A military spouse is a spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces. Almost always, they are stationed in a different city than their spouse. Sadly, it is often a situation where the military spouse is unable to live with their spouse while overseas, and often the military spouse must work full time while their spouse is serving. Often times, military spouses have to start a new life with all the challenges that entails in order to satisfy their financial obligations, which can be a very stressful situation for both military spouses and their families.
#1: Military Spouse Business Journal Author: Cindy Pellegrino Blog URL: https://bit.ly/2sYc9oW
Military spouses are no stranger to entrepreneurial success. The military provides quite a few perks to its members: command influence, paid time off for training/service, and the ability to pick your duty station of choice. All of these factors make it easy to launch a business while serving in the military. But, what makes military spouses especially great for starting a business are the management and leadership skills they learn while actively serving.
One of the hardest things about being a military spouse is maintaining a career. Due to frequent moves, lack of jobs and the cost of childcare, many military spouses are unemployed and even work part-time. How many of you have sent hundreds of applications without getting a response? Not surprisingly, financial issues are the biggest stressor for military families surveyed. To bridge this financial gap, many people start a business for their military spouse to generate more income. Starting a small business is one of the best side jobs (I think) you can have because of the many benefits. Generally, the startup costs are low, and you have freedom from your boss and the ability to do this in addition to your regular full-time job. This is a great option for moms who want to work from home or for those who want to make extra money. Check out these side benefit and business ideas for military spouses and active military. Starting your own business is very easy: You need to understand what people need (or want) and find a way to meet those needs. With enough passion and drive, you can make money! The following seasoned business women (and men) have done just that in different categories! I asked these Milso’s about their business plans, and this is what they told me:Handicraft
K&L Wood and Vinyl
My company is K&L Wood and Vinyl. I make custom items such as wooden decorations, signs, t-shirts, mugs, stickers, keychains, etc. – Katie Hughes
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
My husband and I moved about a year ago, and I needed something to keep me busy, but also a flexible work schedule, so a regular part-time job wasn’t ideal. I’ve done needlework all my life, so I decided to use my skills. I started out making vinyl stickers on cars and selling them to neighbors, but I soon started to grow and do a little bit of everything with making stickers.
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
Customers will be available wherever my husband and I go to live, either locally or by delivery. I also have wonderful clients who always support me and my business wherever my husband and I are.
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
I earn more now than I did when I worked part time at my previous minimum wage job. Since my business has been around for less than a year, I’m grateful to be making as much as I am so far. As I grow and invest more and more, I hope to be able to fully support my family with my income.
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
If you feel the call in your heart to start your own business, take action! Starting can be hard, but everyone starts somewhere. Set goals and make a plan to achieve them. When you get feedback from your customers, it really motivates you to do more.
Laced Creationz
Find other Laced Kreationz products on Facebook! 
My sideline has become my main income: tailoring. I care for everyone from newborns to 6x children.
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
I always admired the beautiful shiny mugs and monogrammed dresses. When I realized how easy the new Cricut cutters are to use, I was eager to buy one. I started slow, and as I tried new things, I thought I was good at recreating/adapting patterns. It was my children’s school appointments that eventually caused my side income to become my new main source of income.
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
So I haven’t met the PCSing yet. I imagine my clients will be disappointed that they can no longer pick up their products locally, but if they work with me, I’m sure the distance won’t ruin our business relationship.
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
Right now I am getting an income from PT (thank goodness I have a husband), he is holding things together financially at the moment.
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
For those who want to start their own business – be active! Don’t test the water, jump in. I have a feeling you will be more determined to win if you are fully involved in the process.
Cosmetics
Jhané Cosmetics
I created my own line of organic cosmetics,Jhané Cosmetics, following the principle that health is beauty. I want people to understand what chemicals they are using on their skin. Very often the beauty industry tries to hide chemicals that are not good for your skin. Jhané Cosmetics is an honest cosmetics brand that explicitly lists the ingredients of each product. – Bianca Williams
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
As the wife of a military man (for 5 years), I move constantly, and every time I move, I have to go through a long and complicated job search process that is always stressful. I realized that I have many talents that I can manifest. The reason I decided to start Jhané Cosmetics was because I wanted to give myself the power and opportunity to express myself with my talents, rather than waiting for someone to hire me. With my own mobile business, I can take my business anywhere without any dilemma.
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
Having my own business has helped me because I can generate income and not have to worry if I move because my business is mobile. I gained more confidence knowing that I could use my skills and talents and be my own boss without waiting for the company to hire me. In addition, working at PCS has created networking opportunities for my business by expanding my operations to new regions.
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
Believe it or not, because I sell cosmetics, I make a lot of money as a vendor at various events. I would love to earn more from my website, but I’m still working on it.
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
Don’t wait for the job to tell you that you deserve it! You can find ways and skills to manifest everything to your advantage! All you have to do is believe in yourself and keep working hard! Never give up and it’s never too late to work on your dreams/goals! !! I believe in you!
Food services
Khani’s Catering
My husband and I own a catering company, Khani’s Catering, located in Suffolk, Virginia. We offer a full catering service, as well as a private chef and an off-site service (for events where fantastic food is required, but perhaps not full catering experience). We service the entire 757 area and also travel to events. – Miles and Kham Pottswilliams
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
My husband has always loved food and cooking. His family is from Trinidad and I was born in Haiti, but we both grew up in the good old state of Georgia! In 2012, my husband joined the Navy where he was assigned as a cook (what a deal)! While in the Navy, he continued to hone his skills and had the honor of training admirals, commanders in chief, and even the Vice President of the United States. My husband and I always enjoy challenging ourselves and cooking together. In doing so, we combine the flavors of the island and southern cuisine to create amazing dishes. We have traveled and lived in different parts of the world, but now our home is in Suffolk, Virginia! We decided to share our love of food and talent and founded Khani’s Catering.
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
This is the first gas station where we started our business; but we have seen other families in Japan make money by selling different meals. Traveling abroad is a great way to see the world, but let’s face it, we all miss eating at home! I know I did. With this offering, I can take it anywhere and still do what I love (i.e. cooking).
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
As for the food, it depends on the situation. Right now, I’d say it’s a partial income. Over time, however, this will replace our full-time income and double as we grow.
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
Find an activity that can travel with you! There’s nothing wrong with working 9 to 5, but with the constant and sudden changes of orders in the military, it’s not easy for most to find a job. There are ways to use your natural talents, you just have to find ways to do it. If you have a business, take the time to network as if your life depended on it. The biggest challenge for me was getting our name out there, because we know about 5 people here, so I had to keep trying to get my name out there and find ways to let people know that we are here as a catering option.
Health and well-being
Alfalfa lemon
Buy your bracelet and other natural products on Etsy! 
My second income is my company Lucent Lemon! These are handmade essential oil diffuser bracelets and oils!
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
I wanted to do this when I got pregnant with my first child, Leila! I wanted to do everything I could to stay home with her. I was living in another state, didn’t know anyone and didn’t want to go back to work and leave a stranger to take care of her. I worked tirelessly to launch Lucent Lemon so I could stay home with Leila! I’m also a big fan of oils, which have given me a lot, and I want to share this experience with the world in a fun and unique way!
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
Working for PCS has given me many advantages because I can run my business from anywhere. Everything is online, allowing me to do my business at my own pace and when I want! Plus, I can work from wherever they send us!
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
I get a part-time income from Lucent Lemon! I think I could live full time if I wanted to, but for now I’m mostly focusing on Leila! When it gets bigger and I have more time, I plan to expand!
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
My advice to others is this: Follow your little dream! It can get really big, like mine! I never thought I would be where I am today! I am a happy mom who can work from home and raise Leila!
Real estate
Jaima Botterbush – Prodigy Realty
Buy or sell on 757? Become a fan of Heima on Facebook! 
I’m a local real estate agent in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. – Heima Botterbush
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
It started as a side income when I was working in banking. Real estate quickly became one of my passions! I went for the more flexible hours as my husband is on active duty and we have two children. Now I do this full time. This gives me the freedom to program (most of the time).
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
Personally, I didn’t go to the PCS after I got my license, but in most states you can get your license by taking the test or waiving the test. You can easily get your license and references from other regions. The creation of a network would be very useful.
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
When I work full-time, I make about $7,500 a month, if you calculate my annual income.
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
My number one piece of advice to anyone looking to get into real estate is to find a mentor! Find a good group leader who is willing to teach you, because the course only teaches you the law and nothing else. And one last piece of advice, since I’ve been a military spouse for 15 years: find a job outside of your soldier’s job. It’s so easy to be held back by a military lifestyle. I am always willing to consult with you if you have any questions.
Technology
FindMe Mobile
Visit the website for more information and download the application! 
I’m an attorney by profession, but I’m currently working on a side hustle – FindMe Mobile – a mobile application (professional directory and social network) for minority military spouses. – Jennifer Brantley, Esq.
What made you decide to do this work? 1С8
We only worked at the last base for a year and a half, then we were ordered to go abroad. I just approved a list of my favorite places – hair salon, nail salon, restaurants and friends. And now I have to start all over again, earlier than expected and in a different country. I wish I had an app to help me find places where I not only feel comfortable, but welcome! I’ve heard similar stories from spouses and active-duty military, so I’m looking forward to FindMe’s launch in the spring of 2020. (UPDATE: now also available for iOS and Android).
How has it helped you during your PCSing?
This will provide me with passive income, but more importantly and conveniently, it will put me and others in touch with businesses that meet my needs as a black woman (such as ethnic hair salons or places of worship) and are recommended by other minority military women (black and brown). And the best part: Because it’s an app, it and the residual income it generates will travel with me, with little or no maintenance.
How much do you make a month with her? 1С8 1Д9
The goal is to generate additional passive revenue through in-app purchases and subscriptions.
Do you have any advice for others? 1С8
If you want your side business to work, find an activity you love and have a passion for and make money from it. If you love what you do or what you have to offer, you will find it easier to convince others to buy from you. 7 Business carried out by a military spouse Pin Do you own a business run by military spouses? Comment below!Military spouses are a valuable asset when it comes to founding and running a business. There are many reasons a spouse would want to do so. Some are motivated by the desire to keep their families safe, others out of a desire to help their families financially. Regardless, the challenge of keeping a business once you’ve set it up can be stressful.. Read more about do military wives live on base and let us know what you think.
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