The 41-year-old's side hustle generates $121,400 annually, striking the perfect equilibrium between work and contentment.

The Six-Figure Side Hustle series by CNBC Make It features individuals with successful side hustles who share their routines and habits for generating income in addition to their full-time jobs. If you have a story to share, please email us at [email protected].

As a child, Megan Walsh was accustomed to the rhythmic pounding of her mother's Singer sewing machine, which she used to create Halloween costumes.

Walsh cherishes the memory of making handmade things as a child, which has given her an appreciation for the way they smell, feel, and connect with people. This experience inspired her to start a lucrative side hustle as a part-time endoscopy nurse, which she launched from her living room in Manahawkin, New Jersey.

MegansMenagerie, owned by lifelong crafter Walsh, opened on Etsy in 2009. The shop, which specializes in plant-themed wall decor, generated over $121,400 in revenue last year, according to CNBC Make It's review of documents. Through September, it's on track to bring in six figures for the third consecutive year.

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In 2012, Walsh discovered a profitable craft and made enough money to purchase a new Dodge Journey SUV.

Walsh says that her side hustle has helped her cover monthly student loan payments, buy a used car for her daughter, go on vacations, and pay for a vow renewal ceremony.

Since Walsh started selling wall decor in 2021, she has earned approximately $60,000 per year from her side hustle, which is almost the same amount she makes annually as a part-time nurse. She works about 12 to 24 hours per week on her shop and 24 to 32 hours at a hospital. If her Etsy income decreases, she can pick up more nursing hours, she states.

Walsh talks about managing her nursing job and side hustle, preventing burnout, and the fact that having a side hustle doesn't necessarily mean it will always generate income.

CNBC Make It: Is your side hustle success replicable?

To run a side hustle, it takes a lot of drive, and it's not easy. You need to find the right balance between hustle and happiness.

I've discovered activities that I've enjoyed creating, earned a bit of money, but then the trends have faded. I then move on to something else. While many people strive to make money, it's important not to let busyness consume your entire life.

How do you manage balancing a side hustle with your nursing career? Do you have any tips for preventing burnout?

I am a multi-tasker who enjoys doing various things at the same time. If I feel overwhelmed, I know I need to let go of something. For years, I worked as a forensic nurse, helping sexual assault survivors. However, I had to stop this job in 2021 because I found that I didn't have enough time in the day.

If you're working yourself to exhaustion, you'll miss out on the entirety of your life. I make a daily intention, either mentally or in writing, to determine the amount of work I'll accomplish and stick to it.

My youngest child is in fourth grade and recently participated in his first school play, which involved a lot of running around and late pickups. As a result, I know that on days like these, I won't be able to accomplish much, so I plan to either work ahead or catch up when my kids are not present.

I establish limits and reduce when necessary. Sundays are reserved for family time.

Your side hustle's sales history has been characterized by fluctuations. If plant-themed wall decor were to lose popularity, would you begin searching for the next popular craft?

For years, this shop has kept me extremely busy, and I am happy to have some time to relax. My husband often teases me about being a workaholic, but I just enjoy the thrill of managing things while they're still in full swing. The planning can be challenging at times, and I'm always unsure of what my next project will be.

I've always created things that bring me joy, and now I continue to do so because it's a fulfilling hobby. It's a passion that keeps me grounded.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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