Hey there, cozy enthusiasts! Shreya here, and I’m finally ready to spill the tea on my secret side hustle that’s been adding a comfy $2,000 to my bank account every month.
Grab your favorite throw blanket and settle in, because we’re about to get snug with the details of how I’ve turned my passion for cozy spaces into a profitable Instagram theme page.
It all started in late 2022 when inspiration struck.
I decided to merge my love for cozy rooms and interior design with my social media skills. Now, I’m running a theme page dedicated to cozy rooms and designs that’s not just feeding my home décor addiction but also padding my wallet.
While I can’t share the exact handle of my page, if you’re into hygge vibes and Pinterest-worthy nooks, there’s a good chance you’ve come across my content.
It took dedication, creativity, and a lot of staging, but after about 18 months of hard work, I’ve built up a following of 83,000 fellow cozy-lovers.
The key to my success isn’t just the follower count – it’s the engagement. My followers are as obsessed with plush pillows and warm lighting as I am, which means they’re interacting with my content consistently. This high engagement is what’s really driving my income.
Revenue Sources
Let’s break down how I’m making that $2,000 extra each month:
- Amazon Affiliate Links ($700-$900/month): I include affiliate links to all the décor items I showcase – throw pillows, fairy lights, area rugs, and more. When my followers click and make a purchase, I earn a commission.
- Home Décor Brand Sponsorships ($600-$700/month): Many small to medium-sized home décor brands are willing to pay for features in my meticulously staged photos. These sponsorships form a significant part of my income.
- Interior Design Service Partnerships ($400-$500/month): I’ve partnered with several online interior design services. They sponsor regular posts and stories, targeting my audience of décor enthusiasts.
- Occasional Brand Deals ($200-$400/month average): Larger brands sometimes reach out for one-off promotions. While not consistent, these deals provide a nice boost to my monthly earnings.
Work Time and Effort
Running this page is definitely a hustle. I dedicate about 15-20 hours per week to this side gig, which includes:
- Content creation and photo editing.
- Sourcing photos and videos.
- Engaging with followers (responding to comments and DMs).
- Negotiating and managing sponsor relationships.
- Researching trends and planning content.
Expenses
My monthly expenses are relatively low:
- Canva Pro subscription: $30
- Props and small décor items: $50
- Occasional furniture rentals: $100
Tools and Techniques
Canva has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to create gorgeous mood boards, edit photos to perfection, and even make short video tours that look professionally done. It’s especially useful for creating before-and-after room transformations that my followers love.
I’ve also started using AI image generation tools to create some of my content. This has been incredibly helpful for producing a variety of images without having to constantly rearrange my own space. However, when it comes to sponsored content, I always use the photos provided by the brand to ensure authenticity and meet their specific requirements.
Content Strategy
I post 2-3 photos per day, maintaining a consistent aesthetic that aligns with my cozy theme. Recently, I’ve been incorporating more Reels into my content strategy.
I aim to post 2-3 Reels per week, as I’ve noticed they tend to have higher engagement and reach. These Reels often feature room tours, DIY décor tips, or before-and-after transformations.
Milestones
Here’s a look at some key milestones in my journey:
- First 1,000 followers: Achieved after 2 months.
- 10,000 followers: Reached at 6 months, landed my first small brand deal.
- 50,000 followers: Hit this at about 1 year, saw a significant boost in engagement and sponsor interest.
- First $1,000 month: Happened right after hitting 50,000 followers.
- Current 83,000 followers: Steady growth since the 50k mark, with income increasing alongside follower count.
Keys to Success
Looking back, I believe the keys to my success have been:
- Consistency: Posting daily and maintaining a regular engagement with my audience.
- Content Mix: Balancing full room shots, detail close-ups, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Community Building: Actively responding to comments and DMs to foster a sense of community.
- Adapting to Trends: Staying on top of both decor trends and social media platform changes.
- Authenticity: Sharing my genuine passion for cozy spaces, which resonates with my audience.
Challenges
It hasn’t always been easy. There are days when I’m rearranging my entire living room for the perfect shot or negotiating with particular sponsors. The constant need for fresh content can be demanding, and staying on top of social media algorithm changes is an ongoing challenge.
However, the rewards make it worthwhile. When I receive messages from followers saying I’ve inspired them to create their own cozy corner, it reinforces why I started this journey.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in creating your own themed Instagram page, I’m considering putting together a comprehensive course that covers everything from choosing your niche to monetizing your page. If this is something you’d be interested in, please leave a comment below. Based on the response, I’ll decide whether to move forward with creating the course.
And Lastly
Running this cozy-themed Instagram page has been a rewarding experience, both personally and financially. It’s allowed me to combine my passion for interior design with a profitable side hustle. While it requires dedication and consistent effort, the ability to earn an extra $2,000 per month doing something I love makes it all worthwhile.
If you’re thinking of starting your own theme page, my advice is to choose a niche you’re truly passionate about, be prepared to put in the work, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and strategies.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s taken me 18 months to get where I am, and I’m still learning and growing every day. But with persistence, creativity, and a genuine connection with your audience, you too could turn your passion into a profitable side hustle.