~by Lizzie Weakley~

Starting a business can be intimidating for even the most seasoned of entrepreneurs, but one shouldn’t feel intimidated even if it’s their very first endeavor. There are a lot of business ideas that are relatively simple and straightforward, as well as concepts that can tie into a unique, quirky interest or skill set you may have.

Below are just a few types of business opportunities that may help you on your journey to success and happiness.

1. Cleaning

If you’ve ever had a penchant for tidiness and physical labor, you may be primed to start a cleaning business. A cleaning business can be geared towards household chores, other businesses, vehicles, and even objects like antiques.

2. Catering

Those who love to cook should consider the potential of a catering service. Serving parties and special events with your favorite dishes is a great way to increase your visibility and reputation while also giving you a sense of pride in your culinary craft.

3. Costume Shop

As the Halloween season approaches, a lot of people will be clamoring to get their costume gear in order. You can take advantage by selling your own original costumes or taking commissions. When the holiday season is over, you can still make sales with clients who cosplay at anime and comic book conventions.

4. Bakery

Baked confections offer an indulgent, delectable way to connect with people of all ages. Whether it’s a selling cookies at a college bake sale or a wedding cake shop offering finely decorated cathedrals of sugar, a business in baking can be quite lucrative and fun.

5. Jewelry

Jewelry is part of cultural fashion across the globe, and many pieces of jewelry carry special meanings that are connected to stones and other materials used. You can start a jewelry business by making your own collection with anything from crystals and string to wood and metal.

6. Pet Sitting

With so many people adopting members of the animal kingdom, starting a pet business is a practical venture that can also be exciting if you’re an animal lover. In addition to taking care of a pet while its owner is away, you can also schedule dog walking, grooming and obedience sessions.

7. Floral Arrangements

Flowers have a universal charm that can be tethered to a variety of emotional and spiritual events. From communicating death to celebrating the birth of a newborn, the business of flowers is booming in blooms of all colors. In addition to using real flowers, you can also make a business of creating flowers from paper, silk, and other materials.

8. Impersonating

If you’ve ever had someone say you resemble a celebrity or even a fictional character, it’s possible to market that likeness to your benefit. The business of celebrity impersonators is very personalized and dependent on your own talents and skills. Find your strength and take a shot at being a doppelganger.

9. Translating

If you are fluent in another language, you may consider taking on jobs that require translation of articles, data, books, audio recordings, and other information. Translators are always needed to bridge the gap between communication barriers, so make the most of it by starting your own translation service.

10. Thrift Shops and Resale

Reselling old junk can be quite cathartic. Thrift shops, consignment boutiques and other resale stores are perfect venues for turning unwanted items into new money. It also feels great to be able to give old goods a new life instead of throwing them away.

Becoming business savvy and successful won’t happen overnight. But if you’re committed to being organized, you can make a new business flourish. When marketing your service or wares, remember that an honest, open policy and heartfelt sentiment will net you the most interest.

Meet the Author: Lizzie Weakley 

Lizzie is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky, Snowball.