This Lagosian Found a Weird Way to Make Extra Cash (With Her Feet!)

Everyone's doing what they can to get ahead in their careers. But in a world where side hustles and extra jobs are increasingly unconventional, one Lagosian has taken it to the extreme by selling feet pictures online. Yes, you read that right! Meet Tobi, a 26-year-old who found a unique way to earn extra income; by selling feet pictures online. In this eye-opening interview, Tobi reveals to CareerBuddy the surprising journey, the stigma attached, and the shocking realities of navigating this niche digital market in Nigeria. Get ready for a wild ride into the unexpected world of foot photography!

Tell us about how you got into selling feet pictures. Was this something you planned, or did it happen by chance?

Honestly, it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d be doing. It all started in 2022 after I was done with uni. The next step was service but I was stuck at home waiting for the next batch to start registration, and I started looking for ways to make some extra cash online. I tried freelance work, but it felt like I was fighting for every job. Then, one night, I came across a post on TikTok, where people were talking about selling pictures of their feet to niche buyers. At first, I thought it was a joke. But I really had nothing else to do, so the more I researched, the more I realized that there was an actual market for it. I thought, “Why not give it a try?”

What was the initial experience like? How did you feel about stepping into this new world?

It was definitely strange at first. I created an anonymous profile on social media and digital marketplaces. I didn’t want my real identity tied to it, so I used a pseudonym. My focus was strictly on my feet; I never showed my face [and I never will]. I felt a bit nervous about putting myself out there in such a weird way, but I was curious to see if people would actually pay for this.

What platforms do you use, and how do you navigate the payment process, especially from Nigeria?

I use platforms like Feetify and FeetFinder. There’s also FeetFansa, and FunWithFeet. Each platform has its obstacles o. For instance, FeetFinder can be tricky for Nigerians because of the payment setup. The challenge is that some of these payment partners don’t work directly in Nigeria, so I had to get creative. I ended up enlisting the help of a friend abroad to set up my account. It’s a little workaround, but it’s worth it.

For the other platforms, like Feetify, it's somewhat more accessible, but you still need a VPN to manage your profile and transactions smoothly. I use VPNs like Windscribe and Thunder to maintain my access. And since a lot of these platforms pay out in USD, I set up USD accounts with Geegpay and Paxum to manage my earnings. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you have it figured out, it becomes a routine.

Was it difficult to attract buyers at the beginning? How did you manage to stand out in the market?

At first, it was slow, like really slow. I’d get a few curious messages, but most of them didn’t lead anywhere. Then I started paying attention to what potential buyers wanted. Some of them liked themed photos, like wearing certain types of shoes or specific nail polish colors. You have to learn what buyers are willing to pay for. I started posting regularly, and I tried to diversify my content—some people like clean, well-manicured feet, while others have specific preferences like socks or outdoor settings. Offering custom content also helped; people are willing to pay more for something tailored to their requests. Once I figured that out, things started picking up. It was surprising how something as simple as a different nail polish could make a big difference lol.

Let’s talk about the money. How much were you able to make with this side hustle?

Well, it’s not like I’m rolling in cash, but it’s definitely helped with extra expenses. Since I started in 2022, I’ve been able to make about $6,000 in total. On a good month, I could make around $250 to $400, depending on how active I am and the kind of custom requests I get. But it’s not consistent, there are months when business is slow. Sometimes all I make is around $90 to $100. It’s definitely not something you can rely on as a primary income, but it’s helped me reach some savings goals, and I don’t have to touch my main salary [I work as a customer care rep] for certain expenses.

Selling feet pictures isn’t exactly a typical side hustle in Nigeria. How do you deal with the cultural perceptions and stigma around it?

You’re right, it’s not something you’d hear people talking about openly here. If I told my family about it, they’d probably be shocked or think it’s undignified. That’s why I keep it private. Even among friends, I don’t really mention it. But at the end of the day, I see it as just another way to make money. I mean, people sell all sorts of things online, so why should this be any different? It’s just that it falls into a gray area that people don’t like to discuss. To me, I see it as foot modeling; I don't worry myself too much about the fetish aspect.

Do you know others who have tried similar things? What’s their experience been like?

Yeah, a friend of mine tried using Feetify, but it didn’t work out for her. She struggled with getting buyers, and it felt like the platform was better for people in other regions. In some ways, it kind of is. Anyways, we both started exploring stock image websites like Shutterstock, Alamy, and 500px. Turns out you can upload high-quality photos there and earn from them as well. I’ve also heard that some people make money selling finger pics on websites like FOAP, where you can collaborate with brands too.

Did you ever have any concerns about your safety or privacy while doing this?

Oh, definitely. Safety and privacy are always on my mind. That’s why I made sure to keep my identity hidden from day one. I never use my real name or any details that could connect back to me. I even use a separate email and social media account just for this. And I always set clear boundaries with buyers; no explicit content, no exceptions. It’s just feet pictures and nothing more. You have to be very firm because there are people who will try to push those boundaries.

It seems like you’ve learned a lot from this experience. What would you say are the biggest lessons?

I’d say it taught me a lot about self-discipline and managing my time. You have to be consistent with your postings and respond quickly to buyers, even if it’s just to say you’re not interested. It also taught me to set boundaries and stick to them. When you’re dealing with people online, it’s easy to get into situations that make you uncomfortable, so you have to know where to draw the line.

What would you say to someone who might be considering this kind of side hustle?

I think it’s important to know your limits. This isn’t for everyone, and you really need to think about whether you’re okay with the potential stigma or negative reactions. Privacy is a big deal too, if you’re not careful, you can expose yourself to risks. But if you can handle those aspects and you’re looking for an unconventional way to earn, it’s worth exploring. Just go in with your eyes open and be ready for the ups and downs.

So, do you see yourself doing this long-term, or is it more of a temporary thing?

For me, it’s definitely temporary. It’s not the sort of thing you brag about, and I wouldn’t want to rely on it as my main source of income. But for now, it’s helping me reach some of my savings goals faster. I’ve been able to put aside some money for emergencies and treat myself to things I normally wouldn’t. It’s not glamorous, but it’s working for me for now.

What’s next for you, Tobi? Any plans to branch into other side hustles?

I’m always open to new ideas, as long as they align with my values and don’t take too much time away from my main job. I think that’s the key; to keep exploring, keep learning, and not be afraid to try something unconventional. It could be selling feet pictures or something completely different; you have to be willing to step outside the box sometimes. That’s how you find what works for you. I mean, it's working for me...

Footnote (Pun Intended)

It’s an unusual one, but Tobi’s story is a reminder that the paths to financial independence can be as varied as they are unexpected. While selling feet pictures might not be everyone’s cup of tea, you can argue the creativity and adaptability that many Nigerians are embracing as they look for ways to boost their incomes. At the end of the day, it’s about finding what works for you and being true to your comfort zone.

What do you think? Would you consider trying a side hustle like this, or is it a bit too unconventional for your taste?