How to Start a Freelance Business From Scratch as a Stay-at-Home Mom

July 11, 2025

Hey mamas, did you know that nearly 59 million people in the U.S. alone are freelancing today, and that number keeps growing, especially in other parts of the world. Imagine turning your unique skills into a business that you own, while still being present for school pickups and family moments. Starting a freelance business from scratch as a stay-at-home mom isn’t just possible; it’s a pathway to financial freedom and creative fulfillment. Let’s walk through the steps I’ve learned by testing the waters the past 5 years (and yes, making plenty of mistakes 😅).

1. Identify Your Skills and Passion

One thing I realised early on is that you don’t need fancy certifications to start, just real skills and a bit of confidence. One weekend, I listed my strengths: writing captions, designing simple websites, organising email campaigns. Sounds basic right? That’s what kept me relatable.

Then, I jumped on Upwork’s list of side hustles for stay-at-home parents, which includes things like copywriting, graphic design, and content creation to get started. After 30 minutes on Upwork and Fiverr reading listings, I discovered a demand for blog writers and Canva designers. That helped me find my niche today!

Here’s what I advise: List 3–5 things you enjoy doing and cross-reference that with services people actually search for. It could be freelance writing, VA tasks, or social media help.

2. Define Your Business and Services

Okay, you know your skills. Next, get specific about what you’ll offer and what you’ll charge. I started with a simple sheet: I’d offer blog writing, email marketing and Canva graphics for social media. I looked at freelance rates on Indeed for guidance . Your pricing doesn’t have to be perfect, but having numbers gives you confidence.

Consider this: Check what others in your niche charge. Aim to be competitive, not cheapest, but offer real value. I started with low rates and increased it with every new project I signed on as my confidence grew. You can watch me share the story of my journey in the video below.

3. Research Your Target Market

Don’t shoot arrows in the dark; know who you’re aiming at. I asked myself: Do I help local businesses? Bloggers? Coaches? Turns out that people were struggling to maintain their blogs and Instagram presence. I talked to a friend who recommended me for a project, and boom! I had my first client request.

You can also snoop around competitors on sites like Victor Winners’ Nigeria freelance guide or Blogtrepreneur’s resource list Voyage & Venture. Understand what others offer so you can stand out.

Here’s what I would do: Focus on your niche audience type, don’t try to be everything to everybody.

4. Set Up Your Home Office

No need for a fancy office, just a dedicated spot. I cleared a corner of my living room, got a comfy table and chair, installed Canva and Google Workspace, and made sure my internet was strong enough for Zoom calls and uploads.

Study after study confirms that remote work suits moms when they carve out a space. You can read more about integrating business and parenting on  Wikipedia. Even a small, organised setup can boost productivity and separate work mode from home life.

You may want to: Make it cozy and functional. Use a comfy chair, good lighting, and reliable tools.

5. Build an Online Presence

Clients need to trust you, so show up online. Start with a super-simple one-page site that showcases your services, portfolio links, and a contact form. I can help you build that as quickly as possible. Come find me here! If you prefer social, optimize your LinkedIn or niche platform profiles.

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour are perfect for beginners . I joined three, wrote a clear profile, included a portfolio sample, and threw in a friendly pitch. Result? My first project landed in the first week—yay!

Consider this: Keep your portfolio small but powerful. Use 3–5 samples that reflect your niche.

Starting a freelance business as a stay-at-home mom is totally doable and you don’t need to overcomplicate it. Just: