Embarking on side hustle can be annoying yet exciting way to explore new opportunities in enhancing one skill. However not all skills succeed as we all expect.
My personal experience with two different side hustles, Shoe making and Graphic designing. One actually turned out to be a major set back while the other became a successful venture to my life, resulting on teaching me lessons
Shoe making
Initially, I decided to o pursue shoe making as a side hustle, enticed but the notion of creating something I will be proud of once I see people wear on their feets. However my lack of formal training and experience hindered my progress. Even though I personally make out time to educate myself and practice various shoe making techniques and styles. I struggled to produce trending shoe designs that captured people attention.
I was heartbroken to see my creation being rejected and the even bought at a cheaper rate even with the cost of materials. This alone made me to question if shoe making was my calling or not. The constant struggle to meet up with clients demand and expectation forced me to acknowledge to myself that show making wasn't my calling. Never the less, the experience taught me to lessons on recognizing on one's limitations.
Graphic Designing
Turning my attention to a different field, I decided to give graphic designing a trial in the year 2020, this side hustle did not only allowed me to test my digital abilities but it did provided me with opportunities to acquire new skill.
I was taught graphic design once by my music mentor (Apostle Paul Akin), the graphic design tutorial with my mentor didn't even lasted for 2hours 30minutes even though it was a one day tutorial due to his busy schedules. After the class I had this passion and zeal within me to explore more on graphic designing which I embarked on a self taught quest not minding what people around will say.
Today the progress on my work usually fill me up with sense of accomplishment, I now find happiness in creating stunning designs for clients, feedback from clients and family members further pushes me from wanting to improve daily in other to give out the best design I can and also it has boosted my confidence. This side hustle did not only provided a steady flow of income but also opened doors to significant projects, just imagine me designing for a church in Ghana🤗
My journey to side hustle have as like a rollercoaster bringing both failure and success. I was unable to succeed in shoe making buy the quest in learning graphic design did transformed into a profitable and fulfilling venture. Through these experiences, I discovered the importance of recognizing and accepting one's limitations while acknowledging innate talent and passion.
At some point my failed side hustle left me disheartened. It did played an important role in discovering what I was good at, and also taught me valuable life lessons. Graphic designing did ignite a spark of confidence and fulfillment which continues to motivate me to explore even more in the field.
Side hustle can illuminate our strengths and weaknesses, even allowing us to uncover newer talents and passions. Failed attempts in life should not be seen as a setback to do even better in other to find our true calling.