26 Home-Based Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms

Many mothers opt to stay at home to take care of their children, but that doesn’t mean they can no longer pursue their dreams and become a serious success.  

Moms are experts at multitasking, so finding time for productive endeavors, like baking cakes, consulting, or embroidering, should be a breeze. Check out our list of business ideas for stay-at-home moms and kickstart your entrepreneurial future.

1. Embroidery Business

Starting an embroidery business from home is a fantastic option for stay-at-home moms. You will need an embroidery machine, a variety of threads, fabrics, stabilizers, and basic sewing supplies. Additionally, having a computer with design software and an internet connection is essential for managing orders and marketing your products.

You can offer customized embroidered items such as clothing, accessories, home decor, and gifts. Personalized baby items, monogrammed towels, and custom patches are popular choices.

Market your embroidery business on platforms like Etsy, where handmade and personalized items are highly valued. Set up a website showcasing your portfolio and make use of social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

2. Craft Business

A craft business can be started with minimal investment. You will need crafting materials specific to your niche, such as beads, paints, paper, or yarn. A dedicated workspace and storage for your materials will also be necessary.

Handmade jewelry, custom stationery, knitted or crocheted items, and personalized gifts are great products to offer. You can also provide craft workshops or kits for people who want to learn your craft.

Etsy is an excellent platform for selling handmade crafts. Creating an engaging website and active social media profiles can help you build a loyal customer base. Consider offering online classes or tutorials on platforms like YouTube to attract more customers.

3. Sewing Business

To start a sewing business, you’ll need a high-quality sewing machine, a variety of fabrics, threads, patterns, and basic sewing tools. A comfortable and organized sewing space is also important.

You can offer alterations, custom clothing, home decor items like curtains and cushions, and personalized gifts. Specialized services such as wedding dress alterations or custom costume creation can also be lucrative.

Advertise your services on local community boards, social media, and through a dedicated website. Platforms like Etsy are great for selling custom-made items.

4. Consulting Business

Starting a consulting business requires expertise in a particular field, a reliable computer, and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need a professional website and possibly some business management software.

Offer consulting services in your area of expertise, whether it’s business strategy, marketing, finance, or any other field. You can also create and sell digital products like eBooks, online courses, or templates.

Build a professional website and establish your presence on LinkedIn to connect with potential clients. Utilize platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find consulting gigs and gather reviews. Content marketing through blogs or webinars can also position you as an authority in your field.

5. Catering

For a home-based catering business, you’ll need a certified kitchen, quality cooking equipment, and a reliable supply chain for ingredients. Ensuring compliance with local health regulations is crucial.

Offer a variety of catering services such as small events, meal prep services, and specialty foods like vegan or gluten-free options. Personalized menus and custom catering packages can also attract more clients.

Create a professional website showcasing your menus and services. Utilize social media to share high-quality photos of your dishes and customer testimonials. Local community boards and event planning platforms like Thumbtack can also help you find clients.

6. Dropshipping

Dropshipping requires minimal upfront investment. You need a computer, an internet connection, and access to a dropshipping platform like Shopify or WooCommerce. Partnering with reliable suppliers is crucial.

You can sell a wide range of products without holding inventory, from fashion and accessories to home goods and electronics. Focus on a niche market to stand out.

Use social media advertising and SEO to drive traffic to your online store. Platforms like Shopify ot BigCommerce make it easy to set up and manage your store. Utilizing email marketing and influencer partnerships can also help increase sales.

7. Makeup

To start a makeup business, you’ll need a good range of makeup products, brushes, and tools. Additionally, having a professional space for consultations and a robust online presence is essential.

Offer makeup services for special events, personalized makeup consultations, and makeup workshops. Selling custom makeup kits or skincare products can also be a profitable addition.

Create an engaging website with a portfolio of your work. Use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to showcase tutorials and makeup tips.

8. Tutoring

If you have a strong knowledge of the subject you wish to teach, then you would just need a computer and a reliable internet connection. You may also need access to educational materials and online teaching tools.

Offer one-on-one tutoring sessions, group classes, and homework help. You can also create and sell educational materials like worksheets and study guides.

Promote your services on social media and local community boards. Platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com can help you find students. Creating a professional website and offering free resources can attract more clients.

9. Event Planning

To start an event planning business, you’ll need excellent organizational skills, a computer, and access to event planning software. Building a network of reliable vendors and suppliers is also important.

Offer services for planning weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. You can provide full-service planning or a la carte services like day-of coordination or venue sourcing.

Create a professional website showcasing your services and past events. Use social media to share photos and testimonials. Platforms like Thumbtack and The Knot can help you find clients looking for event planning services.

10. Interior Design Service

Starting an interior design service requires a good eye for design, a computer with design software, and a strong portfolio. Building relationships with suppliers and contractors can also be beneficial.

Offer interior design consultations, space planning, and full-service design projects. You can also provide virtual design services and sell custom design plans.

Promote your services through a professional website and social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Showcasing your portfolio and client testimonials can attract more clients. Platforms like Houzz can also help you find clients looking for interior design services.

11. Balloon Business

Starting a balloon business requires a variety of balloons, a helium tank, ribbon, weights, and a reliable air pump. You’ll also need a dedicated workspace to create your balloon designs and store your supplies.

Offer custom balloon bouquets, decorations for events like birthdays and weddings, and balloon delivery services. You can also provide balloon twisting for parties and events.

Create a professional website showcasing your balloon designs and services. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to share photos of your work and customer testimonials. Platforms like Thumbtack and local community boards can help you find clients.

12. Pet Sitting

To start a pet sitting business, you’ll need a love for animals, a basic understanding of pet care, and a reliable way to communicate with pet owners. Pet sitting insurance is also recommended.

Offer pet sitting, dog walking, feeding, and basic grooming services. You can also provide pet boarding for short or long-term stays.

Advertise your services on local community boards, social media, and pet care platforms like Rover. Creating a professional website and gathering customer testimonials can also attract more clients.

13. Etsy Shop

Starting an Etsy shop requires crafting skills, a variety of supplies for your chosen craft, and a computer with an internet connection. You’ll also need to set up an Etsy account and create listings for your products.

Offer handmade crafts, vintage items, or craft supplies. Popular items include jewelry, home decor, personalized gifts, and art prints.

Optimize your Etsy listings with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Use social media to promote your shop and engage with your audience. Etsy’s advertising platform can also help increase your visibility.

14. Resume Writing

To start a resume writing business, you’ll need strong writing skills, a computer, and a reliable internet connection. Familiarity with different resume formats and applicant tracking systems (ATS) is beneficial.

Offer resume writing, cover letter creation, and LinkedIn profile optimization services. You can also provide career coaching and interview preparation sessions.

Create a professional website showcasing your services and client testimonials. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with job seekers. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients looking for resume writing services.

15. Virtual Assistant

Starting a virtual assistant business requires administrative skills, a computer, and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need software for managing tasks, communication, and project management.

Offer administrative support, email management, social media management, and scheduling services. Specialized services like bookkeeping or content creation can also be offered.

Build a professional website detailing your services. Use social media and professional networks like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Zirtual can help you find virtual assistant gigs.

16. Babysitting

To start a babysitting business, you’ll need a basic understanding of child care, some toys and activities for children, and a reliable way to communicate with parents. Obtaining CPR and first aid certification is recommended.

Offer babysitting services for different age groups, after-school care, and occasional childcare for events. You can also provide overnight care or tutoring sessions.

Advertise your services on local community boards and social media. Platforms like Care.com can help you find clients. Creating a professional website with customer testimonials can also attract more clients.

17. Greeting Card Business

Starting a greeting card business requires design skills, high-quality paper, envelopes, and a printer. You’ll also need design software and a computer.

Offer handmade or digitally designed greeting cards for various occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and special events. Customizable cards for personal messages are also popular.

Sell your greeting cards on platforms like Etsy and your own website. Use social media to showcase your designs and engage with potential customers. Participating in local craft fairs can also help you reach more buyers.

18. Gift Basket

To start a gift basket business, you’ll need a variety of baskets, wrapping materials, and products to include in your baskets. You’ll also need a workspace for assembling the baskets.

Offer themed gift baskets for occasions like birthdays, holidays, and corporate events. Customizable baskets for special requests can also be offered.

Create a professional website showcasing your gift baskets. Use social media to share photos and customer testimonials. Platforms like Etsy can help you reach a wider audience.

19. Tarot Reading

Starting a tarot reading business requires knowledge of tarot cards and their meanings, a quiet space for readings, and a computer with a reliable internet connection for online sessions.

Offer tarot reading sessions, personalized tarot card readings, and tarot-related products like guides and workshops.

Advertise your services on social media and spiritual community boards. A professional website and positive testimonials can also help attract clients.

20. Party Planning

To start a party planning business, you’ll need organizational skills, a computer, and access to party planning software. Building relationships with local vendors is also important.

Offer services for planning birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and themed parties. You can provide full-service planning or specific services like venue decoration or coordination.

Create a professional website showcasing your services and past events. Use social media to share photos and client testimonials. Platforms like Thumbtack can help you find clients looking for party planning services.

21. Cake Making

Starting a cake making business requires baking equipment, a variety of baking supplies, and an oven. You’ll also need decorating tools and a dedicated workspace in your kitchen. Ensuring compliance with local health regulations is crucial.

Offer custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and special occasions. You can also provide cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

Create a professional website showcasing your cake designs and menu. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share photos of your creations and customer testimonials. Local community boards and word-of-mouth referrals can also help you find clients.

22. Translation Service

To start a translation service, you’ll need proficiency in at least two languages, a computer, and a reliable internet connection. Translation software can also be helpful.

Offer translation services for documents, websites, and multimedia content. You can also provide localization services for businesses entering new markets.

Create a professional website detailing your services and language pairs. Use platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients looking for translation services. Networking on LinkedIn and joining professional translation associations can also help you attract clients.

23. Sticker Business

Starting a sticker business requires design skills, a printer, and high-quality sticker paper. A computer with design software is also essential.

Offer custom stickers, decals, and labels for personal and business use. Popular options include planner stickers, laptop decals, and custom business labels.

Sell your stickers on platforms like Etsy and your own website. Use social media to showcase your designs and engage with your audience. Participating in local craft fairs and collaborating with influencers can also help you reach more customers.

24. Cookie Business

To start a cookie business, you’ll need baking supplies, a reliable oven, and packaging materials. Compliance with local health regulations is also important.

Offer a variety of cookies, including classic flavors, decorated cookies, and custom cookie orders for special occasions.

Create a professional website showcasing your cookies and menu. Use social media to share photos of your creations and customer testimonials. Local community boards, farmers’ markets, and word-of-mouth referrals can also help you find clients.

25. Soap Business

Starting a soap business requires soap-making supplies, molds, and packaging materials. A dedicated workspace and safety equipment are also important.

Offer handmade soaps in various scents and designs. You can also provide specialty soaps like natural, organic, or vegan options.

Sell your soaps on platforms like Etsy and your own website. Use social media to showcase your products and engage with potential customers. Participating in local craft fairs and collaborating with influencers can also help you reach more buyers.

26. Crochet Business

To start a crochet business, you’ll need yarn, crochet hooks, and patterns. A comfortable workspace and storage for your supplies are also necessary.

Offer handmade crochet items like blankets, clothing, accessories, and home decor. Custom orders for personalized items can also be a great addition.

Sell your crochet items on platforms like Etsy and your own website. Use social media to share photos of your work and engage with your audience. Participating in local craft fairs and collaborating with influencers can help you reach more customers.