25 Business Ideas For Optimists [2024]

Updated: July 28th, 2024

Are you an optimist with an entrepreneurial spirit? If so, you're probably always on the lookout for new opportunities. In "Business Ideas For Optimists [2024]," you'll discover ventures that could align perfectly with your positive outlook and creative energy.

From sustainable products to technology-driven services, there's a world of possibilities where your innovative ideas could thrive. We've pinpointed emerging trends and niches that could offer not just profitability, but also the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Whether you're considering a side hustle, a full-time startup, or expanding your current business, these ideas could provide a foundation for success in 2024. Dive in to explore options where your optimism could truly pay off.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other optimist businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start an inspirational blog ($3.93K/month)

Have you ever wanted to spread positivity and motivation while building a business? An inspirational blog is a platform where you share uplifting stories, motivational quotes, and actionable advice to help readers improve their lives. This allows you to foster a community while monetizing through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

Starting this blog involves consistent content creation, understanding your audience's needs, and effective marketing. You'll write blog posts, engage with readers, and possibly even explore guest contributions. With digital tools like WordPress or Medium, setting up your blog is straightforward and affordable.

Why start an inspirational blog?

  • Your positive outlook will resonate with readers. As an optimist, your genuine enthusiasm can uplift and inspire others.
  • You create a platform for meaningful engagement. Your blog can become a hub for positive interactions and shared motivation.
  • Monetize your passion. You could turn your love for writing and inspiring others into a rewarding side business or full-time venture. Learn more about starting an inspirational blog.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $5,200/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,175 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Launched A $1.5K/Month Science Box For Kids During COVID-19 Quarantine

College student, Whitney Bowen, launched Fem 'n STEM during the COVID-19 lockdown selling STEM boxes for kids between the ages of 8-12 and has earned $1.5k in monthly revenue within the first month of launch using social media to advertise and using WIX to create an online store.

Read by 7,719 founders

2. Start a life coaching business ($19.7K/month)

Starting a life coaching business could be an ideal venture for an optimist. Leveraging your emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and personal experiences, you could help others navigate various aspects of their lives. The life coaching industry is booming, and with low startup costs, you could easily begin part-time and scale up as you gain more clients.

Why consider starting a life coaching business?

  • You could uplift and inspire others, using your optimism to make a meaningful impact in people's lives.
  • The growing industry offers lucrative opportunities, worth over $2.85 billion and increasing steadily.
  • With minimal initial investment, including a computer and a LinkedIn account, you could start coaching in your spare time and gradually build a thriving business.

Ready to dive in? Check out some success stories and tips to help you get started!

How much you can make: $100 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 45,991 founders

3. Become a solopreneur ($285K/month)

Starting a solopreneur business is especially appealing for optimists because it harnesses their positive outlook to inspire self-reliance and innovation. This business model allows you to be your own boss, handling all aspects of your operation and pioneering your personal vision. With a variety of tech tools and outsourcing options available, the workload becomes manageable, fostering a hands-on approach to achieving entrepreneurial success.

By taking control of every business decision, you can tailor your efforts to align with your passions and skills. This flexibility means you could start small in a niche you love and gradually expand as your expertise grows. If you're an entrepreneurial-minded optimist, this path can combine your creative freedom with the excitement of building something from the ground up.

Check out more inspiring solopreneur success stories on Starter Story.

Why becoming a solopreneur?

  • You could achieve complete creative control, tailoring your business to perfectly match your passions and skills.
  • You’ll enjoy unmatched flexibility, allowing you to work on your terms and manage your own time effectively.
  • The challenge of wearing multiple hats offers a unique learning experience, rewarding you with personal and professional growth.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $25,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned My Hobby For Painting Into A Successful Art Business

Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.

Read by 53,321 founders

4. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)

Starting a career coaching business is an excellent avenue for optimists seeking to leverage their motivational spirit and make a meaningful impact on others. By offering personalized guidance and support, you could help clients achieve their professional goals, from landing their dream job to advancing in their current careers. This business allows you to utilize your natural talents in speaking and human resources, creating opportunities for both personal and financial growth.

As a career coach, you have the flexibility to offer sessions either in-person or virtually, allowing you to reach a broad audience and tailor your services to fit client needs. The empowerment you bring to clients fosters success stories, which in turn can bolster your reputation and client base. Launching this practice provides a fulfilling and scalable way to monetize your skills while setting your own schedule.

Why start a career coaching business?

  • You could make a genuine impact on people's lives by helping them realize their professional aspirations.
  • You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, meeting clients in-person or virtually.
  • This business allows you to turn your motivational abilities and HR expertise into a lucrative and fulfilling career.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

From Getting Fired At 24 To Growing A $140K/Month Online Community

Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.

Read by 22,382 founders

5. Become a travel agent ($550K/month)

Starting a travel agency could be an ideal venture for an optimist. Helping clients plan their dream vacations and making their travel experiences seamless can be both fulfilling and lucrative. By leveraging your positive outlook, you could inspire and excite clients about their trips, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.

To get started, you could complete relevant tours and travel training, conduct market research, and create a compelling website to attract potential customers. This venture could allow you to explore the world virtually through your clients' eyes and share in their excitement.

Why become a travel agent?

  • You could make dreams come true every day by planning unforgettable vacations for your clients.
  • Your optimistic outlook could make you a trusted advisor, helping travelers feel more confident and excited about their journeys.
  • You could turn your passion for travel into a profitable business, creating memorable experiences for others while supplementing your income.

For more on how to get started and success stories, visit Starter Story.

How much you can make: $165,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

I Started The First Online Travel Agency In Bangladesh And It Now Makes $18M/Year

How a first-time founder grew the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh to 700+ airlines and one million-plus hotels worldwide, with a 50% increase in revenue in October 2021 compared to pre-Covid sales and aiming to hit break-even by March 2022.

Read by 6,380 founders

6. Start a remodelling business

Launching a remodeling business could be an excellent venture for optimists who see potential in transforming spaces and people's lives. By capitalizing on your skills as an architect, you could create aesthetic and functional home or office renovations that bring joy and satisfaction to clients. With your positive mindset, you'll approach each project with enthusiasm, turning dreams into reality for homeowners and businesses alike.

If you're seeking a new income stream or looking to pivot entirely, venturing into the remodeling industry could offer fulfilling opportunities. Here’s a deeper look into why starting a remodeling business might be your ideal next step:

Why start a remodeling business?

  • You could transform spaces and lives, turning ordinary rooms into extraordinary settings that inspire joy and comfort.
  • As an architect, you already possess the essential skills and vision needed to excel, making this a natural extension of your expertise.
  • There’s always a demand for quality renovations, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients and opportunities for growth.

For additional insights, check out these great pros and cons of starting a remodeling business at Starter Story.

How much you can make: $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Growing An Exterior Remodeling Company From $3.5K To $9M/Year

Carolina Exteriors is a residential home improvement service that generates $4,000,000 in revenue annually, with 12 full-time employees and over 50 trade partners, developed in response to the previous housing crisis and their founders' belief that contractors needed to be more customer-focused.

Read by 10,883 founders

7. Start a chatbot development business ($48.3K/month)

Starting a chatbot development business as an optimist opens up a world of possibilities, where you could aid various industries in enhancing their customer engagement and support systems. As more companies shift towards digital interactions, your innovative solutions could meet the growing demand for 24/7/365 assistance in shopping, education, and research sectors. Not only could you find immense satisfaction in helping businesses thrive, but you may also unlock significant income potential through this ever-evolving tech realm.

Why starting a chatbot development business?

  • Chatbots are in high demand, providing 24/7 support for businesses and their customers.
  • Your optimistic mindset will help you innovate and create AI solutions that improve people's lives.
  • There's an opportunity for financial growth as more industries adopt conversational AI.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $180,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How My AI Side Project Grew To $15K MRR In Just A Few Months

This case study article is about the founder of SiteGPT, an AI chatbot platform, who started the company as a side project and achieved $15k MRR in just 6 months, overcoming challenges such as building the first version of the product and finding product-market fit.

Read by 7,711 founders

8. Start a freelance photography business ($20.3K/month)

Starting a freelance photography business offers incredible potential for optimists looking to turn their passion into a thriving enterprise. Capturing moments and earning a living from it can make this dream a tangible reality. With an initial investment in quality equipment and continuous skill development, you could transform your love for visual storytelling into a lucrative side hustle or full-time career.

Taking advantage of social media platforms like Instagram and freelancing sites such as Upwork and Fiverr, you could gradually build a diverse portfolio and reach a broader audience. It's an empowering way to carve out a niche for yourself in the creative world and make extra money doing what you love.

Why start a freelance photography business?

  • You could turn your passion for photography into a revenue-generating business.
  • Social media offers abundant opportunities to showcase your work and attract clients.
  • Joining freelancing sites can help build your reputation and provide access to consistent gigs.

For further exploration and success stories in freelance photography, you might want to check out how others have achieved their goals by visiting Starter Story.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $50,001/month

How long does it take to build: 68 days (?)

How I Run A $50K/Month Wedding Photography Studio Like A Startup

This case study follows the journey of an Indian first-generation entrepreneur who built Studio 31, a profitable and award-winning wedding photography and film company capturing over 350 weddings annually, with a unique focus on customer experience and organic marketing, serving more than 90% NRI clients and generating an annual revenue of about a million dollars.

Read by 17,758 founders

9. Become a social media merchant

Embracing the role of a social media merchant allows optimists to blend creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of a connected world. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you could transform your passion into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture. This dynamic and interactive e-commerce model taps into a global audience, fostering an ever-growing potential for expansion and customer engagement.

Optimists thrive on positive interactions and building communities, making social media an ideal playground. The ability to respond promptly to customer inquiries and engage with followers fosters a sense of trust and loyalty. By continually adapting to the latest trends and best practices, you could ensure that your business remains relevant and successful in a fast-paced digital economy. For more on how to kick-start this venture, check out our Starter Story article on social media merchants.

Why consider becoming a social media merchant?

  • You could connect with a global audience instantly, expanding your market like never before.
  • Your positive attitude and engaging personality could foster loyal customer relationships.
  • Staying updated on trends allows you to be at the forefront of innovative marketing strategies, ensuring continuous growth.

10. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. A YouTube channel offers you the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. If you're ready to dedicate the time and effort, this could be a fulfilling venture.

A YouTube channel is a versatile platform where creativity meets opportunity. Your channel can focus on anything from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment. Building a successful channel requires consistency and quality, but the payoff can be significant.

Why start a YouTube channel?

  • You’ll have the flexibility to share your unique voice and inspire positive change in others.
  • Turning your passions into engaging content could lead to substantial financial rewards.
  • With dedication and creativity, the sky's the limit for growing your audience and impact.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,290 founders

11. Start a publishing business ($531K/month)

Starting a publishing business could be a perfect fit for optimists, combining a love for storytelling with a passion for seeing possibilities where others might see obstacles. By producing and distributing written materials like books, magazines, and digital content, you have the opportunity to impact readers’ lives positively and contribute to a more informed and enlightened world. With a solid business plan, the right team, and a keen eye on industry trends, you could create a sustainable and fulfilling venture.

For a deeper dive into what it takes to start a publishing business, you can read more about startup costs and success stories on Starter Story.

Why consider starting a publishing business?

  • You'll have the opportunity to bring new voices and ideas to the world, enriching the community.
  • A successful publishing business could offer you a reliable income while allowing you to follow your literary passions.
  • The publishing industry is ever-evolving; staying adaptable and optimistic could lead to endless growth possibilities.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How Our Book Publishing Services Marketplace Hit $1M/Month In Gross Merchandise Value

Reedsy, a book publishing services marketplace that connects authors with freelancers, has driven over $1m in GMV, features over 1,500 vetted freelance professionals, and sees over 1,000 projects every month.

Read by 11,316 founders

12. Start a book marketing business ($592K/month)

If you have an affinity for storytelling and persuasion, starting a book marketing business could be your next venture. By leveraging your creativity and communication skills, you could help authors share their captivating stories with a broader audience. This fulfilling and intellectually stimulating business idea allows you to collaborate with authors and publishers to develop and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns, including social media strategies, email marketing, and event planning.

For more insight into the pros and cons of starting this type of business, check out this link.

Why consider starting a book marketing business?

  • You will play a crucial role in promoting diverse and engaging stories, enriching readers' lives.
  • The combination of creativity and strategy involved offers a stimulating and rewarding career path.
  • Collaborating with authors and publishers could lead to lasting professional relationships and exciting opportunities in the literary world.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 175 days (?)

How Our Book Publishing Services Marketplace Hit $1M/Month In Gross Merchandise Value

Reedsy, a book publishing services marketplace that connects authors with freelancers, has driven over $1m in GMV, features over 1,500 vetted freelance professionals, and sees over 1,000 projects every month.

Read by 11,316 founders

13. Start a commercial fishing business

Starting a commercial fishing business could be a dream come true for optimists who love the ocean and have a passion for fishing. The commercial fishing industry is one of the most exciting and potentially lucrative, with the opportunity to get paid for something you thoroughly enjoy. Imagine waking up every day knowing you're not only making a living but also doing something that brings you joy and fulfillment. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, this could be a rewarding venture that aligns perfectly with your optimistic outlook on life.

Why consider starting a commercial fishing business?

  • You could transform your passion into a profession, combining love for the ocean with work.
  • There are endless possibilities for growth and profitability in a thriving industry.
  • Engaging in an outdoor lifestyle, contributing to food production, and potentially having a positive environmental impact could be immensely fulfilling.

For more detailed insights, check out our article on pros and cons of starting a commercial fishing business.

14. Start a finance media company ($1.23M/month)

Starting a finance media company is an excellent avenue for optimists to supplement their income and even establish a thriving side business. With the financial world constantly evolving, there's a wealth of content to be created and shared, and for those with a passion for finance and strong communication skills, this can be incredibly rewarding. By producing insightful articles, engaging videos, informative podcasts, and comprehensive newsletters, you could position yourself as a trusted voice in the financial sector, attracting a wide-ranging audience that is continually seeking valuable insights.

As you delve into the complexities of finance, you'll gain not only personal growth and satisfaction but also the opportunity to monetize your content through ads, sponsored posts, or subscription models. Optimistically, the demand for reliable financial information is always strong, providing a consistent potential for audience growth and revenue generation. If you're ready to transform your financial knowledge into a profitable venture, exploring the potential of a finance media company might just be your golden ticket.

Why start a finance media company?

  • You could become a trustworthy source of financial knowledge, helping others make informed decisions.
  • The demand for high-quality financial content is perpetual, ensuring a steady audience and income potential.
  • Monetization opportunities through ads, sponsorships, or subscriptions can turn your passion into a sustainable business.

For more insights into starting a finance media company, check out this success story from Starter Story.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $4,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How I Started A 250K Monthly Pageviews Personal Finance Blog

Your Money Geek blog grew rapidly to over 250k monthly page views in nine months, leading to the creation of a white-glove, paid mastermind program to help site owners drive traffic and revenue for their own blogs.

Read by 19,307 founders

15. Start an air filters business

Starting an air filters business could be an exciting venture for an optimist in 2024. With a rising focus on environmental health and indoor air quality, you could tap into a growing market that values clean air. By supplying quality air filters, you could make a real difference in people's lives, promoting healthier environments both in homes and workplaces.

With an air filters business, you could diversify your income, turning it into a lucrative side business or even a full-fledged enterprise. Given the steady demand for air filters, this venture offers the promise of consistent revenue. For more on this, check out some air filter business startup costs.

Why start an air filters business?

  • You could positively impact public health by improving air quality.
  • The consistent need for replacement filters ensures recurring revenue.
  • An air filters business aligns with growing environmental consciousness and sustainability trends.

16. Start a plastic products wholesale business

Starting a plastic products wholesale business as an optimist presents numerous opportunities not just to supplement your income but also to build an entirely new revenue stream. With a keen eye on the positive impacts and possibilities, you could harness the extensive demand for plastic products across various industries. By supplying quality products at competitive rates, you could carve out a niche for yourself in a sector that shows no signs of slowing down.

Why start a plastic products wholesale business?

  • There is a consistent demand for plastic products in various industries, which provides a steady market to tap into.
  • The potential for growth is substantial, especially if you focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable plastic alternatives.
  • With entrepreneurial enthusiasm, you could capitalize on bulk buying and favorable supplier relationships to maximize profits.

For more insight and specifics, you might find this link useful: All About Plastic Products Wholesale Business.

17. Start a product photography business ($27.2K/month)

Starting a product photography business could be an ideal venture for an optimist who finds joy in capturing and enhancing the beauty of products. As online commerce thrives, businesses increasingly require high-quality photos to showcase their products effectively. Your positivity and attention to detail could greatly complement this growing need, turning your passion for photography into a profitable side business or even a full-fledged career. Here's how to get started.

Why consider starting a product photography business?

  • You could harness your creative skills to help businesses shine online, enhancing their product appeal.
  • Every photo shoot brings a new opportunity to learn and grow, making this a continually rewarding endeavor.
  • The increasing reliance on eCommerce platforms means a rising demand for professional product photographers, offering you consistent opportunities.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $84,239/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,379 founders

18. Become a Coolsculpting provider

Starting a Coolsculpting business could be an excellent opportunity for optimists who see the potential in offering innovative health and wellness solutions. Coolsculpting provides a non-invasive fat reduction method that appeals to those seeking effective results without the need for surgery or extensive recovery times. By investing in certified equipment and training, you could meet the growing demand for non-surgical aesthetics and enjoy the satisfaction of helping clients enhance their well-being.

The rise in obesity rates and the increasing interest in non-surgical treatments make this a timely and lucrative venture. If you're enthusiastic about health and wellness and have a knack for customer service, you could build a rewarding business that delivers high client satisfaction and recurring revenue. For additional guidance, including marketing strategies and startup costs, visit Starter Story for insights on becoming a Coolsculpting provider.

Why become a Coolsculpting provider?

  • The demand for non-surgical fat reduction is increasing, presenting significant business opportunities.
  • Offering non-invasive treatments helps clients achieve their wellness goals with minimal downtime.
  • You could enjoy high client satisfaction rates and recurring business from satisfied customers.

How much you can make: $350,000/month

How Two Sisters Started A Fat-Freezing Empire

Sisters launch successful fat-freezing empire, Bodify, raising $400k from investors and family, achieving $440k in profit four years later through effective marketing, authentic branding, and providing standout customer experiences.

Read by 10,996 founders

19. Start an agricultural consulting business

As an optimist, starting an agricultural consulting business could be a rewarding venture that allows you to impact the lives of farmers and agricultural enterprises positively. By leveraging your knowledge in agriculture, horticulture, or animal science, you could help farmers make informed decisions that lead to increased efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. This not only supports local economies but also contributes to a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

Why start an agricultural consulting business?

  • You could empower farmers to make better decisions and achieve higher yields and profits.
  • This business allows you to turn your passion for agriculture into a viable and impactful career.
  • Your optimistic outlook can inspire and motivate farmers to embrace innovative practices and technologies.

For more in-depth information, you can check out this detailed guide on how to start an agricultural consulting business.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How We Literally Reinvented The Wheel And Built A $1M Company

Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market.

Read by 14,570 founders

20. Cyber Security Specialist

Starting a business as a Cyber Security Specialist could be an incredibly rewarding endeavor for optimists in 2024. With the increasing number of cyber-attacks globally, there is a growing demand for professionals who can safeguard digital infrastructures. As an optimist, you could leverage your positive outlook to not only protect but also educate businesses and individuals on best practices for cyber security.

The average salary for a Cyber Security Specialist is $97,500 per year, providing a lucrative financial opportunity. Imagine contributing to a safer digital world while earning a substantial income—something very attainable for those willing to commit to specialized training and a strong understanding of computer systems.

Why start a Cyber Security Specialist business?

  • You could make a significant impact by protecting businesses and individuals from cyber threats.
  • There is a high demand for cyber security professionals, offering strong job security and financial potential.
  • Constant learning and problem-solving in this field will keep you engaged and intellectually stimulated.

For more information on starting a Cyber Security Specialist business, check out Starter Story's marketing ideas.

21. Start a metal fabrication business

Starting a metal fabrication business is an excellent opportunity for optimists who are eager to dive into a hands-on industry that merges creativity with craftsmanship. As a metal fabricator, you could transform raw metal materials into incredible structures and machines through processes like cutting, welding, and assembling. Although this venture requires technical skills and investment, the sheer potential of what you could achieve and build offers a promising path for those who see possibilities and embrace challenges with a positive mindset.

If you have a high school diploma and technical training, you could lay the foundation for a successful metal fabrication business. This industry not only grants you the freedom to create but also provides a rewarding avenue for entrepreneurship. For more about assessing the startup costs and realizing the full potential of this business, check out Starter Story's page on metal safes manufacturing business success stories.

Why consider starting a metal fabrication business?

  • The tangible results of your hard work could offer immense satisfaction, turning raw materials into valuable products.
  • With the right skills and training, you could establish a niche in a market that always needs customized metal products.
  • Optimism can drive persistence and innovation—key elements in overcoming the initial investment hurdles and achieving long-term success.

How much you can make: $600/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Validated My Business On Etsy And Launched My Own Handcrafted Artistry Shop

DownHomeModern's Marc Staples turned his creativity into a successful business through handcrafting windbells and chimes with a rustic style that pays homage to American Southwest decor.

Read by 2,810 founders

22. Become a mental health coach ($269K/month)

Feeling called to make a real difference in people's lives? Consider becoming a mental health coach. As an optimist, you could guide individuals towards improved mental well-being by helping them develop healthier coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, and achieve personal growth through tailored strategies and support. Unlike traditional therapy, mental health coaching focuses more on future aspirations and actionable steps, allowing you to help clients envision a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Becoming a mental health coach can be deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally. If you’re passionate about mental health and have a knack for empathy and active listening, this might be the perfect path for you. You could start by taking courses in psychology or mental health first aid to build your foundational knowledge. For more detailed insights, take a look at these mental health coach success stories.

Why pursue mental health coaching?

  • You'll empower others to live better lives by helping them set and achieve their goals.
  • You could create a flexible, fulfilling career that makes a real impact on individuals' well-being.
  • As an optimist, your positive outlook will inspire and motivate your clients to reach their full potential.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Developed A $300K/Month Wearable That Reduces Stress

This case study article follows Vicki Mayo, who developed a stress-reducing wearable product for her company TouchPoint, which achieved over $2 million in sales in the first couple of years and has been used for stress relief over 3 million times.

Read by 6,974 founders

23. Become a mindfulness coach ($18K/month)

Starting a mindfulness coaching business aligns perfectly with an optimistic outlook on life. As someone who sees possibilities and positive outcomes, you could harness your optimistic energy to help clients cultivate a more mindful approach to living, enhancing their overall well-being. With mindfulness gaining popularity for its wide range of benefits, from stress relief to improved sleep, your services could be in high demand, contributing to both personal satisfaction and financial success.

Creating a mindfulness coaching business involves setting up a website, listing your services, and promoting yourself through blogging and social media. By doing this, you could attract clients who are seeking to improve their quality of life and are drawn to your optimistic and encouraging approach.

Why become a mindfulness coach?

  • You could make a real difference. Your optimistic nature would allow you to profoundly impact your clients' mental and physical health.
  • You'd be tapping into a growing market. Mindfulness and well-being are increasingly recognized as essential, offering a secure business opportunity.
  • You could turn your passion into your profession. Helping others achieve a mindful state could be both personally rewarding and financially beneficial.

For more details, visit our success stories page on mindfulness coaching.

How much you can make: $500 — $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Started A $1.8K/Month Travel Business While Traveling Around The World

Wandering Aunt founder Robin Finney shares her journey of starting a sustainable travel business, including her decision to leave her corporate marketing job of 11 years, using a simple website and free tools like Mailchimp to grow her email list and attract customers, and the importance of investing in a coaching program for support.

Read by 7,612 founders

24. Start a racing driver

Starting a side business as a racing driver could be a thrilling and lucrative opportunity for optimists who are keen on turning their passion for speed into profit. As an optimist, you'll naturally envision the countless possibilities and adrenaline-filled adventures that come with racing. The racing industry is vibrant and ever-evolving, offering multiple avenues for personal growth, sponsorships, and a highly-engaged fan base.

Why consider a racing driver side business?

  • The racing industry is full of passionate fans, opening up numerous sponsorship and brand collaboration opportunities.
  • Your passion for racing can inspire and attract a loyal following, helping you grow a strong personal brand.
  • Racing as a profession is exhilarating and provides ample opportunities to network and connect with other enthusiasts and potential business partners.

For further details, check out our dedicated pages on marketing ideas and startup costs for racing drivers.

25. Start a security printing business

Starting a security printing business could be a fantastic opportunity, especially for those optimistic about the future. This line of work involves producing secure documents such as checks, event tickets, and certificates, which are in constant demand across various industries. With the rise in digital fraud, businesses and institutions are increasingly looking for secure solutions, presenting a continuous market opportunity.

You could also feel a sense of purpose knowing that your products help protect organizations and individuals from fraud and counterfeiting. Learn more about the initial costs and marketing strategies for this venture to fully see its potential.

Why start a security printing business?

  • Security printing is a growing market due to increasing digital threats and fraud.
  • Your optimistic outlook will fuel innovation and customer trust in your secure solutions.
  • It's a fulfilling business where you could truly make a difference in safeguarding people's assets and information.

For more details on startup costs and marketing ideas, visit Starter Story.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.