How Students Are Turning Passion into Side Hustles

Young people and students today are going beyond traditional part-time jobs – they are getting creative and starting their own small businesses. More and more young people are turning hobbies and passions into side hustles, finding other ways to earn money and gain valuable experience outside the traditional work environment. 

We spoke to Afiqah, a 22 year old currently pursuing a law degree, working at a cafe part-time, and running her own banana pudding business called Lill Puddin.

Afiqah’s journey started simply with her love for desserts and a little craving. Her social media feeds are naturally packed with the latest dessert trends from around the world, and that’s how she noticed the buzz around banana pudding in the U.S. – something not easily found locally. Inspired, she decided to try to make it herself. After a few attempts and some tweaks here and there, she shared her pudding with friends – they loved it. That’s when she thought, “Why not sell it?”

Assembling the banana pudding.

Balancing studies and her pudding business means organising her schedule carefully. “I just need to plan and only open orders based on the days that I’m free and don’t have class.” She also makes sure to communicate clearly with customers about order limits, and seeks support from friends and family when she gets busy. 

What caught my attention about Lill Puddin is what sets it apart from other dessert businesses. For one, the limited order days create a sense of exclusivity. Afiqah emphasises that her pudding stands out because it’s made completely from scratch. Beyond the homemade quality, there’s also a strong focus on attention to detail and thoughtful marketing that makes the brand unique.

Lill Puddin’s tastefully designed marketing posts showcasing the brand’s identity.

Starting a business at a young age can be a big leap. Afiqah didn’t start with much money, relying on savings from her part-time job and support from her parents. When asked about advice for other students thinking about starting something, she simply says, “Just try whatever you want to do. Don't be afraid and you can just start small. Don't wait for everything to be perfect.” 

Afiqah’s story shows how young people today are reimagining what it means to have a side income. For many students, launching a small business isn’t just about the money – it’s a way to bring ideas to life and see what’s possible when you do so. Although it takes courage to start, Afiqah’s experience shows that turning a passion into something real is not as scary as it seems – one small step, or in this case, one pudding cup at a time.