Not Every Hobby Needs to Be a Business

Here’s a statement that might sting a little: not every hobby needs to become a business.

I know, I know—we live in a world that glorifies the “side hustle.” If you’re good at something, people assume the next logical step is to sell it. But as a professional hobby collector (yes, I’ve dubbed myself that), I’m here to say: sometimes the best thing you can do for your creativity—and your sanity—is to leave your hobbies exactly where they are.

Because trust me… if I had launched a business every single time someone said, “Wow, you could totally sell this!” I’d be running at least 300 small businesses by now. And honestly? The thought of that much invoicing, inventory, and customer service gives me enough anxiety to keep the world spinning on its axis. 

Here’s the thing: I love trying new things. Crafts, baking, painting, journaling, pottery, candle-making—you name it, I’ve probably gone down a YouTube rabbit hole about it. I pour myself into the joy of making something with no pressure to be perfect, no deadlines to meet, and no need to justify the hours I spent gluing, kneading, or doodling.

That freedom is the whole point. Hobbies are meant to refill your cup, not drain it dry. The minute you add invoices, shipping labels, or customer complaints into the mix, something changes. The joy gets tangled up in obligation. What used to be a cozy Saturday activity suddenly feels like a job you can’t clock out of.

Don’t get me wrong—turning a passion into a career can be amazing if that’s what you truly want. Some people thrive when their creative work becomes their business. But not every spark has to turn into a full-blown fire. Sometimes it’s okay to light a candle, enjoy the glow, and then let it go out when you’re done.

So here’s my little love letter to the hobbies that stay hobbies:

• To the cakes that never make it to a bakery display, but still taste amazing at midnight.
  
  

• To the hand-knitted scarves that never sell on Etsy, but keep me and my dog extra warm in winter.
  
  

• To the paintings that hang crookedly in my living room but make me smile every time I walk by.
  
  

They don’t need to be monetized to be valuable. Their worth isn’t measured in dollars but in joy, peace, and the simple reminder that life is about more than productivity.

So the next time someone says, “You should sell this!”—smile, say thank you, and then go back to enjoying the heck out of your hobby, guilt-free. Because sometimes, the best thing a hobby can be… is just a hobby. 

Always stay Warped and Twisted as Ever!

Eve