Everywhere you turn, women are starting similar businesses across the food, fashion, and skincare niches; however, the real opportunities lie in unusual business ideas that are creative, impact-driven, and still untapped.
The advent of technology has also seen the need for businesses like this.
Looking to start a new business? Here are 11 unusual business ideas for women, rooted in passion and purpose, that are innovative, future-focused, and designed for impact. Each idea is accompanied by quick tips on how to get started.
1. Mindfulness Retreat Business
What it is: Organize weekend or monthly getaways where busy professionals disconnect from their phones and reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, journaling, and yoga.
Why it’s unique: It targets the growing “wellness travel” market that values rest and mental health.
How to start: Partner with resorts or countryside locations, create themed retreat packages (digital detox, women’s renewal, creativity), and promote through social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and corporate groups.
2. Subscription-Based Recipe Box for African Meals
What it is: Deliver pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes for Nigerian and African meals to busy professionals or households. An example of this is UK-based Mindful Chef.
Why it’s unique: It combines convenience, culture, and healthy eating.
How to start: Create 3–5 recipes, source ingredients locally, and offer weekly or monthly subscriptions via your website, WhatsApp, or Instagram.
3. Recommerce Stylist
What it is: A stylist who helps women resell their pre-loved clothes online by curating, photographing, and managing listings.
Why it’s unique: Combines fashion styling with e-commerce.
How to start: Start with your own wardrobe to build proof, then offer packages for other women. You can charge per item or a percentage of sales.
4. Emotional Gift Note Subscription
What it is: Subscribers receive or send beautifully written letters, affirmations, or notes every month.
Why it’s unique: Emotional care and kindness are powerful.
How to start: Write or curate uplifting messages, whether as letters or affirmations, print on high-quality paper or cards, and offer physical or digital delivery to your subscribers.
5. Digital Community for Mature Single Women
What it is: A private online community where single women in their late 30s and beyond connect, learn, and heal through workshops, conversations, and discussions.
Why it’s unique: It goes beyond dating, as it serves as a medium of empowerment and belonging.
How to start: Use community platforms like Slack or Mighty Networks, create monthly sessions, and invite guest coaches or relationship experts.
6. Cultural Storytelling Studio
What it is: Turn African folktales into modern animations, picture books, and podcasts.
Why it’s unique: It preserves culture while entertaining and educating.
How to start: Work with writers, illustrators, and animators. Start with one story series and pitch to YouTube Kids, schools, or audio platforms.
7. Afrocentric Handmade Curator
What it is: Curate boxes of handmade African items, e.g., skincare, jewelry, bags, crochet, etc., from local women entrepreneurs.
Why it’s unique: It supports local creators and appeals to Afrocentric conscious buyers.
How to start: Partner with women-owned small brands, package products beautifully, and sell online or in gift shops.
8. Corporate Wardrobe Rental Service
What it is: Rent corporate or formal outfits for women attending interviews, conferences, or events.
Why it’s unique: It solves wardrobe stress affordably while promoting sustainability.
How to start: Collect high-quality clothing, photograph it professionally, and promote it on Instagram or through a simple booking website.
9. Emotional Intelligence Training for Teen Girls
What it is: Host workshops teaching communication, confidence, and resilience for teenage girls.
Why it’s unique: Builds emotional foundations for future women leaders.
How to start: Develop short modules, partner with schools, and run group and personalized sessions, which may comprise both physical and virtual classes.
10. Reusable Event Decor Rental
What it is: Rent reusable event props like floral arches, table pieces, and photo backdrops.
Why it’s unique: It’s affordable, sustainable, and perfect. You can target content creators, influencers, and small planners.
How to start: Create a small inventory, partner with event planners, and post visual content of setup ideas on Instagram and Pinterest.
ALSO READ: 6 Ways To Develop Business Ideas That Will Generate Money
11. “Rent a Grandma” Childcare Collective
What it is: Connect retired women with families who need part-time childcare.
Why it’s unique: It creates purpose for older women and safety for kids.
How to start: Build trust through local networks or churches, verify caregivers, and create a small online directory or booking system.