Students use side hustles as means to make extra money in college and pursue passions outside of class

By Maven McGregory

Staff Writer

Some months Tyler Fuller can earn up to $1,000 a month thrifting clothes and reselling them online.

He set up a Depop store online and visits thrift stores three times a week to find clothes to resale. He has learned to watch market changes with the seasons—outerwear, sweatpants, hats, and shirts tend to sell best in colder months.

Fuller is one of several students on campus who has figured out a side hustle to make money while in college.

Trevecca students are using side hustles not just for extra cash, but for career experience and personal growth, while others use them for financial flexibility.

According to Dawn Olson, an associate professor of marketing and business at Trevecca, side hustles give students the chance to gain practical experience. She emphasized that the most valuable takeaway is the learning process itself, along with the ability to say, “I know what it takes to work hard and manage my income.”

Olson believes that while side hustles may not directly give students an advantage in their careers, they do provide valuable experience.

“For example, if a student is pursuing a career in healthcare but has a side hustle doing nails, the two aren’t directly related. However, the skills and experience gained from managing a side hustle can give them an edge over others competing for similar jobs,” she explained.

Fuller said he has learned how to manage time and money, allowing him to stay productive while balancing schoolwork.

Though it’s not his long-term goal, his Depop business has given him valuable experience and financial flexibility.

For Renea Bruce, a junior social work major, doing nails started as a fun way to make extra cash in 2020 but has since grown into a side hustle she hopes to turn into something more.

“I’ve done my own nails since 2020, so I’m self-taught,” she said. “I eventually want to get my license in it. That’s one of my goals on top of my degree, and I want to get a master’s.”

Side hustles are increasingly popular among students like Fuller and Bruce, offering both financial flexibility and valuable career experience. According to Intuit, around 49% of respondents start a side hustle to be their own boss, while 42% are driven by the desire to pursue their passions. Unlike traditional employment, side hustles offer flexibility and a chance to build something personal and unique.

Specializing in gel X and natural nails, Bruce offers detailed, custom designs and has recently added press-on nails to expand her business. This new service allows her to reach more people, both on and off campus.

“I love it. I really enjoy meeting new people and talking with them. I’ve always been an artistic person, so I’ve always loved painting. Bringing that into nails is so much fun for me. I want to do it as a side hustle on campus, but also to showcase my work. I love doing intricate designs, especially on myself, and I want to offer that to others too,” said Bruce.

Currently, Bruce sees around 15 to 20 clients a month, with some weeks having as many as six.

“In a month, I’d say I make around $500 to $600,” she said.

Bruce is focused on making her side hustle sustainable, carefully managing her expenses.

“I buy everything in bulk, mostly from Amazon, so I don’t have to restock supplies every month. A lot of the money I make doesn’t go directly into nails—it’s more focused on savings and other expenses I have,” she said.

Olson stresses the importance of understanding the legal and tax responsibilities that come with side hustles.

“The tax implications depend on how much you earn. If you make a certain amount, you are required by law to file taxes,” she said. “Most side hustles are classified as sole proprietorships, which means you only need a tax ID number to get started. You can then file your taxes as part of your personal return, allowing you to deduct business-related expenses.”

She also noted that while forming an LLC is a more formal option, it’s not necessary at first.

“To get started, all you really need is a sole proprietorship, a tax ID number, and a license through the county and state.”

One of the most valuable skills students can gain from side hustles is discipline.

“That’s a hard skill to teach,” she said. “It’s something you learn on your own, but you have to be willing to put in the work for it.”

This self-driven commitment is crucial for managing both school and business responsibilities successfully.

“Students who embrace a side hustle, have the determination and the grit that is needed when things get challenging later on. They’ve already been through it, so they know what it takes to move forward,” said Olson.