Visiting Hive at these wee hours of the night, I've been contemplating how my account is doing. I wondered why my blog posts have become less more frequent lately. So, I browsed my phone gallery to see what I've been up to, as I have a habit of taking random photos for personal documentation. I was overwhelmed by the huge number of food photos! It was flooding my gallery! Then I realized what's been keeping me so busy lately, and that is cooking and selling my homemade products.
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It was the second week of January when I started posting in our community Facebook group about the Graham ice cream bars I'd made. I was surprised when the two trays I'd prepared sold out in just two days! I was selling them for ₱25 per bar. The idea wasn't originally mine. I got the idea after watching videos because it was trending on Facebook, and I decided to give it a try and start selling them myself. By the third day of selling, I began joining more Facebook market groups in nearby villages, expanding my reach beyond just our own community. I also started experimenting with and offering other products, like fresh lumpia, mango float, brownies, and sandwiches.
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I've been quite busy, but I'm happy. The kitchen is my happy place, and selling food gives me even more reason to spend time there. Plus, I'm earning some extra income, which is a great bonus! After all, who wouldn't want to make extra cash while doing what they love, right?
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For the past two Saturdays, fresh lumpia has been a staple product I'm selling, in addition to the Graham bars that are always available daily. Just last Saturday, I sold 18 pieces at ₱55 each (less than a dollar). We offer free pick-up and free delivery to nearby villages with a minimum order of around $3. I usually use our electric bike, so we don't incur any gas costs. This small side hustle is a start for a stay-at-home, full-time mom trying to earn her own money independently.
This little business has made me feel empowered and confident again. What I earn from my side hustle isn't comparable to what I earned when I was employed, but it's still better than doing nothing in my free time, plus it makes me happy. I can actually see myself opening a small cafe or snack bar someday.
Since it's getting so hot, I'm thinking about selling some refreshing treats to add to my product list. Maybe smoothies, coolers, and shaved ice?
Just before going to bed tonight, I packed more Graham bars so I'll have enough stock for the next few days.
What about you? What have you been up to lately?
All photos are my original work, and some are posted on my personal Facebook account for business purposes.