38 Business Ideas For Housewives

Stories about homemakers turned successful entrepreneurs never fail to inspire. If you’re a housewife, you can carve your own path to success by starting your own business in the comfort of your home and becoming financially independent. 

You can set up a consulting, catering, event planning, or freelance writing business. You can also work as a virtual assistant, or make and sell candles and craft items. We’ve come up with a list of business ideas for housewives. So go on, explore it and see if anything might work for you.

1. Bakery

How to start: From home, using your kitchen to bake goods. Consider health regulations and necessary permits.
What to sell: Offer unique flavors or dietary-specific options like gluten-free or vegan pastries to stand out.
Tools needed: Basic baking equipment such as an oven, mixers, baking pans, and decorating tools.
Marketing: Use social media to post mouth-watering photos and run promotions like “Taste of the Week.”
Skills needed: Baking skills, creativity in recipe development, and good time management.

2. Daycare Center

How to start: Start at home by converting a space into a child-friendly area. Ensure compliance with local childcare regulations.
How to stand out: Provide additional services like early education programs or after-school care to differentiate your service.
Tools needed: Educational toys, child-safe furniture, and learning materials.
Marketing: Promote your services through local parent groups and online community boards. Host open days for parents to visit.
Skills needed: Patience, understanding of child development, and strong organizational skills.

3. Dog Daycare

How to start: Begin at home by designating a safe space for the dogs.
How to stand out: Offer unique services like grooming or training alongside daycare.
Tools needed: Basic pet supplies, kennels, and play equipment.
Marketing: Use social media to showcase your care and services. Create fun posts featuring the dogs you’re caring for.
Skills needed: Love for animals, basic knowledge of pet care and first aid.

4. Fitness

How to start: Set up a workout area at home or offer online classes.
How to stand out: Personalized fitness plans or group classes to make fitness fun and engaging.
Tools needed: Basic gym equipment.
Marketing: Share transformation stories and fitness tips on social media or community boards.
Skills needed: Good understanding of health, fitness techniques and people skills.

5. Freelance Writing

How to start: From home, using a computer and internet connection.
How to stand out: Specialize in areas like blogging, copywriting, or technical writing.
Tools needed: Laptop and access to word processing software.
Marketing: Create a blog or a portfolio online. Use platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork to connect with potential clients.
Skills needed: Strong writing skills and a good grasp of grammar.

6. Farm

How to start: Utilize your backyard for a small vegetable or herb garden.
What to sell: Grow organic or unique local plants that are in demand.
Tools needed: Basic gardening tools, seeds, and possibly irrigation equipment.
Marketing: Sell at local farmers markets or offer subscriptions for weekly deliveries.
Skills needed: Knowledge of gardening and plant care.

7. Gift Basket

How to start: From home, using your creativity to assemble attractive baskets.
How to stand out: Themed baskets such as “Spa Day” or “Gourmet Snacks” that cater to specific interests.
Tools needed: Baskets, decorative materials, and items to include in the baskets.
Marketing: Use platforms like Pinterest or Instagram to showcase your designs, and sell on Etsy.
Skills needed: Creativity and a good sense of current trends and preferences.

8. Ecommerce Store

How to start: From home, create an online store on platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce or WordPress.
What to sell: Select niche products that appeal to specific interests or needs.
Tools needed: Computer, internet, and basic knowledge of e-commerce tools.
Marketing: Utilize social media ads and SEO to drive traffic to your store.
Skills needed: Skills in digital marketing and online customer service.

9. Massage Business

How to start: From home by setting up a designated space or visiting clients at their homes.
How to stand out: Offer unique services like aromatherapy or reflexology.
Tools needed: Massage table, towels, oils, and lotions.
Marketing: Network locally and offer first-time discounts.
Skills needed: Certification in massage therapy and a personable demeanor.

10. Gift Wrapping

How to start: From home. You can use garage space as your creative station.
How to stand out: Provide bespoke wrapping services using unique materials or personalized touches.
Tools needed: Quality wrapping paper, ribbons, and decorative accessories.
Marketing: Showcase your wrapping styles on social media or offer services during peak gift-giving seasons.
Skills needed: Attention to detail and creativity.

11. Party Planning

How to start: From home, using your network and social media to attract clients.
How to stand out: Offer tailored themes and decorations that offer a unique and personal touch.
Tools needed: Planning software or apps to stay organized.
Marketing: Share past event photos and testimonials online. Partner with local vendors.
Skills needed: Organizational skills, creativity, and excellent communication.

12. Candle Making

How to start: From home with a small workshop area.
What to sell: Candles with unique scents, shapes, or eco-friendly materials.
Tools needed: Wax, wicks, molds, fragrance oils, and a melting pot.
Marketing: Sell at local craft fairs or online. Use attractive packaging.
Skills needed: Attention to detail and a good sense of scent combinations.

13. Translation Service

How to start: From home, with a computer and internet connection.
How to stand out: Specialize in a niche like medical, legal, or technical translations to stand out.
Tools needed: Translation software or dictionaries.
Marketing: Build a professional website and join translation directories.
Skills needed: Fluency in multiple languages and excellent writing skills.

14. Catering

How to start: From home, using your kitchen. Check local health codes and licenses needed.
How to stand out: Specialize in a type of cuisine that’s popular in your local community or offer customizable menus for events.
Tools needed: Cooking and serving equipment, transport supplies.
Marketing: Network with event planners and offer tasting sessions.
Skills needed: Culinary skills, time management, and customer service.

15. Babysitting

How to start: From home or at clients’ homes. Get certified in child care and first aid.
How to stand out: Offer additional services like homework help or crafts.
Tools needed: First aid kit, educational games and books.
Marketing: Advertise in local community centers and through word of mouth.
Skills needed: Patience, responsibility, and a love for children.

16. Blog

How to start: From home. Choose a niche you’re passionate about to attract a specific audience.
How to make money: Monetize with ads, sponsored posts, or sell digital products like ebooks.
Tools needed: Blogging platform, computer, and internet connection.
Marketing: Use SEO techniques and social media to drive traffic.
Skills needed: Writing skills, understanding of digital marketing, and persistence.

17. Resume Writing

How to start: From home. Build a website showcasing your services and successes.
How to stand out: Offer specialized packages for different career stages or industries.
Tools needed: Computer with word processing software.
Marketing: Network on LinkedIn and offer free webinars on resume building.
Skills needed: Strong writing skills and knowledge of various industries’ hiring practices.

18. Tutoring

How to start: From home or online. Focus on subjects you are knowledgeable in.
What to offer: Private sessions or small group classes. Offer exam preparation services.
Tools needed: Educational materials, computer for online sessions.
Marketing: Advertise through schools and community boards. Use testimonials from past students.
Skills needed: Expertise in the subject, patience, and teaching skills.

19. YouTube Channel

How to start: From home with a decent camera and editing software.
How to stand out: Focus on content like tutorials, reviews, or entertainment that appeals to a specific audience.
Tools needed: Video camera, microphone, lighting, and editing software.
Marketing: Use SEO for YouTube, collaborate with other creators, and engage with your viewers in comments.
Skills needed: Creativity, understanding of your audience, and persistence.

20. Bookkeeping

How to start: From home, serving small businesses or freelance clients.
What to offer: Services like financial reporting, tax preparation, and payroll management.
Tools needed: Accounting software, computer, and secure internet connection.
Marketing: Network with local business owners and professionals.
Skills needed: Attention to detail, understanding of accounting/bookkeeping principles, and confidentiality.

21. Cupcake Making

How to start: From home with a kitchen equipped to bake and decorate.
What to sell: Custom designs or unusual flavors. Consider dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan options.
Tools needed: Baking utensils, oven, decorating tools.
Marketing: Create an Instagram page to display your creations, offer samples at local events.
Skills needed: Baking skills, creativity, and good customer interaction.

22. Social Media Management Service

How to start: From home, offering to manage social media accounts for small businesses.
What to offer: Package services including content creation, scheduling posts, and analyzing engagement data.
Tools needed: Social media management tools, graphic design software.
Marketing: Showcase your results with case studies and stats on your website.
Skills needed: Understanding of social media trends, creative content creation, and analytical skills.

23. Wedding Planning

How to start: From home, with visits to venues and clients as needed.
What to offer: Provide full-service planning, from venue selection to honeymoon arrangements.
Tools needed: Planning software, portfolio of vendors and venues.
Marketing: Attend bridal shows, collaborate with vendors, and share beautiful wedding stories on your blog.
Skills needed: Strong organizational skills, creativity, and excellent negotiation skills.

24. Cookie Making

How to start: From home, using your kitchen. Check local regulations for selling baked goods.
How to stand out: Offer a variety of flavors or custom cookies for events.
Tools needed: Baking sheets, mixers, cookie cutters, and an oven.
Marketing: Use social media to display your creations and offer cookie-making classes.
Skills needed: Baking skills and creativity in flavor and design.

25. Floral Shop

How to start: Start from home or lease a small space. Source fresh flowers from local growers.
How to stand out: Unique floral arrangements and related gifts.
Tools needed: Refrigeration for flowers, vases, ribbons, and floral foam.
Marketing: Offer flower arrangement workshops and partner with wedding planners.
Skills needed: Knowledge of floral design and care for different flower types.

26. Errand Running

How to start: From home, using a vehicle or public transport.
What to offer: Services like grocery shopping, post office runs, or prescription pickups.
Tools needed: Reliable transportation and a smartphone.
Marketing: Advertise in local community centers and through online platforms.
Skills needed: Time management, reliability, and good communication.

27. Proofreading

How to start: From home, with a computer and internet access.
What to offer: Proofreading services for academic papers, books, or business documents.
Tools needed: Proofreading software or tools.
Marketing: Offer your services on freelance platforms and to local universities.
Skills needed: Excellent grammar skills and attention to detail.

28. Cake Making

How to start: From home, ensuring you comply with local food safety regulations.
How to stand out: Offer custom cakes for special occasions or unique designs.
Tools needed: Oven, baking pans, decorating tools, and ingredients.
Marketing: Use social media for showcasing your designs and offering promotions.
Skills needed: Baking and cake decorating skills, creativity.

29. Consignment Shop

How to start: From home online, or rent a small retail space.
What to sell: Second-hand clothes, furniture, or other goods in good condition.
Tools needed: Storage space, racks for displaying goods.
Marketing: Promote on social media and through local advertising.
Skills needed: Good eye for quality, negotiation skills, customer service.

30. Virtual Assistant

How to start: Work from home, offering services online.
What to offer: Administrative support, scheduling, or specific services like social media management.
Tools needed: Computer, high-speed internet, and office software.
Marketing: List your services on platforms like Upwork.
Skills needed: Organizational skills, communication proficiency, and multitasking.

31. Interior Design

How to start: From home, developing designs and consulting clients remotely.
How to stand out: Offer personalized design services for homes or offices.
Tools needed: Design software, samples of materials.
Marketing: Create a portfolio online and share before-and-after pictures of your projects.
Skills needed: Eye for design, knowledge of design trends and materials, client management.

32. Pet Sitting

How to start: Offer services from home or at clients’ homes.
What to offer: Regular pet sitting, overnight care, or additional services like grooming.
Tools needed: Basic pet care supplies, toys, and treats.
Marketing: Advertise on social media and pet care platforms like Rover.
Skills needed: Affinity with animals, reliability, and knowledge of pet care.

33. Photography

How to start: From home, with shoots at client locations or nature spots.
How to stand out: Specialize in genres like weddings, portraits, or commercial photography.
Tools needed: Camera, lenses, lighting equipment, editing software.
Marketing: Build an online portfolio and use social media to share your work.
Skills needed: Photography skills, eye for detail, editing skills.

34. Bookstore

How to start: Start online or rent a small space in a community-centered location.
What to sell: Curated collections of books, perhaps with a focus on specific genres or local authors.
Tools needed: Shelving, a point-of-sale system, cozy reading areas.
Marketing: Host book readings or signings, and create an engaging online presence.
Skills needed: Knowledge of books, retail management, customer service.

35. Dog Walking

How to start: From home, offering services in your local area.
How to stand out: Offer regular walking services, or package deals for multiple walks.
Tools needed: Leashes, waste bags, and possibly a vehicle for transporting dogs.
Marketing: Distribute flyers in your area and use local social media groups.
Skills needed: Love for dogs, physical stamina, reliability.

36. Craft Business

How to start: From home, creating and selling your crafts online or at local markets.
What to sell: Unique handmade items like jewelry, pottery, or textiles.
Tools needed: Craft supplies specific to your medium.
Marketing: Use platforms like Etsy for selling and Instagram/Pinterest for promotion, and attend craft fairs.
Skills needed: Artistic skills, creativity, and understanding of your craft’s market.

37. Graphic Design

How to start: From home, using a computer and design software.
What to offer: Services like logo design, marketing materials, and web graphics.
Tools needed: High-quality design software.
Marketing: Showcase your work on a professional website and social media.
Skills needed: Design skills, creativity, and a good understanding of client needs.

38. Nail Business

How to start: From home with a dedicated space or by renting a booth in a salon.
What to offer: Nail art services, manicures, and pedicures with unique designs.
Tools needed: Nail polish, gel systems, UV lamps, and manicure tools.
Marketing: Showcase your designs on social media and offer opening specials.
Skills needed: Nail artistry skills, attention to hygiene, customer service.