Booked & Busy: Black creatives host to help pursue their passions

Key Takeaways

  • Black creatives are transforming the gig economy by utilizing Airbnb as an additional stream of income.
  • As the lines blur between work and play, hosting on Airbnb offers Black creatives the financial flexibility to invest in themselves while pursuing their passions.

Key Takeaways

  • Black creatives are transforming the gig economy by utilizing Airbnb as an additional stream of income.
  • As the lines blur between work and play, hosting on Airbnb offers Black creatives the financial flexibility to invest in themselves while pursuing their passions.

With hectic traveling schedules, the homes of working creatives are often left unattended. Black creatives – including hair stylist Yusef Williams, choreographer Tanisha Scott and interior designer Demetrius Robinson – are transforming the gig economy by utilizing Airbnb as an additional stream of income, à la ‘Booked & Busy’.

In the US, 27 percent of Black workers earn money through the gig economy. For 44 percent, their gig job is their primary source of income while 56 percent use it as an extra source of income1. These figures are expected to grow, with some predicting that freelance workers will make up over 50 percent of the U.S. workforce by 20242

“As a creative director, I’m always bouncing around from city to city. Whether it’s design or choreography, wardrobe fittings or making sure the lighting is just right, Airbnb has great opportunities for creatives to make extra cash while we do our thing.”

Tanisha Scott, choreographer & creative director

This rapid growth has been amplified in the past year, as people begin to rethink how they live their lives. Whether changing careers, enjoying a new work-life balance, or exploring new hobbies and interests, many have felt inspired to pursue gig work as an income source during these unprecedented times.

“Turning your home into a hustle through Airbnb is a simple way for our community to continue to be economically empowered.”

Yusef Williams, hair stylist and founder of The Y by Yusef haircare range

As the lines blur between work and play, hosting on Airbnb offers Black creatives the financial flexibility to invest in themselves while pursuing their passions. For creatives who are often balancing the demands of unpredictable travel and last-minute bookings, this has created a new opportunity to become a Host, providing a second stream of income while they are on the road. New Hosts on Airbnb since the pandemic began have earned $6 billion in income. The typical Airbnb Host earns $9,600 per year. 

For those in the creative industry who are interested in earning extra income by hosting, Airbnb has made it easier than ever to get started with a brand new suite of hosting tools. Those interested in becoming a Host can visit airbnb.com/host to learn how much their property could make on Airbnb, sign up for a hosting webinar, read about how we support our Hosts and much more.