This unusual side hustle helped one person afford their first home—and it involves something you probably never considered!
- Replies 0
In today's world, where the dream of owning a home can feel out of reach for many, one man has found a truly unique way to not only help grieving families but also achieve a life-changing milestone.
Meet Shaun Tookey, a 31-year-old tree surgeon from Harlow, Essex, who turned an unconventional side hustle into a pathway toward homeownership.
His service of cleaning graves has not only provided comfort to families but has also allowed him to save enough to purchase his very first home.
This story is sure to inspire those looking for creative ways to make a difference and secure a better future.
Shaun's journey into the grave cleaning business began in May 2023, and since then, he’s meticulously restored over 300 graves.
His services range from a basic deep clean, costing families between $187 and $312, to a more comprehensive package that includes deep cleaning, repainted lettering, and decorative chippings, priced between $437 and $562. Each grave takes Shaun about two hours to clean, and he manages to work on two to four graves daily, all while maintaining his full-time job.
The Grave Cleaner: A Service of Remembrance and Respect
While cleaning graves as a side hustle might seem unusual to some, for Shaun, it’s a deeply rewarding labor of love. He spends his days off and weekends offering a service that many people may not even know exists.
By restoring the dignity and beauty of headstones, Shaun provides a valuable service to families who may not have the time, knowledge, or resources to care for their loved ones’ memorials. It’s a job that brings Shaun immense satisfaction, knowing that he’s helping people in a truly meaningful way.
This commitment has not only brought comfort to numerous families but also given Shaun the financial security he once thought was beyond his reach.
By diligently saving from his earnings, Shaun was able to buy his first home in December 2024—a remarkable achievement made possible by his unique side hustle.
Source: Instagram / thegravecleaner
Social media: The Catalyst for a Booming Business
Shaun’s success would not have been possible without the power of social media. By sharing before-and-after pictures and videos of his grave cleaning transformations on social media sites like Facebook under the handle @thegravecleaner, Shaun has been able to grow his business and attract new clients.
His engaging content has built a steady following and a strong local presence.
Word of mouth has also been a huge factor in growing his business. As Shaun works in cemeteries, onlookers often stop to ask about his service, impressed by his work.
This has led to more local awareness and appreciation for the care he provides to the community’s cherished memorials.
A Personal Touch for Every Stone
Shaun tailors his approach to each grave based on the family’s wishes and the specific needs of the site. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or adding a touch of luxury like gold leaf lettering, Shaun offers a variety of options to fit different preferences and budgets.
His attention to detail and dedication ensure that every headstone is treated with the utmost respect and care.
Source: Instagram / thegravecleaner
The Financial and Emotional Rewards of a Unique Side Hustle
What started as a side hustle has now provided Shaun with both financial and emotional rewards. The extra income has allowed him to transition from renting to owning a home, something he once thought might never happen.
For Shaun, this achievement represents more than just owning property—it’s the result of hard work, dedication, and a passion for helping others.
For those in The GrayVine community looking for a unique side hustle, Shaun's story proves that creative thinking and determination can lead to success, even in the most unexpected places.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of services that preserve the memories of loved ones—a sentiment that resonates with so many of us.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Have you ever considered an unusual side hustle? Are there other services you know of that combine emotional fulfillment and financial success? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
Meet Shaun Tookey, a 31-year-old tree surgeon from Harlow, Essex, who turned an unconventional side hustle into a pathway toward homeownership.
His service of cleaning graves has not only provided comfort to families but has also allowed him to save enough to purchase his very first home.
This story is sure to inspire those looking for creative ways to make a difference and secure a better future.
Turning passion into profit: How side hustles can open new doors to success and unexpected opportunities. Image Source: Pexels / Anna-Louise.
Shaun's journey into the grave cleaning business began in May 2023, and since then, he’s meticulously restored over 300 graves.
His services range from a basic deep clean, costing families between $187 and $312, to a more comprehensive package that includes deep cleaning, repainted lettering, and decorative chippings, priced between $437 and $562. Each grave takes Shaun about two hours to clean, and he manages to work on two to four graves daily, all while maintaining his full-time job.
The Grave Cleaner: A Service of Remembrance and Respect
While cleaning graves as a side hustle might seem unusual to some, for Shaun, it’s a deeply rewarding labor of love. He spends his days off and weekends offering a service that many people may not even know exists.
By restoring the dignity and beauty of headstones, Shaun provides a valuable service to families who may not have the time, knowledge, or resources to care for their loved ones’ memorials. It’s a job that brings Shaun immense satisfaction, knowing that he’s helping people in a truly meaningful way.
This commitment has not only brought comfort to numerous families but also given Shaun the financial security he once thought was beyond his reach.
By diligently saving from his earnings, Shaun was able to buy his first home in December 2024—a remarkable achievement made possible by his unique side hustle.
Source: Instagram / thegravecleaner
Social media: The Catalyst for a Booming Business
Shaun’s success would not have been possible without the power of social media. By sharing before-and-after pictures and videos of his grave cleaning transformations on social media sites like Facebook under the handle @thegravecleaner, Shaun has been able to grow his business and attract new clients.
His engaging content has built a steady following and a strong local presence.
Word of mouth has also been a huge factor in growing his business. As Shaun works in cemeteries, onlookers often stop to ask about his service, impressed by his work.
This has led to more local awareness and appreciation for the care he provides to the community’s cherished memorials.
A Personal Touch for Every Stone
Shaun tailors his approach to each grave based on the family’s wishes and the specific needs of the site. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or adding a touch of luxury like gold leaf lettering, Shaun offers a variety of options to fit different preferences and budgets.
His attention to detail and dedication ensure that every headstone is treated with the utmost respect and care.
Source: Instagram / thegravecleaner
The Financial and Emotional Rewards of a Unique Side Hustle
What started as a side hustle has now provided Shaun with both financial and emotional rewards. The extra income has allowed him to transition from renting to owning a home, something he once thought might never happen.
For Shaun, this achievement represents more than just owning property—it’s the result of hard work, dedication, and a passion for helping others.
For those in The GrayVine community looking for a unique side hustle, Shaun's story proves that creative thinking and determination can lead to success, even in the most unexpected places.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of services that preserve the memories of loved ones—a sentiment that resonates with so many of us.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Have you ever considered an unusual side hustle? Are there other services you know of that combine emotional fulfillment and financial success? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
