Why I Built a Side Hustle While Raising Two Kids

A heart-to-heart from one independent mom to another

Let me tell you something most people don’t say out loud: raising kids is already a full-time job, even before your feet hit the ground in the morning.

But here I am — a mom of two, juggling work, deadlines, tuition pickups, burnt dinners, and a heart full of dreams — building a side hustle in the middle of it all.

Some people ask me,
“Why now? Why not wait until they’re older?”

But here’s the truth:
I didn’t build my side hustle in spite of my kids.
I built it because of them.

I Wanted More Than Just Survival

You see, I’ve been in survival mode for a long time.

Clocking in at my 9-to-6 job, being everything for everyone, holding it together even when my world felt like it was coming undone. Some days I’d sit in traffic and wonder, “Is this it?”
Wake. Work. Cook. Repeat.

I didn’t want to just exist for the next 20 years. I wanted to live — to build something meaningful, something mine.

I didn’t want my kids to grow up only seeing a tired, overworked version of me. I wanted them to see their mom building a life she’s proud of — not just making ends meet, but making her mark.

I Was Tired of Depending on “One Stream”

Let’s be real: depending on one income in today’s world?
That’s like walking a tightrope with no safety net.

And when you’re a mom, your “why” is always louder than your fear.

I wasn’t looking to be rich overnight. I just wanted options.
To say “yes” to my daughter’s art class without budgeting three months ahead.
To book that family trip without guilt.
To have savings that didn’t vanish every time school fees were due.

My side hustle became my plan B, my plan C, and honestly — my quiet rebellion.

I Needed a Space to Be Me

Motherhood is beautiful, no doubt — but let’s be honest, it can also be consuming.

Somewhere between “Mama, where’s my socks?” and “Did you sign the school form?”, I forgot who I was beyond the caretaker, the cleaner, the counselor, the cook.

Starting my blog, building my small digital business, writing again — it brought me back to me.

This side hustle gave me more than money.
It gave me purpose.
It gave me a voice again.
It reminded me that I am still allowed to dream — loudly.

I Wanted to Leave a Legacy, Not Just Laundry

This part gets me emotional.

Because when my kids look back one day, I want them to remember a mom who didn’t settle.

A mom who built something from scratch.
Who didn’t wait until life was “easier” or “less chaotic” to start.
Who chose progress over perfection — every single day.

I want them to know it’s okay to pivot. To try. To begin again at any age.

My side hustle isn’t just about income. It’s about impact — for them, for me, and maybe even for you, reading this.

So… Why Did I Build a Side Hustle?

Because I needed hope.
Because I craved freedom.
Because I had two little humans watching my every move.

And because deep down, I knew I was made for more than just surviving motherhood.
I was made to thrive in it — and beyond it.

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If you’re a mom reading this and wondering if you can do the same… I promise you, you don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to start — messy, scared, late at night after the kids sleep — start anyway.

You are not behind. You are not too late.
You are a masterpiece in motion.

🎁 Free Gift for You:

5 Side Hustle Ideas for Moms Who Are Done Waiting

I’ve created a simple, no-fluff guide for moms who are ready to build something for themselves — something that fits around nap times, school runs, and snack negotiations.

💡 No tech overwhelm
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💡 Just honest ideas you can start from home — today

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Let’s build your version of freedom — together.

With love,
Kerenh Wong
Mama. Builder. Dreamer.
NurtureBuiltGrowth.com