Introduction
With the rise of sharing hobbies on social media, more people are starting hobbies such as reading and crocheting which are quickly becoming popular. A niche hobby can help build a unique personality and develop individuality; this is why it's important to have a hobby you enjoy and may not necessarily share with a big group of people.
The Problems With Popular Hobbies
The main problem with having popular hobbies is an obligation to engage in the current trends that are taking place within a hobby's demographic. Moreover, the hobby may feel constricting and controlled by social media. However, with a niche hobby, the sky's the limit, and you can define the hobby based on what it means to you.
For example, reading on social media is no longer about reading and writing meaningful reviews of the books you liked and disliked. Reading on TikTok has become about reading the popular “BookTok” books and feeling pressured to enjoy them. Furthermore, everyone feels the need to compete about reaching Goodreads goals and reading as many books as possible. This isn't to say that reading popular books is a bad thing, but reading something new, not necessarily recommended by influencers online, helps to broaden the range of books you read.
Image Credit: Shayna Douglas from Unsplash
Advantages Of Having A Niche Hobby
Finding a niche hobby may seem difficult but it is important; having a niche hobby, such as making jewelry, foraging, or bookbinding, can be even more rewarding than a “popular” hobby. Designing, discovering, or creating something you're proud of is fulfilling and an effective way to spend your time. The passion and devotion you can have to a hobby is essential, you have something that no one else will understand to the extent that you do, and your unmatched love for your hobby can help to shape your identity.
Niche hobbies are hobbies that are just for you because they aren't widely documented, this means that you don't have to compare the outcomes of your hobby with others, and therefore the stress of starting a new hobby is decreased. With less popular hobbies there is no “right” way to enjoy the pastime, the hobby may be up to interpretation and each person can add their own style and distinctive twist to it. I have been a gymnast for almost nine years and no other sport will ever compare to it, the sheer determination I experience when attempting new skills is an unparalleled passion.
Specialized hobbies have many advantages. For example, if you fancy flower pressing you can preserve flowers that have been gifted to you by someone, and as a result, you can conserve meaningful memories. Creating products results in a sense of satisfaction and victory meaning your hard work has paid off.
Furthermore, niche hobbies can even lead to profitability; creating a small business based around an uncommon interest or hobby could fill a potential gap in the market. Whether it's creating personalized scrapbooks or designing intricate wood carvings, your niche hobby could be profitable.
Examples of businesses built off of interests are everywhere, such as Spink & Thackray, a luxury bookbinding business, and Bespoke Wood Carving, which produces a range of products from furniture to intricate sculptures. Additionally, niche hobbies can allow you to gift unique presents to friends and family; giving homemade gifts is more thoughtful and heartfelt and is far more sustainable than ordering a product from a larger company.
Starting A Niche Hobby
Here is a list of lesser-known hobbies you can potentially try out:
- Foraging - find a diverse range of wild edible foods
- Stamp collecting - a great way to learn about different countries or cultures
- Wood carving - benefits your physical health and improves coordination
- Astronomy - stargazing can be used to unwind and relax after a long day
- Bookbinding - allows your bookshelf to look unique and makes book covers that matter to you
- Making jewelry - produces one-of-a-kind accessories
- Scrapbooking - promotes creativity and imagination
- Embroidery - repetitive movements help to stimulate brain activity
- Making or mixing music - proven to improve memory and emotional regulation
Image Credit: Benjamin White from Unsplash
This list consists of just some ideas because there are so many pastimes to try your hand at. Niche hobbies are generally a good idea because they can act as a stress reliever; in a world where balancing studies with social lives is becoming increasingly difficult, a hobby can help to even out a busy schedule. On top of that, finding friends who share your unique hobby can encourage long-term friendships to be formed.
Starting a new hobby may seem stressful but take it step by step, I would start by researching some potential hobbies that interest you, there is no rush so take your time when finding the hobby that is right for you, consider your interests and experience as well as your lifestyle. Beginning a hobby doesn't have to be a big investment so start with the basics if you have to buy materials; hobbies are all about regularity and building the activity into your schedule so ensure you make time for your hobby. Remember to start with small projects and grow your skills, practice makes perfect!
Having a niche hobby may not mean starting something entirely new, it could be that you adapt an existing hobby and think creatively about what you do with the skills. Crocheting, for instance, has a wide target audience as a hobby and therefore is a very saturated market.
Crocheted amigurumi plushies, mesh or lace tops, blankets, or other decorations are generally in high demand. However, you do not need to conform to the crochet norms, you can crochet whatever you like: from dresses to garlands, bouquets to flower crowns, and shrugs to shawls, I've even seen someone crochet their own wedding decorations!
Final Thoughts
Niche hobbies can be useful in various ways, such as: acting as a stress reliever, forming a small business, building individuality, and developing new skills. Niche hobbies cater to your interests, learning and building on the hobby is a personal journey from which you can gain vital life skills that will help you in the working world.
Specialized hobbies allow individuals to express themselves through the determination, passion, and creativity involved. Having a hobby that stands out develops resilience, and a strong work ethic, it encourages imagination and innovation, all of which are greatly desired by employers.
Remember that a niche hobby is yours and yours alone, don't let anyone tell you that you're doing it wrong.
