10 Essential Steps to Starting a Military Spouse Side Hustle
How I Built Wondering.Waves from Zero—and How You Can Start Your Own Adventure, Too
The First Stitch: Why Side Hustles Matter in Military Life
I remember the first time I realized I needed something of my own. My husband was stationed in Japan, and I was in Norfolk, VA—two worlds apart, separated by an ocean and a 14-hour time difference. It was late at night, boxes still stacked in the hallway, and I sat on the floor with yarn in my lap, wondering, “How do I build something that moves with me—something that feels like home, even when everything else changes?”
Fresh start, new city, same dreams. This cozy living room scene captures the heart of every military spouse side hustle—surrounded by moving boxes, yarn, and laptops, ready to build something meaningful wherever life takes us. Every stitch, every step, every idea matters. 💙
If you’re reading this, you probably know that feeling. Military life is a patchwork of transitions—new cities, new routines, new friends, and sometimes, a sense of starting over before you’ve even settled in. A side hustle isn’t just about extra money (though that’s always welcome!). It’s about carving out a piece of your identity, building resilience, and creating comfort and community wherever the military sends you.
Wondering.Waves was born from that need. Today, I want to share not just the steps, but the heart behind starting a side hustle as a military spouse. This is my diary, my blueprint, and my invitation for you to begin your own journey.
1. Reflect on Your “Why”: The Heartbeat of Your Hustle
Before you pick a name, buy supplies, or announce your idea to the world, pause. Ask yourself:
Why do I want to do this?
For me, it started with loneliness and a longing for connection. I missed my family, my friends, the sense of belonging that came with familiar places. Crochet became my anchor—a way to create comfort, one stitch at a time. But the real “why” was deeper: I wanted to bring that comfort to others, to help other military families feel at home, too.
Your “why” might be different. Maybe it’s about financial freedom, creative expression, or building a legacy for your kids. Write it down. Tape it to your mirror. When the going gets tough (and it will), your “why” will keep you grounded.
Diary Prompt:
What’s your “why”? Jot it down, and revisit it whenever you feel lost.
2. Inventory Your Strengths and Passions: Finding Your Unique Spark
Military spouses are some of the most resourceful, adaptable people I know. We juggle schedules, reinvent ourselves, and find creative solutions in the face of constant change. But sometimes, we forget to give ourselves credit.
I started by making a list:
What am I good at?
What do I love doing—even if I never got paid for it?
What do friends and family ask me for help with?
For me, it was crafting, storytelling, and building community. For you, it might be baking, organizing, tutoring, or photography. Don’t limit yourself to “professional” skills—your lived experience is valuable.
Tip:
Ask a friend or your spouse what they see as your strengths. You might be surprised!
3. Research Ideas That Fit Your Lifestyle: Portable, Flexible, Possible
The reality of military life is that it’s unpredictable. You need a side hustle that can move with you, flex around deployments, and adapt to new environments.
I explored dozens of options—some worked, some didn’t. Here are a few that fit the lifestyle:
Handmade goods (crochet, jewelry, art)
Virtual assistance or social media management
Freelance writing, editing, or graphic design
Online tutoring or coaching
Consulting (in your field of expertise)
Content creation (blogging, YouTube, podcasting)
I chose crochet because it’s portable, soothing, and connects me to my roots. But the key is to pick something you enjoy and can see yourself doing even on the tough days.
Personal Story:
Once, I worked as an Executive Assistant to a CEO—juggling calendars, projects, and endless details. The work was fulfilling, but when PCS orders started looming (and then kept changing!), I realized just how quickly everything could shift. The uncertainty made it clear: my business had to be as portable as my life. That’s when I started searching for work I could take anywhere, no matter where the Navy sent us next.
4. Test the Waters: Soft Launch, Real Feedback
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start small. My first Wondering.Waves dolls were gifts for friends and family. I asked for honest feedback, tweaked my designs, and learned what people loved (and what they didn’t).
Offer your product or service to a few trusted people. Ask:
What did you like?
What could be better?
Would you recommend this to a friend?
This “soft launch” is about learning, not perfection. The feedback you get now will save you time and heartache later.
Tip:
Keep a notebook or digital file of all feedback—good and bad. It’s your roadmap for improvement.
5. Build a Supportive Network: Community Over Competition
One of the best parts of military life is the built-in community. But you have to nurture it. I joined Facebook groups for military spouse entrepreneurs, attended spouse club events, and reached out to other crafters on Instagram. I found not just customers, but friends, collaborators, and mentors.
Don’t be afraid to share your journey. Post about your wins and your struggles. Ask questions. Celebrate others’ successes. Community is everything—it’s where you’ll find encouragement on the tough days and cheerleaders on the good ones.
Diary Entry:
The first time another military spouse bought a doll from me, I cried happy tears. It wasn’t just a sale—it was a connection.
6. Set Up the Basics (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
You don’t need a fancy website or a business degree to start. Here’s what I did:
Created an Instagram account and Facebook page for Wondering.Waves
Set up a Gmail address just for business
Used Google Sheets to track orders, expenses, and ideas
As I grew, I added a Squarespace website, started a newsletter, and integrated Google Drive for files. But in the beginning, simple is best—focus on connecting with people and delivering value.
Checklist:
Social media account(s)
Dedicated email
Simple order/expense tracker
7. Get Clear on Pricing and Value: Know Your Worth
Pricing is tough, especially when you’re just starting out. I struggled with this—worried that if I charged too much, no one would buy; if I charged too little, I’d burn out.
Here’s what helped:
Calculate your material costs (yarn, packaging, shipping)
Estimate your time (and pay yourself a fair hourly rate!)
Research what others in your niche charge
Factor in special discounts (I offer a military discount for active duty families)
Remember, you bring unique value—your story, your craftsmanship, your connection to the community. Don’t undersell yourself.
Personal Note:
I once sold a custom doll for $35—after materials and shipping, I made $-20. Never again! Now, my standard dolls are $85–$100, and I’m proud to stand by my prices.
8. Create a Realistic Schedule: Protect Your Energy
Between deployments, duty days, and the unpredictability of military life, time is precious. I use time-blocking and themed workdays (thank you, color-coded Google Calendar!). Some weeks, I batch content and orders; other weeks, I focus on rest and family.
Tips that work for me:
Use an egg timer for focus sprints (25 minutes crafting, 5-minute break)
Batch similar tasks (answer emails, prep materials, photograph products)
Rate your energy each day and plan accordingly
Give yourself grace—some days, “good enough” is a victory
Diary Prompt:
What’s your best time of day for creative work? Block it off, and protect it like gold.
9. Embrace Flexibility and Resilience: Your Business Can Move with You
PCS moves, surprise orders, and “hurry up and wait”—they’re part of the deal. I’ve shipped orders from hotel rooms, filmed tutorials in tiny kitchens, and paused launches for cross-country moves.
Key strategies:
Batch content ahead of time (photos, blog posts, social media)
Communicate with customers about possible delays
Lean on your email list and community for support
Have backup plans for supplies (local shops, online orders, military discounts)
Remember, your business is an extension of you—it can adapt and grow, just like you do.
Personal Story:
During one move, I lost a box of finished dolls. I was devastated. But my community rallied—offering encouragement, sharing my posts, and reminding me that the heart of Wondering.Waves was bigger than any single order.
10. Celebrate Every Win (and Learn from Losses): Progress, Not Perfection
Every sale, every positive review, every “thank you” message is a win. Keep a “win journal”—it’ll lift your spirits on hard days and remind you how far you’ve come.
When things go wrong (and they will), treat it as a lesson. Maybe a product didn’t sell, or a workshop didn’t fill up. Reflect, adjust, and keep going. Your journey is uniquely yours—and every step is progress.
Community Prompt:
What’s your latest win—big or small? Share it in the comments, and let’s celebrate together!
Bonus: My Favorite Tools & Resources for Military Spouse Hustlers
Google Calendar: Color-coded for sanity!
Canva: For quick, beautiful graphics and templates
Squarespace: Easy website builder (and portable!)
Instagram & Facebook: For sharing your story and building community
Google Drive: For organizing files, photos, and patterns
Egg Timer: For focused work sprints
Military Spouse Entrepreneur Groups: Facebook, LinkedIn, and local clubs
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This—And You’re Not Alone
Starting a side hustle as a military spouse is more than a business move—it’s an act of courage, creativity, and hope. It’s about building a legacy of resilience, comfort, and community, one small step at a time.
If you’re dreaming of starting something new, know that you have everything you need inside you. The skills, the heart, and the community are all there—waiting for you to take the first step.
I’m rooting for you. If you ever need a cheerleader, a sounding board, or just someone who gets it, the Wondering.Waves community is here. Share your story, your dreams, and your questions below. Let’s build something beautiful together, no matter where the waves take us.
What’s your “why”? What side hustle are you dreaming about? Drop a comment, or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s start this journey—one stitch, one story, one step at a time.