What if you could turn something you love into an extra $3,000–$5,000 a month in spendable income?
In this episode, I share how I’m helping a close friend transform her love of jigsaw puzzles into a print-on-demand side hustle on Etsy. From choosing the product and testing the model, to designing the artwork and setting up the shop, you’ll hear exactly how we’re getting started, step by step.
Whether your passion is puzzles, painting, pets, or pottery, this same simple path can help you create a micro hustle that funds more freedom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why any passion can be monetised (yes, even jigsaw puzzles!).
The difference between print-on-demand and manufacturing, and why we’re starting simple.
How to shape a clear theme or style without overthinking.
Ways to create artwork even if you’re not a designer (AI + affordable help).
The realistic costs of starting a product-based side hustle (spoiler: $200–$500 a month).
A simple growth plan: one product a week, tiny ad budgets, and building your own email list.
Key Takeaway
You don’t need thousands of dollars or a big audience to start. With the right model and consistent action, you can turn your passions into profits, one small step at a time.
Time-stamped guide
00:00 Welcome back + why micro-hustles suit 50+ nomads
02:15 Why we chose product first (jigsaws) instead of over-optimising avatar/niche
06:10 Picking the model: print-on-demand (POD) to start, manufacturing later if winners emerge
11:00 Creating a simple theme: “Colorful Chaos” and using constraints to keep designs cohesive
16:05 Design options: learn Midjourney or hire a designer; what “good enough” looks like
21:00 Shop setup: Etsy + POD integration, mockups, clean listings
24:20 Tiny paid traffic + easy content ideas (2–3 posts a week)
28:00 Weekly momentum plan: 1 new design/listing per week + listening to reviews
31:10 Build an email list from day one (why this is the unfair advantage)
34:00 Realistic starter budget and expectations
The 8-Step Mini Plan (save this)
Choose a product you love (don’t overthink niche/“who” if the product is obvious).
Pick a simple model: start with POD (e.g., Printify) to test ideas with low risk.
Define a one-line theme + one constraint to keep a cohesive collection.
Create the artwork:
DIY with Midjourney + prompt help from ChatGPT, or
Hire on Fiverr/Upwork and secure commercial rights.
Set up your shop: Etsy + POD integration, tight titles/tags, strong mockups (Placeit/Canva).
Launch 5 starter designs as your first collection.
Switch on tiny ads: Etsy Ads ($2–3/day) + one social channel ($5/day) to test.
Build momentum: 1 new design/week, read reviews, double down on what sells, start your email list immediately.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
200+ Side Hustle Ideas for 50+ Nomads – Free guide to spark inspiration.
Start the Right Side Hustle Course – Find the micro hustle that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Join the 50+ Nomad Club
If you’re ready to start building your dream lifestyle, whether that’s travelling full-time, living part-year overseas, or creating more freedom at home, you’ll love The 50+ Nomad Club.
Inside, you’ll get practical strategies, inspiration, and a supportive community of like-minded adventurers who believe adventure never retires.
Download My Free Guide
📖 How to Become a Digital Nomad in Your 50s & Beyond
This practical guide will help you map out your portable income, choose the right business model for you, and start planning your first nomadic leap with confidence.
Join the Conversation
What’s your version of puzzles?
Share your hobby, your first product idea, and the one small step you’ll take this week in the comments below.
Also what was your biggest takeaway from this episode, and how could you apply it to your own journey?
Loved this episode? The biggest compliment you could give me, would be to share it, restack it or send it to someone else who would love it! Thank you so much! 🙏
