Megan Walsh, a 41-year-old endoscopy nurse from Manahawkin, New Jersey, has always found comfort in creative expression. But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic struck that she turned her crafting hobby into a full-blown side business.
Like many healthcare workers, Walsh faced long hours, mental exhaustion, and the emotional toll of being on the front lines. Crafting became her escape, a way to relieve stress and reconnect with simpler, joyful moments from her childhood.
Inspired by her late father’s love for gardening, she began creating dried flower wall decor that brought peace to her own home and quickly found an audience online.
Walsh’s Etsy shop, MegansMenagerie, now generates around $9,800 monthly, providing her family with a financial cushion and offering her an alternative to the traditional full-time grind.
Her journey from burnout to balance illustrates how passion-driven side hustles can serve as both a financial resource and a lifeline for personal well-being. I didn’t set out to make it a business; I just wanted to create something that felt authentic and calming, she shares. Her story underscores a powerful message: that sometimes, returning to our roots can lead us forward.
Key Takeaways
Megan Walsh, a nurse turned entrepreneur, found comfort in crafting during the pandemic and turned her hobby into a thriving Etsy business.
- Walsh’s Etsy shop, MegansMenagerie, generates around $9,800 monthly, providing financial stability for her family.
- She prioritizes balance between her nursing career and Etsy business, recognizing the importance of self-care and resilience in maintaining success.
- Walsh’s story highlights the potential of side hustles to alleviate financial strain, foster personal growth, and satisfaction, making it an inspiring example for those seeking alternative income streams.
From stress relief to a thriving side business
Walsh’s journey as an entrepreneur began over a decade ago, long before the pandemic when she was still in nursing school. Like many students, she grappled with rigorous academics, tight budgets, and the daily stresses of balancing studies with part-time work. During these years, she discovered crafting as a therapeutic outlet.
To supplement her income, she decided to sell some of her handmade creations, initially simple, crocheted cowl-neck scarves. Her first sale—a $40 scarf—marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey in 2009.
As she continued her studies, Walsh noted emerging trends among Etsy sellers and retail stores. Chevron patterns, in particular, became popular, and she seized the opportunity by adapting her designs to feature these patterns.
To keep up with the demand, she streamlined her production process, shifting from labor-intensive crocheting to using knit fabrics she purchased in bulk. Each scarf took just 30 minutes on my family’s old sewing machine, she recalls, a significant improvement over the four hours her crocheted scarves required. This efficient approach allowed her to expand her offerings while continuing her education.
The earnings from Etsy soon provided her with added financial security, enabling her to purchase a new car in 2013 and support her family’s needs. Yet, as her nursing career and family obligations grew, she found herself with less time for her shop.
By 2014, she had completed her undergraduate studies and welcomed her second child, a milestone that led her to focus primarily on her nursing career. Despite this shift, Walsh kept her Etsy store open, even if on a smaller scale, viewing it as a beloved creative outlet that she could return to one day.
Reviving MegansMenagerie amid the pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Walsh returned to crafting, seeking solace in creating flower decor that could bring tranquility to others’ homes during an unpredictable time. Her Etsy store evolved, reflecting her desire to create products that would uplift and soothe.
She chose natural elements, including eucalyptus, which has long been associated with relaxation and well-being. Incorporating these materials not only provided her with a sense of peace but also resonated with customers seeking comfort amid widespread uncertainty.
The renewed focus on her Etsy shop led to an impressive jump in revenue. In 2021, MegansMenagerie earned $78,400, and by 2022, annual revenue had reached $108,300. This additional income allowed Walsh to cover essential family expenses, from student debt repayments and family vacations to a cherished vow renewal with her husband.
Her success also enabled her husband to transition into a stay-at-home dad role, giving them the flexibility to balance work and family needs. The arrangement means Walsh can focus on her Etsy business and nursing career without overextending herself.
Despite her impressive success, Walsh maintains a pragmatic approach to her dual careers. When work becomes overwhelming, she consciously reduces either her nursing shifts or Etsy production, recognizing the importance of balance and self-care.
To manage her own well-being, she makes it a priority to rest and recharge, especially during high-demand periods such as the holiday season. Her careful approach to balancing these commitments highlights the significance of resilience and mindfulness in maintaining a successful side business alongside a primary career.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Walsh’s journey offers practical insights for those considering a similar path. For her, success on Etsy wasn’t the result of a detailed business plan or a high upfront investment but rather a commitment to her craft and an openness to adapt along the way.
She believes that online marketplaces like Etsy provide an ideal platform for creative entrepreneurs who may not have the resources or time for a traditional storefront. Her story is a reminder that turning a passion into a profitable venture is within reach for anyone willing to invest the time and energy.
For those starting a side business, Walsh recommends paying attention to trends and customer interests. When she noticed the popularity of chevron patterns, she pivoted her designs to align with market demand. This responsiveness has been a cornerstone of her success, allowing her to offer products that resonate with a wide audience.
Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Don’t be afraid to scale back when you need to, she advises. By prioritizing her well-being, she ensures that her business remains a source of joy and stability rather than stress.
Today, Walsh continues to expand MegansMenagerie, actively refining her product offerings and experimenting with new designs. Her dedication to creative expression and financial independence has not only benefited her family but has inspired others.
She hopes to encourage people to pursue their passions, especially if they bring a sense of fulfillment that might be missing from their primary jobs. As the digital landscape grows, she sees platforms like Etsy as invaluable resources for creatives to showcase and monetize their skills.
Walsh’s Etsy shop, now bringing in nearly $10,000 per month, stands as a testament to her resilience and resourcefulness. Her success story serves as a model for those who may be looking to diversify their income or find balance between traditional employment and entrepreneurial pursuits.
The ability to blend a nursing career with an Etsy business has given Walsh financial stability and a flexible lifestyle, allowing her to prioritize family while achieving personal goals. Her story demonstrates that with perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to follow one’s interests, even a small passion project can blossom into a thriving business.
Embracing digital entrepreneurship
Megan Walsh’s story underscores a broader trend of individuals seeking ways to break free from conventional employment structures by exploring alternative income streams. Her journey reveals the potential of side hustles not only to alleviate financial strain but also to foster personal growth and satisfaction.
In an increasingly digital world, platforms like Etsy provide an accessible pathway for individuals to share their talents and earn additional income.
Her success is a beacon for those who wish to bring their creative endeavors to a wider audience. By sharing her experiences, Walsh aims to empower others, showing that with dedication, one can achieve financial stability and personal fulfillment. Whether through crafting, designing, or other talents, she believes that everyone has the potential to create a meaningful, profitable outlet.
In a world where burnout and work-life balance challenges are common, Walsh’s Etsy venture stands as an inspiring example of the rewards that can come from pursuing one’s passions. Her message is clear: pursuing creativity can lead to unexpected successes, greater resilience, and a richer, more balanced life.
