Hey everyone! Welcome to the next edition of my “Extra Income” series. If you’d like to be featured, just send me an email. Other hustles in this series include running a resume business and helping businesses create online campaigns.
I’m Dion, a seasoned graphic designer and creative web entrepreneur with over seven years of experience. My journey has been full of ups and downs, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. Currently, I’m a level two graphic designer on Fiverr, one of the hottest startups around.
I know many of you are curious about earning an income on Fiverr, and I’m here to share my story. Let’s dive in!
**How did you get started with your side hustle?**
I started with Fiverr in 2009, shortly after my daughter was born. The idea of working from home became more appealing, especially since my 9-5 job at FedEx Kinko’s wasn’t cutting it financially.
**What got you interested in this job?**
I worked at FedEx Kinko’s for 3.5 years, focusing on design for printing. It was like an internship where I learned a lot about the printing industry. I discovered that some companies operate entirely online, which really intrigued me.
**Tell me more about your services.**
I design a wide range of products starting at five dollars, including logos, headers, banners, icons, profile images, book covers, and flyers. Being a Fiverr seller has shown me the endless possibilities of the web. I also sell themes, icon sets, ebooks, and tutorials alongside my graphic and web design services.
**What sets you apart from your competition?**
There are many talented designers on the web and on Fiverr, but my personal experience and instinct set me apart. I design based on what I’ve experienced in a particular niche or product, resulting in unique designs, excellent customer service, and timely delivery.
**What has surprised you most about owning a business?**
Owning a business is like a roller coaster ride. Some days you feel unstoppable, while other days are filled with uncertainty and anxiety. I’ve been surprised by how obsessed I’ve become with success. I used to be a misguided kid with low expectations, but now I’m focused on reaching the next level and making my daughter proud.
**What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a small business owner?**
To reach your goals, you must keep learning and believing in yourself. Believing “it can happen” is a huge part of the battle. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’ve come a long way. It’s important to appreciate the journey because the feeling of success may not be as fulfilling as you imagine once you get there.
**What are the start-up costs?**
The biggest cost in my niche is the opportunity cost—time spent learning and researching instead of earning. Designing takes up only a fraction of my time; the rest goes into researching and strategizing for a scalable business model.
**What’s the most positive thing about your side job?**
I’ve learned a lot about myself on this journey. I’ve become a knowledgeable resource in my circle for all things entrepreneurial. The web can be intimidating for many non-web business owners, and I’ve been able to help clear up misconceptions about what’s needed for online success.
**What are your business goals for the upcoming year?**
It’s taken me about four years to figure out what I want in an online business. My goal is to eliminate distractions and focus on a clear business model and brand that can be scaled to the heights I envision.
**Have you ever thought about offering services on Fiverr? Why or why not?**