This 29-Year-Old Quit Working 12-Hour Overnight Shifts Because Her Side Hustle Brings In Up to $8,000 a Month: 'It Makes Me Happy' Breanna Meertins picked up a fun hobby in her free time — then learned about an opportunity that would change everything.
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, Meertins followed a newfound passion and turned it into a lucrative side hustle.
- Meertins saw consistent revenue after about six months and now earns at least $6,000 monthly.
It's the era of the side hustle, and if you've ever considered starting one to earn some extra cash outside of your 9-5, you're in good company. These days, more than one-third of U.S. adults have side hustles, and their supplemental gigs make an average of $891 a month, according to recent research from Bankrate. Of course, the most successful side hustlers see much higher earnings, especially when they start a business that brings in nearly as much as — or significantly more than — their full-time sources of income.
Twenty-nine-year-old Breanna Meertins, a former vet assistant/technician, is one of those side hustlers. Learn how Meertins transformed her side hustle into a lucrative full-time business here.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Breanna Meertins
What was your day job or primary occupation when you started your side hustle?
I was a veterinarian assistant/technician working 12-hour overnight shifts at an animal hospital in Manhattan.
When did you start your side hustle, and where did you find the inspiration for it?
I started it about two years ago in Rockaway Beach. I had some time off from work, and I decided to learn a new sport. I would go to the YMCA to work out, and I saw people playing this sport that looked like mini tennis. It was pickleball, and I took it upon myself to learn it, which progressed to me playing every single day. Eventually, I traveled to different areas and met a lot of new people. One day, I met someone who told me that they were coaching, and that intrigued me. So I decided to start as well, and it has taken off ever since. I love seeing people grow into something new.
Related: She Started a Side Hustle That Earned More Than $1 Million in Year 1: 'Manifest Your Best Life'
What were some of the first steps you took to get your side hustle off the ground?
I built a good clientele, and I was willing to travel. I've taught in the freezing cold with hats and gloves on and in the blistering summer heat. I got PPR certified and signed up for TeachMe.To, which helped handle everything from a profile page to scheduling, marketing and payments. It has been the best decision I have ever made.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building your side hustle, and how did you navigate them?
I would say the biggest challenges I faced were the long hours and understanding the best way to teach others. It got lonely working all day with no other interaction besides my clients. After an adjustment period, I was able to find more pleasure in interacting with my clients and developing close relationships with them. Also, I had to get to the courts at the crack of dawn to make sure I had a court for my clients because the park would get so packed. Not being able to teach in bad weather definitely affected my teaching, but finding temporary indoor spaces helped with that.
How long did it take you to see consistent monthly revenue? How much did the side hustle earn?
It took six or seven months to see consistent monthly revenue. Now, I earn about $6,000 to $8,000 a month.
What does growth and revenue look like now?
Growth and revenue have definitely slowed down after the quick rise, yet the business opportunities I have created are expanding! I've been hired for birthday parties, collaborated with cafes and businesses, and I teach group classes consistently.
What do you enjoy most about this side hustle?
I enjoy seeing people love the sport and grow with it. It makes me happy that people have the passion to learn and play. I feel a sense of accomplishment that I am teaching a skill set and that I'm the coach who is going to elevate someone's life. I want everyone who loves pickleball to succeed to their highest potential.
What's your advice for others hoping to start successful side hustles of their own?
Don't quit! No matter how many clients you have or don't have in a day, week or month. Travel, travel, travel. Talk to as many pickleball players as you can; go to tournaments and network! Have a positive energy, and always reassure your clients that they can improve and be great.
