5 Clever Ways to Use a She Shed for Extra Income

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More and more women are discovering that their beloved she sheds can be more than just a personal getaway. They’re turning these sweet little spaces into bonafide money-makers. And honestly? It’s pretty exciting!

In this post, we’re going to explore five brilliant ideas to transform your she shed from a cost center (let’s be real, those cute decorations add up!) into a profit powerhouse. Whether you’re a crafty queen, a fitness fanatic, or just someone looking to pad their bank account a little, I promise there’s an idea here that’ll get your entrepreneurial juices flowing.

So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of she shed side hustles. Who knows? By the end of this post, you might just be inspired to turn your she shed into the cutest little money-maker on the block!

The Rise of the She Shed Economy

Alright, let’s talk numbers for a hot second (don’t worry, I promise to keep it painless!). She sheds aren’t just a cute trend anymore – they’re turning into a full-blown phenomenon. And let me tell you, the stats are pretty mind-blowing!

Get this: according to some super interesting research, interest in “DIY sheds” during spring 2020 was a whopping 1.64 times higher than in spring 2019. That’s a lot of people suddenly realizing they need a little extra space in their lives!

The search interest for “shed plans” also went through the roof between March and May 2020. In fact, by May 2020, it was 1.78 times higher than in May 2019.

And it’s not just DIY enthusiasts getting in on the action. Interest in “shed builders” jumped up by 54% in spring 2020 compared to 2019 and “office sheds” shot up by 58%. So whether you’re a handy DIY-er or prefer to leave it to the pros, or a work-from-home warrior, everyone seems to be joining the shed party!

But why the sudden surge in all things shed? Well, a survey found that over 70% of Americans decided to tackle home improvement projects during the coronavirus pandemic, and the trend only seems to be growing. It’s like we all realized that if we’re going to be spending more time at home, we might as well make it awesome!

So, why are she sheds such perfect little incubators for small businesses? Well, let me count the ways:

1. Location, location, location! Your she shed is right in your backyard. No commute, no office rental, just step outside and you’re at work. Talk about convenient!
2. It’s all yours. Unlike the kitchen table or the corner of the living room, your she shed is a dedicated space. No more packing up your project every time dinner needs to be served!
3. Inspiration central. There’s something about being in a space that’s uniquely yours that just gets the creative juices flowing. It’s like your brain knows it’s time to shine when you step into your she shed.
4. Separating work and home. Even though it’s just steps from your back door, a she shed gives you that crucial separation between your work life and home life. It’s amazing what closing that she shed door can do for your work-life balance!
5. Curb appeal (or should we say, yard appeal?). Let’s face it, inviting clients to your charming she shed beats meeting them at a noisy coffee shop any day. It adds a touch of whimsy and professionalism that’s hard to beat.

Are you ready to join the she shed economy revolution? Great! Let’s dive into some clever ways you can put your backyard beauty to work. Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be bursting with ideas and itching to get started!

Idea #1: Create a Home Photography Studio

Alright, shutterbugs, this one’s for you! If you’ve got a passion for capturing life’s precious moments (or mouth-watering dishes, or adorable pets – hey, no judgment here!), why not turn your she shed into a cozy little photography studio? It’s easier than you might think, and the results can be absolutely picture-perfect!

Why Your She Shed is the Perfect Spot for a Photo Studio

First, let’s talk about why your she shed is practically begging to be transformed into a photography studio:

1. Natural light galore! Most she sheds come with windows that let in gorgeous, soft light – a photographer’s dream!
2. Peace and quiet. No more family members accidentally wandering into the background of your shot.
3. Complete control. You can paint the walls, hang backdrops, and arrange everything just the way you like it.
4. It’s all yours. No need to rent a studio by the hour – your she shed is available 24/7!

Setting Up Your She Shed Studio

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I don’t have all that fancy equipment!” Don’t worry, my friend. You don’t need to break the bank to get started. Here’s a simple shopping list to get you going:

• A good camera (but honestly, even a smartphone can work wonders these days)
• A few backdrop options (pro tip: a plain white sheet can work in a pinch!)
• Some basic lighting equipment (start with a couple of soft box lights and work your way up)
• Props and accessories (time to raid the attic or hit up some garage sales!)

Types of Photography Businesses You Can Run

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the type of photography business you can run from your she shed. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Portrait photography
• Product photography for local businesses or Etsy sellers
• Pet photography
• Food photography
• Stock photography

Idea #2: Start a Craft Business or Artisan Workshop

If you’ve got a knack for creating beautiful things with your hands, why not turn your she shed into a pint-sized craft factory? Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of someone loving (and buying!) something you’ve made with your own two hands.

Why Your She Shed is Perfect for Crafting

Let’s face it, trying to craft at the kitchen table is about as fun as trying to herd cats. But your she shed? Oh, it’s a crafter’s dream come true!

1. Space to spread out. No more cramming your supplies into a closet or under the bed!
2. Peace and quiet. You can finally hear yourself think (or listen to your favorite crafting podcast) without interruption.
3. Inspiration on tap. Surround yourself with your favorite colors, textures, and inspirational quotes. It’s your space, after all!
4. Always ready. Your projects can stay out, ready for you to jump back in whenever creativity strikes.

Crafty Business Ideas to Get You Started

The world of handmade goods is your oyster. Here are some ideas to get those creative gears turning:

• Jewelry making
• Candle or soap making
• Knitting or crocheting
• Woodworking
• Painting or illustration
• Pottery

Setting Up Your Crafty She Shed

Now, don’t panic – you don’t need to buy out the entire craft store to get started (though I totally understand the temptation!). Here are some basics to get you going:

• Good lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Plenty of storage
• A sturdy work table
• Basic tools for your craft

Selling Your Handmade Treasures

You’ve made the goods, now it’s time to find them loving homes! Here are some popular ways to get your crafts out into the world:

1. Etsy shop (join millions of makers in the handmade marketplace)
2. Craft fairs (nothing beats meeting your customers face-to-face)
3. Social media (Instagram is a crafter’s best friend)
4. Your own website (for when you’re ready to go big time)
5. Local boutiques (support local by selling local)

Idea #3: Offer Personal Training or Yoga Sessions

To my fitness enthusiasts, this one’s for you. If you’re all about that healthy lifestyle and love helping others feel their best, why not turn your she shed into a mini fitness studio? It’s probably easier than trying to do a handstand in your living room (been there, done that, knocked over a lamp).

Creating Your Zen Den

Your she shed could be the perfect spot for a miniature training studio. Consider these reasons:

1. Privacy galore! No more feeling self-conscious about your downward dog in a crowded gym.
2. Fresh air on demand. Just open those windows and let Mother Nature be your AC.
3. Your vibe, your tribe. Decorate it to match your fitness philosophy – whether that’s “no pain, no gain” or “namaste all day.”
4. Always open. Midnight yoga session? Why not!

Gearing Up Your Fitness She Shed

Now, before you start envisioning a she shed crammed with treadmills and weight racks, take a deep breath. You don’t need to break the bank (or your back) hauling in heavy equipment. Here’s a simple list to get you started:

• Yoga mats
• Resistance bands
• A few sets of dumbbells
• A full-length mirror
• A bluetooth speaker

For yoga instructors, add some blocks, bolsters, and maybe a singing bowl if you’re feeling extra zen.

Finding Your Fitness Fam

You’ve got the space, you’ve got the gear, now it’s time to find some eager beavers ready to sweat! Here are some ways to attract local clients:

1. Social media magic: Show off your cute she shed studio on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Community boards: Post flyers at local coffee shops and community centers.
3. Partner with local businesses: That smoothie shop down the road might be happy to recommend you.
4. Offer a free first session: Let people experience your awesome vibe risk-free.
5. Word of mouth: Trust me, if you’re good, people will talk!

Keeping It Legal and Lovely

Before you start bench-pressing your neighbors, there are a few not-so-fun (but super important) things to consider:

1. Check local zoning laws. Make sure you’re allowed to run a fitness business from your backyard.
2. Get insured. It’s not sexy, but it’ll protect you if someone pulls a muscle.
3. Get certified. If you’re not already, look into personal training or yoga instructor certifications.
4. Consider noise levels. Your neighbors might not appreciate 6 AM “FEEL THE BURN!” motivation speeches.

Related Post: How to Plan the Perfect Garden Shed: A Step by Step Guide

Idea #4: Launch a Podcast or YouTube Channel

Alright, all you budding broadcasters and video virtuosos, this one’s for you! If you’ve got a voice that needs to be heard or a face that’s ready for its close-up, why not turn your she shed into a pint-sized production studio? Trust me, it’s easier than trying to record in your living room with the dog barking and the kids asking for snacks every five minutes.

Why Your She Shed is Perfect for Content Creation

Trying to create content in a busy household is like trying to meditate in a mosh pit. But your she shed? Oh, it’s a content creator’s dream come true!

1. Peace and quiet. Finally, a place where you can hear yourself think (and your audience can hear you too)!
2. Customizable backdrop. Whether you’re going for professional and sleek or quirky and colorful, your she shed can be whatever you want it to be.
3. Always ready. No more setting up and tearing down equipment every time inspiration strikes.
4. Private space. You can practice your “YouTube voice” without judgment (we all have one, admit it).

Setting Up Your She Shed Studio

You don’t need to remortgage your house to get started. Here’s a simple list of the basics to get you going:

• A good microphone
• Decent lighting
• A comfortable chair
• Some basic soundproofing
• A reliable computer

For YouTubers, add a decent camera and maybe a green screen if you’re feeling fancy.

Choosing Your Content Niche

The world is your oyster when it comes to content creation. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

• Lifestyle vlogs (show off your awesome she shed life, for example)
• How-to tutorials
• Interview series
• Storytelling or true crime podcasts
• Comedy sketches

Remember, the key is to choose something you’re passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through and attract an audience.

Making Money from Your Content

You’ve created amazing content, now it’s time to turn those views and listens into cold, hard cash. Here are some ways to monetize your she shed studio:

1. Ad revenue
2. Sponsorships
3. Patreon or membership sites
4. Merchandise
5. Coaching or courses

Idea #5: Rent Your She Shed as a Unique Airbnb Experience

If you’ve got a she shed that’s so cute it makes you want to live in it, why not share the love and rent it out as a quirky Airbnb? Trust me, in a world of cookie-cutter hotel rooms, your charming she shed could be the next big thing in unique stays!

Why Your She Shed Could Be the Perfect Getaway

Travelers these days are looking for experiences, not just a place to crash. And your she shed? Well, it’s got charm oozing out of its cute little windows!

1. Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Your she shed is probably already picture-perfect.
2. Unique experience. It’s not every day you get to sleep in a backyard oasis.
3. Privacy plus. Guests get their own space, without the price tag of a whole house.
4. Nature connection. Nothing beats waking up to birds chirping in the garden.

Preparing Your She Shed for Guests

Here are a few must-haves to make sure your shed is in tip-top shape:

• Comfy sleeping arrangements
• Basic amenities like a mini-fridge and coffee maker
• Cute decor
• Good lighting
• Heating and cooling
• A guest book

Making Your She Shed Shine Online

Now that your she shed is guest-ready, it’s time to show it off to the world:

1. Take amazing photos. Good lighting, cute angles, maybe a strategically placed cup of tea?
2. Write a killer description. Highlight what makes your she shed special.
3. Be clear about amenities. Do you provide breakfast? Is there Wi-Fi? Inquiring minds want to know!
4. Set house rules. It’s okay to say no to parties or pets if that’s not your thing.
5. Price it right. Check out similar listings in your area for guidance.

Being a Super Host (Without Losing Your Mind)

Hosting can be super rewarding, but it’s also a bit of work. Here are some tips to make it easier:

1. Create a welcome guide. Include local tips, house instructions, and your contact info.
2. Stock up on essentials. Extra towels, toilet paper, and maybe some local treats?
3. Be responsive. Quick replies to inquiries can make or break a booking.
4. Add personal touches. A handwritten welcome note goes a long way.
5. Have a good cleaning routine. A sparkling clean she shed = happy guests = great reviews!

Your She Shed, Your Success Story

Wow, we’ve been on quite a journey through the world of she shed side hustles, haven’t we? From snapping photos to crafting treasures, from downward dogs to podcast stardom, and even turning your little oasis into a sought-after Airbnb getaway – who knew a humble she shed could wear so many hats?

Your she shed is more than just a pretty structure in your backyard. It’s a blank canvas, a launchpad for your dreams, and yes, potentially a nifty little money-maker. The beauty of these ideas is that you can start small, test the waters, and grow at your own pace.

So, what’s next? Well, that’s up to you! Maybe you’re feeling a creative spark for one of these ideas. Or perhaps you’ve got a totally different plan brewing – if so, go for it! The she shed world is your oyster.