Sometime in 2018, I got interested in backyard fish farming. So I read everything I could find on aquaponics and eventually built a small unit at home. At first, I approached the project as a potential side hustle. I even set up a Facebook page, wrote a book about my experience, and also held a couple of backyard fish farming classes. I also attracted the attention of some media houses, which made a documentary about my project (see video here). However, as time went by, I realised it was more of a hobby rather than a real business.
Many people find themselves in this dilemma. They continue to pour resources into hobbies, thinking that they are running a business. A hobby is something you enjoy and are passionate about. A business, on the other hand, is a system you set up to generate profit by delivering valuable products and services.
Hobbies are driven by passion. You do them for the joy, the creativity, or simply the satisfaction they bring. You’re not under pressure to meet customer expectations, balance books, or track market trends. And that’s perfectly fine—there’s immense value in activities that nourish your soul and bring personal fulfillment.
A business, however, is different. Passion helps, but profit is the goal. A business must solve a real problem or meet a specific need in a way that customers are willing to pay for. It involves planning, strategy, marketing, accounting, and often, risk management. Unlike hobbies, businesses demand consistency, systems, and accountability.
Recognizing the difference between a hobby and a business is critical for making informed decisions—especially about time and money. If you’re investing heavily in branding, inventory, or operations without tracking returns, you may be funding a hobby and expecting business outcomes. You need to ask yourself whether there is a clear target market for what you’re offering, if you’re pricing for profit, whether you have a growth or marketing strategy, and if you’re measuring success by income or impact. If the answer is no to most of these, then it’s likely still a hobby—and again, that’s okay.
Some hobbies evolve into successful businesses. The key transition happens when structure and intention are introduced. Monetizing a passion is a great aspiration, but it must be backed by systems and an entrepreneurial mindset. That means treating your time seriously, separating personal and business finances, creating value for others, and being ready to pivot when necessary.
In my case, the backyard fish farm taught me a lot, but it remained a relaxing, learning-oriented experience—not a scalable venture. And I’m grateful for that clarity.
Not every passion needs to become a business. Sometimes, it’s better to keep hobbies as hobbies—spaces of joy, creativity, and learning. But if you do intend to build a business, be deliberate. Set clear goals, develop systems, and understand your customer. A business is not just about doing what you love—it’s about delivering what others need, sustainably and profitably.
Whether it’s farming, baking, photography, or crafting—know what you’re building, and why. It will save you a lot of stress, money, and heartache down the road.
Unlock your true potential 