The Covid-19 induced lockdown prompted people to convert their hobbies, skills, and interests into serious enterprises. The internet became a pedagogical space where people could learn new skills.
Many people found new hobbies and interests while others improvised on the already existing ones. As a result, small businesses like thrift stores, jewellery stores, home bakeries, and art stores thronged social media platforms.
The prospects of turning hobbies into businesses showed silver linings to many people in the tough times of pandemic.
New opportunities helped them to cope with the anxieties, induced mentally and financially, by the pandemic.
People could innovate and improvise on their hobbies to generate revenue
Aafreen Janwari, a calligraphy and mandala artist, says that the pandemic took a toll on her mental health, and to overcome it she decided to work on her skills,
“I started experimenting with canvas, brush pens, and calligraphy pens. I shared my art on Instagram and Facebook and it got great feedback which helped me to remain motivated.” She has now sold more than 300 pieces of art.
Research shows that hobbies can help a person cope with stress and depression. By developing hobbies into businesses people could do something meaningful with their time and enjoy the process as well. With a productive use of their time, people could avoid feelings of fear and uncertainty.
Rohit Raina, the founder of brand Kayasiddhi, says he was looking for a natural solution for his daughter’s rashes caused by chemical mosquito repellents.
That got him interested in researching about plants and herbs. It eventually resulted in the creation of Masurika Mosquito Repellent and Kayasiddhi Herbal Pain Relief Oil.
Many entrepreneurs claim that turning their hobbies into a business gave them a chance to bond with their families.
Rohit Raina says, “Family and friends were my first guinea pigs and almost all my products got developed because of their need.”
Aafreen Janwari echoes the same sentiments, “I have plenty of people who cheer me on and for that I am grateful to my family as it is my support system.”
With their loved ones coming together to support them, it was a therapeutic experience.
The idea of business developed from hobbies is special as it gives a personal touch to the products. It is also good to push the creative limits of a person.
The artistic interiors of Rustle Street reflect the creative vision of its owner who says that the idea of opening a unique restaurant did not just come to him, “It was always present there innately.” The pandemic gave him time to plan and lay a road map to materialize his interests.
Time is the one thing that pandemic gave us. With it came the opportunity to do what we have always wanted to do.
Developing these interests into entrepreneurial ventures became a way to break the monotony of life, increased self-esteem, reduced fears, and provided a much-needed comfort during the pandemic.
