A mother of three in the UK has turned an ordinary idea into a successful small business by renting out her husband for household tasks.
The unusual venture, started by 38-year-old Laura Young, has become so popular that her husband James is now fully booked for weeks.
The idea came about in June after Laura listened to a podcast where someone made money assembling furniture. Inspired, she posted ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, offering her husband’s help for tasks like painting, decorating, and general DIY at a rate of £40 per job. She didn’t expect much attention, but the response was immediate.
Demand for James’s skills picked up quickly. Within a day, he had his first job. Soon, his schedule was packed six days a week, from morning to evening. He now has to turn down requests because there just isn’t enough time in the day to fit them all in. The service, humorously named “Rent My Handy Husband,” continues to grow as word spreads.
People from all walks of life are hiring James for different types of work. Jobs range from mounting televisions and hanging curtains to tiling, laying carpets, and even rebuilding walls. While the service is open to everyone, it gained attention for its creative spin—presenting a husband as a hired hand for household tasks. Laura manages the business side, handling bookings, social media, and communication, while James focuses on completing the work.
The unexpected success of the business has led to new ideas. For the holiday season, the couple introduced a Christmas service, offering installations of festive lights both inside and outside homes. This seasonal offer added more value to what was already becoming a reliable service for homeowners needing extra help.
While some may have seen the idea as a joke at first, the couple proved that with the right skills and a bit of creativity, even everyday tasks can be turned into a thriving business. Their story shows that opportunity can come from simple ideas—and with teamwork, it can go much further than expected.