Life in Liberia isn’t always easy, and I know that sometimes, you just want a way to earn your own money and help yourself or your family out. Whether it’s for school fees, helping at home, or just having something extra to support your dreams, you’re not alone in wanting a better future.
The good news? You don’t need a lot of money to start something that can give you your own income. With determination, you can create opportunities for yourself and take that first step toward building something amazing.
Here are 7 simple businesses you can start today. These ideas are for you, and I hope they inspire you to take control of your own journey. You’ve got this!
1. Selling Customized Bouquets/Flowers
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this is the perfect time to start a business selling bouquets and flowers. Many people love to buy flowers to gift their loved ones, and you can stand out by creating unique, customized designs.
How to Start:
- Buy fresh flowers or artificial ones from the market.
- Get creative by arranging them into beautiful bouquets.
- Add personal touches like ribbons, cards, or small gifts as requested by your customer.
The Earning Potential:
With so many people buying flowers for Valentine’s Day, this is your chance to make a significant income in a short amount of time. Start small, and you could grow your business just in time for the holiday rush!
2. Study Class Teacher
Are you good in school? If so, this is your chance to shine and earn money while helping others! Many parents in Liberia want someone to tutor their kids, especially in subjects like math, English, or reading.
How to Start:
- Let parents in your community know you’re available to teach.
- Offer to tutor small kids after school or during weekends.
What You’ll Need: No upfront costs are needed! Start with the materials you already have at home. Later, you can invest in a blackboard, chalk, or textbooks if needed.
How Much You Can Earn: A study class teacher we spoke with charges 2000–3600 LRD per month and teaches seven students. If you do the same, you could earn up to 14,000—25,000 LRD per month!
3. Sell Milk Candy
Who doesn’t love milk candy in Liberia? It’s a favorite treat and easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can start a mini candy business to sell at schools and in your community.
How to Start:
- Buy a small tin of milk and some sugar.
- Make your milk candy and start selling to friends, neighbors, or school kids. Costs to Start:
- Milk (1 tin): 250 LRD
- Sugar: 30 LRD & Oil 20 LRD
How Much You Can Earn: Sell one candy for 10 LRD. If you make 50 pieces, you could earn between 500 LRD in one batch!
4. Hair Braiding
If you know how to braid hair, this is a fantastic way to earn money. Everyone—from kids to adults— needs their hair braided, especially for school or special events.
How to Start:
- Offer to braid hair for friends, family, and neighbors.
- If you don’t know how to braid yet, learn by practicing on a friend or using free YouTube tutorials.
How Much You Can Earn: Based on information from a stylist, charge 500–1000 LRD depending on the style. Braiding just ten heads a week could earn you over 5,000—10,000 LRD!
5. Run a No-Face Social Media Account In another country
If you’re a Liberian on Facebook, you’ve probably seen plenty of blog pages. But did you know you can also run a social media account like TikTok or Instagram targeted at people in another country?
For example, if you have family or friends in the U.S., you can ask them to help you create a TikTok account, or you can create one yourself and set the location to that country. You can then post content on that account about topics that interest people in that country. The U.S. is a good example because it has a large population with easy internet access, but this approach can work for any country—especially those with a TikTok Creator Fund.Â
If you’re dedicated, consistent, and post good content, you can make a lot of money. Some Niche Ideas for Your Account:
- African song lyrics.
- Scholarship opportunities.
- Funny African parents videos.
How Much You Can Earn: As your followers grow, you can make money through ads, creator funds, brand collaborations, or selling your products.Â
6. Hand & Waist Beads Maker
Handmade jewelry like waist beads and bracelets is always in demand. If you’re creative, this can become a profitable business.
How to Start:
- Buy a small amount of beads and string to get started.
- Create designs and sell in your community or at markets.
Costs to Start(Based on window shopping):
- Beads: 2700 LRD
- String: 300 LRD
How Much You Can Earn: Waist beads sell for 350–500 LRD. If you make 20 pieces, you could earn up to 7,000 LRD!
7. Make and Sell Reusable Pads
Menstrual pads are a necessity, but they can be expensive. By making reusable pads, you can help families save money while earning an income.
How to Start:
- Learn to make reusable pads by watching online tutorials.
- Gal’s Guidance will soon offer workshops and videos to help you learn.
- Basic fabric and sewing supplies.
Costs to Start: Based on window shopping, each reusable pack contains 4 reusable pads and a stylish storage bag, all for just $5.50 USD or $1,000 LRD.
How Much You Can Earn: Charge 500 LRD per pad. Selling 5 pads a day could earn you 2,500 LRD!
Bonus: Selling Handmade Soap
Making soap is another business idea with a low startup cost. Learn online or find a local soap-making workshop, and you can start earning money quickly.
You don’t need a lot of money to start making a difference in your life. Pick an idea, start small, and grow from there. Believe in yourself, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!
Author
Amos Freeman
Writer, Gal’s Guidance
One Response