In todays gig economy, the entertainment industry offers unprecedented flexibility for single mothers looking to supplement their income without sacrificing precious time with their children. The digital revolution has lowered barriers to entry across multiple creative fields, making it possible to build a profitable side hustle around your existing responsibilities.
Why Entertainment Side Hustles Work for Single Mothers
As a single mom, your time is your most valuable asset. Traditional part-time jobs often demand rigid scheduling that conflicts with childcare, school events, and those inevitable sick days. Entertainment industry side hustles offer:
- Flexible hours - work during nap times, after bedtime, or whenever you have spare moments
- Location independence - most can be done entirely from home
- Scalable income - start small and grow as your skills and audience develop
- Creative fulfillment - express yourself while earning
According to a recent survey by StackJar, 78% of single parents who started creative side hustles reported improved work-life balance compared to traditional part-time employment.
Top 5 Entertainment Side Hustles for Single Moms
2. Voice Acting or Audiobook Narration (Freelance)
What it is: Using your vocal talents to record audiobooks, commercials, explainer videos, or podcast intros.
Why it works for moms: Voice recording can be done during quiet hours (early morning or after bedtime) with minimal equipment. Projects are typically flexible with reasonable deadlines.
Success tip: Many successful mom voice actors specialize in "mom voice" commercials or children's content, leveraging their natural tone and experience.
Getting started:
- Invest in a decent USB microphone (Blue Yeti starts around $100)
- Set up a DIY soundproofing solution (blanket fort works for beginners!)
- Create samples and profile on platforms like Fiverr, Voices.com, or ACX
- Use downtime to browse StackJar's video content for voice acting techniques and earn rewards while learning
Earnings potential: $50-$500 per project, with experienced narrators earning $200-$400 per finished hour of audio
3. Online Live Hosting or Virtual Emcee
What it is: Hosting live-streamed events, trivia nights, product launches, or virtual gatherings.
Why it works for moms: Live events can be scheduled around your availability, and many clients need hosts for evening events—perfect timing after kids are asleep.
Real-world example: Melissa J., a single mother of two, hosts virtual trivia nights for corporate team-building events twice weekly, earning $75-150 per 90-minute session while her children sleep.
Getting started:
- Develop a hosting persona that feels authentic to you
- Create a simple demo reel showcasing your energy and presentation style
- List your services on Fiverr, Upwork or specialized platforms like Bigo Live
- Document your journey through blog posts on StackJar to build your personal brand while earning points
Earnings potential: $20-$150 per hour depending on the client and event type
4. Digital Creative Product Sales
What it is: Creating and selling downloadable creative assets like music loops, art prints, Canva templates, printable planners, or digital stickers.
Why it works for moms: This is truly passive income after the initial creation. Products can be designed during small pockets of free time, then sold repeatedly without additional work.
Success story: Jamie, a single mom of a toddler, creates "Busy Mom Planner" templates in Canva during her lunch breaks at her day job. Her Etsy shop now generates $1,200-1,500 monthly in mostly passive income.
Getting started:
- Identify your creative strength (design, music, organization systems)
- Create 5-10 initial products using free tools like Canva or GarageBand
- Set up shop on Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market
- Share your product creation journey on StackJar blogs to build an audience while earning points
Earnings potential: $100-$3,000+ monthly once you've built a catalog and established marketplace presence
5. Social Media Management for Entertainment Professionals
What it is: Managing social accounts for local musicians, theaters, comedians, or small entertainment businesses.
Why it works for moms: Much of this work can be batched (creating content in advance) during times that work for your schedule. Many small entertainment clients understand family obligations better than corporate clients.
Getting started:
- Learn platform basics through free YouTube tutorials
- Create a simple package offering (content calendar + set number of posts weekly)
- Reach out to local entertainment venues or performers who have outdated social pages
- Document social media strategies in blog posts on StackJar to demonstrate your expertise while earning rewards
Earnings potential: $300-$1,000 monthly per client for part-time management
How to Choose the Right Entertainment Side Hustle
When evaluating these options, consider:
- Current skills - Which option leverages what you already know?
- Available time blocks - When can you realistically work? Some options require uninterrupted time, while others can be done in short bursts.
- Startup investment - Voice acting requires some equipment; content creation may only need your phone.
- Growth potential - Which option could eventually replace your primary income if successful?
Building Multiple Income Streams
Many successful single moms combine several of these approaches. For example:
- Create TikTok content about your voice acting journey
- Sell digital templates you use for client social media management
- Blog about your experiences on platforms like StackJar to earn additional income while building your personal brand
Getting Started This Week
The lowest barrier entry point? Start content creation on TikTok or Instagram Reels using just your smartphone. Simultaneously, begin documenting your journey through blog posts on StackJar, where you'll earn points (convertible to cash) while building your audience.
Remember that consistency matters more than perfection. Set realistic goals—perhaps 2-3 short videos weekly and 1 blog post—and gradually build your presence in the entertainment industry while maintaining the flexibility your family needs.
*Have you tried any of these entertainment side hustles as a single parent? Share your experience in the comments below or write about it in a StackJar blog post to start earning rewards today!*1. Content Creation on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels
What it is: Short-form video content creation focused on your authentic experiences, knowledge, or entertainment value.
Why it works for moms: Your parenting journey itself can become content gold. From quick recipes and organizing hacks to honest "day in the life" videos, audiences connect with authenticity.
Real success story: Single mom Tiffany K. started sharing her budget-friendly meal prep videos while her toddler napped. Within 8 months, her TikTok following grew to 200K, leading to brand partnerships averaging $3,000/month—all while working just 10-15 hours weekly.
Getting started:
- Use your smartphone and free editing apps like CapCut
- Commit to consistent posting (3-5 times weekly)
- Join creator communities like StackJar's Creator Connect for networking and collaboration opportunities
Earnings potential: $500-$10,000+ monthly depending on niche, engagement, and brand partnerships
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