Side Hustle Pro

Side Hustle Pro spotlights bold black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable…

by Nicaila Matthews Okome | Side Hustle Pro Media

About 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

New episodes usually drop on Fridays.Latest 200 episodes in the feed

Nov 3, 2026 · 26 min

You Could Get Paid for That: 5 Side Hustles You Can Start Right Now

Extra income does not have to mean a whole new life. In this solo episode, I walk through five side hustles people are doing right now, each one simple enough that you can picture the customer, the work, and why someone would pay for it. We cover flipping items from Facebook Marketplace and offering pickup or delivery, online resale on sites like Poshmark, a resale concierge service for people who want their things…
Nov 2, 2026 · 45 min

Why Nobody Bought Your Offer (Even Though They Said They Would)

People told you they would be the first to sign up. Then you launched, and they were nowhere to be found. In this solo episode, I break down why interest and buying are two different decisions, and what an underperforming launch can and can't tell you. I walk through the four signals to separate: what people praise, what they ask for, what they spend time with, and what they pay for. I also cover how to ask about…
Oct 27, 2026 · 43 min

You Don’t Have to Be an Influencer to Build a Business

You don't need a huge following or constant access to your private life to build a profitable business. You need to be known for solving a specific problem. In this solo episode, I break down the difference between influence and authority, and between visibility and exposure. I share the questions I ask clients before we talk about anything they don't want to do, starting with what they actually want to be known…
Oct 23, 2026 · 33 min

Why Everyone and Their Mother Has a Podcast

In this solo episode, I break down why so many people are starting shows right now, drawing on 10 years of running Side Hustle Pro, which I launched in 2016 and have grown past 10 million downloads. I walk through three things a podcast can be: a networking tool, a bridge from where you've been to where you want to go, and a launch pad. I share how I grew the show with a small paid promotion budget, landed my first…
Oct 16, 2026 · 37 min

Life Update: How I'm Rebuilding My Business Around My Life

I kept putting off this solo episode because I did not want to get camera-ready. So I took the camera out of the picture. This audio-only life update is about the changes that helped me feel like myself again, a year after sharing that I was burned out. I share how I started building my business around my life as a mother, why I am focused on Podcast Moguls and SHIFT, and what I learned from launching the first…

Earlier episodes (195)

Sep 30, 2026 5 Simple Ways to Get Paid for What You Already Know
One of the biggest misconceptions I see when it comes to making money is the belief that you need to start from scratch. A new certification, a brand new idea, or a completely different skill set. But the truth is, most of us already have everything we need. The real problem is not a lack of knowledge, it is not knowing how to package and position what we already know. In this episode, I break down five simple and…
Sep 25, 2026 She Got Laid Off…Then Built a YouTube Income to Pay Her Bills
This week in the guest chair, Symone’ Austin shares her powerful journey from being laid off to building a thriving YouTube platform. After recording and posting her layoff conversation, her video went viral and became the turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, she breaks down how she built multiple income streams through YouTube ad revenue, brand partnerships, digital products, virtual…
Sep 18, 2026 From a Food Blog to a $500K-a-Year Media Business: How Jannese Torres Built Yo Quiero Dinero
In this episode, I sat down with Jannese Torres, host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast, to talk about how she went from a corporate career in engineering, pharmaceuticals, and consumer manufacturing to building a $500K-a-year media business. Jannese shares how getting laid off pushed her to take entrepreneurship seriously and how her food blog, Delish D'Lites, became her first profitable side hustle. We talk about…
Sep 11, 2026 How to Make Your First $1K Side Hustling
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift You do not need a million dollars to change your life, you need your first $1,000 . In this solo episode, I’m breaking down why the first $1K is such a pivotal milestone for side hustlers and how it shifts everything from theory to proof. I walk you through the exact decisions and actions that turn…
Aug 28, 2026 From YouTube Exec to Full-Time Creator: How Chanel Tyler Turned Content Creation Into 5-Figure Passive Income
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift This week in the guest chair is Chanel Tyler, a strategist, creator, and self-described “contentpreneur” who has worked across investment banking, luxury marketing, and YouTube before stepping fully into entrepreneurship. Chanel built her reputation online by sharing trusted product recommendations and…
Aug 21, 2026 How Karen Young Built OUI the People
In this episode, I sat down with Karen Young, founder of OUI the People, a fine fragrance and body care brand born out of her own struggle with razor burn and ingrown hairs. Karen walks us through her path from fashion, where she interned at Dolce and Gabbana, to becoming an executive at Estee Lauder, to eventually building a beauty brand now sold in Sephora. But Karen's story starts before OUI the People, with a…
Aug 14, 2026 She Left Corporate Law, Went Back to Work, and Still Built a Global Fashion Brand
In this episode, I sat down with Busayo Olupona, founder and creative director of Busayo, the Brooklyn- and Lagos-based fashion brand known for its bold prints and textiles created with artisans in Nigeria. Busayo shares how she went from corporate finance law to bringing handmade pieces home in suitcases, selling them at scrappy pop-ups, and eventually landing in major retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue,…
Aug 7, 2026 How Her Wine Became the Obama Presidential Center’s Official White Wine
After a devastating flood forced Chrishon Lampley to close her Chicago art gallery and wine bar, she turned that loss into the foundation for Love Cork Screw, a nationally distributed wine brand that has sold more than two million bottles. In this episode, Chrishon shares how she broke into the wine industry with no upfront capital, got her products into major retailers, and navigated the realities of building a…
Jul 31, 2026 7 Things I Had to Unlearn Before Leaving My Corporate Job
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this episode, I'm sharing the seven beliefs I had to unlearn before I could finally leave my corporate job and build Side Hustle Pro full time. I spent decades in corporate America, working at places like HBO, MTV, Google, and NPR, and even though I knew I wanted to leave, I wasn't mentally ready until I…
Jul 30, 2026 Why She Pulled Her Brand Out of Whole Foods After 26 Years | Dawn Fitch, Founder of Pooka Pure and Simple
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this episode, I sat down with Dawn Fitch, founder of Pooka Pure and Simple, to talk about the winding road that took her from designing album covers in the music industry to building a natural beauty brand rooted in her own health journey. Dawn opens up about the years it took to get an MS diagnosis, and…
Jul 24, 2026 How Roxy Couse Replaced Her Corporate Title With Her Personal Brand
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this episode, I sat down with Roxy Couse, the creator behind Millennial Manager, to talk about how she built a thriving personal brand while climbing the corporate ladder. Roxy spent almost 15 years in corporate, working her way up to senior director, before stepping away to run her content and consulting…
Jul 17, 2026 She Emptied Her Retirement to Open a Tea Brand (Jamila Wright, Founder of Brookyn Tea)
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources:  APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this episode, I sat down with Jamila Wright, co-founder of Brooklyn Tea, to trace the full story of how she and her husband Ali turned tea dates into a business. Jamila walked me through leaving a career in education, emptying her retirement savings, and fighting a two year trademark battle before they…
Jul 14, 2026 How Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey and Co-Founder Dana Hill-Robinson Built Glowissima Skincare
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this episode, I sat down with longtime friends and business partners Cynthia Bailey and Dana Hill-Robinson to talk about how a friendship that started in a New York hair salon in the 1990s turned into a skincare brand thirty years later. Cynthia shares her path from an eighteen year old model moving to New…
Jul 7, 2026 520: How Jotaka Eaddy Built a Movement of 44,000 Black Women Overnight
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this episode, I sat down with Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Full Circle Strategies and Win With Black Women, for a conversation about power, purpose and resilience. We talked about her childhood in Johnsonville, South Carolina, a town of under 1,400 people that taught her the value of community long before she…
Jun 20, 2026 519: After 10 Million Downloads, Here’s What I Learned
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift When I launched Side Hustle Pro, I thought success would be measured by downloads, rankings, sponsorships, and audience growth. And while reaching 10 million downloads is a milestone I'm incredibly grateful for, I've learned that the true value of podcasting has very little to do with the number itself. In…
Jun 12, 2026 518: The ONE skill you need to learn before you QUIT
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this solo episode, I am getting real with you about the one skill that changed everything for me and that I believe every woman needs to develop right now: learning how to make money directly for yourself. I am sharing why the leap from employee to entrepreneur is so hard, how our entire lives have…
Jun 5, 2026 517: After Quitting My 6-Figure Job to Launch My Own Business Here’s What I Learned
If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my entrepreneurial journey and sharing the six most important lessons I've learned since leaving my corporate job in 2017. Most people assume that quitting was my biggest risk, but the truth is, the scariest steps happened long before I ever turned in my…
May 29, 2026 516: From Caregiver to CEO: How Camille Joy Turned Her Son’s Diagnosis Into a Movement
In this episode, I sat down with Camille Joy, founder of the Moments of Joy Podcast and author of Moments of Joy: 90 Days of Encouragement, published by Penguin Random House. Camille is a trafficking survivor who escaped an abusive situation at 21, became a high school dropout turned executive chef, and fought her way into a six-figure salary by going directly to the CEO. When her youngest son Mason was diagnosed…
May 22, 2026 515: From Corporate to Creative: How Jessica Lane Alexander and Lori Hall McKissic Built Pop’N Creative into a $4M Agency
In this episode, I sat down with the powerhouse duo behind Pop’N Creative, Jessica Lane Alexander and Lori Hall McKissic. These two met years ago at Turner Broadcasting and spent years rising through the ranks of some of the biggest names in media and entertainment, including TBS, TNT, UPTV, and TV One, before finally betting on themselves. Their story is one of calculated risk, deep friendship, and relentless…
May 15, 2026 514: From Tutoring Classmates in High School to $1M College Prep CEO w/ Janae Young
In this episode, I sat down with Janae Young, founder and CEO of Young College Prep, who started her first business at just 15 years old, tutoring classmates out of her school library in Wilmington, North Carolina. By the time she graduated high school, she had a team of eight tutors. By the time she graduated from Stanford, she had hit $300K in annual revenue. And by 2025, she crossed her first million. But…
May 8, 2026 513: Tiffany Aliche on What the Hard Years Teach You About Money and Resilience
This week in the guest chair is Tiffany Aliche, known to millions as the Budgetnista and the author of the New York Times bestseller Get Good With Money. Tiffany is back for a deeply personal conversation about what burnout actually looks like when you’re at the top of your game, and what it finally took for her to listen to herself. She opens up about the physical and emotional signs she ignored for too long, the…
May 1, 2026 512: How Leah Collins Turned Financial Mistakes Into a TV Show, Multiple Income Streams, and a Purpose-Driven Career
This week in the guest chair is Leah Collins, financial coach, speaker, and host of Maxxed Out , a powerful series helping people confront their finances and the relationships tied to them. But Leah’s journey didn’t start on TV, it started with a moment of truth: making the most money she ever had… and realizing she had nothing to show for it. In this episode, I sit down with Leah to unpack how she transformed her…
Apr 24, 2026 511: Monica Cornitcher’s Journey From Personal Loss to Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Success
I sat down with Monica Cornitcher, CEO and co-founder of Medase Cocktails, a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand redefining what it means to drink without alcohol. What started as a simple desire for a real cocktail experience without the after-effects turned into a six-figure investment and a fast-growing brand that’s now catching the attention of major retailers. Monica shares how she and her co-founder Inga…
Apr 17, 2026 510: How I'm Rebuilding After A Hard Season (feat. Monique Shields)
In this episode, I’m joined again by Monique Shields, and this conversation felt like therapy, coaching, and truth-telling all in one. We went deep into something I’ve personally been navigating: what it actually looks like to move out of survival mode as a high-achieving woman, especially when life has been life-ing. We talked about the invisible weight many of us carry, from parenting to business to unexpected…
Apr 10, 2026 509: Opening Up About My Journey as an Autism Mom
This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared. I’m opening up about my journey as an autism mom, from the early days of pregnancy and motherhood during the pandemic to navigating the realities of developmental delays, diagnoses, and advocacy. What started as subtle concerns about speech delays turned into a life-changing journey through early intervention, therapy, and…
Apr 8, 2026 508: The Tax Mistakes Side Hustlers Make That Cost Them Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)
If you’re a side hustler or solopreneur, taxes can go from simple to overwhelming real fast and the truth is, many entrepreneurs are quietly losing thousands of dollars just by not knowing what they don’t know.  In this episode, I sat down with CPA and TurboTax Expert Lisa Greene-Lewis to break down the most common tax mistakes side hustlers make, from choosing the wrong business structure too early to missing…
Mar 27, 2026 507: The Hidden Cost of Waiting Until You're Ready
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to finally start that thing you said you’d do this year, this episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is, that moment isn’t coming. This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on a very real, very messy week in my life and sharing why I decided to hit record anyway. From sick kids to mental clutter to a house that is far from organized, I had every reason to wait.…
Mar 20, 2026 506: 5 Simple Ways to Get Paid for What You Already Know
One of the biggest misconceptions I see when it comes to making money is the belief that you need to start from scratch. A new certification, a brand new idea, or a completely different skill set. But the truth is, most of us already have everything we need. The real problem is not a lack of knowledge, it is not knowing how to package and position what we already know. In this episode, I break down five simple and…
Mar 13, 2026 505: From YouTube Exec to Full-Time Creator: How Chanel Tyler Turned Content Creation Into 5-Figure Passive Income
This week in the guest chair is Chanel Tyler, a strategist, creator, and self-described “contentpreneur” who has worked across investment banking, luxury marketing, and YouTube before stepping fully into entrepreneurship. Chanel built her reputation online by sharing trusted product recommendations and insights from her background in beauty marketing. But after years of consulting with a creator commerce platform…
Mar 6, 2026 504: How to Go From Side Hustle to $1 Million | My Coaching Session with Dielle Charon
This week in the guest chair is sales and business coach Dielle Charon, founder of For the 23% , where she helps women of color build profitable businesses and grow their income through coaching and entrepreneurship. Dielle shares how she went from earning $2,500 a month as a social worker with six-figure student loan debt to building a multi-seven-figure coaching business. Along the way, she explains why…
Feb 27, 2026 503: She Got Laid Off…Then Built a YouTube Income to Pay Her Bills
This week in the guest chair, Symone' Austin shares her powerful journey from being laid off to building a thriving YouTube platform. After recording and posting her layoff conversation, her video went viral and became the turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, she breaks down how she built multiple income streams through YouTube ad revenue, brand partnerships, digital products, virtual…
Feb 21, 2026 502: My 12-Week Reset: Health, Money & Business
This week on Side Hustle Pro, I’m sharing how I’m structuring my year through 12-week sprints,  focusing on my health, my money, and elevating my Podcast Moguls program.  I open up about navigating motherhood, sleep deprivation, and mindset work while still executing on big goals. Most importantly, I reflect on how my podcast has been the one constant through every season becoming my bridge out of…
Feb 13, 2026 501: Laid Off: Now What? 5 Ways to Generate Income While You’re Unemployed
In this solo episode, I’m sharing five real, practical ways to generate income during your in-between season. If you’re asking yourself, “I got laid off… now what? This episode will give you grounded, actionable steps to move forward and even some side hustle ideas! Highlights Include 00:00 – If you’ve been laid off, you are not alone 02:30 – Why invisibility is the real danger during unemployment 04:05 – Using…
Feb 6, 2026 500: I've Recorded 500 Podcast Episodes: Here's What I've Learned
Side Hustle Pro is officially 500 episodes deep, and in this milestone episode, I’m taking time to reflect on what this journey has really taught me. I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned about consistency, networking, monetization, and why the podcast itself was never the end goal, the platform was. I also talk about what I wish I knew when I started, how podcasting helped me grow as a speaker and business…
Jan 29, 2026 499: How to Make Your First $1K Side Hustling
You do not need a million dollars to change your life, you need your first $1,000 . In this solo episode, I’m breaking down why the first $1K is such a pivotal milestone for side hustlers and how it shifts everything from theory to proof. I walk you through the exact decisions and actions that turn preparation into income without overbuilding, overthinking, or waiting until things feel perfect. If you’ve been stuck…
Jan 22, 2026 498: How to Start a Side Hustle Without Quitting Your Job
In this solo episode, I’m breaking down how to start your side hustle without quitting your job or putting your paycheck at risk. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from building Side Hustle Pro from two very different places: one, when I was unemployed with plenty of time but no stability, and two, when I was working full-time at NPR with stability but limited time. What I’ve learned is this: there is no “perfect”…
Jan 15, 2026 497: 7 Side Hustles That Can Make Real Money
In this episode of Side Hustle Pro , I break down seven side hustles you can start this month that have real income potential. This episode is all about building leverage through problem-solving businesses that can grow from side hustle to full-time income. In This Episode, I Share: Why your side hustle should be treated as leverage and a real business, not a hobby or just extra money The two rules I want you to…
Jan 9, 2026 496: The 12-Week Sprint Approach That Changed My Side Hustle Results
In this solo episode, I’m sharing the exact 12 week sprint system that completely changed how I set and complete my goals. Instead of giving myself an entire year to “figure it out,” I learned that shrinking the timeline created clarity, urgency, and momentum. I walk you through how I choose my goals, break them down into manageable weekly actions, and build in a recalculation rule that allows for real life instead…
Dec 31, 2025 495: Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
This week we’re changing it up and I’m sitting in the guest chair. In this special “podcast swap” episode of Side Hustle Pro, I’m sharing an interview from the podcast To Tell You The Truth with host and Podcast Moguls student Brittany Sharpton. We dive into the concept of self-imposed barriers and how they can prevent entrepreneurs, especially Black women, from realizing their full potential.  In this episode…
Dec 24, 2025 494: Owning Manhattan’s Tricia Lee: From Beauty Mogul to Real Estate Titan
This week in the guest chair we have Tricia Lee, powerhouse real estate broker, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, and founder and leader of the highly talented Tricia Lee Team at Serhant.  Tricia sold over $200M in her solo career before joining Serhant and simultaneously joining forces with her partner, Jeffrey St. Arromand. Through the power of partnership, authenticity, and personal branding, Tricia has…
Dec 19, 2025 493: How To Make Content For Your Business In Less Than 1 Hour A Week
As an entrepreneur, content creation has become a huge part of expanding a business. So this week I’m sharing 4 tips that have helped me take the pressure off creating awesome content while running a business.  In this episode I’m sharing: How to optimize your recording sessions to get content done quicker My favorite content creation tech and tools, and much more! Check out this episode and others on Apple…
Dec 11, 2025 492: Rebuilding My Business After Burnout
Rebuilding my business after burnout wasn’t one big breakthrough. It was a series of small, honest shifts that finally brought me back to myself. Rest. Prioritization. Time boundaries. Financial honesty. And the self-care I kept putting off because I felt guilty investing in myself. In today’s episode of The Expansion Era , I’m sharing what this rebuilding season has really looked like for me as a mom of two, a…
Dec 4, 2025 491: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5
Are you ready to finally take the leap and start your side hustle, but don’t know where to start? This week we are outlining nine high-potential side hustles that can realistically scale to replace or significantly supplement your full-time income.  Now these are not quick-fix ideas, these are long-term businesses that can bring you recurring revenue by leveraging automation tools (especially AI), and refining…
Nov 26, 2025 490: She Left Corporate and Built a 7-Figure Business
This week in the guest chair, Dr. Lakila Bowden shares her powerful journey from leading thousands inside Fortune 500 companies to co-founding ISee Technologies, a Black sister-owned, disability-led consulting firm now earning seven figures. After leaving corporate in 2019, Lakila teamed up with her sister, Camille, to build a company trusted by brands like Disney, Kraft Heinz, and the EPA for high-impact training,…
Nov 19, 2025 489: How to Start a Side Hustle with AI (feat. Nadeen Matthews Blair)
This week in the guest chair, we have someone very special, my sister, Nadeen Matthews Blair and her pivot story is going to speak directly to anyone who’s ever felt called to reinvent themselves. After 20 years in banking, management consulting, and C-suite leadership, Nadeen hit a point where the titles, the pressure, and the nonstop demands were no longer aligned with the life she wanted for herself and her…
Nov 12, 2025 488: The Power in the Pivot: How Keewa Nurullah Is Rebuilding After Closing Her Dream Business
This week in the guest chair we have Keewa Nurullah, artist, entrepreneur, and small-business strategist you may remember as the founder of Kido, the beloved South Loop children’s boutique that brought color, culture, and community to families across Chicago. After six powerful years in business, and national recognition that included a shout-out from President Barack Obama, Keewa made the bold decision to close…
Nov 5, 2025 487: Mindset Hacks For Every Business Owner
This week we’re diving into how to shift your mindset to set yourself up for success. Here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years that your mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for everything you’re trying to build. Whether it’s pushing past fear to finally launch your business, staying consistent when sales are slow, or silencing that little voice in your head saying, ‘Who are you to do this?’…
Oct 29, 2025 486: How to Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job
Welcome back to the Side Hustle Pro podcast, your headquarters for turning passion projects into profitable businesses! I’m Nicaila, and today we’re talking about how to find (and protect) the time you need to build your side hustle.  I get it: Working a full-time job, juggling family commitments, and trying to live your life can make your side hustle goals feel impossible. But trust me, it’s not. I used to…
Oct 24, 2025 485: How to Turn Your Skills Into a Side Hustle
Always wanted to start a side hustle but didn’t know what industry to try? This week I’m breaking down the exact process of identifying the skills you do effortlessly and turning them into a profitable side hustle.  In this episode I share: How to pinpoint the skills hiding in your “blind spot” The importance of surveying your network to confirm your strengths Different service-based ideas you can launch today…
Oct 16, 2025 484: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots
This week we’re airing my first ever live podcast! I had the opportunity to sit down with author, journalist, and media powerhouse Demetria Lucas at the On Air Fest in Brooklyn, NY.  From launching A Belle in BK to building an empire that spans books, film, podcasting, and more, Demetria has mastered the art of evolving and thriving as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Taking risks and flawlessly pivoting has…
Oct 10, 2025 483: The First 3 Moves I’d Make If I Were Starting a Side Hustle Today
In this solo episode, I’m sharing the first three moves I’d make if I were starting a side hustle today and it’s not what you think. Over the years, I’ve seen so many new side hustlers get caught up in the wrong things (logos, websites, Instagram aesthetic), and miss the real work that actually builds momentum and income. So I’m breaking down what I’d focus on right now if I had to start all over again. These are…
Oct 4, 2025 482: 7 Side Hustles That Pay When You’re Unemployed
Being out of work can feel scary, the bills don’t stop, and self-doubt creeps in. But here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of your expansion. Today, I’m sharing seven side hustles you can start right now to rebuild your confidence, earn income, and remind yourself that you have options. Each of these hustles has the potential to bring in quick cash this month or…
Sep 26, 2025 481: Why Pivoting Isn’t Failure (My Real Story)
For a long time, I believed pivoting meant I had failed. But now, I’ve learned that pivoting is actually proof that you’re still growing, still expanding, and still in motion. In this episode, I open up about why I recently applied for a job, how it connects to everything I’ve built with Side Hustle Pro, and the lessons I’m learning in this new season. In this episode, I share: Why pivoting is feedback, not failure…
Sep 19, 2025 480: My Life Was Running Me Until I Took This Step
In this solo Expansion Era episode, I’m opening up about a turning point in my journey: when I realized my life was running me, not the other way around. I share the step I took to shift that dynamic and the five powerful lessons that continue to guide me today. From building discipline like a muscle, to falling in love with the process, to tracking effort over outcomes, these lessons are helping me reclaim…
Sep 12, 2025 479: When Business Gets Hard, Do This (Don’t Quit)
This week, I’m back in the Expansion Era to go deeper into how to slow down without quitting, especially when business (or life) feels heavy. I’m sharing my own experiences navigating tough seasons in entrepreneurship, what it means to identify and pull your levers, and how I stabilize myself before getting back into action. From sponsorship slowdowns to shifting income streams, I walk you through the real…
Sep 5, 2025 478: Why I Lost My Mojo
This week in the guest chair is… me! I’m kicking off a new season with a solo episode to share what I’m calling my Expansion Era. In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, I open up about how I lost my mojo, what I’ve been navigating as a mom and entrepreneur, and the steps I’m taking to rebuild my confidence, health, and business. In this episode I share: The reality of postpartum depression, business…
Aug 27, 2025 477: How Codie Elaine Oliver Brought Black Love To The Big Screen
This week I sat down with Codie Elaine Oliver, the CEO and Co-founder of Black Love, Inc. The 100% Black owned media company, founded by Codie Elaine Oliver and husband Tommy Oliver, is a hub for Black couples and singles to have transparent conversations around relationships, parenthood, dating, and more through their app, podcast network, documentaries, and live events. We get the inside scoop on how Codie built…
Aug 20, 2025 476: How Germanee G Went From GAP Inc. to Celebrity Stylist REWIND
This week in the guest chair we have Germanee Gerald, founder of GG&Co Styling Firm, a brand and image styling company. Getting her start in the fashion corporate world, Germanee realized she thrived in offering her talents as a personal stylist and started side hustling.  In this episode she shares: How she went from living with family and driving DoorDash to make end’s meet to hiring a team for her styling…
Aug 13, 2025 475: Why Your Podcast Isn't Making Money (and How to Fix It)
This week I’m back with a solo episode where I’m giving you the tools to make money with your podcast. When I became a full-time podcaster in 2017, I focused on my revenue streams like brand partnerships, sponsorships, courses, and VIP programs, leading to having over 10 million episode downloads to date. I’m here to help you get your podcast to that same level.  In this episode I’m sharing: Effective…
Aug 6, 2025 474: What It Takes to Launch a Chick-fil-A Franchise w/ Kareem Edwards
This week in the guest chair we have Kareem Edwards, one of the very first men to grace the Side Hustle Pro guest chair! Hailing from Far Rockaway, Queens, Kareem got his start in major corporate roles at Lehman Brothers, Kraft Heinz, and Google—all while dreaming of owning a business. Kareem decided to pursue franchising and balanced a 9-to-5 at Google while working nights at a Chick-fil-A to master the day-to-day…
Jul 30, 2025 473: Melyssa Ford on Health, Hustle, and Healing
This week in the guest chair we have Melyssa Ford, media personality, actress, and advocate known for her dynamic presence in entertainment. With a career spanning television, film, and radio, she has captivated audiences as a host on the Joe Budden podcast and various TV appearances. As a seasoned veteran in media and entertainment, Melyssa mastered the art of pivoting and identifying viable opportunities to…
Jul 23, 2025 472: How Two Side Hustlers Became The Go-To Merchandisers For Businesses Across America REWIND
This week in the guest chair we have Quianne Perrin Savoy and Sonja Smith, founders of The Merch Studio. They provide businesses and entrepreneurs with unique and completely customizable merchandise.  In this episode they share: How their creative backgrounds set the foundation for starting their own business How they expanded from small business to having corporate clients  The processes they use to…
Jul 16, 2025 471: From Ghana To Ulta: How Hanahana Beauty’s Founder Is Expanding Her Brand REWIND
Abena Boamah-Acheampong is the founder + CEO of Hanahana Beauty, a consciously clean skin care, beauty + wellness brand. As a former 7th grade math teacher and therapist, Abena launched her brand with humanity and intention in mind. Now being sold in stores like Ulta, Hanahana Beauty is quickly on its way to becoming a household name. In this episode Abena shares: How she was able to pay the Ghanaian women who…
Jul 9, 2025 470: This NYC Native Runs a Luxury Fragrance Boutique Out Of Her Harlem Brownstone REWIND
This week in the guest chair we have Kimberly Waters, founder of Modern Urban Sensory Experiences, or MUSE, a luxury boutique fragrance house based in Harlem, NY. When Kimberly realized her role in corporate America was not providing her room to grow into her potential, she launched MUSE out of the parlor floor of a friend’s brownstone on Convent Ave in Harlem and has been growing ever since. In this episode…
Jul 2, 2025 469: Turning Grief Into Growth: How Amy Anaiz Built a Sustainable Home Brand
This week in the guest chair we have Amy Anaiz, a celebrated photographer turned product founder and the creator of OZAIZ, a sustainable home goods and fragrance brand. After building a successful wedding and portrait photography business for over a decade, Amy made a powerful pivot—launching a line of sculptural, multi-use glassware inspired by beauty, intention, and function. In this episode, Amy opens up about…
Jun 25, 2025 468: How Side Hustling Nurse Naseema McElroy Paid Off $1M in Debt
This week in the guest chair we have Naseema McElroy, author and the founder of Financially Intentional, a platform about personal finance and living life intentionally. Starting with just under one million dollars in debt, Naseema taught herself financial literacy, paid off her debt, and started side hustling as a consultant teaching others to do the same.  In this episode she shares: How she created an…
Jun 18, 2025 467: From Accountant to Clean Beauty CEO: How Tisha Thompson Launched LYS Beauty Into Sephora
This week in the guest chair, I’m joined by Tisha Thompson, the founder and CEO of LYS Beauty, the first Black-owned clean cosmetics brand to be carried at Sephora. Tisha shares her inspiring path from staff accountant and part-time makeup artist to leading her own beauty brand that launched during the pandemic and quickly sold out in 10 days.  In this episode, Tisha breaks down how she strategically pivoted…
Jun 11, 2025 466: From Actuary to Podcaster: How Marina Batliwalla Launched a Financial Literacy Show for Women and Girls
This week in the guest chair, we’re spotlighting Marina Batliwalla, financial professional and host of the Banking on Girls podcast. Born in India, raised in Australia, and now based in LA, Marina joined Podcast Moguls to launch a show centered around financial literacy for women and girls—and she’s done just that, all while working full-time. Marina shares how she overcame mindset hurdles to get started, leveraged…
Jun 4, 2025 465: The Founder of Boss Women Media Launched a Second Business While Pregnant With Twins
This week in the guest chair we have Marty McDonald, founder of Elle Olivia & Boss Women Media. Her background in corporate laid the foundation to launching Boss Women Media, the offline/online women’s empowerment community. After a challenging experience with giving birth to her first child, Marty translated that same idea of empowerment to launch Elle Olivia, a lifestyle brand for young Black and Brown girls. In…
May 28, 2025 464: From Corporate Employee to CEO Coach: Monique R. Shields on Teaching Women to Thrive
This week in the guest chair, we have Monique R. Shields, executive coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Claimed, a program dedicated to helping high-achieving Black mothers unlock their next chapter. In this episode, Monique shares her inspiring journey from corporate to coaching and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses the power of releasing limiting beliefs, why investing in yourself is key to…
May 21, 2025 463: From $300 Side Hustle to Seven-Figure Scent Empire
This week in the guest chair we have Maekaeda Gibbons, Trinidad-born founder & CEO of Brown Sugar Babe, the cult-favorite fragrance and body-care brand whose body oils like Wild Card and Rich Auntie just keep selling out.  In this episode she shares: Turning a $300 paycheck into a side hustle that now ships 10,000+ orders a month  Her exact growth playbook: pop-ups at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, a…
May 14, 2025 462: How Legendary Rootz Went From Dorm‑Room Tees to Retail Shelves
This week in the guest chair we have Raven Gibson, multidisciplinary designer and founder of the empowering apparel and lifestyle brand Legendary Roots. Getting her start in her dorm room, Raven takes us on her journey of delegation, negotiating with Fortune 500 retailers, and trusting that what’s for you will never pass you by. In this episode she shares: How she uses art to speak up and invites her community to…
May 8, 2025 461: Rachel Rodgers on Million-Dollar Decisions and Letting Go to Grow
This week in the guest chair we have Rachel Rodgers—entrepreneur, coach, and bestselling author of We Should All Be Millionaires. She's back on the show with powerful insights to help side hustlers and full-time entrepreneurs alike build sustainable wealth and stop playing small. In this episode, she shares: How to make real “money moves” instead of hiding behind busy work The mindset shifts needed to overcome…
Apr 30, 2025 460: This Side Hustler Created a Curated Beauty Supply Store and Community In Ann Arbor
This week I’m excited to chat with someone I go way back with, Sheena McCullers. Sheena is the founder of Della’s Beauty Supply. Della’s was launched to bring a much-needed sense of belonging for BIPOC beauty lovers in Ann Arbor, MI. After moving from Brooklyn, Sheena saw a need for a place for people who look like her and took a chance on opening a storefront.  In this episode she shares: How intentionally…
Apr 23, 2025 459: Her Plant-Based Soaps Landed Her On Shark Tank And On The Path To $1.2M In Sales
This week in the guest chair we have Kristen Dunning, founder and CEO of Gently Soap - a bathing brand built on her self-developed herbal infusions.  An MBA grad, Kristen hails from a rare five generations of Black Alabama farmers, and she’s continuing the legacy by bringing joy back to bathing experiences for people with sensitive skin, using the medicinal properties of plants. In this episode she shares: Her…
Apr 16, 2025 458: Why Your Podcast Isn't Making Money (and How to Fix It)
This week I’m back with a solo episode where I’m giving you the tools to make money with your podcast. When I became a full-time podcaster in 2017, I focused on my revenue streams like brand partnerships, sponsorships, courses, and VIP programs, leading to having over 10 million episode downloads to date. I’m here to help you get your podcast to that same level.  In this episode I’m sharing: Effective…
Apr 9, 2025 457: How Julia Coney Pivoted Careers to Pioneer a New Era in the Food & Wine Industry
This week in the guest chair we have Julia Coney, award winning wine writer, speaker, & consultant.  Julia wears many hats, including being the Wine Consultant for American Airlines and Founder of Black Wine Professionals; a resource for Black professionals in the world of wine. In this episode she shares about: Being multi-passionate: how exploring a range of interests, from starting at a law firm to writing…
Apr 3, 2025 456: How To Build a LinkedIn Profile That Helps You Side Hustle
This week we’re taking it back to my convo with Portia Obeng, social media strategist, LinkedIn coach, and former Side Hustle Pro social media manager!  With over 10 years of experience, Portia guides people through the ever-changing social media landscape to amplify their personal brands and make money. In this episode she shares about: The steps she’s taken to go from job hopping to helping people optimize…
Mar 26, 2025 455: How One Podcast Became a Six-Figure Consulting Firm w/ Zach Nunn
This week in the guest chair, we have former Podcast Moguls student Zach Nunn, Founder and CEO of Living Corporate.  Zach unpacks how he turned his podcast into a thriving consulting business, landing brand partnerships with major corporations like Pfizer and more.  He talks about the strategies behind creating authentic, high-quality content, leveraging interviews as a networking channel, and maximizing…
Mar 19, 2025 454: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots
This week we’re airing my first ever live podcast! I had the opportunity to sit down with author, journalist, and media powerhouse Demetria Lucas at the On Air Fest in Brooklyn, NY.  From launching A Belle in BK to building an empire that spans books, film, podcasting, and more, Demetria has mastered the art of evolving and thriving as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Taking risks and flawlessly pivoting has…
Mar 14, 2025 453: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5
Are you ready to finally take the leap and start your side hustle, but don’t know where to start? This week we are outlining nine high-potential side hustles that can realistically scale to replace—or significantly supplement—your full-time income.  Now these are not quick-fix ideas, these are long-term businesses that can bring you recurring revenue by leveraging automation tools (especially AI), and refining…
Mar 5, 2025 452: Feeling Stuck? My Favorite Techniques to Get Back on Track
Today I am back with a solo episode where I share my favorite techniques to get back on track when you're feeling stuck. It's time to take a step back, reflect on what has worked, what hasn't, and what we're going to do about it. Whether you're dealing with mid-year slumps or just need a boost, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward. In this episode I share about: Getting in the…
Feb 26, 2025 451: What It Takes to Launch a Chick-fil-A Franchise w/ Kareem Edwards
This week in the guest chair we have Kareem Edwards, one of the very first men to grace the Side Hustle Pro guest chair! Hailing from Far Rockaway, Queens, Kareem got his start in major corporate roles at Lehman Brothers, Kraft Heinz, and Google—all while dreaming of owning a business. Kareem decided to pursue franchising and balanced a 9-to-5 at Google while working nights at a Chick-fil-A to master the day-to-day…
Feb 19, 2025 450: How to Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job
Welcome back to the Side Hustle Pro podcast, your headquarters for turning passion projects into profitable businesses! I’m Nicaila, and today we’re talking about how to find (and protect) the time you need to build your side hustle.  I get it: Working a full-time job, juggling family commitments, and trying to live your life can make your side hustle goals feel impossible. But trust me, it’s not. I used to…
Feb 12, 2025 449: How to Turn Your Skills Into a Side Hustle
Always wanted to start a side hustle but didn’t know what industry to try? This week I’m breaking down the exact process of identifying the skills you do effortlessly and turning them into a profitable side hustle.  In this episode I share: How to pinpoint the skills hiding in your “blind spot” The importance of surveying your network to confirm your strengths Different service-based ideas you can launch today…
Feb 5, 2025 448: Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
This week we’re changing it up and I’m sitting in the guest chair. In this special “podcast swap” episode of Side Hustle Pro, I’m sharing an interview from the podcast To Tell You The Truth with host—and Podcast Moguls student—Brittany Sharpton. We dive into the concept of self-imposed barriers and how they can prevent entrepreneurs, especially Black women, from realizing their full potential.  In this episode…
Jan 29, 2025 447: Harlem’s Fashion Row CEO Shares Her Secret To Sponsorship w/ Brandice Daniel
This week in the guest chair we have a returning guest Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row. Brandice launched Harlem’s Fashion Row to bridge the gap between multicultural fashion designers and major fashion brands. From producing top-tier runway events to groundbreaking collaborations—such as her famous partnership with Nike and LeBron James—Brandice ensures Black and Brown designers receive…
Jan 23, 2025 446: Mindset Hacks For Every Business Owner
This week we’re diving into how to shift your mindset to set yourself up for success. Here’s the thing—I’ve learned over the years that your mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for everything you’re trying to build. Whether it’s pushing past fear to finally launch your business, staying consistent when sales are slow, or silencing that little voice in your head saying, ‘Who are you to do…
Jan 16, 2025 445: Done Is Better Than Perfect
This week we’re diving into one of my favorite mantras: Done is better than perfect. I was inspired by my decision to relaunch my Master the Gram Challenge. It’s been years since I last did it, and I had to remind myself to push forward without overthinking. I’m breaking down how I got it off the ground and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.  In this episode I share: How to break out of the cycle of…
Jan 8, 2025 444: Five Steps to Finally Launch Your Side Hustle
We’re kicking off this new year by welcoming new and returning listeners to Side Hustle Pro with a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to pursue a side hustle. Inspired by an email from a listener, I was reminded that my focus on Black women entrepreneurs still resonates with a wide audience, proving that clarity in your target listener doesn’t exclude anyone else who might benefit. In this episode I…
Jan 5, 2025 [BONUS] Master The Gram Challenge To Kick Off 2025!
Are you tired of feeling stuck when it comes to Instagram? Not sure how to use it to promote your business effectively? If creating content feels overwhelming or you’re spinning your wheels trying to figure out what works, this is for you. The Master the Gram Challenge is designed to help you take control of Instagram and finally make it work for you. Join here: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram In Just 5…
Dec 18, 2024 443: She Side Hustled Her Way To a Multi-Million Dollar Wine Business (Feat. Whitney Gates)
This week in the guest chair we have Whitney Gates, an experienced marketing leader turned entrepreneur as co-founder and CEO of Wondry Wine. Her diversified skill set is driven by over 13 years of experience in brand management, shopper marketing and sales across Fortune 200 companies. Rejecting exclusivity, Wondry presents customers with a more approachable, stronger, semi-sweet wine. Drawing inspiration from her…
Dec 11, 2024 442: Melyssa Ford on Health, Hustle, and Healing
This week in the guest chair we have Melyssa Ford, media personality, actress, and advocate known for her dynamic presence in entertainment. With a career spanning television, film, and radio, she has captivated audiences as a host on the Joe Budden podcast and various TV appearances. As a seasoned veteran in media and entertainment, Melyssa mastered the art of pivoting and identifying viable opportunities to…
Dec 4, 2024 441: How Alexis Barber Balances Being A Wharton MBA, Influencer, and Founder
This week in the guest chair we have Alexis Barber, a lifestyle influencer and founder of Too Collective, a modern wellness and loungewear brand. At just 25 years old, Alexis is the host of the top-rated Too Smart For This Podcast and has worked with brands like Lululemon, Rare Beauty, Microsoft, and Miss Dior as a content creator.  In this episode she shares:  How growing up low-income provided the…
Nov 27, 2024 440: She Went From NICU Nurse To Full-Time Content Creator and Published Author
Helena Faustin is a Registered Nurse and content creator from New York City who has garnered an audience of millions by sharing her love and passion for cooking. As a mother of three, Helena inspires people with her massively popular food blog, That Nurse Can Cook, to get comfortable in the kitchen and cook delicious meals for their families. In this episode she shares: The ways she stayed consistent in content…
Nov 20, 2024 439: How Podcasting Changed Her Career Trajectory w/ Hiwote Getaneh
This week we have a special student spotlight featuring Hiwote Getaneh, an audio producer curious about human-centered, emotion-driven storytelling. We first met when she joined my Podcast Moguls accelerator program, and it’s been so awesome to follow her journey from working in social policy research, to growing her own podcast, to actually changing her career path to work in podcasting full time, to moving to…
Nov 13, 2024 438: How Arsha Jones Took Capital City’s Mambo Sauce To The Next Level
This week in the guest chair we are back for an update episode with Arsha Jones, founder of Capital City- the DC-based company behind the wildly popular Mambo Sauce. Stemming from Arsha's desire to create a product that she could sell multiples of, Arsha describes her journey from starting as a web designer, shifting into e-commerce, and finally venturing into entrepreneurship. In this episode Arsha shares: How…
Nov 6, 2024 437: Balanced Black Girl Les Alfred on When to Bet on Yourself
This week in the guest chair we have fellow podcaster Les Alfred, content creator and host of the Balanced Black Girl podcast. Les shares her journey from blogging to launching her podcast, driven by the realization that there were few Black women discussing wellness on her social feeds.  Les highlights the importance of relatability and audience connection in content creation, emphasizing that consumers today…
Oct 30, 2024 436: Mastering Financial Freedom W/ Author & Podcast Host Jamila Souffrant
Jamila Souffrant is the author of the book Your Journey To Financial Freedom, and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. As a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field, her podcast has amassed over 4+ million total downloads. Starting her journey by saving over $100K in two years, she is now financially free.  In this episode she shares: How she went from aggressive saving to over $400K years and…
Oct 23, 2024 435: How Clever Girl Finance Went From Side Hustle To Worldwide Platform
This week we are getting a masterclass in content-based business with Bola Sokunbi. Bola is a finance expert, 4-time bestselling author, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance media/education platforms for women in the U.S. In this episode she shares: Her start as a financial advisor while side hustling Clever Girl Finance  How she expanded past 1 to 1 business by creating…
Oct 16, 2024 434: How Denise Woodard Got Jay-Z, Rihanna, and HER To Partake In Her Packaged Foods Company Rewind
This week we’re back for a very exciting update episode with Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly packaged food company inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing cookies around NYC, eventually becoming a Certified B Corporation and raising millions of dollars in investment capital.  In…
Oct 9, 2024 433: How The Cupcake Collection Founder Mignon François Turned $5 Into Five Million Cupcakes Sold
This week I sat down for a very inspiring chat with Mignon François, the #1 national best-selling author of Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe, and founder of a multi-million dollar cupcake empire, The Cupcake Collection.  In this episode she shares: Why having a great product and determination got her community to support her vision The different financial methods she used, like cash…
Oct 2, 2024 432: Hoop Mobb Is Becoming A Household Name By Making Jewelry For The Culture
This week in the guest chair we’re taking it back to Donyale Walton, founder of Hoop Mobb, Home of the Hoop Earring. Coming from Flint, Michigan, Donyale made her way to New York to learn the business ropes and was inspired to pursue her own ventures.  In this episode she shares: How she went outside of the box of where she’s from and gained unique skills by working in fashion  Her process of finding and…
Sep 27, 2024 431: How To Move Forward With Your Side Hustle
You’ve done your research, gathered your materials and you’re ready to launch your side hustle. Now what? Keep GOING. This is the time to reevaluate, regroup, and dig deeper. A lot of side hustlers who get to this point will start to lose the spark they had when they first started. In episode 431, I’m giving you the tips to keep that same energy and build your side hustle into a sustainable business.  Tips…
Sep 25, 2024 430: The Voice Behind the Brands: Vanessa James on Building a Creative Empire
This week in the guest chair we have Vanessa James, the dynamic founder of Vanessa James Media. Known as "the voice you hear everywhere," Vanessa is a seasoned Caribbean voice-over actress whose captivating voice has graced numerous iconic brands, including Netflix, Amazon, and the new promo voice for the nationally syndicated "Tamron Hall" daytime talk show. In this episode she shares about: How she uses her media…
Sep 20, 2024 429: How To Test Out Your Side Hustle
In this Flashback Friday episode, we’re taking it back to the steps to take when starting your side hustle, specifically how to test it out. All the research in the world can’t compare to actually launching and testing your side hustle out. This may feel like the hardest part, but don’t let perfectionism get in the way. You’ve already done all the prep work, now it’s time to see the fruit of your labors. You’ll…
Sep 18, 2024 428: How KIN Apparel’s Founder Turned a Dorm Room Side Hustle Into a $10 Million Business
This week in the guest chair I have Philomina Kane, Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and content creator. In 2017, she graduated from Princeton University and began to cement herself as a haircare YouTuber. Garnering a following of nearly 200,000 subscribers, Philomina became a guiding force, empowering Black women to embrace and care for their natural hair. After building a strong brand and loyal following,…
Sep 13, 2024 427: How To Find The Right Audience or Customer For Your Side Hustle
So, you’ve figured out the side hustle you want to pursue. Now what’s the next step? Hint: It’s finding your audience. I’m not talking about just anyone who might come across your side hustle, I’m talking about the specific person who needs and wants what you’re offering! It’s time to get creative and identify who it is you’re talking to, and I’ve got a roadmap to help you do so. This episode is part two of the…
Sep 11, 2024 426: Owning Manhattan’s Tricia Lee: From Beauty Mogul to Real Estate Titan
This week in the guest chair we have Tricia Lee, powerhouse real estate broker, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, and founder and leader of the highly talented Tricia Lee Team at Serhant.  Tricia sold over $200M in her solo career before joining Serhant and simultaneously joining forces with her partner, Jeffrey St. Arromand. Through the power of partnership, authenticity, and personal branding, Tricia has…
Sep 6, 2024 425: How To Choose The Right Side Hustle For You (Flashback Friday)
If you’re still struggling to discover your perfect side hustle, you’re not alone. It’s because you’re good at more than one thing. But here’s a tip: just because you enjoy something, doesn’t mean it needs to be your side hustle! Let’s get into how to take all of your many ideas, and truly determine if it’s the best side hustle for you. In this episode we discuss:  Taking my revenue streams to the next level…
Sep 4, 2024 424: She Started a Cleaning Business as a Side Hustle, Now It’s a Million Dollar Business
This week in the guest chair we have Jhanilka Hartzog, podcaster and owner of Founders Cleaning Business University. Together, she and her husband Anthony are certified side hustlers who turned their hustle into a thriving cleaning business—all without cleaning homes themselves. In this episode she shares: How she and her husband paid off over $100K of debt by holding multiple side hustles on top of their 9-5s How…
Aug 30, 2024 423: Use This Quick LinkedIn Hack to Build Your Email List Fast
This quick and easy LinkedIn hack will grow your email list fast. In this Flashback Friday episode, I’m giving you the easy step by step process of building an effective email list for your side hustle to take your email marketing to the next level.  In this episode I share:  How to take the first step to inviting people to your email list How being consistent with my email list quickly grew my audience…
Aug 28, 2024 422: Why You Should Give Yourself Permission to Learn Out Loud
This week, I’m diving into why you should give yourself permission to learn out loud. In my entrepreneurial journey, I go through seasons of learning and testing. Unapologetically trying new things, failing, and starting over have opened doors that would otherwise be shut. I gave myself permission to learn out loud.  In this episode I share about: Taking my revenue streams to the next level with one-on-one…
Aug 23, 2024 421: Behind The Scenes: I'm Testing A New Email Strategy In My Business
This Flashback Friday I’m back to give you an inside look at a new marketing strategy I’m testing out. You guys know, I love to try new ways to provide value and keep my audience updated. One of the best resources I have is my email list, a valuable way to connect with my audience outside of social media.  In this episode I’m sharing: How to cultivate an email list of your own, and continuously grow it How to…
Aug 21, 2024 420: How To Build a LinkedIn Profile That Helps You Side Hustle
This week in the guest chair we have a very special guest, Portia Obeng, social media strategist, LinkedIn coach, and former Side Hustle Pro social media manager! With over 10 years of experience, Portia guides people through the ever-changing social media landscape to amplify their personal brands and make money. In this episode she shares about: The steps she’s taken to go from job hopping to helping people…
Aug 16, 2024 419: FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Tangible Tips I Used To Scale My Side Hustle To A Full Time Business
In this week’s Flashback Friday episode, I’m giving you the real deal with 7 tangible tips to scale your side hustle to a full time business. Having been at this for over 7 years now, I’ve learned that scaling a side hustle is a journey of constant learning and pivoting, but having a solid starting point is key.  In this episode I share about: Recognizing the seeds that were being planted in my life that led…
Aug 14, 2024 418: She Took Her Clean Beauty Business From Instagram to the NYC Oculus
This week in the guest chair we have Jazmin Alvarez, the visionary founder and chief curator of Pretty Well Beauty, a black-owned clean beauty destination that has been redefining the industry since its launch in 2019. As Pretty Well Beauty celebrates its fifth anniversary, Jazmin shares her inspiring journey from a content producer in the fashion and beauty industry to a successful entrepreneur dedicated to making…
Aug 9, 2024 417: FLASHBACK FRIDAY: How To Find Your Niche
This week I’m back with a solo episode where I share some insights on finding your niche to help you narrow down your side hustle. There are endless paths you can take with side hustling, it’s important to get specific. Finding your niche will put you in line with your ideal audience or help you discover where you need to pivot and make changes.  In this episode I share: The best place to start deciding what…
Aug 7, 2024 416: Growing a Genuine Instagram Following for Your Side Hustle
Growing an Instagram following doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this episode, I’m giving you actionable strategies for building a genuine Instagram following. When I started side hustling, I started leveraging Instagram as a powerful tool for promoting my blog and business, which led to growing an engaged and authentic audience. In this episode I share about: Getting super specific: Create a profile of who…
Jul 31, 2024 415: How To Make Your Next Move Your Best Move w/ Kimberly Brown
In the world of consultants and career developers, it can feel impossible to find the right fit. Kimberly Brown stands out as an expert whose leadership development company, Manifest Yourself, helps women and people of color navigate the workplace, make more money and become industry leaders. She’s the author of bestselling book, Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You'll Love and the host of the Your…
Jul 24, 2024 414: Feeling Stuck? My Favorite Techniques to Get Back on Track
Today I am back with a solo episode where I share my favorite techniques to get back on track when you're feeling stuck. It's July, and half of the year is gone. It's time to take a step back, reflect on what has worked, what hasn't, and what we're going to do about it. Whether you're dealing with mid-year slumps or just need a boost, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward. In this…
Jul 17, 2024 413: Why Your Podcast Isn't Making Money (and How to Fix It)
This week I’m back with a solo episode where I’m giving you the tools to make money with your podcast. When I became a full-time podcaster in 2017, I focused on my revenue streams like brand partnerships, sponsorships, courses, and VIP programs, leading to having over 10 million episode downloads to date. I’m here to help you get your podcast to that same level.  In this episode I’m sharing: Effective…
Jul 10, 2024 412: How To Achieve The Career of Your Dreams And The Salary You Deserve w/ Mandi Woodruff-Santos
This week in the guest chair we have Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a globally recognized career expert, founder of the MandiMoney Makers, and co-host of the three-time WEBBY award winning podcast, Brown Ambition. With 6 million podcast downloads, Mandi is on a mission to help women of color achieve their wildest financial ambitions.  In this episode she shares: How to be professionally selfish and achieve your dream…
Jul 3, 2024 411: How Julia Coney Pivoted Careers to Pioneer a New Era in the Food & Wine Industry
This week in the guest chair we have Julia Coney, award winning wine writer, speaker, & consultant. Julia wears many hats, including being the Wine Consultant for American Airlines in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, the Founder of Black Wine Professionals, a resource for the wine industry whose goal is to lift up the multifaceted Black professionals in the world of wine.  In this episode she…
Jun 26, 2024 410: This Side Hustler Created a Curated Beauty Supply Store and Community In Ann Arbor
This week I’m excited to chat with someone I go way back with, Sheena McCullers. Sheena is the founder of Della’s Beauty Supply. Della’s was launched to bring a much-needed sense of belonging for BIPOC beauty lovers in Ann Arbor, MI. After moving from Brooklyn, Sheena saw a need for a place for people who look like her and took a chance on opening a storefront.  In this episode she shares: How intentionally…
Jun 19, 2024 409: Afro Unicorn Creator April Showers’ Journey To Becoming The First Black Woman-Owned Fully Licensed Brand
This week in the guest chair we have visionary creator April Showers, the entrepreneurial expert behind Afro Unicorn. April became the first Black woman to own a fully licensed character brand, putting her with the likes of Disney. Afro Unicorn has rapidly expanded its footprint, being stocked in over 3,500 stores.  In this episode she shares: How she established a presence in seven major retailers across the…
Jun 12, 2024 408: Restructuring My Business, Launching Podcast Moguls 2.0, and Mastering Self Talk
This week I’m back for a solo episode, with my 2024 updates! As we wrap up Q2, I’m thinking about the impacts on my business from social platforms expanding and changing constantly, raising two littles, and making sure I honor my bandwidth. We’ll also dive into how I’m revamping and expanding my podcast coaching course, Podcast Moguls.  In this episode I’m sharing: My key habits to staying balanced in my work,…
Jun 5, 2024 407: She Went From NICU Nurse To Full-Time Content Creator and Published Author
Helena Faustin is a Registered Nurse and content creator from New York City who has garnered an audience of millions by sharing her love and passion for cooking. As a mother of three, Helena inspires people with her massively popular food blog, That Nurse Can Cook, to get comfortable in the kitchen and cook delicious meals for their families. In this episode she shares: The ways she stayed consistent in content…
May 29, 2024 406: Her Plant-Based Soaps Landed Her On Shark Tank And On The Path To $1.2M In Sales
This week in the guest chair we have Kristen Dunning, founder and CEO of Gently Soap - a bathing brand built on her self-developed herbal infusions. A recent MBA grad, Kristen hails from a rare five generations of Black Alabama farmers, and she’s continuing the legacy by bringing joy back to bathing experiences for people with sensitive skin, using the medicinal properties of plants. In this episode she shares: Her…
May 22, 2024 405: How to Get Your Side Hustle Up And Running
So you’ve thought about it forever, but actually launching your side hustle is the hardest part. I’m here to remind you that it’s OK to try things out, start over, and then try again!  In this episode I share: The first side hustle I tried and why I quickly learned it wasn’t for me  How to find the entry point to break into your side hustle’s industry  How taking my time allowed to me prove the…
May 15, 2024 404: The Founder of Boss Women Media Launched a Second Business While Pregnant With Twins
This week in the guest chair we have Marty McDonald, founder of Elle Olivia & Boss Women Media. Her background in corporate laid the foundation to launching Boss Women Media, the offline/online women’s empowerment community. After a challenging experience with giving birth to her first child, Marty translated that same idea of empowerment to launch Elle Olivia, a lifestyle brand for young Black and Brown girls. In…
May 8, 2024 403: How To Make Content For Your Business In Less Than 1 Hour A Week
As an entrepreneur, content creation has become a huge part of expanding a business. Let me tell you: there are no rules when it comes to content creation. So this week I’m sharing 4 tips that have helped me take the pressure off creating awesome content while running a business. In this episode I’m sharing:  How to optimize your recording sessions to get content done quicker My favorite content creation tech…
May 2, 2024 402: She Took Her Upholstery Career From Side Hustle To World Market and HBO’s Insecure (w/Nicole Crowder)
This multi-hyphenate artist is the best example as to how pursuing that side hustle you’ve always dreamed about can pay off. In the guest chair this week we have Nicole Crowder, an acclaimed designer, upholsterer, editor/writer, and curator. After her first custom furniture collection launched in 200 World Market US retail stores, Nicole continues to expand and now collaborates with brands that span across…
Apr 24, 2024 401: This NYC Native Runs a Luxury Fragrance Boutique Out Of Her Harlem Brownstone
This week in the guest chair we have Kimberly Waters, founder of Modern Urban Sensory Experiences, or MUSE, a luxury boutique fragrance house based in Harlem, NY. When Kimberly realized her role in corporate America was not providing her room to grow into her potential, she launched MUSE out of the parlor floor of a friend’s brownstone on Convent Ave in Harlem and has been growing ever since. Why tapping into…
Apr 17, 2024 400: How Germanee G Went From GAP Inc. to Celebrity Stylist
This week in the guest chair we have Germanee Gerald, founder of GG&Co Styling Firm, a brand and image styling company. Getting her start in the fashion corporate world, Germanee realized she thrived in offering her talents as a personal stylist and started side hustling.  In this episode she shares: How she went from living with family and driving DoorDash to make end’s meet to hiring a team for her styling…
Apr 10, 2024 399: How To Scale a Million-Dollar Pest Control Business w/ Robiar Smith
This week in the guest chair we have Robiar Smith, CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions. In a male-dominated field, she is trailblazing her way to the top and building a legacy business for her family and community. Juggling two rapidly growing companies in an unexpected industry, she's redefining success and breaking barriers. In this episode she shares: How she developed an exclusive retail deal with Home Depot What skills…
Apr 3, 2024 398: Creating a Niche As A Bridal Stylist w/ Selina Howard
Today we have in the guest chair Selina Howard, founder and CEO of Vanglorious Brides. Getting her start as a teacher and side hustling as a wedding planner, Selina found her passion and niche in dressing brides. Today, Vainglorious Brides offers custom bridal shopping experiences, day of dressing services, bridal fashion event production, and more.  In this episode she shares: How she went from working for…
Mar 27, 2024 397: How Founder DeNeitra Burnett's Pandemic Pivot Led To A 7-Figure Business
This week in the guest chair we have DeNeitra Burnett, the Founder and CEO of Savvy Events, a Los-Angeles based event production and creative agency. DeNeitra has used her creativity and grit to climb to the top of the events industry, working closely with entertainment titans and Fortune 500 companies like HBO, Netflix, and Hulu, among others. DeNeitra shares how when the events business was shut down during the…
Mar 20, 2024 396: How Alexis Barber Balances Being A Wharton MBA, Influencer, and Founder
This week in the guest chair we have Alexis Barber, a lifestyle influencer and founder of Too Collective, a modern wellness and loungewear brand. At just 25 years old, Alexis is the host of the top-rated Too Smart For This Podcast and has worked with brands like Lululemon, Rare Beauty, Microsoft, and Miss Dior as a content creator.  In this episode she shares:  How growing up low-income provided the…
Mar 13, 2024 395: How To Make Art A Full-Time Career w/ Reyna Noriega
This week in the guest chair we have Reyna Noriega, a multifaceted visual artist. Being encouraged to pursue her talents by her parents, she was led to become an art teacher. It was there she discovered her true passion for art and a confidence in herself that would lead her to becoming a full-time artist. With her newfound belief in herself, she began manifesting dream projects and securing brand partnerships with…
Mar 6, 2024 394: How Wilglory Tanjong Got Her Luxury Bags From Senegal To Beyoncé
This week we are back with Wilglory Tanjong, the Founder and CEO of Anima Iris, a technology-driven luxury bag brand that is industrializing Africa through retail. Starting with a personal investment of $5K, in under two years Wilglory has scaled Anima Iris into a multimillion-dollar valued company.  In this episode she shares: How she worked alongside artisans in Dakar, Senegal for their craftsmanship and…
Feb 28, 2024 393: How Ashley Reynolds Created The Most Sought After Stationery Brand, Cloth & Paper
This week in the guest chair we have Ashley Reynolds, Founder of Cloth & Paper. After Ashley left her corporate finance job of 9 years, she decided to take a chance on herself. She started designing planner inserts from scratch with no previous background or education in graphic design. Shortly after, a stationery business blossomed and the line grew to offer leather planners, luxury pens, and more quintessential…
Feb 21, 2024 392: She Turned Her Cash-Budgeting Brand Into a $1M Business on Tik Tok
This week in the guest chair we have Jasmine Taylor, founder & owner of Baddies and Budgets, a financial education platform that aims to make products & provide a community for black women who are struggling with their finances. By addressing her own personal finance issues and sharing her experiences on TikTok, Jasmine built a strong audience of people who resonated with her journey.  In this episode she…
Feb 14, 2024 391: Behind The Scenes: I'm Testing A New Email Strategy In My Business
This week I’m back to give you an inside look at a new marketing strategy I’m testing out. You guys know, I love to try new ways to provide value and keep my audience updated. One of the best resources I have is my email list, a valuable way to connect with my audience outside of social media.   In this episode I’m sharing: How to cultivate an email list of your own, and continuously grow it How to figure…
Feb 7, 2024 390: How Arsha Jones Took Capital City’s Mambo Sauce To The Next Level
This week in the guest chair we are back for an update episode with Arsha Jones, founder of Capital City- the DC-based company behind the wildly popular Mambo Sauce. Stemming from Arsha's desire to create a product that she could sell multiples of, Arsha describes her journey from starting as a web designer, shifting into e-commerce, and finally venturing into entrepreneurship. In this episode Arsha shares: How…
Jan 31, 2024 389: How To Find Your Niche
This week I’m back with a solo episode to share some insights on finding your niche to help you narrow down your side hustle. There are endless paths you can take with side hustling, it’s important to get specific. Finding your niche will put you in line with your ideal audience or help you discover where you need to pivot and make changes.  In this episode I share: The best place to start deciding what niche…
Jan 24, 2024 388: How To Start And Grow A Podcast In 2024
If you’re looking for a sign to finally start that podcast you’ve been dreaming about, this is it. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing tips I’ve tested to grow my podcast to millions of downloads. I’ve been able to gain sponsorship, grow an audience of over 160K across social platforms, and even appear on a magazine cover. In this episode I share about: Building an audience and how to keep them coming back…
Jan 17, 2024 387: Tangible Tips I Used To Scale My Side Hustle To A Full Time Business
There is an overload of info and tips for entrepreneurs on the internet, it can be hard to filter through what is actually helpful. In this week’s episode, I’m giving you the real deal with 7 tangible tips to scale your side hustle to a full time business. Having been at this for over 7 years now, I’ve learned that scaling a side hustle is a journey of constant learning and pivoting, but having a solid starting…
Jan 10, 2024 386: Life Updates: Juggling Motherhood & Business
This week I’m back with some life updates, and yes, that includes me having a baby on y’all! Time can move so quickly, it’s so important to take time to reflect on the challenges, milestones and accomplishments in life. I’ve learned to tune out other opinions and appreciate my own journey in motherhood and entrepreneurship.  In this episode I share about: Now being a mom of 2 and how entrepreneurship has…
Jan 3, 2024 385: Finding Financial Balance While Side Hustling w/ Tiffany The Budgetnista
Third time’s a charm with 'The Budgetnista’, Tiffany Aliche. We’ve been able to witness her journey from unemployed and living with family at 30, to having multi-million dollar years as a full-time entrepreneur. She returns to the guest chair to discuss the maintenance of side-hustles while advancing as a business owner, and her focus on achieving financial wholeness and the critical role of intentionality in…
Dec 27, 2023 384: How To Make It In The Toy Industry W/ Azhelle Wade
This episode we’re getting a masterclass from The Toy Coach herself, Azhelle Wade. At first second-guessing herself, Azhelle eventually found confidence in her talent, leading to her working for big toy companies like Mattel and Toys R Us. She's climbed up and across the ladder in the toy world, starting out as a designer, later gaining 3 toy patents, and eventually becoming a VP at a toy company. Her online…
Dec 20, 2023 383: How to Build a Sticky Brand: Insights from Sassy Jones CEO Charis Jones
It’s always a great episode when we get to see the evolution a previous guest has made in their business. We’re back with Charis Jones, CEO of Sassy Jones, an empowering fashion and beauty brand. She shares how she prioritized impact over traditional business metrics, establishing a colorful and elegant brand with a loyal following, or as she calls it, a “sticky” brand. In this episode she shares about: Opening a…
Dec 13, 2023 382: How Dawn Kelly Went From PR Mogul To The Nourish Spot CEO
What started as unexpected unemployment at 52 years old turned into an incredible journey of finding purpose and alignment through absolute self-confidence. Dawn Kelly masterfully tells the story of how she became CEO of The Nourish Spot, a family owned, quick serve healthy food, smoothie and natural juice bar located in Jamaica, Queens, NYC. Relying upon her determination, faith and own resources, Dawn is now a…
Dec 6, 2023 381: How To Make Your Next Move Your Best Move w/ Kimberly Brown
In the world of consultants and career developers, it can feel impossible to find the right fit. Kimberly Brown stands out as an expert whose leadership development company, Manifest Yourself, helps women and people of color navigate the workplace, make more money and become industry leaders. She’s the author of bestselling book, Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You'll Love and the host of the Your…
Nov 29, 2023 380: Mastering Financial Freedom W/ Author & Podcast Host Jamila Souffrant
This week we are returning with an update episode with Jamila Souffrant. She is the author of the book, Your Journey To Financial Freedom, and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. As a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field, The Journey To Launch Podcast has over 4+ million total downloads and was listed by the NYTimes as a podcast to help you get better with your money. Starting her journey by…
Nov 22, 2023 379: From Wall Street Analyst to the Founder of HBCU Prep School REWIND
In this week's rewind episode, I sat down with Claudia Walker, founder of HBCU Prep School. As a proud second generation HBCU graduate, Claudia authored the best-selling book series, The ABCs of HBCUs and The ABCs of Black Wall Street. In this episode Claudia shares: How she balances being a full time entrepreneur while working a full time job The insider financial skills she picked up during her time on Wall…
Nov 15, 2023 378: How Domonique Brown Grew Her Art Into An Everyday Lifestyle Brand REWIND
This week we have a rewind episode for you with Domonique Brown, the artist and founder behind DomoINK, a lifestyle brand that contributes art, apparel, and home decor in celebration of Black art. Domonique got her start in real estate and marketing before deciding to become a full-time artist-entrepreneur. In today’s episode she shares: How her side hustle went from Instagram posts to Target carrying a line of her…
Nov 8, 2023 377: How CultureCon CEO Imani Ellis Went From Side Hustling VP to Full-Time Entrepreneur REWIND
In this week's rewind episode, in the guest chair we have former Side Hustle Pro guest Imani Ellis, CEO and Founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC. While working as Vice President of Communications at NBC Universal, Imani founded The CCNYC and began her journey to becoming the full-time CEO of her company and CultureCon. In this episode she shares: How CultureCon and The CCNYC has hugely expanded…
Nov 1, 2023 376: Student Spotlight: She Quit Her Job To Move To Spain And Launch A Ghost Writing Business And Podcast REWIND
In this week's rewind episode we have a very special episode featuring a real-life Podcast Moguls student of mine, Lori Tharps. She is the founder of the platform and podcast Read, Write & Create, which offers bite-sized, creative pep talks for BIPOC writers. She is also the author of critically-acclaimed books like Hair Story and Kinky Gazpacho. In this episode she shares: How she knew it was the right time to…
Oct 25, 2023 375: How Brown Toy Box Founder Went From Side Hustle To Every Target Store REWIND
In this rewind episode, I sat down with Terri-Nichelle Bradley, the founder of Brown Toy Box, an educational toy company producing STEAM toys, media, and experiences for centering and celebrating Black children. While working full time, Terri-Nichelle took Brown Toy Box from being a side hustle to a full-scale business. In this episode she shares: How she expanded to being sold in every Target nationwide Why she…
Oct 20, 2023 Special Bonus Episode: How Comcast RISE Grant Winner Cassandra Williams Is Building Her Business, Love by the Slice
This week we have a very special bonus episode with fellow Comcast RISE recipient Cassandra Williams. Cassandra is the founder of Love By The Slice, a Tacoma-based cake and treats company that is beloved by her community. In this episode she shares: How she started as a side hustler and has remained in business for more than 20 years How she was able to scale and grow as a small business with little funding How she…
Oct 18, 2023 374: How This Attorney Created Two Thriving Online Businesses As Side Hustles (w/ Kunbi Odubogun)
This week in the guest chair we have Kunbi Odubogun, an industry leading Business Attorney and entrepreneur. She is Partner at Oduberg, a boutique business law firm that provides legal services to creative entrepreneurs. Kunbi also founded two online businesses: Legally Set, a contract template shop offering ready-made contract templates for creative entrepreneurs; and Perfete - a renowned luxury events and…
Oct 11, 2023 373: How To Achieve The Career of Your Dreams And The Salary You Deserve w/ Mandi Woodruff-Santos
This week in the guest chair we have Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a globally recognized career expert, founder of the MandiMoney Makers, and co-host of the three-time WEBBY award winning podcast, Brown Ambition. With 6 million podcast downloads, and over 80,000 followers across socials, Mandi is on a mission to help women of color achieve their wildest financial ambitions. In this episode she shares: How to be…
Oct 4, 2023 372: Afro Unicorn Creator April Showers’ Journey To Becoming The First Black Woman-Owned Fully Licensed Brand
This week in the guest chair we have visionary creator April Showers, the entrepreneurial expert behind Afro Unicorn. April became the first Black woman to own a fully licensed character brand, putting her with the likes of Disney. Afro Unicorn has rapidly expanded its footprint, being stocked in over 3,500 stores. In this episode she shares: How she established a presence in seven major retailers across the U.S.…
Sep 27, 2023 371: How Clever Girl Finance Went From Side Hustle To Worldwide Platform
This week we are getting a masterclass in content-based business with Bola Sokunbi. Bola is a finance expert, 4-time bestselling author, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance media/education platforms for women in the U.S. In this episode she shares: Her start as a financial advisor while side hustling Clever Girl Finance How she expanded past 1 to 1 business by creating courses…
Sep 20, 2023 370: How Denise Woodard Got Jay-Z, Rihanna, and HER To Partake In Her Packaged Foods Company
This week we’re back for a very exciting update episode with Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly company inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing cookies around NYC, this year it became a Certified B Corporation, and launched a collab with Ben & Jerry’s. In this episode she shares: Her…
Sep 13, 2023 369: Hoop Mobb Is Becoming A Household Name By Making Jewelry For The Culture
This week in the guest chair we have Donyale Walton, founder of Hoop Mobb, Home of the Hoop Earring. Coming from Flint, Michigan, Donyale made her way to New York to learn the business ropes and was inspired to pursue her own ventures. In this episode she shares: How she went outside of the box of where she’s from and gained unique skills by working in fashion Her process of finding and working with the best…
Sep 6, 2023 368: How Khadijah Polly Perfected Popcorn And Philanthropy With Her Side Hustles
This week I invited back Khadijah “Kay” Polly, who I first spoke to in 2019. Khadijah is the owner of Kay’s Kettle Corn, a gourmet popcorn company in Houston. In addition to her popcorn company, Khadijah is the founder of Ankara Beauty, a social enterprise that sources fair trade all natural ingredients for beauty products from women owned cooperatives and solo entrepreneurs in African countries. In this episode…
Aug 30, 2023 367: How Keewa Nurullah Cornered The Kid’s Market In Southside Chicago REWIND
In this rewind episode, I sat down with Keewa Nurullah. Keewa is mom of two, a fourth generation Black Wall Street descendant, and founder Kido Chicago, a wildly popular children’s brand and destination in the Southside of Chicago. In this episode she shares: How she scaled her business from a single onesie to carrying 1000s of children’s products online and in her storefront Why she created a community gathering…
Aug 23, 2023 366: How Cat Peoples Became A Voiceover Actor For Major Brands Like McDonald’s REWIND
This week we’re taking it back to when I sat down with Cat Peoples, an actor, producer and entrepreneur who is giving us a masterclass in getting in alignment with your purpose. Starting as a side hustler, Cat has become a household voice that you may hear on commercials, audiobooks and more. In this episode she shares: How she got her start and built her portfolio as a voice actor How she leaned into her natural…
Aug 16, 2023 365: How Jacquelyn Rodgers Got Black Santa Onto Target Shelves REWIND
We’re back for an update episode with Jacquelyn Rodgers, founder of Greentop Gifts. I first spoke with Jacquelyn in 2020, when we learned Greentop Gifts aims to create products that represent what the holidays look like for Black and Brown families. Since then, Jacquelyn has gotten Greentop Gifts into retailers like Target and Amazon. In this episode Jacquelyn shares: What it took to get into Target retail and the…
Aug 9, 2023 364: How Supermom Trina Small Created A Super Brand For Moms REWIND
This week we’re rewinding it back to when I sat down with Trina Small, the founder of Supermom Culture. After leaving her logistics job, growing her blog, and blowing up on social media, Trina took a leap to start her brand that empowers mothers through streetwear. Starting off on her own packing orders with her daughter out of her apartment, Trina took risks and bet on herself to build a solid brand. In this…
Aug 2, 2023 363: How Two Side Hustling Moms Pioneered The Momference for Millennial Moms of Color REWIND
We’re dropping double the gems this episode as I sit down with DMV moms Nikki Osei-Barrett and Simona Noce Wright, founders of the premiere organization for millennial moms of color, District Motherhued and the first and only conference for millennial moms of color, The Momference. In this episode Simona and Nikki share: What it took to successfully launch The Momference while working full time jobs and raising…
Jul 26, 2023 362: How Former Side Hustler Rochelle Porter Landed Her Designs In Nordstrom, Macy’s, And More
This week I got to sit down again for an update with Rochelle Porter, founder of Rochelle Porter Design, a lifestyle brand and design house specializing in sustainably-made home and fashion textiles. When I first sat down with Rochelle in 2019, we learned she launched her business as just a side hustle. Today her products are being sold in major retailers and being featured on outlets like The Today Show and Oprah…
Jul 19, 2023 361: Finding Your Soul Career While You Side Hustle with Founder Lisandra Rickards
This week in the guest chair we are back again with Lisandra Rickards, founder & CEO of Soul Career. When we first spoke in 2018, Lisandra was the CEO of the Richard Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship. Using her experience in the corporate world, she then went on to start her own company coaching individuals to discover their true soul’s calling. In this episode she shares: The knowledge and experience gathered…
Jul 12, 2023 360: How The Cupcake Collection Founder Mignon Francois Turned $5 Into Five Million Cupcakes Sold
This week I sat down for a very inspiring chat with Mignon Francois; mom of seven, best-selling author of Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe, and founder of a multi-million dollar cupcake empire, The Cupcake Collection. In this episode she shares: Why having a great product and determination got her community to support her vision The different financial methods she used, like cash stuffing, to…
Jul 5, 2023 359: How Lori Tharps Left Her Tenured Professor Job to Pursue Writing & Podcasting Full Time in Spain
This week in the guest chair we have a very special episode featuring a real-life Podcast Moguls student of mine, Lori Tharps. She is the founder of the platform and podcast Read, Write & Create, which offers bite-sized, creative pep talks for BIPOC writers. She is also the author of critically-acclaimed books like Hair Story and Kinky Gazpacho. In this episode she shares: How she knew it was the right time to…
Jun 28, 2023 358: From Lawyer To Founder, Effie’s Paper’s Kalyn Johnson Chandler Shows Us How To Flawlessly Pivot Careers
This week in the guest chair we have Kalyn Johnson Chandler. Starting as a career lawyer in big law, then transitioning to fashion, Kalyn has now evolved into a full time artist and entrepreneur as the founder of Effie’s Paper: Stationery & Whatnot, a lifestyle brand empowering women and presenting on-trend accessories for work, travel and daily life. In this episode she shares: How she seamlessly transitioned from…
Jun 21, 2023 357: How Culture Brands’ Eunique Jones Gibson is Creating A Cultural Empire
This week in the guest chair we have Eunique Jones Gibson, a personal entrepreneur shero of mine. Eunique is the creator of the hit-game #CultureTags and CEO/CCO of several brands including Because of Them We Can, The Happy Hues Company, and the innovative agency, Culture Brands. In this episode she shares: How she created one of the most well known campaigns and platforms for Black culture How reinvesting her…
Jun 14, 2023 356: How These Founders Launched Georgia’s Only Black-Women Owned 3PL
This week in the guest chair we have Len Ellis, the Co-Founder and CEO of Everlasting Love Fulfillment, a brand-centric third party logistics partner that provides next-level fulfillment. In this episode she shares: How she started her company with multiple clients and while working full time How providing personalized service created loyal client relationships How being one of the only Black-women owned 3PL…
Jun 7, 2023 355: She Turned Her Cash-Budgeting Brand Into a $1M Business on Tik Tok
This week in the guest chair we have Jasmine Taylor, founder and owner of Baddies and Budgets, a financial education platform that aims to make products and provide a community to empower women of color who are struggling with their finances. In this episode she shares: How she turned her $1200 stimulus check into a $1M business How she uses social media as her sole marketing platform Her top tips and the resources…
May 31, 2023 354: Rachel Rodgers Teaches Us Why We Should All Be Millionaires REWIND
This week I’m sitting down with Rachel Rodgers. Rachel is the creator of the Hello Seven brand and the founder of We Should All Be Millionaires: The Club. Her book, We Should All Be Millionaires is a woman’s guide to earning more, building wealth, and gaining economic power. After law school, Rachel decided to put her degree to use and started offering her lawyer services to small businesses. Like most side…
May 24, 2023 353: How This Founder Took A Fleet Of Trucks And Built A Shipping And Logistics Empire
This week in the guest chair we have Seretha Willingham is the Founder and CEO of SJW Logistics, a Third-Party Logistics company providing freight transportation, warehousing and e-Commerce order fulfillment services. In this episode she shares: How she acquired her company and quickly and sustainably expanded The systems she has in place to manage her company’s cash flow and finances How she continues to grow and…
May 17, 2023 352: How Side Hustling Nurse Naseema McElroy Paid Off $1M In Debt
This week in the guest chair we have Naseema McElroy, author and the founder of Financially Intentional, a platform about personal finance and living life intentionally. Starting with just under one million dollars in debt, Naseema taught herself financial literacy, paid off her debt, and started side hustling as a consultant teaching others to do the same. In this episode she shares: How she created an intentional…
May 10, 2023 351: How CultureCon CEO Imani Ellis Went From Side Hustling VP to Full Time Entrepreneur
This week in the guest chair we have former Side Hustle Pro guest Imani Ellis, CEO and Founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC. While working as Vice President of Communications at NBC Universal, Imani founded The CCNYC and began her journey to becoming the full-time CEO of her company and CultureCon. In this episode she shares: How CultureCon and The CCNYC has hugely expanded since we last spoke The…
May 3, 2023 350: How The Founder Of Brown Toy Box Went From Side Hustle To Every Target Store
This week I sat down with Terri-Nichelle Bradley, the founder of Brown Toy Box, an educational toy company producing STEAM toys, media, and experiences for centering and celebrating Black children. While working full time, Terri-Nichelle took Brown Toy Box from being a side hustle to a full-scale business. In this episode she shares: How she expanded to being sold in every Target nationwide Why she pivoted from…
Apr 26, 2023 349: Steal My Podcast Promo Strategy To Grow Your Podcast Fast
This week we’re wrapping up the solo series on how to regroup and get unstuck in your side hustle for quarter two, this time we’re talking podcast promo. In this episode I share: How to grow your brand awareness to a wider audience The best platforms/apps to promote your business Why you should invest in paid advertisements Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , and YouTube This episode is…
Apr 19, 2023 348: Use This Quick Email List Strategy To Build Your List Fast
And we’re back with another solo episode. This week I’m giving you the easy step by step process of building an effective email list for your side hustle. In this episode I share: How to take the first step to inviting people to your email list How being consistent with my email list quickly grew my audience engagement The best platforms to optimize communication with your contacts Check out this episode and others…
Apr 12, 2023 347: How to Grow Your Instagram and Tik Tok Brand Pages in 2023
In 2023, building a social media presence is essential to growth in your business. Whether you’re side hustling or a full-time entrepreneur, in this episode I’m giving you 5 tips to growing your Instagram and TikTok brand pages, including: How and why you should build a target audience Why you should try out different kinds of content to see what works best Why you should invest in paid advertising Check out this…
Apr 5, 2023 346: How To Make Content For Your Business In Less Than 1 Hour A Week
As an entrepreneur, content creation has become a huge part of expanding a business. So this week I’m sharing 4 tips that have helped me take the pressure off creating awesome content while running a business. In this episode I’m sharing: How to optimize your recording sessions to get content done quicker My favorite content creation tech and tools, and much more! Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts…
Mar 29, 2023 345: How Two Side Hustlers Became The Go-To Merchandisers For Businesses Across America
This week in the guest chair we have Quianne Perrin Savoy and Sonja Smith, founders of The Merch Studio. They provide businesses and entrepreneurs with unique and completely customizable merchandise. In this episode they share: How their creative backgrounds set the foundation for starting their own business How they expanded from small business to having corporate clients The processes they use to ensure high…
Mar 22, 2023 344: How Cat Peoples Became A Voiceover Actor For Major Brands Like McDonald’s
This week I’m sitting down with Cat Peoples, an actor, producer and entrepreneur who is giving us a masterclass in getting in alignment with your purpose. Starting as a side hustler, Cat has become a household voice that you may hear on commercials, audiobooks and more. In this episode she shares: How she got her start and built her portfolio as a voice actor How she leaned into her natural talents to create a…
Mar 15, 2023 343: From Wall Street Analyst to the Founder of HBCU Prep School
This week I sat down with Claudia Walker, founder of HBCU Prep School. As a proud second generation HBCU graduate, Claudia authored the best-selling book series, The ABCs of HBCUs and The ABCs of Black Wall Street. In this episode Claudia shares: How she balances being a full time entrepreneur while working a full time job The insider financial skills she picked up during her time on Wall Street How she landed her…
Mar 8, 2023 342: How Domonique Brown Grew Her Art Into An Everyday Lifestyle Brand
Domonique Brown is the artist and Founder behind DomoINK, a lifestyle brand that contributes art, apparel, and home decor in celebration of Black art. In today’s episode she shares: How her side hustle went from Instagram posts to Target stores How she approaches conversations with major brands regarding pricing and licensing her art How she manages the financial ups and downs of entrepreneurship and so much more!…
Mar 1, 2023 341: How Jocelyn Delk Adams Turned Grandbaby Cakes Into A Household Name
In this update episode we are catching up with Jocelyn Delk Adams, author and founder of the award winning cookbook Grandbaby Cakes and the food website Grandbaby-Cakes.com, where she shares her cherished generational recipes with a modern spin while preserving their original charm and spirit. In this episode Jocelyn shares: How she went from pitching herself to local news stations to starring on the Today Show,…

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Page updated November 13, 2026.

Side Hustle Pro

About Side Hustle Pro

Episodes

You Could Get Paid for That: 5 Side Hustles You Can Start Right Now

Why Nobody Bought Your Offer (Even Though They Said They Would)

You Don’t Have to Be an Influencer to Build a Business

Why Everyone and Their Mother Has a Podcast

Life Update: How I'm Rebuilding My Business Around My Life

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