A Seattle project manager combined her love of art and real estate to create a business that decorates apartment buildings with original local artwork.
Challenge
Sarah E. managed large real estate projects in Seattle, overseeing everything from construction to finishing touches. But one detail always bothered her—apartment lobbies filled with generic, mass-produced prints.
As both a professional in real estate and a practicing artist, she saw the gap clearly: developers wanted stylish interiors but assumed original art was too expensive or complicated to source. Sarah knew local artists who could provide stunning, affordable pieces—and realized she could bridge the two worlds.
Action
She began offering consultation services to apartment developers, helping them replace dull stock art with meaningful, site-specific pieces. Her first big client hired her to curate a full building’s worth of art, transforming every hallway and public space.
Instead of taking a sales commission, Sarah charged a flat design fee, much like an interior designer. For her first large-scale project, she earned $12,000 over twelve months. Though the job took more effort than she expected, it validated her concept and led to referrals across the city.
For future clients, she adjusted her pricing—offering smaller consultations for a few hundred dollars and larger projects at an hourly rate of $100. Each building she worked on became a showcase for her growing portfolio and a boost to local artists’ visibility.
Result
Sarah’s side business quickly grew into something bigger. Developers appreciated the elevated aesthetic, residents loved the improved atmosphere, and artists gained paid opportunities to showcase their work. The success even funded a spontaneous trip to London and Scotland—a luxury she never would’ve justified on her salary alone.
What began as a creative side idea became a fulfilling, profitable business that celebrates community art while improving living spaces.
Lesson
Sarah’s story is a masterclass in connecting two skill sets to solve a real problem. She didn’t invent new art or new buildings—she simply linked the two. By recognizing where her passions overlapped, she built a side hustle that’s both meaningful and financially rewarding.
Sometimes, the bridge between creativity and commerce is simply noticing what’s missing—and daring to fill the space.
Inspired by a true story originally featured on Side Hustle School by Chris Guillebeau. This rewritten version is independently produced and fully original.