Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Gau Smith’s talents in the kitchen led her to create her own catering business during the covid pandemic called Angel Delights Delicious Cuisine.
Her pies have become so popular that she is now looking to hire employees, so that she can continue her day job as a preschool teacher.
“At the moment I only work for three days, but the rest of the week I work on my business,” she says.
“It’s not bad for me because I’m not only an active, practical person but my mind is also working the whole week through different aspects of life.”
Gau says having the extra income has helped her to keep up with her bills, occasionally making more from her business than from her job.
“The money from work is not enough but this side business keeps me going. You know this business is very useful for me and my family.”
Cousins Charles Palesoo and Emma Fepulea’i have also been making money on the side, photographing weddings and family portraits.
Charles, who started up his business, Digiliah Snaps, 10 years ago also works at a bank during the week to help pay for expenses such as rent, power and internet.
“I would say it’s very therapeutic [having a side business] because you get stretched from your 9-5 and then you just come home and sit down and then go through the photos that you’ve done at weddings and of families.”
Emma, who started up Ariah Photography and also works in retail, says that having a side business has become even more important given that the country is in the midst of a cost of living crisis.
“I think if I didn’t have a side hustle, I’d be living from paycheck to paycheck,” she says.
“Everytime with your paid job, you try saving and then at the end of the week you’re going through your savings to bring it back out. But having a side hustle you can actually save something.”
