Nora Curl, a 51-year-old antique expert, discovered her passion for antiques while working in Hollywood in the ’90s. Despite studying communication at Allegheny College, her love and talent for finding and identifying antiques led her to pursue a degree in connoisseurship in fine and decorative arts in 2002. After working in various roles in the industry, including assisting artist Nelson Shanks, Curl moved back to Pennsylvania in 2012 to support her mom, who has a rare congenital disease.

In 2012, she joined the expert advice site JustAnswer, offering online antique valuations. Users pay a monthly fee for access to experts across various fields. Curl’s success on the platform earned her over $124,000 in 2022 alone. She shares valuable advice for those aiming to build a similar online career:

1. Invest in Yourself: Despite her expertise, Curl continued to deepen her knowledge. She became compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), a set of standards for appraisers, and an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers. These accreditations opened up additional streams of income.

2. Continuous Learning: Curl emphasizes the importance of ongoing education. She underwent examinations, courses, and extensive training to enhance her skills. Her commitment to learning allowed her to stay competitive and provide high-quality services.

3. Diversify Income Streams: Acknowledging that online platforms may not guarantee a steady income, Curl advises individuals to find ways to supplement their earnings. In addition to JustAnswer, she built a side hustle as an appraiser, attracting clients through the ISA website and offering official written appraisals for estates, earning $10,000 to $15,000 per assignment.

Curl’s story highlights the significance of adaptability, continuous learning, and diversification in building a successful online career.