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Side Hustle Pro

Side Hustle Pro spotlights bold black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable business. Join Chief Side Hustler turned full-time entrepreneur Nicaila Matthews Okome for your weekly installment of Side Hustle Pro and learn actionable strategies to start small and get going–wherever and whoever you are. Side Hustle Pro features interviews with inspiring Black women entrepreneurs who started out as side hustlers, including interviews with Myleik Teele, Morgan DeBaun, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, and more!
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Now displaying: 2021
Jun 24, 2021

Today in the guest chair is Jerri Evans, the Owner of Turning Natural Juice Bars. Jerri was first on the show in 2017 and now she’s back with an update!

As the Owner of Turning Natural Juice Bars, Jerri Evans has revolutionized juicing in the “hood”.  By bringing better choices to communities that otherwise lack access to healthy options, Jerri dedicated her mission to serving the often under-served and overlooked.  

It was Evans’ late mother Annette Turner, who founded Turning Natural, after being diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer. Shortly after her mother’s transition, Evans quit her then excelling career as an Aeronautical Engineer to pursue helping those who were looking to take care of themselves.  

Eight years and six locations later, Jerri has committed to continuing her mom’s legacy and trailblazing her own. 

On this episode, hear how Jerri:

  • Thinks about how and when to expand to a new location
  • Addressed her shortcomings as a manager to make her team stronger
  • Navigates “graduating” from a business she founded and having an exit strategy!

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube 

This episode is brought to you by:

AWeber

Your side hustle needs a reliable way to connect with your audience and promote your product or service. Start growing your business with email marketing, web push notifications, and landing page builder. Visit AWeber.com and enter code HUSTLEPRO for a free 30-day free trial of AWeber’s PRO plan. 

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

Turning Natural - @turningnatural

Jerri Evans - @jerrichanel

#SideHustlePro

Jun 16, 2021

I’m celebrating the 5 Year Anniversary of Side Hustle Pro all this month with video interviews with some of my favorite guests of all time! (So you can listen to this episode on your favorite podcast app or watch on the Side Hustle Pro YouTube Channel)

Today in the guest chair, we have Kim Lewis, the CEO and co-founder of CurlMix, a clean beauty brand for curly hair. After a strong showing on Season 10 of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning Shark Tank with her husband and co-founder, Tim, Kim made the daring decision to bet on herself, and turned down a $400,000 Shark deal. 

Less than six months later, Kim’s talent for logistics and marketing secured a seed investment of $1.2M. CurlMix’s sales catapulted to $6M in annual revenue and they have earned over $13M in lifetime sales – all online. 

On this episode, hear how CurlMix:

  • Went from a DIY box for curly hair to launching their own products
  • Empowers, educates, and grows their community and customers with weekly Facebook lives
  • Turned down an offer on Shark Tank
  • Started their Equity Crowdfunding campaign
  • How they juggled raising two kids while building a huge business

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and YouTube 

This episode is brought to you by:

AWeber

Your side hustle needs a reliable way to connect with your audience and promote your product or service. Start growing your business with email marketing, web push notifications, and landing page builder. Visit AWeber.com and enter code HUSTLEPRO for a free 30-day free trial of AWeber’s PRO plan.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

CurlMix - @CurlMix

#SideHustlePro

Jun 9, 2021

I’m celebrating the 5 Year Anniversary of Side Hustle Pro all this month with video interviews with some of my favorite guests of all time! (So you can listen to this episode on your favorite podcast app or watch on the Side Hustle Pro YouTube Channel)

Today in the guest chair, we have Angel Gregorio, the founder and owner of The Spice Suite, a growing community-centric spice boutique, located in Washington DC’s Takoma Park community. 

When we first spoke with Angel on the Side Hustle Pro podcast in 2018, she shared how she walked by a vacant storefront with no plan or desire to be a small business owner and decided on the spot to turn it into a spice shop. 

That spice shop has since become a dream incubator and haven. Voted Best Spice Shop in Washington City Paper’s Best of DC, The Spice Suite offers fresh spice blends and cooking oils from around the world, handcrafted and customized to disrupt the typical dining experience. 

And as a way to pay it forward and support fellow dreamers, Angel offers space at The Spice Suite for pop-up shops, free of charge. No fine print. No commission.

On this episode, hear how Angel:

  • The first steps she took to get her very first product made (and how she started all wrong!)
  • How she makes the margins work for her in eCommerce:
  • How her approach to life and business has shaped her business expansion

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and YouTube 

This episode is brought to you by:

AWeber

Your side hustle needs a reliable way to connect with your audience and promote your product or service. Start growing your business with email marketing, web push notifications, and landing page builder. Visit AWeber.com and enter code HUSTLEPRO for a free 30-day free trial of AWeber’s PRO plan.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

The Spice Suite - @thespicesuite

#SideHustlePro

May 26, 2021

I’m sharing another Best Of Side Hustle Pro episode this week! This episode is filled with 7 tried and true side hustle tips for side hustlers who don’t have a lot of time.

Being a new mom has reminded me of the side hustle mindset and all the principles that led me to be in a position of making the most out of the time that I have.

The key to the side hustle life is learning how to get a lot done with not a lot of time. I did it before (and am beginning to get back into doing it again) and you can too! 

In this episode, I’m taking you through my seven tried and true tips that helped me run an effective side hustle. 

Take a listen to this episode, so you can master the art of the side hustle, too.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and Stitcher.  

Click to grab your 12-Week Goal Getter Workbook (as I mentioned in this episode)

This episode is brought to you by:

Helium 10

Many thanks to our awesome sponsor Helium 10. Side Hustle Pro listeners get 50% off their first month of Helium 10 Platinum when you go to Helium10.com and use code HUSTLEPRO at check out.

Better Help

Many thanks to our amazing sponsor Better Help. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month of affordable, private online counseling by visiting betterhelp.com/hustlepro

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

May 19, 2021

It’s May! And that means it’s time for a rewind. Every week this month, I’m resharing a Best of Side Hustle Pro episode. In this first episode, I talk about how when I started my side hustle, I didn’t read business plan books or follow a business plan template. I just started. Shocking, I know!

I share the six steps you can take, now, to start building your business as a side hustle. Let’s jump in!

Click here to grab your recap (as I mentioned in this episode). Listen to this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and Stitcher.  

This episode is brought to you by:

Skillshare

Get 2 free months of Premium Membership at skillshare.com/sidehustlepro

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

You can now send questions for the new “Ask Nicaila” segment that’s coming to Side Hustle Pro. Once I get a critical mass of questions, I can start rolling out this segment. Just email hi@sidehustlepro.co and put hashtag #AskNicaila in the subject. 

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

May 12, 2021

In this throwback episode, I share how I got better at getting things done, even under pressure.

I spend less time thinking and talking about what I’m going to do and more time actually doing it.

I learned to cut out all the fluff that makes you FEEL like you’re doing something (to-do lists, buying fancy planners, well organized trello boards) and get down to business.

By making these mistakes, I also learned some key lessons as to why most side hustlers aren’t making the progress they anticipated. You’re probably not accomplishing your goal, because you bit off too much or not taking action because you want everything to be perfect and are afraid of making a mistake.

If you want more guidance on how to actually get things done, consider learning​ ​my​ ​signature Goal Getter Action Plan​. I can show you how to run a side business in 7 hours per week.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by

Helium 10

Many thanks to our awesome sponsor Helium 10. Side Hustle Pro listeners get 50% off their first month of Helium 10 Platinum when you go to Helium10.com and use code HUSTLEPRO at check out.

Links mentioned in this episode

Goal Getter Action Plan

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

May 5, 2021

All this month I’m sharing the Best Of Side Hustle Pro episodes! In this episode I explore how to keep your job secure while side hustling. 

I break down:

Why you shouldn’t assume your employer will tell you no

How to create a schedule that doesn’t conflict with your day job

Why you should identify and know what’s in it for them

I hope it’s helpful! Listen and gimme a 💙 on Instagram if it is. 💪🏾

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by

Better Help

As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/hustlepro


Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Apr 28, 2021

Today I’m back with a solo episode, sharing my tips for batching content writing and scheduling. 

I realize that a lot of us get overwhelmed when it’s time to create content.

So here’s my quick and easy process for staying organized when my mind and life is going a mile a minute.

In this episode, I reveal what my batch process looks like (aka, exactly what I assign as my priority task for each day of my week)

And how I find an “hour of power” for batch creating and scheduling content on social media each week.

I hope it’s helpful! Listen and gimme a 💙 on Instagram if it is. 💪🏾

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by:

Helium 10

As a listener, you get 50% off your first month of Helium 10 Platinum when you go to Helium10.com and use code HUSTLEPRO when you check out.

Links mentioned in this episode

Podcast Moguls

Goal Getter Action Plan

Canva

Planoly

Buffer

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Apr 21, 2021

Today in the guest chair is Jasmin Foster, the Founder of Be Rooted, an inclusively designed stationery brand created to celebrate and uplift women of color. 

What I really love about Jasmin and her experience is that she started her career in retail on the buying side. And now here she is, a Founder who has landed as a product and business owner on the shelves of Target, the very company she started her career with!

In today’s episode, I love what Jasmin had to share about:

  • How the majority of her career in retail was pushing the boundaries of representation and inclusion 
  • How that led her to changing the face of the stationery industry with Be Rooted
  • What it’s like to employ her parents!

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Links mentioned in this episode

Be Rooted

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Be Rooted- @berootedco

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Apr 14, 2021

Today in the guest chair is Alicia Scott, the Founder of Range Beauty.

Fun Fact: I first met Alicia Scott, today’s Side Hustle Pro guest, in 2019 when I was a speaker at the Summit 21 conference. I invited the audience to raise their hand to come up on stage and share their side hustle with the audience. Like a true hustler, Alicia was READY and was the first hand that shot up (scroll through to see the pic of her on stage).

Fast forward 2 years and I am not the least bit surprised to see the AMAZING growth of Alicia’s brand, Range Beauty.

Alicia founded Range Beauty because she noticed the lack of shades available during photo shoots and runway shows. Instead of asking, “Why can’t there be better options for us?,” she created what she envisioned, a clean beauty brand for the forgotten shades.

In today’s episode, she gets into:

  • How she went about figuring out where to find a manufacturer
  • How she figured out how to create these actual products
  • How she is kicking down doors and raising capital for her business

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by:

Better Help

As a listener, you’ll get 10% off  our first month by visiting our sponsor at betterhelp.com/hustlepro

Helium 10

As a listener, you get 50% off your first month of Helium 10 Platinum when you go to Helium10.com and use code HUSTLEPRO when you check out.

Links mentioned in this episode

Range Beauty

Summit 21 Conference

Blavity

Morgan DeBaun

Cosmetic Index

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Range Beauty- @Range_Beauty

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Apr 7, 2021

I know you’re probably wondering, how’s Nicaila TV going, right?! If you didn’t know, I have a YouTube channel where I post videos about natural hair, lifestyle, and beauty content. I’m already one month in, and I wanted to give you all a little update on how things are going since my channel launched on March 1.

For the first time in a while, I gave myself the freedom to do something fun, again, and didn’t put pressure on myself with creating videos (or even to monetize). This was the start of expanding what I’m known for beyond podcasting, and I actually love doing YouTube! It’s my TV show, and anything goes.

This side hustle has also given me insight into what I see myself doing in the future (more on that in the episode).

In this episode, I’m sharing all that I’ve learned in a short amount of time of doing YouTube, and giving you insight into why I think it’s way harder than podcasting, and how I’ve gotten videos with over 1K views!

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by:

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Design Hill

Print Shop is an easy-to-use platform just for you! Go to designhill.com/printshop to give life to your designs.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Mar 31, 2021

Cora Miller became the solution to the one recurring question she had after becoming a new mom: Why aren’t there specific hair products representative for boys of color? 

As she was looking for products to style her son’s hair that were clean and plant-based, to her surprise, there were none, and that bothered her. After seeing this gap in the marketplace and talking through her frustration with her husband, Young King Hair Care, the first multicultural beauty and wellness brand for young men, was born. 

Unlike other hair care brands, it didn’t start in the kitchen for this CEO. Instead, she did months of market research and found a research and development partner who understood her vision. In that search, Cora and her husband found a Black female chemist who had been working in the natural hair care industry for years, and their partnership took off! In a matter of a year, from research to final product, Young King Hair Care was ready to show young boys that it’s okay to groom themselves, and have a self-care moment just for them, too.

From the official launch date in Dec. 2019, to starting with a table set-up in her home hallway, which she affectionately called “Young King Fulfillment Center,” to now being sold on Target shelves, the Millers are well on their way to redefining male grooming for the next generation.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Young King Hair Care (Facebook) – @youngkinghaircare

Young King Hair Care (Instagram) – @youngkinghaircare

Cora Miller (Instagram) – @co_ruh

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Mar 24, 2021

For Mikaela Pabon, she is living a dream that would make her 8-year-old self ecstatic! She is the founder of the statement-making athleisure brand, Dressed in Joy. It’s interesting to think that she never thought she would be able to live out her fashion dreams, but here she is, today, doing just that as a full-time entrepreneur.

Her initial career path, although she didn’t like it, was in information technology (IT). Eventually, Mikaela found something in that line of work that she did enjoy in working with databases, which she did for about 15 years. But in 2015, the fashion enthusiast took her first dive into entrepreneurship and decided to call it quits after four years, and no profits made. 

After some time away, her dreams started to come back to her, and she was reminded of her days of watching fashion shows and “House of Style” on MTV, and it led her to design. Not for profit, but for herself. And if you ask Mikaela, she did not intend for the business she has now to be a business. For her, she was just designing something she wanted and didn’t see in the market. And to her surprise, people loved what she had to offer. After learning from her past mistakes, facing her limiting beliefs, and responding to customers, she built a successful and expanding brand and business.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

☞ How Mikaela went from closing one business to opening another wildly successful one

☞ How she was able to leave her full-time job to focus on Dressed in Joy full time

☞ How Instagram Reels helped her to boost her audience in a short amount of time

☞ And why she believes that no matter the obstacle when it’s meant to be yours, it will be

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by:

FreshBooks

Try FreshBooks free for 30 days! No credit card required. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro, and enter “SIDE HUSTLE PRO” in the ‘How did you hear about us section.’ And get more time back to build the business you love.

Gabi

See how much Gabi can save you. It’s free to check out, and there’s no obligation. Go to gabi.com/hustlepro!

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Dressed In Joy (Instagram) – @dressedinjoy

Mikaela Pabon (Instagram) – @mikaela.pabon

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Mar 17, 2021

If you take a look at Danielle Finney’s body of work, you’ll see two common themes: warm expressions and joyful faces. Her signature style as a natural light photographer has connected her to clients and taken her places she never could have imagined.

Danielle originally began her professional career on the administrative track with aspirations to be an executive assistant because she had a desire to help people. And one thing’s for sure, she never saw herself doing photography full-time, even though she had taken a liking to it over time. It was just a side hustle.

Initially, her work was experimental and friends and family-centric — reaching out to them, trying new things, and learning by trial and error. And even after about four years of developing her creative eye, gaining clientele and finding her photography style, Danielle still didn’t see what she was doing as a “profitable means of making a living.” 

That was, until life gave her a reason to put herself out there and believe in herself.

And the rest is history! Now, after 13 years in the photography arena, she helps women see themselves in their best light through beautiful, joy-filled photos. As well as, teaches other photographers how to improve their natural light portraits and enhance their client experiences.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This episode is brought to you by:

Gusto
As a Side Hustle Pro listener, you’ll get three months free when you roll your first payroll. Sign up, and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Danielle Finney (Instagram) – @dfinneyphoto

Danielle Finney (Twitter) – @dfinneyphoto

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Mar 10, 2021

For Eniola Oshodi, nursing was all she knew. Her mom did it, so you could describe it as a generational transfer. But after over a decade of working in the medical field, she knew something had to change…

The scrubs, they had to change.

For something that healthcare workers had to wear for shifts on end, everyday, Eniola didn’t think traditional scrubs were flattering, comfortable, or looked good on her. And it was that push that made her create Dope Scrubs, a medical apparel brand that allows healthcare professionals to express themselves through their attire while working on the frontlines.

Upon having the revelation of wanting to make the lives of those like her better in the work wardrobe department, Eniola set out on her “journey of creation” to figure out how to make scrubs more stylish and comfortable, yet still functional. And after that, she designed the first versions of Dope Scrubs and wore them everyday, but never told anyone she designed them. Even though she didn’t say a word, people started asking about what she was wearing. Talk about a marketing plan!

With a little help from her family, she stopped sitting on what she had created (figuratively and literally), and pressed the “go” button on becoming the entrepreneur she was made to be.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud

This episode is brought to you by:

Gusto
As a Side Hustle Pro listener, you’ll get three months free when you roll your first payroll. Sign up, and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.

FreshBooks

Try FreshBooks free for 30 days! No credit card required. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro, and enter “SIDE HUSTLE PRO” in the ‘How did you hear about us section.’ And get more time back to build the business you love.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Dope Scrubs (Instagram) – @dopescrubs

Dope Scrubs (Facebook) – @dopescrubsfb

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Mar 3, 2021

For Alexia Grant aka “Chef Lex” aka “The Bubble Chef,” cooking was always a family affair, or how she puts it, “a collaborative effort.” And that motivation has taken her very far. She has cooked for the likes of Carmelo and LaLa Anthony, Malcolm Jenkins, Meek Mill, Angela Simmons and Lauryn Hill, and worked with brands like Lululemon and Verizon. 

Growing up with a garden outside of her home, and a loving family who made sure she had a good breakfast in the morning, food was a big thing for her. Although Lex wasn’t sure of what she wanted to do post-high school, it was her grandfather who was her motivation to pursue a career in cooking. Before he passed, he had a real sit-down moment with her about next life steps, which encouraged her to eventually apply to culinary school.

At 19, Lex got her first high paying catering job that catapulted her into the side hustle of catering, which ultimately led her to full-time entrepreneurship. Not to mention, after that catering job, she started telling everyone that she was a “chef” and no one could tell her otherwise. 

From contracting her services to now running her own lifestyle management firm, and having her own pop-up restaurant, Comfort Kitchen, Chef Lex is a force to be reckoned with. And as my Jamaican sista, I must say, her grind is impeccable.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud

This episode is brought to you by:

Gusto
As a Side Hustle Pro listener, you’ll get three months free when you roll your first payroll. Sign up, and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Chef Lex Grant (Instagram) – @cheflexgrant

Chef Lex Grant (Twitter) – @cheflexgrant

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Mar 1, 2021

Hey Guys, I'm excited to announce that my new side hustle is here. That's right, my new YouTube channel is live: https://www.youtube.com/c/nicailatv

Check it out and like and subscribe!

Feb 24, 2021

Marvina Robinson is the founder and CEO of her own boutique brand champagne company, B. Stuyvesant Champagne that was launched in February 2020.

Her journey was anything but “ordinary.” She puts it this way: “There was no direct correlation.” With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Master’s degree in Statistics, and the career path of working in finance on Wall Street for over 20 years, the entrepreneur bug hit her, big time. Prior to Stuyvesant (as it’s affectionately called), Marvina had her own indoor cycling studio, which she later converted into a café. 

After the landlord of the building the café was hosted in wouldn’t allow her to sell beer or wine, she took his “no” as a lead to make her vision a reality, and open up a champagne bar. So she took the next lead, and ventured to France to make connections in the champagne and wine world.

While sitting down eating crepes in France at 5 a.m., she met someone who would help her make the introductions she needed to succeed, and the outcome of that is what you see today. 

Although Marvina didn’t know what she was looking for, at first, and her business plan was in her brain, notebook and laptop, she’s proud that she built her business incrementally, and her “true business” is now falling into place. The insane grind included red eye flights between Manhattan and France for almost a year. For Marvina, it was all worth it.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud

This episode is brought to you by:

FreshBooks

Try FreshBooks free for 30 days! No credit card required. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro, and enter “SIDE HUSTLE PRO” in the ‘How did you hear about us section.’ And get more time back to build the business you love.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

B. Stuyvesant Champagne (Instagram) – @stuyvesantchampagne

B. Stuyvesant Champagne (Facebook) – @stuyvesantchampagne

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Feb 17, 2021

You’d probably think that launching a new business in the middle of a pandemic wouldn’t be the most “received” idea, but for Temidayo Adedokun, she accepted the challenge. In 2020, Temidayo launched Ade + Ayo, a collection of beautifully crafted pieces that make the African aesthetic practical for even the littlest among us. Her pieces keep things modern and affordable for parents, too.

Interestingly enough for Temidayo, she’s no stranger to the entrepreneur world as her parents paved their own way, although they encouraged her to take a more “traditional” path. And for her, that was law. While attending Yale for her studies, during her second semester, she became dissatisfied with the path she’d chosen. After Yale, the future entrepreneur decided to pursue corporate law to pay off debt (so relatable!), but ended up hating it and leaving that firm after nine months because she felt like she sold her life to the firm.

Upon trying to figure things out and working at a boutique law firm, Temidayo became pregnant with her first baby. She immediately became hooked on watching YouTube videos and finding ways she could bring Nigerian and African culture into her son’s life. After searching on Etsy and other places, she couldn't find what she was looking for, which was African prints and colors on soft fabrics, that she’d feel comfortable putting on a baby, but also felt modern. 

Enter Ade + Ayo. 

Here’s what you’ll learn about Temidayo and her business from this episode:

  • How the plan to work at the firm while working on Ade + Ayo on the side, until it got enough traction didn’t quite happen
  • How she learned effective e-commerce while simultaneously becoming a mom
  • How she positioned herself for years to be in the position she’s in today

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud

This episode is brought to you by:

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Gusto
As a Side Hustle Pro listener, you’ll get three months free when you roll your first payroll. Sign up, and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Ade + Ayo (Instagram) – @adeandayo

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Feb 10, 2021

If you’ve ever seen Canishiea J. Sams’ Instagram account, you know that her nail art style is far from basic colors and french tips. Her designs are fun, vibrant, eclectic and, most certainly, the future of nails. Canishiea is a nail artist and owner of “NailsbyCanishiea,” where she specializes in hand painted luxury press-on nails and nail care.

What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion for the nail art guru, and after much practice and encouragement from her sisters, friends, and husband, Canishiea decided to pursue her dreams and attend nail school. But get this, by day, she was still attending university and studying criminology, and by night, going after her dreams. Needless to say, everyone was questioning her life plan, except her.

In 2016, Canishiea finished nail school, gave birth to her son, and graduated from college all in the span of months. With a move on the horizon, she took that as a sign to go after what she wanted and do the type of nails she wanted to do. Her step of faith, ended up being an amazing leap! Now, even in the midst of a pandemic, she’s found a way to pivot and change her business model after being forced to close her nail studio’s doors.

In this episode you’ll hear:

✔︎ How Canishiea launched her business and gained clientele as a young mom

✔︎ How transparency on social media jump started her as an entrepreneur

✔︎ And how she spent the earnings from her first client

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud

This episode is brought to you by:

FreshBooks

Try FreshBooks free for 30 days! No credit card required. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro, and enter “SIDE HUSTLE PRO” in the ‘How did you hear about us section.’ And get more time back to build the business you love.

Gusto
As a Side Hustle Pro listener, you’ll get three months free when you roll your first payroll. Sign up, and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Canishiea J. Sams (Instagram) – @nailsbycanishiea

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Feb 5, 2021

It’s the final week of the Side Hustle Pro Bootcamp, and we’re going to ACT! That’s right, you’ve officially entered a “no excuses allowed” zone.

For the past three weeks, we’ve built up to this moment by getting in the zone, kicking our doubts to the curb, finding virtual mentors, starting to do the basics, and limiting the opinions of others. You’ve been equipped for this. You’re ready!

In three tips, I’m sharing how to take action and get things done, and put your side hustle out in the open because like I’ve said before...2021 is the year that we’re talking our side hustle seriously. We want to launch that product, write that blog post, record that video, and tell the world about what we did. You can’t just keep it on your computer. 

We want people to root for you when you’re starting, even if it’s not perfect, because it doesn’t have to be. Like we talked about in week one of the bootcamp, just start! You have to make your product or service in order to make it better. Think of it this way: you can be making sales while you’re improving.

And don’t forget your homework: Announce your side hustle if you haven’t already! I’m rooting for you.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud AND join the bootcamp for accountability: sidehustlepro.co/bootcamp

This episode is brought to you by:

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Gusto
As a Side Hustle Pro listener, you’ll get three months free when you roll your first payroll. Sign up, and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Jan 27, 2021

You’ve already gotten the motivation you need to stop procrastinating and just go for it. We’ve even talked about pushing past the fear and doubts that might come from ourselves and others. So, this week, I want to tell you my 3-step process for taking action, making moves, and progressing on your side hustle.

It’s a tried and true formula that I’ve been using for the past five years. When I looked back on how I approached creating my podcast as a side hustle, and now, how I’m approaching creating my YouTube channel as a side hustle, I recognize that there are three things I always do.

In this episode, I’m sharing what those three things are.

I’m giving you real-world examples that I’m implementing right now, and that you can start working on too! If you’re diligent with these steps, they will work for you too. Remember, we are making moves by any means necessary in 2021.

This episode is brought to you by:

Caveday

Side Hustle Pro listeners can try a free three-hour cave with promo code ‘SIDEHUSTLE’ at caveday.org. Check out the world’s most focused community!

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Jan 20, 2021

Life happens, right? So here we are with Week 2 of the Side Hustle Pro Bootcamp!

I’m sharing my thought process and tips on how to push past the doubt and move forward with your side hustle idea. 

After Week 1 of the Side Hustle Pro Bootcamp, a lot of people reached out to me to share the doubts and fears that have been holding them back. 

I get it. Starting a new hustle is 90% mental in the beginning. 

You’ve got to work up the mental courage, because staying in the “indecision zone” is NOT beneficial to where you want to be.

Plus, you’re withholding your greatness from the world. 

Why not you? 

You’re just as capable, talented, and dedicated as anyone else. Your idea and side hustle are worthy of your attention and focus.

In this episode I’m sharing real practices I use to break out of analysis paralysis and get down to business.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud AND join the bootcamp for accountability: sidehustlepro.co/bootcamp

This episode is brought to you by:

FreshBooks

Try FreshBooks free for 30 days! No credit card required. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro, and enter “SIDE HUSTLE PRO” in the ‘How did you hear about us section.’ And get more time back to build the business you love.

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

Jan 6, 2021

For the next four weeks, you’ll have a chance to be a part of the Side Hustle Pro Bootcamp. Don’t worry, there are no pushups, workout plan, or anything of the sort, but what you will get a grasp of is how to break things down into super small achievable steps to actually achieve your side hustle dreams. This week’s episode is all about how to START.

No more procrastination. No more playing around. In 2021, we’re going to commit and do this! Besides, the hardest part of the battle is actually starting your side hustle, but after that, it gets easier. And to be honest, you’re probably stalling because of the drive to be perfect. Stalling and overthinking can create a hamster wheel effect that’s very hard to get out of, even when you know it’s counterproductive and not necessary. Instead of focusing on the wrong things, let’s focus on the right things.

I’m taking you through the journey of: saying “no” to your own stall tactics and saying “later” to your own excuses, all while giving you three tips to actually start your side hustle. 

Join the bootcamp at sidehustlepro.co/bootcamp

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and Stitcher.  

This episode is brought to you by:

FreshBooks

Try FreshBooks free for 30 days! No credit card required. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro, and enter “SIDE HUSTLE PRO” in the ‘How did you hear about us section.’ And get more time back to build the business you love.

Skillshare

Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/hustle and get a free trial of Premium Membership

Links mentioned in this episode

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss

Announcements

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Guest Social Media Info

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

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