Have you had someone look at you mid-task and say, “Ah-ah, you’re so good at this! Why aren’t you making money from it?” It hits different when you realize they’re not wrong.
Across the diaspora, so many Africans are walking around with gold in their hands but empty bank accounts. From cooking jollof that could humble Mama Put, to being the unofficial tech guru in your WhatsApp group—there’s real value in the everyday things we do.
The problem is that we’ve been conditioned to believe skills only count when they come with a certificate or a title. Or a LinkedIn endorsement.
We often overlook the quiet genius in our routines, like baking, tutoring, braiding and organizing. These aren’t just hobbies, but potential income streams waiting to be tapped.
So the real question becomes: how do you shift from “passion” to getting paid what you’re worth?
From Passion To Profit
When Ifeoma moved from Lagos to Manchester to work in nursing, she carried a quiet passion for skincare. She used to whip up natural shea butter blends for friends back in Nigeria. In the UK, it became her way to unwind after long shifts.
One evening, on a whim, she posted a photo of her homemade black soap on Instagram. She wasn’t expecting much—but the comments rolled in fast: “Can I buy this?”, “Sis, do you ship to London?”
She paused. Could she really turn her passion into profit? The doubt crept in: Who am I to run a business? But then she remembered her soaps were already a hit back in nursing school.
So she took a leap and registered a small business. She taught herself the ropes of Etsy and Instagram marketing. By the third month, her side hustle was covering her rent. Her brand, Ife Glow Essentials, ships internationally and is stocked in two Afro beauty shops.
Stop Missing Out
So many talented people in the diaspora are still broke, simply because they’ve been conditioned to play small.
Take cultural humility, for instance. We were raised not to “brag,” and taught that modesty is virtue. But somewhere along the line, that humility turned into self-doubt, while selling your skill started to feel like pride.
Then there’s the way we undervalue informal skills. You learned to braid from your auntie or picked up coding from YouTube, so you think it doesn’t count. But clients aren’t asking for your credentials, but results.
And let’s talk about perfectionism. You’re waiting for the perfect logo, the polished website, the full legal setup before you launch. Meanwhile, someone with half your talent is already out there earning.
Fear of judgment is another silent killer. “What will people say if I start selling akara on the side?” Listen, people will talk whether you win or lose. Let them talk while you stack your coins.
Ignoring your gift comes at a cost, emotionally and financially. Every time you delay, your potential customers take their money elsewhere.
Turn Your Passion Into Profit
Turning your everyday skills into income doesn’t require magic, just intention. So let’s break it down.
Start with What Comes Naturally
Think about it: what do people always ask you for help with? Styling hair? Fixing resumes? Cooking that legendary jollof? That’s your starting point. Write it down. Your gift is already in motion.
Test It Within Your Circle
Before you go big, go local. Offer your service to friends or family! Charge a small fee to validate demand and gather honest feedback. You’re practicing, but you’re building confidence.
Build a Simple Brand
Don’t wait for perfection. Choose a name, set up a WhatsApp Business account, and take clean, clear photos of your work. Use Canva to create free flyers or Instagram templates that look professional without the stress.
Set a Clear Starter Price
Avoid the “pay whatever you like” trap. Be direct: “₤15 per plate” or “₤25 per session.” Structure builds trust. People respect clarity, and it helps you take yourself seriously, too.
Promote with Purpose
Use what’s already around you. Social media, diaspora WhatsApp groups, or Facebook Marketplace. And never underestimate word-of-mouth, because it’s gold in tight-knit African circles.
Your Passion Into Profit Plan
You don’t need a million-dollar idea—you just need the courage to charge for what you already do well.
Turning your passion into profit is not just about the money, but also about reclaiming your value. It’s about showing the next generation that our gifts deserve respect (and payment!).
So, what’s in your hand? Music? Coaching? Organizing events? Start small, stay consistent, and watch it grow.
What skill have you been sleeping on? Share it in the comments, and you might just find your first client here.
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