What's it actually like to run a side hustle on Airtasker? We asked 3 women our most burning questions.

With the rising cost of living, more of us chasing house deposit goals, and wanting more flexibility with our lifestyle, it’s no wonder more people than ever are turning to side hustles to earn extra income.

Starting your own business though can be... a lot. That's where Airtasker can be handy to build your own startup. 

You can get anything done via Airtasker, and very easily too: getting help to move house, to revive your house plants, Wi-Fi set-up, house cleaning, get wedding invitations designed for you, have someone teach you a new language or to train your dog. 

It's also one of the easiest ways to pursue a passion, dictate your own workload and monetise your skills by becoming a Tasker.

There are thousands of Aussies earning money on Airtasker, with some of the top Taskers making up to $11K per week. 

So what is it actually like to be a Tasker?

Mamamia asked three female Taskers some burning questions we had about their work, including how (and why) they use the platform, and exactly what it's like to turn their hobby or passion into a successful startup venture, thanks to Airtasker.

Here's what they had to say.

Kelsie Dummétt, a social media marketing specialist from QLD.

Kelsie offers her digital marketing and social media skills on Airtasker for small businesses. 

Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 2021, Kelsie has managed to establish a strong side hustle. Adapting to remote work while being immunocompromised, Kelsie launched her own business through Airtasker and delights customers with a strong work ethic, creativity, and passion.

As Kelsie shared with Mamamia, "my story of business with Airtasker is so closely intertwined with my story of illness, that's the reason I embarked on my freelancing journey in the first place."

Image: Supplied/Instagram @kelsiesjourney_ 

With a strong tertiary education behind her and six years of corporate experience, Kelsie decided to use her skillset – including marketing plans, social media marketing, graphic design, video editing, launch events and more - to bring brands to the social forefront of their industry. 

How did you discover Airtasker?

"I was studying my Postgrad and wanted to dabble in making some extra money. I realised a) how many people were looking for help online, b) how easy it was to make an income via Airtasker, and c) how many customers needed a specialised skill set and expertise.

"After I was diagnosed with cancer and realised I couldn't return to normal full-time employment in an office, Airtasker presented me a dynamic opportunity. From here I launched my business and advertised. I've been booked out ever since and have had to start a waitlist."

What does a busy week of tasks look like for you?

"During the week I will have a lot of new clients reach out and request my services, so I book in consultation calls back to back usually on one or two days every week. The other days I spend on emails, communicating with pre-existing clients and going through results, optimisation and discussion for future implementation. The rest of the time is spent completing work for clients. I tend to work four days per week, with a maximum of five hours per day. I love the flexibility."

Can you provide an example of a great interaction you have had with a customer?

"I've had so many! Some customers have left the loveliest little essays of positive feedback on my Airtasker reviews page which is just so extraordinarily kind of them. A number of people I've helped them launch businesses, saying they didn't see how it'd be possible until they met me."

Why do you love using Airtasker for your work/side hustle?

"Apart from being able to work your own hours, a massive advantage to using Airtasker is that you have business admin support from the get-go. You get insurance coverage for each job you complete within Airtasker, it's very easy to manage invoices, payments, terms of service and any disputes that may arise (with a third party overseeing community guidelines) and you have free advertising for your business."

How has using Airtasker improved your ability to make revenue?

"The platform gave me the confidence to realise that my services and skills were worth being paid for. As a young female entrepreneur this is something I was always unsure about. After I realised how much value I had to offer and how many businesses were requesting my help, I was passionate and hungry to do so," Kelsie said.

"After my cancer diagnosis I learned the road ahead was going to be very painful and stressful. Worst of all, I learned how expensive the journey would be. It might have been crazy starting a business whilst starting cancer treatment, but it helped pay my living expenses like rent and household bills on top of an influx of medical bills that were rolling in weekly with immunotherapy, radiation, six plus surgeries and more."

Josefina Luna, a full-time freelance artist, designer and illustrator from NSW.

Josefina's income took a hit during the pandemic when she was made redundant from her corporate job. She turned to Airtasker and used her illustrations and design skills to turn her side hustle into a full-time business called drawtip.

Image: Supplied/Instagram @drawtip. 

Born and raised in Argentina before settling in Australia, Josefina began to create custom portraits and illustrations in both traditional art mediums and using digital graphic tools. What Josefina specialises in are wedding projects including couple illustration, bridesmaids cards and welcome signage. She also paints portraits of babies, friends and family, houses and pets.

How did you discover Airtasker?

"I first starting using Airtasker [as a customer] to get things done around my own house – help with cleaning and fixing my electrical issues. When I realised I could even use Airtasker as an artist/designer, I got started."

What does a busy week of tasks look like for you?

"Finalising a watercolour painting of a family, jumping on Zoom calls for a fun greeting cards project and creating stylish icon designs for a fashion brand. Also amending the revisions of an illustrated map for a wedding invitation or meeting up with a customer to deliver a house portrait housewarming gift. I'm always looking through the Airtasker app for new opportunities, proactively offering quotes and sending samples of my work [to potential new clients]."

What is it like working with customers on Airtasker?

"I have made amazing connections. One creative engagement proposal idea I was proud to execute was a painting of the proposal itself. He gave her an artwork I had made with the ring and the question 'will you marry me?' I was happy to learn she said YES! And three years later I painted a watercolour portrait of their beautiful new baby! I also created bridesmaids illustrated cards for The Bachelorette's Georgia Love." 

Why do you love using Airtasker for your work/side hustle?

"Being an introvert, networking is one of my worst nightmares. Airtasker allows me to be 'out there' without the challenges that meeting people face-to-face can bring. I also get to reach people from all around Australia."

How has using Airtasker improved your ability to make revenue?

"As a freelancer and small business owner, Airtasker provides a safe environment for my business. Having a profile allows me to share my work and connect with people that need my expertise. Through my reviews, I gain the trust of potential clients. And the payment set up ensures commitments are met from both sides."

Nicole, a talented and reliable cleaner from NSW. 

Nicole joined Airtasker to help financially support herself and her family as her daughter is chronically ill, meaning Nicole couldn't work full-time. But she found a knack for cleaning, attention to detail and customer service!

Image: Unsplash/Supplied. 

Today she uses her Airtasker profile to complete tasks such as house cleaning, council clean-up preparation, servicing ceiling fans, wardrobe organisation, clutter sorting and picking up groceries. Simply put, she's a cleaning and organising all-rounder.

How did you discover Airtasker?

"I was first made aware of how great Airtasker is via a close friend so I decided to do some research, and realised it would be a great option for someone in my situation with an ill child."

What does a busy week of tasks look like for you?

"I try to base my workload around my family life and my daughter's health, so it's really up to me what a working week looks like. I can opt to work one job a week or if my daughter is okay, then I can offer a lot more tasks."

Can you provide an example of a great interaction you have had with a customer?

"I recently completed a task folding and organising a family's wardrobe and clothes, as they had recently moved into a new home and needed help sorting. The lady was so welcoming and her daughter was interacting with me the whole time in such a friendly way – it was lovely."

Why do you love using Airtasker for your work/side hustle?

"Airtasker is really great for everyone, especially people in the same situation as myself. Also, if you are wanting more work and to earn some additional money, then it's a really simple and effective way to make an extra income for yourself. Plus, it feels like you're fulfilling a purpose."

How has using Airtasker improved your ability to make revenue?

"It has really improved my ability to make money - there are no hassles involved and it's very straightforward. Plus, the jobs come to you which is perfect. Before Airtasker, I thought I would never be able to work until my daughter's health improved. But Airtasker has given me a lot of opportunities, especially to do work I enjoy and I'm good at."

Work when you want, doing whatever you want with Airtasker. Sign up and start earning money today.  

Feature Image: Supplied.

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