the demand for homemade, authentic food is high. Start catering for friends and family, then expand your customer base through word of mouth or social media. This service allows you to work from home, maintain flexible hours, and share the rich flavors of your heritage with others. Create weekly menu packages and catering packages, design graphics using Canva free app, and share them on social media.

3. Online Boutiques and Handmade Crafts

South Asian women sincerely appreciate art, fashion, and intricate crafts. If you’re skilled in embroidery, jewelry making, or other traditional crafts, consider selling your creations online through Etsy, Shopify, or social media platforms. Additionally, you can start an online boutique specializing in South Asian clothing, accessories, or home décor items. This side hustle allows you to combine creativity with business acumen while promoting cultural heritage.

4. Henna Artistry and Beauty Services

Henna artistry is a cherished tradition in South Asian culture, especially during weddings, festivals, and celebrations. If you have a talent for creating beautiful mehndi designs, offering henna services can be a flexible and enjoyable side hustle. But why stop at henna? Many South Asian women are also skilled in other beauty treatments such as eyebrow threading, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and even hair styling. By offering a range of beauty services, you can cater to a broader clientele, including brides, partygoers, and women preparing for religious festivals like Eid or Diwali. This side hustle is ideal for weekends or evenings, allowing you to earn extra income while helping other women feel beautiful and confident.

5. Virtual Assistance and Administrative Support

South Asian women often bring strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Virtual assistance services—such as managing emails, scheduling, bookkeeping, or social media management—can be a lucrative small home-based business. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs, including those within the South Asian community, seek reliable and efficient virtual assistants. This role is highly flexible and can be done from the comfort of your home, allowing you to balance work with family duties. Some quick ways to advertise your services and gain clients are: Fiverr, Upwork, Facebook Virtual Assistant groups et cetera.

6. Blogging and Content Creation

Blogging offers South Asian women a platform to share their unique perspectives on parenting, cultural traditions, cooking, fashion, or travel. By creating content that resonates with other South Asian women, you can build a community and potentially monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. This side hustle allows you to express yourself creatively while earning income and connecting with others who share similar experiences.

7. Social Media Influencing

South Asian women are increasingly making their mark in social media, sharing content related to beauty, fashion, cooking, and lifestyle. If you are passionate about these areas, consider becoming a social media influencer. By curating content that reflects your cultural background and personal interests, you can attract a following and collaborate with brands that align with your values. This side hustle offers flexibility and the potential to turn a hobby into a profitable venture.

8. Childcare Services with a Cultural and/or Religious Touch

Offering childcare services within your community can be a natural and fulfilling side hustle for stay-at-home South Asian moms. You can provide children with a safe and nurturing environment while incorporating cultural activities like teaching the language, sharing traditional stories, or celebrating South Asian festivals. This service allows you to stay home with your children while earning extra income and fostering a sense of cultural pride in the next generation.

9. Direct Sales and Network Marketing

Direct sales companies that offer products like beauty, wellness, or home goods can be a great fit for South Asian women who enjoy networking and building relationships. Companies such as Avon, Tupperware, or Arbonne allow you to sell products through home parties, online platforms, or personal connections. This side hustle can be particularly appealing because it will enable you to work within your community, leverage your social networks, and set your hours.

10. Participating in Online Surveys and Market Research

Although it may not be a significant source of income, participating in online surveys and market research can provide some extra pocket money. Companies like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research offer cash or rewards for sharing your opinions. This side hustle requires minimal time commitment and can be done during your free time, making it a convenient option for busy moms and homemakers.

In summary, for South Asian women in North America, side hustles offer a way to achieve financial independence while honoring cultural values and family responsibilities. Whether it’s sharing your language skills, culinary talents, or artistic abilities, there’s a side hustle that aligns with your strengths and lifestyle. To balance these ventures with your family life, consider setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from your family. Choosing a side hustle that fits your interests and schedule can create a fulfilling balance between tradition, family life, and personal growth. With determination and creativity, these ventures can provide extra income and empower you to contribute meaningfully to your family’s future.

Feature Image: Pexels.com. Photo by William Fortunato.

Tushar Unadkat | Features Editor - Business

Author

Internationally celebrated, award-winning media personality and author of several business and lifestyle articles, Tushar Unadkat, is the CEO, Creative Director of MUKTA Advertising, Founder, and Executive Director of Nouveau iDEA, Canada. He holds a Master of Design from the University of Dundee, S...

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