From Side Hustle to Skill Powerhouse: Four skills that transformed the lives of four Nigerian youths
In celebration of World Youth Skills Day
Name: Wisdom Chinedu
Business name: Wizch
Skill: Photography
Can you tell us how your side hustle began and what inspired you to turn it into a full-time business?
Wizchy: My photography journey started between 2019 and 2021, just using my phone to capture friends, random scenes, and special moments. I didn’t have a camera then, but I had a strong desire to capture beauty in everyday life. As people started complimenting my eye for detail, it pushed me to take it more seriously
In 2022, I decided to go professional. I trained under two respected photographers one for 2 months and another for 6 months on a scholarship. I couldn’t let either opportunity go, so I learned from both. By 2023, I officially launched photography as a business.
What really inspired me was the joy I saw on people’s faces when they received their pictures. That emotional connection, combined with my passion for storytelling, made me realize this was more than just a hustle; it was my purpose.
Now, photography isn’t just what I do, it's who I am. My daily affirmation is simple: Photography will change my life and I just want to be creative, paid and out of the way.
What specific skill(s) did you develop that made the biggest difference in growing your hustle into a thriving business?
Wizchy: One major skill that made a huge difference for me was learning how to put myself out there especially through social media. As someone who grew up more on the quiet, introverted side, I struggled at first with networking and getting clients. Everyone kept telling me, “You need to go out, meet people, connect, that's how referrals happen,” and while that’s true, I also realized something important, your real, ideal clients are not always the ones around you physically.
So I focused on using digital tools, mainly Instagram and TikTok to promote my photography. I started sharing behind the scenes clips, before and after edits, and even showing my personality online. That helped people outside my immediate circle discover my work and connect with me on a deeper level. It made my brand more relatable, and it created trust before they even booked a shoot.
Basically, I turned content creation and online storytelling into my networking tool and that changed everything for my business.
What was the turning point when you realized your “hustle” had become a serious career?
Wizchy: Omor! 😂 For me, the turning point came in stages. First, it was when I started investing serious money into photography gear, saving constantly just to upgrade and buy better tools. That alone made me realize this wasn’t just a casual hustle anymore. I was making sacrifices because I believed in it.
Then the real wake up call came when I saw how competitive the photography industry is. There are so many talented creatives out there, and I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to stand out. That’s when I began focusing on what I truly wanted to be known for. In the beginning, I wanted to do it all portraits, weddings, events but over time, I discovered my strength and passion was in Portrait , lifestyle and Commercial Photography.
Making that decision to niche down and specialize was a major shift. It helped me build a clear identity as a photographer, and from there, the business started growing in the right direction. That’s when I knew yeah, this is no longer just a hustle. This is my career. PHOTOGRAPHY WILL CHANGE MY LIFE.
Did you face any obstacles transitioning from hustling informally to running a structured business? How did you overcome them?
Wizchy: At first, I honestly had no idea how the business side of photography worked. I struggled a lot with things like negotiating with clients, setting my prices, and truly valuing my work. I just wanted to get paid, so I often undercharged or even took on shoots for free just because people promised me “exposure.” Looking back now, it’s a bit funny, but at the time, it wasn’t easy at all.
As I kept working, I started learning. I began to understand how to deal with different types of clients: the difficult ones, the calm ones, and everyone in between. Gradually, I learned to structure things better. I created pricing packages, set boundaries, and started treating photography like a proper business, not just a hustle.
It’s still a journey, but now I approach my work more professionally, and people can see that growth in how I handle my brand.
What role did mentorship, training, or digital tools play in scaling your skills and business?
Wizchy: Yeah, they played a major role especially in helping me understand the real foundation of photography, which is lighting. Photography is all about light. Yes, gear is important, but knowing how to light your subject properly makes a huge difference. That was a game changer for me.
Also, when it comes to the business side, I realized that being a talented photographer doesn’t automatically mean you know how to run a proper photography business. That part takes learning too. Through mentorship, online training, and using digital tools, I started picking up the business skills I was missing like client communication, pricing, marketing, and managing workflow.
It’s all part of the journey, and these resources really helped me move from just taking nice pictures to building something sustainable.
What advice would you give to other young Nigerians who have a hustle but are unsure how to turn it into a sustainable livelihood?
Wizchy : The biggest advice I can give is consistency. Whatever skill you’re learning or already good at, just keep showing up and putting in the work. Don’t rush the process or get discouraged when things feel slow. Growth takes time.
Be intentional about improving even if it’s just doing better than you did yesterday. Stay focused, keep learning, and trust that your efforts will pay off. Turning a hustle into something sustainable isn’t easy, but with consistency, discipline, and a willingness to grow, it’s definitely possible.
You can connect with Wisdom on:
Instagram - @Wizchy
TikTok - @Wizch
Name: Bryan I. Monovie
Quality Monovie Agro Farms (QMA Farms)
Can you tell us how your side hustle began and what inspired you to turn it into a full-time business?
Bryan: I had a friend who was trying to raise some birds, he asked me if I would be able to help him out with it. I wasn't even in my state at the time but I thought it would be a good idea. So I came back but the deal did not pull through, however, I thought I could make a good business out of it. I started posting on my status and social media handles and a friend reached out asking what it was about, I told him and he helped me in pulling in investors. That's how it all started.
What specific skill(s) did you develop that made the biggest difference in growing your hustle into a thriving business?
Bryan: The first thing I developed was the industry skills. I enrolled for broiler breeding classes to understand the practical part of breeding birds. I invested a lot of resources into that and when I was confident of my skills, it was evident. The next thing was to segment the different aspects of a business. sales, marketing, human resource, advertising and all of that. I had to condition myself to learn all these skills at different times. The biggest for me was sales because at that time the whole business was just me so I had to put on these different hats. I bought every book I could get my hands on. I took courses on that. That made a big difference in growing my business. I could now talk to people, share stories in a more meaningful way that resonates with people and makes sales easier.
What was the turning point when you realized your “hustle” had become a serious career?
Bryan: When I was able to raise a little over a million, nobody told me that this could be a serious business. That was the turning point.
Did you face any obstacles transitioning from hustling informally to running a structured business? How did you overcome them?
Bryan: I did not actually, because I had knowledge about making a business structured prior to when I made my business formal. I had started reading about business structuring and systems around 4 or 5 years before then. So when the fund came in to establish the business, the first thing I did was to go and register as a limited liability. I didn't want to register as an enterprise first. I think where I had a little bit of a challenge was in having a formal account. Creating a structured financial system was the only aspect that posed a little challenge but having this legal structure, I didn't joke with it and that saved me a lot.
What role did mentorship, training, or digital tools play in scaling your skills and business?
Bryan: This is really important and everyone has to take note of this no matter what line of business you're in. The first thing I did was to run to a mentor. So it wasn't just the training I went for, I went to someone who had been in business for about 5 to 7 years and told him that I want to learn from him. Initially he was reluctant but eventually, he handed me to some of his staff to put me through what I needed to know. I got close to him from that point on, I asked him some questions, he told me things and when I started seeing those things happen, I could understand why they were happening and I knew what to do. I could run to him for help. So it was very helpful having him as my mentor and I've learnt that whatever business I'm going into, a mentor or a coach is very important. I also made sure that I was part of a training every month, paid or free. It doesn't matter how little or how much, if you can afford it, sign up to improve your skills. That has been part of my journey for the past 3 to 4 years.
What advice would you give to other young Nigerians who have a hustle but are unsure how to turn it into a sustainable livelihood?
Bryan: One of the mistakes a lot of people make is that they want to abandon their main hustle when the side-hustle is not mature enough to be a business yet. So they abandon their salary job to focus on their side-hustle and I won't advise that. I'd say at the point where your side-hustle can give you two times what your salary gives you, then at that you're ready to let go of your salary job and make a full-time business out of your side-hustle. Also, if you probably have what I call a fall-back-fund at that point you can definitely start
Another thing I would say is that not everyone is confident about going into a business, some people thrive better working for or with someone within an already defined structure so if you think or feel that you're that kind of person. I don't think there's any need to push it. However, I honestly think there's a business person in everybody, you just need to find and tap into that version of you.
If you feel strongly that you want to start a business, these are the three things that I believe you should do:
Ensure that side-hustle is solving a problem. Do your market research, try to identify what problem that product or service caters to.
Build yourself daily. Keep on honing your skill. I learnt something. If you can put in 40hours to work weekly for someone else which is 8 hours daily for 5 working days, then you can put in 7 to 14 hours weekly to build your skill set or knowledge, that is 1 to 2 hours every day. That is the 40/7 rule.
Understand structures and systems. To turn any side-hustle into a sustainable lively hood, the word “sustainable” is quite weighty. So to make sure your side-hustle is sustainable as a business, you need to understand how systems and structures work in order to run your business efficiently.
You can connect with Bryan on:
Facebook, IG, Linkedin: Monovie Izibeikien Bryan, Quality Monovie Agro Farms
Name: Iwinosa Airende-Okpugie
Nairok Solutions Ltd
Tech Training Institute
How did your side hustle begin, and what inspired you to turn it into a full-time business?
My side hustle began out of necessity and passion. While I was still in school, I realized I had a knack for tech—particularly data and training. I started helping friends understand digital tools, offering free sessions, and gradually began training others. What inspired me to turn it into a business was the impact I was making and the consistent demand. People kept coming, referrals were growing, and I realized this was more than just a hobby—it was purpose calling.
What specific skill(s) made the biggest difference in growing your hustle into a thriving business?
Communication and adaptability. Being able to explain complex ideas simply helped me train others effectively. I also learned digital tools like Excel, Power BI, and presentation design—skills that gave my services structure and credibility. Building capacity in project coordination and leadership helped me handle larger responsibilities too.
What was the turning point when you realized your hustle had become a serious career?
The turning point was when I started getting organizations, not individuals, reaching out for structured training. Also, when I had to register my brand, build a team, and manage projects with clear deliverables and timelines, I knew I had transitioned.
Did you face obstacles transitioning into a structured business? How did you overcome them?
Absolutely. The biggest was navigating structure—documentation, taxation, and managing finances professionally. I had to learn on the go, take short business courses, and lean on mentors. Another challenge was people management—delegating, setting expectations, and building trust in a team.
What role did mentorship, training, or digital tools play in scaling your skills and business?
Mentorship gave me direction. It was through mentors I learned to separate emotion from business and focus on long-term growth. Training helped me sharpen my delivery and build relevant skills. Digital tools—like Canva, Trello, Power BI, Zoom—made my work easier, smarter, and scalable.
What advice would you give to other young Nigerians who have a hustle but are unsure how to turn it into a sustainable livelihood?
Start small but think big. Don’t wait for it to be perfect—just start. Learn constantly. Treat your hustle like a business from day one—track your progress, keep records, and build relationships. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nigeria is hard, yes, but with consistency and the right mindset, even a small hustle can become a beacon of light.
You can connect with Iwinosa on:
LinkedIn - Iwinosa Airende-Okpugie
Facebook - Nosa Favour
You can also check our website: www.nairoksolutions.com
Name: Oluwafunmilayo
Skill: Digital Art
Can you tell us how your side hustle began and what inspired you to turn it into a full-time business?
Funmi: I started my art long ago as a form of leisure. I would spend hours scribbling and sketching in everything that had a surface. I had several drawings of lopsided humans and animals in every corner of the house, the living room inclusive. On one occasion, a long time friend of my mom's visited. She was impressed with my art. She settled down to explain how likely it was for me to earn from this. She explained that if I focused on improving my artistic skills to a more realistic outcome, it would not only give me a good sense of fulfillment, but help me make sense of the world while earning honestly. I don't remember how old I was, but I can certainly recall how her words touched me in the deepest ways possible. I remember announcing to every child in my class the very next day that I was an artist and that they were all free to hand over their notebooks for me to draw diagrams for a small token of fifty naira. I remember losing hours of sleep and struggling with my heavy bag filled with several notebooks with empty spaces for diagrams in science classes. I might not have noticed it then, but I had already begun my own small-scale business.
The inspiration to turn it into a full-time side hustle came several years later. I had just gotten my first mobile phone upon completing my West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination and as expected, I had found my way into the open arms of social media. I was exposed to an array of artistic expressions that beckoned on me, the most interesting at that moment, being Digital Art. I had no idea how to attract clients to make commission requests and so for a few months, I drew and painted whatever appealed to me and uploaded it on my accounts. Not long after, one of my teachers from secondary school reached out to me. He had recently welcomed his first child and was willing to let me try my skills at making my very first business contract ever since I left school. I like to think of this one instance as a turning point in the way I viewed my art afterwards.
What specific skill(s) did you develop that made the biggest difference in growing your hustle into a thriving business?
Funmi: Aside from improving my drawing skills with the pencil, the biggest game-changer was learning how to present my work. I had to teach myself how to use digital design apps, how to photograph my art properly and how to relate my emotions with every single piece I settled down to work on. I learnt to interact first hand with clients and developed my communication skills further. Most importantly, I learnt how to price my work in a way that would honor my efforts. I also became more intentional about storytelling and the message behind my art, keeping in mind that people don't just buy art only for the aesthetic look it offers, but because of the meaning involved.
What was the turning point when you realized your “hustle” had become a serious career?
Funmi: The turning point was when strangers, not just my friends and coursemates began reaching out for commissioned pieces. I was elated. Although I encountered a few loopholes now and then, I realized that this wasn't just a one-time experience, it was a service that held value and I intend to keep it that way.
Did you face any obstacles transitioning from hustling informally to running a structured business? How did you overcome them?
Funmi: Yes, to a very large extent. My biggest hurdle was balancing school and creativity. There were so many moments when I doubted myself. There were other moments when I felt frustrated because I never seemed to have enough funds to invest in better tools. I also had to be very careful with the impression I left on customers. Inconsistency threatened to rip my confidence in halves, especially when I saw how other artists were continuously progressing.
What helped me was taking my time with everything related to my art. I stopped taking commissions with closer deadlines. Although this was very detrimental, it helped me breath and gather my thoughts. I was able to organize myself better and give enough attention to every piece I laid hands on.
What role did mentorship, training, or digital tools play in scaling your skills and business?
Funmi: I made and still make use of free and low-cost apps like Ibis Paint, Canva, and Instagram. I don't have formal mentors since I have never had art lessons, but I have followed other artists on digital apps such as YouTube. I have learned from several tutorials, and asked feedback from fellow artists.
What advice would you give to other young Nigerians who have a hustle but are unsure how to turn it into a sustainable livelihood?
Funmi: Start with what you have. Don't wait for a perfect time. Listen to feedback and try to apply them.
You can connect with Funmi on Instagram and Facebook @Mozzafi Arto
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