7 Hobbies Teens Can Turn Into a Business

Many successful entrepreneurs have turned what they love doing in their spare time into a money-making small business. As a teen entrepreneur, you might be thinking about a million things you could turn into a business, but the easiest way to start is by focusing on what you already enjoy. In this article, we’ll cover seven hobbies you can turn into a profitable business and give you a few tips to get started with each.

1. Baking and Sweet Treats

Like to bake? Think cupcakes, cookies, or brownies. If you’re the go-to person for friends and family when they want sweet treats, consider turning that into a local food business.

Here’s how to start:

• Choose one specialty item and perfect your recipe.
• Take photos of your treats with your phone and post them online.
• Create an Instagram account to share your baking and take local orders.
• Offer free samples at community events or school clubs to build excitement.

A few loyal customers can quickly turn your hobby into steady weekend income.

2. Art and Crafting

If you have a knack for painting, drawing, or crafting handmade art, you can turn that creativity into something people will pay for. Try making unique or customized pieces, like digital portraits, resin art, or personalized gifts, and sell them online.

You can set up a shop on Etsy or start small by sharing your work with neighbors and friends to see what they like best. Over time, you’ll figure out what sells well and build your own brand.

3. Tutoring Your Favorite Subject

If you’re strong in a school subject like science, math, or reading, you can offer tutoring sessions to younger students or classmates who need extra help.

Start by posting simple flyers at your school or library. Offer a free first session to collect reviews and referrals, then set an hourly rate as demand grows. You can also move sessions online using Google Meet to reach more students.

4. Music and Audio Production

You don’t have to be a perfect musician to offer services to others. If you play an instrument or enjoy piecing together beats, you can help classmates with podcasts, YouTube videos, or music projects.

Start with free audio programs to learn mixing and editing. Post short clips of your work online to show what you can do, and offer lessons to anyone interested in learning basic audio production.

5. Photography and Videography

If you enjoy taking photos or creating short, fun videos for friends, you can turn that into a service for others.

To get started:

• Offer to take photos at school events or family gatherings.
• Edit your favorite shots and share them on Instagram or other platforms.
• Create short highlight videos for birthdays, games, or performances.

You can then reach out to businesses online to see if they need your content services.

6. Gaming or Streaming

If you like gaming, turn that energy into content. You can stream your gameplay, create reviews, or share beginner tips to build an audience.

Pick one platform and choose an angle that fits your personality, like funny commentary or educational guides. As your audience grows, you can start earning through sponsorships or affiliate links.

7. Writing

Love to write? You can start by writing blog posts or short social media captions for others. Create a free blog on Medium to share your work, and then offer writing help for local businesses or school clubs.

As you gain experience, reach out to people online, such as on LinkedIn, to connect with professionals and offer your services. It’s a great way to practice communication and storytelling while earning some extra cash.

Make Your Passion Pay Off

Every business begins with curiosity and creativity. If you find yourself constantly drawn to a certain hobby, try using those skills to build something bigger. It’s not about knowing everything right away; it’s the small, consistent steps that matter.

If you dream of growing your business and gaining real-world experience in college, the Kantner Foundation Scholarship can help you make it happen. It’s built for young entrepreneurs like you ready to turn their passion into purpose.