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	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	5 Simple Ways to Get Paid for What You Already Know	30 Sep 2026	00:23:58
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 practical ways to turn your existing skills, experiences, and knowledge into income. Whether you are in between roles, exploring a side hustle, or just trying to make extra money right now, this episode is your reminder that there is value in what you already bring to the table. I also walk through a key mindset shift. You do not need to be the top expert. You just need to be a few steps ahead of the person you are helping. People are not just paying for information. They are paying for clarity, speed, guidance, and confidence. And that is where your opportunity lies. Main Takeaways You do not need new skills or certifications to start making money There are five core ways to monetize what you already know People pay for clarity, speed, and guidance, not just expertise Start with one path and keep it simple instead of trying everything Highlights Include 00:00 – The biggest misconception about making money 01:30 – Why you already have valuable, monetizable knowledge 02:00 – The 5 ways to make money with what you know 03:00 – The mindset shift you need before starting 04:00 – Service and coaching as the fastest path to income 06:00 – Done-for-you services and why people pay for convenience 08:00 – Creating simple digital products that sell 10:30 – Workshops and why people pay for real-time learning 13:00 – Why reminders are key when selling anything 15:00 – Using content to create opportunities and income 18:00 – How to use AI without losing your voice 21:00 – Why you should pick ONE path and start now Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	She Got Laid Off…Then Built a YouTube Income to Pay Her Bills	25 Sep 2026	00:56:35
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 assistant work, and strategic financial decisions like bringing on a roommate. If you’ve been navigating uncertainty, considering content creation, or wondering how to turn a setback into leverage, this episode will show you how. Highlights Include 00:00 – Recording the layoff conversation that changed everything 04:30 – Growing from 10K to 60K+ subscribers in one year 08:20 – Making $5,900 in one month from YouTube ad revenue 13:00 – Cutting expenses and surviving without touching savings 18:10 – Turning skills into income: photography, digital products, VA work 24:00 – Why personal finance has one of the highest CPMs on YouTube 29:00 – Replacing a corporate salary through content creation 35:00 – The reality of working 7 days a week as a full-time creator 38:00 – Getting a roommate as a financial reset strategy 43:00 – Navigating job offers after deciding to go all-in Links Mentioned in This Episode Watch Symone’s YouTube video “I Got Laid Off From My 6 Figure Tech Job” Podcast Moguls: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Read Successful Failure by KevOnStage Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan. Save your seat here. Social Media YouTube: Life and Numbers: https://www.youtube.com/lifeandnumbers Instagram: @lifeandnumbers: http://instagram.com/lifeandnumbers Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	From a Food Blog to a $500K-a-Year Media Business: How Jannese Torres Built Yo Quiero Dinero	18 Sep 2026	00:53:17
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 how she used her blog income to pay off her student loans, why she launched Yo Quiero Dinero in 2019 to create the personal finance show she wanted to hear as a Latina, and how the podcast became the engine behind her book, speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and other income streams. Jannese also breaks down the team and systems behind the business, why niching down helped her grow brand deals from $125 to more than $50,000, and how she separates the offers that pay the bills from the offers that let her experiment. This is an honest look at what it takes to build a profitable media brand without depending on one platform, one offer, or one source of income. In this episode, you will learn: How a layoff gave Jannese the push to test entrepreneurship before she felt fully ready Why she treated her food blog like a non-negotiable commitment and learned SEO and brand partnerships How blog income helped her pay off her student loans and become debt-free in February 2020 Why Yo Quiero Dinero centers Latinas and the power of building for a specific audience How the podcast became the foundation for her book, speaking, brand deals, and other revenue streams Why a podcast team, online business manager, and talent agent are essential to the way she works now How she separates reliable 'pay the bills' offers from 'fun money' offers that give her room to experiment Highlights Include 01:07 - Being the first in her family to graduate from college and beginning her career in pharmaceuticals and medical devices 04:10 - How getting laid off became the catalyst for testing entrepreneurship 08:32 - Building the Delish D'Lites food blog and treating it like a non-negotiable commitment 09:52 - Learning SEO and brand partnerships through a food blogging course 11:33 - Using blog income to become debt-free in February 2020 16:32 - Why owning your platform matters more than building entirely on someone else's platform 17:32 - Moving from blogging to launching Yo Quiero Dinero in 2019 19:42 - Why the podcast intentionally centers the Latina community 26:01 - How the podcast became the engine behind her media business 36:51 - The team behind the business: a podcast team, an online business manager, and a talent agent 40:20 - Growing brand deals from $125 to more than $50,000 by niching down 48:07 - Managing cash flow with 'pay the bills' offers and 'fun money' offers Links and Resources Mentioned Yo Quiero Dinero: https://yoquierodineropodcast.com Connect With Jannese Instagram: @yoquierodineropodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	How to Make Your First $1K Side Hustling	11 Sep 2026	00:33:20
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 preparation into income without overbuilding, overthinking, or waiting until things feel perfect. If you’ve been stuck planning, tweaking, or doubting yourself, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum. In This Episode, I Share: Why the first $1,000 changes everything mentally and strategically How to choose a simple offer you can confidently deliver right now How to identify who your offer is really for and why frustration matters Why clarity, consistency, and conversations matter more than perfection Highlights Include: 00:00 – Why you don’t need a million dollars to change your life — you need your first $1,000 01:35 – How your mindset shifts after you make your first $1K and why proof matters more than theory 02:31 – What actually counts as an offer and why your first one should be useful, not fancy 03:52 – Why starting with what you’re already confident in is the fastest way to get paid 05:16 – How to decide who your offer is really for and why specificity matters 07:27 – The difference between a painkiller and a vitamin offer (and why frustration drives sales) 08:55 – How to package your offer simply without a website, logo, or brand 11:22 – Why offering your service is the most important step people delay 12:48 – How confidence and customer focus directly impact whether you make your first $1K 14:04 – Why you don’t need a massive audience — just real conversations and feedback 15:37 – How to use feedback as information instead of taking it personally 17:47 – Why overbuilding and “perfecting” keeps side hustlers stuck 19:21 – Breaking down the math behind $1,000 so it feels achievable 20:45 – Why fewer clients at a higher price can reduce burnout 21:34 – Why most people earn their first $1K from conversations, not content 22:19 – How I made my first $1,000 and what actually worked 26:03 – When to start building your email list and why simple free resources convert better 28:54 – How to use a 12-week sprint to stay focused on your first $1K 29:38 – What to do when your first offer feels slow or doesn’t land immediately 31:08 – What changes after you hit your first $1,000 — and the mistake to avoid next 31:49 – Final action steps to start building your first $1K offer Links Mentioned in This Episode Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Check out episode 530 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	From YouTube Exec to Full-Time Creator: How Chanel Tyler Turned Content Creation Into 5-Figure Passive Income	28 Aug 2026	01:09:20
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 insights from her background in beauty marketing. But after years of consulting with a creator commerce platform that generated over 80% of her income, everything changed when the company suddenly shut down. In this episode, Chanel opens up about what it really looks like to rebuild after losing the majority of your income overnight. She shares how she pivoted by diversifying her platforms, leaning deeper into affiliate marketing, launching new creator education programs, and embracing the vulnerability of sharing her personal story — including her journey with hearing loss. If you’ve ever worried about relying on a single income stream or wondered how creators actually make money online, Chanel breaks down the strategy behind building a sustainable creator business. In this episode, Chanel shares: How she built a creator business by combining corporate strategy, content creation, and affiliate marketing What happened when the platform responsible for 80% of her income shut down overnight and how she rebuilt Why diversification across platforms, income streams, and partnerships is essential for creators and entrepreneurs How affiliate marketing works and how creators can use performance data to negotiate higher-paying brand deals Highlights Include 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Chanel’s career path from investment banking to luxury beauty marketing 05:10 – Building an audience through skincare and product recommendations 09:00 – Landing a role at YouTube working with top creators 15:00 – Saving a year of income before leaving corporate 19:00 – The moment she lost 80% of her income overnight 24:30 – Why diversification is critical for creators and entrepreneurs 27:00 – Building content series that grow an audience 32:00 – Affiliate marketing vs. brand partnerships explained 37:00 – Sharing her journey with hearing loss and disability 40:00 – How statement earrings became part of her empowerment story 43:00 – Affiliate income strategies for creators Links Mentioned in This Episode Substack: Sensible Julia Broome Check out the Networth and Chill Podcast;Creator Economy & Brand Deals with Victoria Paris ShopMy:https://shopmy.us/home/creators MagicLinks:https://www.magiclinks.com/creators BrandCycle:https://brandcycle.com/ LTK: https://company.shopltk.com/en/creator Nordstrom Affiliate Program:https://www.nordstromcreators.com/ Check out Chanel’s Creator Profit Lab’s interest form & course registration Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Social Media Instagram: @thecreatorprofitlab Instagram: @buymechanel Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	How Karen Young Built OUI the People	21 Aug 2026	01:14:01
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 lifestyle and home goods brand called Hammocks and High T that she built and ultimately had to close. We talk about the hard lessons on margins and capital that came out of that experience, the unexpected subway encounter that led to her job at Estee Lauder, and how she used her years inside a major beauty conglomerate to build her own brand from the ground up. Karen also gets honest about the financial rollercoaster of raising venture capital, scaling a team, and chasing growth without profitability for years, and what finally shifted this year. We close things out with her thoughts on consumer psychology, pricing a premium product, and her advice for women weighing whether to leave a steady paycheck for their side hustle. Main Takeaways Why closing a business is not failure, but tuition in a school of hard knocks that teaches you margins, capital, and scale. How to price a premium product by studying who your customer already trusts enough to spend on, not just what they say they need. Why visibility does not equal revenue, and how chasing growth without watching profitability can quietly sink a business. How building a trusted circle of fellow founders can matter more than any book when the entrepreneurial journey gets lonely. Highlights Include 00:20 - How a lifelong struggle with razor burn and ingrown hairs on melanated skin became the idea behind OUI the People 05:49 - Why Karen closed her first business, a lifestyle and home goods brand called Hammocks and High T 11:19 - Learning the difference between spotting a market gap and finding real money inside of it 16:00 - The subway encounter that led to Karen's job offer at Estee Lauder 25:37 - What Karen absorbed from watching a major beauty conglomerate acquire and scale brands from the inside 34:15 - The origins of OUI the People, which started as a direct to consumer razor brand called We Shave 41:14 - How Karen priced her first razor at seventy five dollars, then raised it to eighty five to ninety, by studying who was already buying La Mer 43:49 - Why Karen called manufacturers in the UK, Germany, and Japan before choosing a small German razor maker 50:39 - How the brand expanded from razors into body care, then into Sephora in 2019, then a full fragrance launch in 2023 57:57 - The honest truth about raising venture capital, scaling a team, and finally hitting profitability this year 1:12:19 - Lightning round: her go to founder resource, the mentor she admires, her non negotiable evening ritual, and her advice for side hustlers Links Mentioned in This Episode Shop OUI the People: ouithepeople.com Social Media ouithepeople.com OUI the People on Instagram: @ouithepeople https://www.instagram.com/ouithepeople/ OUI The People TikTok: @ouithepeople https://www.tiktok.com/@ouithepeople Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	She Left Corporate Law, Went Back to Work, and Still Built a Global Fashion Brand	14 Aug 2026	01:11:27
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, Bloomingdale's, Shopbop, and Moda Operandi. But this conversation goes much deeper than fashion. Busayo opens up about returning to a 9-to-5 after years of entrepreneurship, the shame and fear she had to unlearn, and the two serious cardiac events that forced her to confront the cost of constant striving. We talk about what it takes to build a business without losing yourself, why preparation matters before opportunity arrives, and how faith, meditation, and surrender changed the way she leads. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why learning a new industry while you still have a paycheck can protect both your savings and your confidence How to view returning to a job as reinvesting in your business, not failing at entrepreneurship Why Busayo had to separate her worth from her corporate title and other people's opinions How years of creating collections before buyers said yes prepared her for the Saks opportunity What two serious cardiac events taught her about sleep, stress, self-care, and sustainable ambition How wholesale relationships can drive recurring revenue, brand discovery, and direct-to-consumer sales Why Busayo believes faith, meditation, and surrender are practical tools for entrepreneurship Highlights Include 03:04 - Moving from Nigeria to the United States at age 11 and learning to reject parts of herself to fit in 16:44 - How annual trips to Nigeria planted the seed for the Busayo brand 19:37 - The first pop-up that pushed her to stop hiding her designs 24:05 - Leaving Cleary Gottlieb and unlearning the belief that she was not enough 29:16 - Attending her first trade show and returning with only two orders 31:36 - Meeting mentor Mercedes Gonzalez and learning how wholesale really works 32:36 - Going back to a legal job after burning through her savings 34:49 - Returning to the same office building and confronting the shame tied to her old title 36:19 - The first cardiac emergency that showed her she was pushing too hard 39:49 - Experiencing a second cardiac event and making sleep and self-care non-negotiable 47:59 - Why she now sees building a business as a spiritual endeavor 55:49 - How years of preparation helped her seize the opportunity that led to Saks 1:00:08 - Navigating strong years, lean years, and the impact of the Saks bankruptcy 1:06:17 - Why wholesale remains an important revenue and discovery channel 1:14:48 - Identifying your fear pockets before leaving a steady paycheck Links and Resources Mentioned Shop Busayo The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary Gehlhar RAISEfashion The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer Mindset by Carol S. Dweck Connect With Busayo Brand Instagram: @busayoworld: https://www.instagram.com/busayoworld/ Personal Instagram: @busayojournal: https://www.instagram.com/busayojournal/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	How Her Wine Became the Obama Presidential Center’s Official White Wine	07 Aug 2026	00:51:33
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 consumer brand without millions in marketing dollars. She also reveals how a wine created in honor of her late father became the official white wine of the Obama Presidential Center, and what it took to rebuild after nearly losing the business again. Main Takeaways A devastating setback, like losing a business to a flood, can become the foundation for something bigger if you keep moving forward. Building relationships and repeatedly asking for the sale, even after rejection, can open doors that money alone cannot. Chasing notoriety across too many markets at once can cost more than it earns; focusing on one market at a time builds real traction. Consistent, face to camera content can rebuild a business faster than relying on a marketing budget alone. Highlights Include [00:32] The flood that closed Three P's Art Lounge and led to Love Corkscrew [01:26] Becoming one of the first African American women with an on and off premise liquor license in downtown Chicago [05:58] Starting the Love Corkscrew blog as a way to heal after losing the gallery [11:14] Explaining what a negociant is and pioneering the term in the wine industry [17:30] Building Love Corkscrew from nothing through commission and consignment deals [24:41] The advice from Barefoot Wine's founders that changed her strategy [32:07] Losing her father and creating the Lampley wine line in his honor [35:00] Landing the deal to become the official white wine of the Obama Presidential Center [39:30] Running the Clink and Sip Festival and the Sipping Empower Foundation [44:29] Committing to daily social media consistency to rebuild the business in 2026 Links Mentioned in This Episode lovecorkscrew.com thelampley.com Watch & Listen Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram: @lovecorkscrew Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	7 Things I Had to Unlearn Before Leaving My Corporate Job	31 Jul 2026	00:43:40
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 confronted the internal beliefs that kept me tied to that life. Highlights Include 00:00 - My corporate background and why I'm scratching the record on old habits 03:01 - The seven things I had to unlearn to build Side Hustle Pro full time 06:48 - Unlearning the need to have my entire future figured out before leaving 11:25 - Why other people's opinions could not be my decision making system 17:31 - Unlearning that a job or promotion was my only path to more money 21:59 - Pay inequity in corporate and why the ceiling is lower than it seems 22:49 - Unlearning that I was limited to doing only what I had already done 27:33 - Confusing busyness with meaningful progress, and the one hour a day model 33:36 - The biggest unlearn: staying employed was not actually the safest option 42:21 - Reflection questions to figure out which belief you're still carrying Watch & Listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram: @SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	Why She Pulled Her Brand Out of Whole Foods After 26 Years \| Dawn Fitch, Founder of Pooka Pure and Simple	30 Jul 2026	00:52:12
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 how healing herself led her to start formulating clean, simple products long before she ever thought of herself as a business owner. We get into the real, unglamorous parts of entrepreneurship: street teaming outside churches before social media existed, a cease-and-desist letter that almost derailed her Whole Foods deal, and the hard lessons of scaling into big box retail. Dawn also shares how she walked away from a failing retail lease with nowhere to go, only to land in the space that's been home to her production for over a decade. Finally, Dawn walks me through the newest chapter of her story: a 250,000 dollar grant from Audible's DEI program that brought Pooka into a beautiful new Newark location, and how an activity she almost treated as an afterthought, the Bloom Bar, became the biggest draw of the whole business. Main Takeaways Protect your business structure early. Trademark your name, keep separate books, and build SOPs before you're forced to by a cease-and-desist letter or a big retail opportunity. Don't chase big box retail until your core revenue stream is stable enough to absorb the rules, returns, and thin margins that come with it. When a business decision doesn't feel right, it is okay to walk away even without a backup plan. Trust and timing can lead you somewhere better. Build a real activation or experience around your product. Community and connection, not just the product itself, is what keeps customers coming back. Highlights Include (00:41) Dawn's start as a graphic designer in the music industry, designing album covers (01:36) The moment paralysis first hit while she was walking to work (03:04) The five-year journey to her eventual MS diagnosis (05:15) How the name Pooka came from her mother calling her kids her pooka leaders (07:19) Why email marketing became the backbone of the business from day one (11:01) The cease-and-desist letter over the brand name right before entering Whole Foods (13:49) How putting her pride to the side led to her first 10 Whole Foods stores (18:29) Her advice on knowing when a business is truly ready for big box retail (26:51) Why Pooka exited all 62 of its Whole Foods stores last year (29:04) How the Best Life Tribe Facebook group and a sea moss request from a member helped save the business during the pandemic (32:07) Landing the 250,000 dollar Audible DEI grant for the new Newark space (35:14) How the Bloom Bar, almost an afterthought, became the biggest draw of the business Watch & Listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Website: pookapureandsimple.com Instagram: @Pookalita TikTok: @Pookalita1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	How Roxy Couse Replaced Her Corporate Title With Her Personal Brand	24 Jul 2026	00:49:42
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 business full time. We got into the real logistics of that transition, from going part time first, to navigating conflict of interest concerns at work, to eventually bringing on a management team once the opportunities became too much to handle alone. Roxy also opened up about paying off student loan debt with her side hustle income and the exact moment she realized her content could become a real business. Roxy is now building SlowFi, a platform designed to help other corporate professionals build profitable personal brands with structure, community, and coaching. Main Takeaways: Consider going part time before fully leaving your job so you can test whether your side income is consistent before walking away completely. Protect your main income while building a passion project by staying discreet at work and avoiding brand partnerships that could create a conflict of interest. Bring on a management team or support staff once inbound opportunities outgrow what you can manage on your own, especially around contracts and negotiations. Personal brand building does not have to be high effort. Make content creation fit into the pockets of time you already have instead of forcing a rigid content calendar. Highlights Include 1:01 - Roxy's 15 year corporate career and her shift into content creation 3:50 - What held Roxy back from starting to create content 6:36 - The origin story behind her Millennial Manager persona 8:09 - How Roxy navigated conflict of interest concerns while working full time 14:20 - Why she went part time before leaving corporate completely 19:51 - The moment she realized she needed a management team 25:26 - How her one on one consulting turned into building SlowFi 33:24 - Her timeline for launching SlowFi and the realities of bootstrapping as a Black founder 38:22 - Balancing motherhood with running her business 47:00 - Lightning round: resources, admiration, non-negotiables, and her advice for aspiring side hustlers Watch & Listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram, TikTok, and X: @Roxycouse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	She Emptied Her Retirement to Open a Tea Brand (Jamila Wright, Founder of Brookyn Tea)	17 Jul 2026	01:00:11
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 ever opened their first location. We got into the real financial decisions behind building out that first shop, including an SBA loan that arrived late, putting up her own home as collateral, and the lesson she learned about the difference between being an investor and being an owner operator. Jamila also shared how a relationship with a fellow Brooklyn business owner led to their current Lewis Avenue location. From there we picked up with how Brooklyn Tea’s verticals came together, the financial setbacks along the way including a six figure loan and a partnership that fell apart, and the moment she and Ali finally started paying themselves. Main Takeaways Big opportunities often come from saying yes rather than a master plan, so be ready to rise to the moment when it arrives. Waiting on outside funding like an SBA loan can force you to dip into personal savings, so plan for delays before signing a lease or starting construction. Choosing between taking on debt or equity investors should depend on your long term goal, whether that is building a legacy brand or eventually selling it. Paying yourself is a milestone that often comes after years of sacrifice, so figuring out that number is part of building a sustainable business. Highlights Include (00:32) How Jamila and Ali went from dating over tea to business partners (08:12) The financial decisions behind opening the first Brooklyn Tea location (16:16) Why Jamila had to put up her Atlanta home as collateral for their SBA loan (19:38) Debt versus equity, and deciding what kind of business you want to build (24:13) The real lesson foot traffic taught them about their first location (29:45) How a relationship with Monique Greenwood led to their current Lewis Avenue location (37:33) Saying yes to wholesale and e-commerce almost by accident (47:39) Landing a licensing and franchising deal with an airport (52:12) The Saks Fifth Avenue partnership that fell apart (1:07:45) Paying themselves for the first time after two and a half years Watch & Listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Website: brooklyntea.com Brooklyn Tea Instagram: @brooklyntea Jamila's Instagram: @jamilawright21 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	How Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey and Co-Founder Dana Hill-Robinson Built Glowissima Skincare	14 Jul 2026	01:02:15
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 York to a reality television mainstay, while Dana walks us through her years at Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and building the beauty subscription box Cocotique. We dig into how they finally partnered on Glowissima, why they chose to launch with only two hero products, and how they source ingredients like manuka honey and kiwi seed oil from New Zealand. Cynthia also opens up about the businesses she has closed in the past and what those experiences taught her about knowing when to walk away. Cynthia and Dana get candid about profitability timelines, the current shift in consumer spending, and why a huge social following does not automatically translate into sales. They close out with practical advice for women who want to start a business but are worried about money and failure. Main Takeaways Launch lean: start with one or two hero products instead of a full line so you can prove the concept before scaling. Know when to fold: it is a business skill, not a failure, to walk away from a venture once it stops making financial sense. Vet every partnership: joint ventures work best when both sides have a track record and clearly defined roles from the start. Followers are not buyers: a large social following does not guarantee sales, so keep testing your messaging and your audience. Highlights Include (00:19) How Cynthia and Dana met at a New York hair salon in the 1990s (02:37) Cynthia's move from Alabama to New York at eighteen to model (04:08) The Essence cover that became Cynthia's big break (05:24) The move from modeling into reality television (10:26) Lessons from closing the Bailey Wine Cellar and the Bailey Room (14:44) Dana on pivoting Cocotique into a health and wellness hub (17:56) The formulation story and meaning behind the name Glowissima (19:14) Turning a thirty-year friendship into a business partnership (27:01) Sourcing manuka honey and kiwi seed oil from New Zealand (38:57) Digging deeper on marketing when the economy shifts Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements Applications are now open for Shift, my 12-week coaching program designed to help experienced professionals package their expertise into a profitable offer, identify their first clients, and confidently launch their next chapter. Learn more and apply at: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift Social Media Cynthia Bailey: Instagram @CynthiaBailey Dana Hill-Robinson: Instagram @DanaHillRobinson Glowissima: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @Glowissima Cocotique: Facebook @CocoTique, TikTok @CocoTiqueBeautyBox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	520: How Jotaka Eaddy Built a Movement of 44,000 Black Women Overnight	07 Jul 2026	01:03:42
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 ever set foot in Washington, DC or Silicon Valley. Jotaka walked me through her path from student activist against the death penalty to senior advisor at the NAACP to becoming the first Black employee at a fintech startup in Silicon Valley. She opened up about the layoff that nearly broke her and the Oprah Winfrey clip that helped her reframe it as redirection rather than failure. We also talked about how Win With Black Women was born from a single late night email in 2020 that turned into a Zoom call with 44,000 women, and how that same community continues to organize today. Jotaka got vulnerable about losing her mother during the 2024 election season and what that grief has taught her about faith, resilience and asking for help. Main Takeaways Your community can be your first investors. The people of Jotaka's hometown pooled money so she could attend a conference that changed the course of her life. A layoff is not always failure. It can be redirection toward something bigger than you could have planned for yourself. Movements are built in the quiet, consistent work that happens long before anyone is watching or celebrating. Black women hold real power at the ballot box and in daily acts of organizing, even while in survival mode. Highlights Include 02:01 - Growing up in Johnsonville, South Carolina 05:04 - The conference that changed her life 11:46 - Learning to lead by carrying the bag 15:17 - Making the leap into Silicon Valley 19:08 - Getting laid off and finding strength in an Oprah Winfrey clip 29:02 - The spark behind Win With Black Women 35:40 - The night 44,000 women joined the call 44:53 - How to show up when you are in survival mode 48:05 - Opening up about losing her mother Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements Applications are now open for Shift, my 12-week coaching program designed to help experienced professionals package their expertise into a profitable offer, identify their first clients, and confidently launch their next chapter. Learn more and apply at: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift Social Media Jotaka Eaddy: Instagram: @JotakaEaddy Win With Black Women: Instagram: @WinWithBlackWomen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	519: After 10 Million Downloads, Here’s What I Learned	20 Jun 2026	00:25:47
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 this episode, I share the biggest lessons I've learned after more than 500 episodes and 10 million downloads. From building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities I never could have predicted to developing new business offers, growing a loyal community, and gaining clarity on my next chapter, podcasting became much more than a content platform. It became a vehicle for transformation. Whether you're a podcaster, entrepreneur, creator, or professional looking to build your personal brand, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what you're creating and how it can become the bridge to where you want to go next. Main Takeaways Downloads are not the destination. Trust, relationships, and opportunity are the true assets. A podcast can become a powerful networking tool that opens doors you never expected. Specificity and niching down accelerate discoverability, growth, and community building. Podcasting can help you validate ideas, package your expertise, and build your next business offer Highlights Include 00:00 – The lesson behind 10 million podcast downloads 01:16 – Why podcasting became my most powerful networking tool 03:28 – The new podcasting playbook for creators and entrepreneurs 04:17 – Building trust through the intimacy of audio 05:39 – My thoughts on video podcasting and discoverability 10:34 – Why niche podcasts grow faster than general ones 14:50 – Trust as the most valuable asset you build 16:27 – How Side Hustle Pro led to national media opportunities 18:30 – The unexpected doors podcasting opened for my career 20:04 – Why most podcasts struggle to grow 21:36 – How podcasting became the bridge to my next chapter 23:52 – Why I created the Shift Program Links Mentioned in This Episode Shift Program: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements Applications are now open for Shift, my 12-week coaching program designed to help experienced professionals package their expertise into a profitable offer, identify their first clients, and confidently launch their next chapter. Learn more and apply at: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift Social Media Instagram: @sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	518: The ONE skill you need to learn before you QUIT	12 Jun 2026	00:30:12
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 programmed us to earn money for someone else, and what it truly takes to start creating money on your own terms. I take you back to my days at NPR, where I was climbing the ladder, playing the game, and quietly building Side Hustle Pro on the side. I share how a hater coworker who reported me to my boss became the catalyst for my exit plan, how I landed my first $4,000 podcast sponsorship from a cold customer service email, and how learning just two revenue streams gave me the confidence to leave my job for good. This episode is also a reminder that you do not have to have everything figured out before you start. Your first $20 or $25 outside of your paycheck changes something in you that no amount of planning can replicate. If you are sitting at a crossroads wondering what your next move is, this episode is your sign to start choosing yourself. Main Takeaways The difficulty of leaving a job is not fear or lack of risk tolerance; it is decades of programming to earn money for someone else, and that programming can be unlearned. Earning money depends on someone else choosing you, while creating money is about identifying a problem, building a solution, and offering it to the world. You do not need two revenue streams mastered before you act; your first dollar outside a paycheck unlocks a shift in confidence and mindset that no amount of planning can give you. Showing up imperfectly is part of the process; authenticity attracts the right people and gives your audience permission to let their guard down too. Highlights Include 00:01 - Why I chose to record this episode on the go with ease over perfection 02:27 - How jobs program us to earn money for someone else and why that makes the leap so hard 03:06 - The story of bringing my now-husband Muoyo to my NPR holiday party and what it revealed about being stuck in the corporate mindset 07:31 - Why smart, experienced, degreed women still feel stuck and what they are actually missing 09:49 - The difference between earning money (someone choosing you) and creating money (creating value) 12:15 - Why showing up imperfectly is how you attract your people, especially as Black women in professional spaces 14:37 - Why relying on someone else to choose you is bad for your mental health, and what to do instead 18:47 - My personal backstory: launching Side Hustle Pro while at NPR and investing $1,197 in a sponsorship intensive 21:06 - How a cold email to a customer service inbox landed me my first $4,000 podcast sponsorship contract 25:52 - The coworker who reported me to HR and how that moment became the push I needed to start my exit plan 00:00 (Part 2) - Why your first $25 changes everything internally and how making money directly for yourself is the skill to build right now Links Mentioned in This Episode Shift Coaching Program: sidehustlepro.co/shift Watch & Listen Listen to Side Hustle Pro on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Announcements SHIFT, my transformational coaching program for ambitious women who want to turn their side hustle into their exit plan from their 9-to-5, is now open for applications. Apply now at sidehustlepro.co/shift before spots fill. Social Media Side Hustle Pro Instagram: @SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	517: After Quitting My 6-Figure Job to Launch My Own Business Here’s What I Learned	05 Jun 2026	00:26:05
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 notice. I take you all the way back to 2015, when I graduated from business school without a job after not receiving the full-time offer from my Google internship. From studying abroad in Barcelona to avoid reality, to moving back to DC and starting a blog with no plan, this episode is about what really happens in the messy middle before success shows up. I share how rejection led me to NPR, how my experience there became the foundation for Side Hustle Pro, and how I earned my first $4,000 sponsorship contract from a cold email to a customer service inbox. This episode is for anyone who is waiting for a sign, a plan, or the perfect moment. Spoiler: that moment is not coming. What is coming is everything you need to build, but only if you start. I break down exactly how I got here and what I want you to take away from this milestone journey. Main Takeaways Rejection is redirection: Not getting the Google offer was the push that led Nicaila to build Side Hustle Pro. You don't need the whole plan: Taking one next step, even without knowing where it leads, is how clarity is built. Clarity comes from action: The idea for Side Hustle Pro did not come before the action; the action revealed the idea. Bet on proof, not hope: Nicaila didn't quit her job out of fearlessness, she quit because she had consistent data showing her business could grow. Highlights Include [00:02] I share the real biggest risk I took, and it wasn't quitting my job [00:24] The Google internship story: expecting the full-time offer and not getting it [02:45] Graduating from business school with no job, no plan, and moving back to DC [04:40] Lesson 1: Rejection is redirection, and what that looked like in real life [07:16] Lesson 2: You don't need the whole plan, just the next step [00:02 segment 2] Lesson 3: Clarity comes from action, not waiting for an aha moment [03:11] How Side Hustle Pro's concept was born out of a boring blog pivot [07:26] Lesson 5: Bet on proof, how I earned my first $4,000 sponsorship [11:37] The real reason I quit: not fearlessness, but evidence [12:19] Lesson 6: The life you want is built before you leave, not after Links Mentioned in This Episode APPLY TO SHIFT: https://sidehustlepro.co/shift Watch & Listen Listen to Side Hustle Pro on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram: @SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	516: From Caregiver to CEO: How Camille Joy Turned Her Son’s Diagnosis Into a Movement	29 May 2026	01:00:33
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 with autism, everything shifted again, and a raw, tear-filled video she recorded in her car after a difficult doctor visit went viral with over six million views in 2022. Today Camille runs two businesses: Moments of Joy, her for-profit media brand built on brand deals, speaking, and her book, and Awesomely Different, her nonprofit that provides swimming lesson grants for children with autism. She also shares how she and her filmmaker husband manage it all without a village, and what it really took to land Holly Robinson Peete as a podcast guest after five attempts over several years. Main Takeaways Your test is your testimony: Camille's openness about trafficking, autism, and grief is what built her audience and her business. Tackle the shame first: Before you can turn your story into impact, you have to get comfortable sharing what you have been through. Serve before you ask: Camille landed Holly Robinson Peete as a guest by consistently showing up in her community, buying her book, attending her events, and reaching out five times before getting a yes. Caregiving and entrepreneurship can coexist: Camille and her husband run two businesses while raising Mason by communicating constantly, sharing schedules, and giving each other permission to pursue their goals. Highlights Include 00:46 - Camille shares what life looked like before the Moments of Joy Podcast existed 01:45 - Mason's birth story and three heart surgeries in 18 months 02:42 - Receiving Mason's autism diagnosis and how it changed everything 04:40 - Camille reveals she is a trafficking survivor and how she escaped at 21 06:06 - How a stranger saying her name out loud was the sign she needed to go to culinary school 09:14 - Fighting for the executive chef title at ConAir Corporation by CC'ing the CEO 11:13 - Going to the CEO directly to demand her six-figure salary and getting it on the spot 23:22 - The viral reel that changed everything: 6 to 7 million views after a tearful moment in the car 27:06 - Launching Awesomely Different, her nonprofit that teaches children with autism to swim 31:52 - Signing with Penguin Random House and the reality of first-round edits 38:45 - How Camille and her husband manage two businesses and Mason's care without a traditional village 46:01 - Why tackling shame is the first step to turning your test into a testimony 52:03 - The strategy behind landing Holly Robinson Peete and why she reached out five times 56:17 - Lightning round: resources, role models, daily non-negotiables, and parting advice Links Mentioned in This Episode Podcorn (early podcast sponsorship platform): https://podcorn.com Moments of Joy Podcast: https://www.mojpodcast.com/ Watch & Listen Side Hustle Pro Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Side Hustle Pro Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram: @momentsofjoypodcast TikTok: @momentsofjoypodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	515: From Corporate to Creative: How Jessica Lane Alexander and Lori Hall McKissic Built Pop’N Creative into a $4M Agency	22 May 2026	00:59:47
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 creative vision. I was so excited to finally get them both on the show and dig into the real behind-the-scenes of how Pop’N Creative came to be. They walked us through the eight-week planning process over dinners and drinks that turned into a real business, how they launched in February 2020 (yes, right before the pandemic), and how they survived and thrived when the world shut down. They bootstrapped everything, pivoted their model on the fly, and landed clients like Freeform, Hulu, and National Geographic along the way. We also got into the money conversation because the glitz and glamour of events and activations has a whole financial infrastructure behind it. We talked about payment terms, cash flow management, how to structure agency contracts, and what it really takes to grow to the $4 million revenue range as a small boutique agency. If you are building something in the creative or service space, this one is full of gems. Main Takeaways Start before you are fully ready: Pop’N Creative launched in February 2020, and the pandemic that followed actually forced them to pivot into a social-first model that helped them grow. Use the 60% rule: Before leaving your full-time job, aim to have 60% of your target salary locked in through contracts so you have enough security to leap without operating from fear. Master cash flow, not just revenue: Payment terms of net 60 to net 90 are common in the agency world, so having a business line of credit and a great accountant are non-negotiable early hires. Your network IS your net worth: From their first capabilities presentation to their Cannes Lions shortlist, every major win came from relationships they had built over years in the industry. Highlights Include 00:53 - Jessica and Lori share their individual career journeys through Turner, Kellogg Business School, Microsoft, UPTV, and TV One 09:07 - The moment Jessica first told Lori "we could do this ourselves" and how she pitched the idea twice before it stuck 10:35 - How they tested the business concept during eight weeks of structured planning sessions over dinner and drinks 13:38 - Launching Pop’N Creative in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut everything down 14:01 - How Lori's unexpected layoff during the pandemic became the best thing that ever happened to her entrepreneurial journey 19:06 - Landing their very first capabilities presentation with Freeform (Disney) and wowing a room of 15 people on their first try 25:27 - How they bootstrapped and self-funded Poppin to retain full autonomy, and what happened when their first big event contract got canceled 27:49 - The Hulu skating rink at Essence Festival and how they pivoted to experiential work post-pandemic 47:14 - Pitching National Geographic on a wild-card Fashion Week idea with holographic animals that got shortlisted at Cannes Lions 59:31 - Their parting advice: the 60% rule for leaving your job and why finding a business partner or lieutenant makes all the difference Links Mentioned in This Episode Pop’N Creative Website: https://www.popncreative.com Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Social Media Pop’N Creative: @popncreative Jessica Lane Alexander: @LaneJessD Lori Hall McKissic: @loriJAY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	514: From Tutoring Classmates in High School to $1M College Prep CEO w/ Janae Young	15 May 2026	01:16:23
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 Janae's path was anything but linear. COVID wiped out the SAT/ACT prep market practically overnight, and her company went into negative profit. She was a freshman in college, going through a breakup, studying computer science remotely and somehow she held on. What she shares in this episode about staying stubborn in the quiet moments, investing $25K in herself as a 19-year-old college student, and pivoting her business model to serve parents instead of students is the kind of transparency you don't often hear. Janae also opens up about navigating the college admissions landscape in a post-affirmative action era, why she believes the college application process is a metaphor for life, and how she's helping students of color tell their stories powerfully. If you're an entrepreneur in a side hustle chapter or a parent thinking about your kid's future this one is for you. Main Takeaways Invest in yourself before you feel ready: Janae wired $25K to a mastermind as a 19-year-old college student with almost nothing left in her account and that bet changed everything. Know who actually holds the decision and the wallet: When Janae shifted her focus from students to parents, her revenue took off. Real urgency comes from the problem, not just the deadline: Make your client deeply aware of what inaction is costing them for Janae's audience, that's potentially $100K+ in lost merit scholarships. Selling is just teaching: When you see yourself as an educator first, the "sleazy" feeling disappears and you become a genuine guide. Highlights Include (0:38) Janae started her tutoring business at 15 because she was too young to work at Chick-fil-A (3:26) Hiring and firing her first employee at 16 -- including a tutor who poached a client and cited contract law to get away with it (11:12) How COVID wiped out the SAT/ACT market overnight and sent her business into negative profit (22:43) Screen recording a webinar, then closing 4 out of 5 people at $500 the very next night (27:28) Wiring $25K to a mastermind at 19 -- and the phone call her mom got from the bank (31:21) Why shifting her target from students to parents changed her revenue trajectory (36:27) How she structured her Stanford schedule to be a student Mon-Wed and a CEO Thu-Fri (39:30) Breaking down her two offers: Ivy League Score ($2,500) and Ivy League Acceptance ($12K) (51:00) Her organic and paid marketing mix: podcast, ads, and live and evergreen webinar funnels (1:03:46) Her response to the affirmative action ruling and how she helps students of color own their story Links Mentioned in This Episode Young College Prep website: janaetutoring.com Stacey Boehman -- 2K for 2K program: staceyboehman.com/2kfor2k Dielle Charon -- Six Figure Liberation mastermind (formerly called Sales Queen): diellecharon.com Claire Pelitro (Claire Pels) -- Get Paid Marketing: clairepells.com Amy Porterfield -- amyporterfield.com Brooke Castillo -- The Life Coach School: thelifecoachschool.com Watch & Listen Listen to the Side Hustle Pro podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream podcasts. Watch full video episodes on the Side Hustle Pro YouTube channel. Social Media Instagram: @JanaeTutoring Facebook: @JanaeTutoring Podcast: The Get Accepted Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	513: Tiffany Aliche on What the Hard Years Teach You About Money and Resilience	08 May 2026	01:06:49
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 scary truth she finally admitted to her therapist, and how a solo trip to Sedona shifted everything. She also takes us inside the business pivot happening at Budgetnista, from being the face of everything to stepping back and watching her company grow 74% in a single quarter. We also get into the deeper financial conversation: the difference between financial freedom and financial wholeness, how to release financial shame, and the two questions Tiffany now leans on in even her darkest moments. This one is rich from start to finish. Main Takeaways Burnout is misalignment, not overwork Why stepping back from being the face of your brand can grow your business Financial wholeness vs. financial freedom: which goal actually serves you How to release financial shame and start your money journey without going it alone Highlights Include 00:00 - Tiffany’s burnout: blood pressure spikes, Oura Ring stress alerts, and a back that gave out 03:00 - The thing she finally said out loud and how it shifted her physical pain 08:10 - Why her COO reframed burnout: it’s not hard work, it’s misalignment 10:54 - Zone of excellence vs. zone of genius 21:17 - Transparent look at Budget Nista’s revenue journey from a $10M peak to today’s upswing 23:41 - The B2B contract pivot: Newark schools, United Way, and NYC Dept of Education 43:38 - Wealth guilt, giving beyond the overflow, and learning to drink from your own cup 48:08 - A three-part framework for starting your financial journey: community, voice, and vision 56:50 - Financial wholeness explained: the 10 pillars and why this goal is for everyone 01:01:30 - Two questions to ask in your hardest moments: Is this true? Is it the only truth available? 01:03:34 - Tiffany previews her upcoming book, The Gifts of Grief, and her 2027 sabbatical Links Mentioned in This Episode Get Good With Money: getgoodwithmoney.com The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (recommended by Tiffany) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Social Media Tiffany Aliche's Instagram: @thebudgetnista Side Hustle Pro - @sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	512: How Leah Collins Turned Financial Mistakes Into a TV Show, Multiple Income Streams, and a Purpose-Driven Career	01 May 2026	00:43:39
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 own financial struggles into a thriving business, paid off $40,000 in debt, and ultimately landed her own show. We talk about the behind-the-scenes reality of building a personal brand, why communication is the foundation of financial success, and how she leveraged every opportunity to create multiple income streams. Leah also opens up about one of the most pivotal moments in her life: calling off her wedding due to financial incompatibility. That experience reshaped her entire mission and led her to focus on money and relationships, helping others navigate the conversations so many of us avoid. This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose and building a life that aligns with your values. Main Takeaways Turning personal financial struggles into a business can create powerful impact and income Financial compatibility and communication are critical in relationships Your personal brand is always working for you, even when you don’t realize it Multiple income streams, including speaking, media, and passive products, create flexibility and freedom Highlights Include 00:00 – Why money affects every part of your life 02:10 – 20 years in corporate finance but struggling personally 04:05 – Wake-up call: high income, no results 04:40 – $100 bootcamp → $40K debt paid off 05:20 – Calling off her wedding over money misalignment 07:06 – Prenups, communication, and financial expectations 09:05 – Turning personal pain into a business niche 10:53 – Launching her brand → getting discovered for TV 12:11 – Building a strategic personal brand that attracts opportunities 14:17 – TV journey: rejection, delay, and eventual greenlight 16:46 – Scaling after motherhood and shifting business model 20:43 – Behind the scenes of Maxed Out and building trust 23:03 – Leveraging TV into multiple income streams 24:55 – Values-based finances and smarter decision-making 26:51 – Balancing a 9–5 while growing a business 29:37 – Storytelling as a tool for impact and connection 31:27 – Pitching yourself and understanding media monetization 34:11 – “You’re always being interviewed” mindset 38:13 – Why quality beats quantity in content 41:02 – Burnout, boundaries, and protecting your time 41:42 – Final advice: build your business without quitting your job Links Mentioned in This Episode Money Moves Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/ OWN Network: https://www.oprah.com/own HBO Max: https://www.max.com/ Discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/ Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15) Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram:@theleahmariecollins Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	511: Monica Cornitcher’s Journey From Personal Loss to Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Success	24 Apr 2026	00:43:42
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 Dyer went from Zoom conversations during the pandemic to building a fully developed beverage company. Instead of rushing the process, they leaned into research, worked with a food scientist, and built a five-year strategy before launching. Their focus was clear: create authentic, full-flavor cocktails that people actually recognize and crave. In this episode, Monica opens up about the real cost of building a physical product, navigating grief after losing her co-founder, and the strategy behind growing through direct-to-consumer before entering retail. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, intentional growth, and building a brand rooted in purpose and community. Main Takeaways Why taking time to validate your idea and build a strategy can save you costly mistakes How to approach launching a physical product without cutting corners on quality The importance of direct-to-consumer growth before entering retail How resilience, grief, and purpose shaped the future of Medase Cocktails Highlights Include 00:00 – Introduction to Medase Cocktails 03:00 – Monica’s first business and corporate background 06:00 – The idea sparked during COVID and building with intention 08:00 – Why they worked with a food scientist instead of DIY 10:00 – Creating a 5-year business strategy before launch 13:00 – Identifying their target consumer and product positioning 21:00 – Funding the business with $100K+ of personal investment 26:00 – Attending Expo West and attracting investors 29:00 – Navigating grief after losing her co-founder 30:00 – Growth on Amazon and direct-to-consumer success 33:00 – Why retail is expensive and how to prepare for it 45:00 – Lessons from production mistakes and product quality control 47:00 – Competing in a growing non-alcoholic beverage market 50:00 – Lightning round insights and tools Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram: @medasecocktails TikTok: @medasecocktails Facebook: Medase Cocktails Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	510: How I'm Rebuilding After A Hard Season (feat. Monique Shields)	17 Apr 2026	00:49:49
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 life challenges, and how that impacts the way we show up, make decisions, and even spend money. One of the biggest shifts for me? Realizing I wasn’t telling myself the full story about what I had been carrying and surviving. Monique breaks down how our mindset around scarcity, energy, and outsourcing can keep us stuck, and what it really means to “resource yourself” instead of just pushing through. If you’ve been feeling stuck, foggy, or like you’re doing everything but still not moving forward, this episode will hit home. Main Takeaways You’re not behind, you’re likely operating without acknowledging everything you’ve been carrying Scarcity mindset after a hard season can quietly shape your decisions and keep you stuck Your energy, not just your time, is one of your most valuable assets Resourcing yourself (mentally, physically, strategically) is essential for growth Highlights Include 00:00 – Reconnecting with Monique and what she’s been building 02:30 – Why intimate spaces and coaching containers matter 04:30 – Starting YouTube and breaking through creative burnout 06:00 – The hidden impact of hard seasons on decision-making 08:00 – Why you’re not telling yourself the full story 10:00 – High-achievers and the trap of self-pressure 12:30 – Why “feeling less overwhelmed” isn’t the right goal 15:00 – Scarcity mindset after financial or life shocks 18:00 – Why cost-first thinking keeps you stuck 21:00 – The “delusional belief” successful people hold about their future 27:00 – The real value of your time and energy 33:30 – What actually changed after hiring support 36:00 – Mental fog and why you don’t even realize you’re in it 40:00 – Why stability is not the same as hoarding 43:00 – What it really means to “resource yourself” 46:00 – The importance of having multiple “brains” supporting you 50:00 – Why your nervous system needs support in today’s world 52:00 – Reframing “I can’t afford it” into a choice Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (April 17) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram: @moniquershields Podcast: Ambition Without Compromise Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	509: Opening Up About My Journey as an Autism Mom	10 Apr 2026	00:32:02
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 eventually receiving an official autism diagnosis for my son. Along the way, I’ve had to learn how to advocate fiercely, navigate complex systems, and redefine what motherhood looks like for me and my family. This episode is about the hard moments, the emotional weight, and the unexpected beauty in this journey. It’s also about community, resilience, and learning to see strength in a path that looks different than what I once imagined. Highlights Include 00:00 – Why this episode is deeply personal 02:00 – Pregnancy, birth, and early milestones during the pandemic 04:30 – First signs of speech delay and comparing developmental milestones 06:30 – The emotional impact of early evaluations 07:30 – Starting early intervention: speech and occupational therapy 09:00 – Transition to specialized preschool and navigating the system 11:00 – The hidden challenges of parenting a child with special needs 12:30 – Communication barriers and emotional regulation as a parent 14:00 – The moment I realized how much I’ve been carrying 16:40 – Understanding gestalt language processing 19:30 – Getting an official autism diagnosis 21:00 – Advocating for my son within the school system 23:30 – A “guardian angel” moment that changed everything 27:00 – The role of faith in navigating this journey 29:00 – Finding community and learning from other moms 30:30 – Lessons autism has taught me about boundaries and perspective 31:00 – A real-life parenting moment at the barbershop 33:00 – Choosing celebration during Autism Awareness Month Links Mentioned in This Episode • Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 17) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	508: The Tax Mistakes Side Hustlers Make That Cost Them Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)	08 Apr 2026	00:34:11
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 out on key deductions and failing to stay organized throughout the year. We also unpack what actually makes taxes more complex as your business grows and how to stay ahead of it before tax season hits. This conversation is all about helping you feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control of your finances. Because the goal is not just to make money in your business but to keep more of it. Main Takeaways Lack of consistent tracking is the biggest mistake that leads to overpaying taxes Many solopreneurs miss deductions simply because they are unaware of what qualifies Staying organized year-round is the key to reducing stress and maximizing savings Highlights Include 00:00 – Introduction to tax season for solopreneurs 02:00 – Lisa’s journey into tax expertise and entrepreneurship 05:20 – LLC vs S corp: what you actually need to know 08:20 – When taxes start to feel complicated 09:30 – Why tracking income and expenses is critical 11:40 – Common deductions people miss 13:00 – Home office deduction explained 14:20 – Section 179 and equipment write-offs 15:10 – What you can’t deduct (clothes, hair, makeup) 16:40 – Business credit card interest deduction 17:20 – Employing your kids as a tax strategy 18:00 – SEP IRA and retirement savings for entrepreneurs 19:00 – Qualified Business Income deduction 20:10 – Key tax law updates and 1099-K changes 23:20 – How to stay organized with QuickBooks 25:40 – How TurboTax experts support business owners 27:10 – Lisa’s personal system for staying organized Links Mentioned in This Episode TurboTax: https://turbotax.com/business QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-greene-lewis-7721b815a Website: https://turbotax.com/business Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	507: The Hidden Cost of Waiting Until You're Ready	27 Mar 2026	00:28:46
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. But instead, I leaned into a powerful reminder: progress doesn’t require perfection. In this episode, I walk you through the mindset shifts that have helped me move through overwhelm, take action with limited time and energy, and stop letting the idea of “feeling ready” delay my goals. Because sometimes the real work isn’t the task itself, it’s learning how to show up before everything feels aligned. Main Takeaways Waiting for the perfect time will keep you stuck longer than just starting messy You have to work with the time and energy you actually have, not what you wish you had Naming what’s holding you back helps you move through it faster The real growth often comes from managing your mindset, not completing the task Highlights Include 00:00 – Why I recorded this episode despite not feeling ready 02:10 – How “unexpected” life moments keep disrupting plans 04:18 – Learning to work in chaos instead of waiting for order 05:30 – Lowering the bar to get started 06:10 – Work with the time you have, not the time you wish you had 08:00 – Managing your energy to show up at your best 10:15 – Why naming the problem helps you move forward 11:43 – Recognizing the season you’re in and adjusting expectations 14:00 – Are you truly blocked or just thrown off? 16:12 – How accountability helped me launch Side Hustle Pro 18:36 – Overcoming imposter syndrome in a career leap 21:22 – The hidden cost of needing to “have it all together” 23:21 – Why perfection delays your income and growth 26:24 – Maybe the real goal is mastering your mindset 29:19 – Adjusting expectations so you can move forward Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 10th) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	506: 5 Simple Ways to Get Paid for What You Already Know	20 Mar 2026	00:23:58
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 practical ways to turn your existing skills, experiences, and knowledge into income. Whether you are in between roles, exploring a side hustle, or just trying to make extra money right now, this episode is your reminder that there is value in what you already bring to the table. I also walk through a key mindset shift. You do not need to be the top expert. You just need to be a few steps ahead of the person you are helping. People are not just paying for information. They are paying for clarity, speed, guidance, and confidence. And that is where your opportunity lies. Main Takeaways You do not need new skills or certifications to start making money There are five core ways to monetize what you already know People pay for clarity, speed, and guidance, not just expertise Start with one path and keep it simple instead of trying everything Highlights Include 00:00 – The biggest misconception about making money 01:30 – Why you already have valuable, monetizable knowledge 02:00 – The 5 ways to make money with what you know 03:00 – The mindset shift you need before starting 04:00 – Service and coaching as the fastest path to income 06:00 – Done-for-you services and why people pay for convenience 08:00 – Creating simple digital products that sell 10:30 – Workshops and why people pay for real-time learning 13:00 – Why reminders are key when selling anything 15:00 – Using content to create opportunities and income 18:00 – How to use AI without losing your voice 21:00 – Why you should pick ONE path and start now Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	505: From YouTube Exec to Full-Time Creator: How Chanel Tyler Turned Content Creation Into 5-Figure Passive Income	13 Mar 2026	01:09:20
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 that generated over 80% of her income, everything changed when the company suddenly shut down. In this episode, Chanel opens up about what it really looks like to rebuild after losing the majority of your income overnight. She shares how she pivoted by diversifying her platforms, leaning deeper into affiliate marketing, launching new creator education programs, and embracing the vulnerability of sharing her personal story — including her journey with hearing loss. If you’ve ever worried about relying on a single income stream or wondered how creators actually make money online, Chanel breaks down the strategy behind building a sustainable creator business. In this episode, Chanel shares: How she built a creator business by combining corporate strategy, content creation, and affiliate marketing What happened when the platform responsible for 80% of her income shut down overnight and how she rebuilt Why diversification across platforms, income streams, and partnerships is essential for creators and entrepreneurs How affiliate marketing works and how creators can use performance data to negotiate higher-paying brand deals Highlights Include 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Chanel’s career path from investment banking to luxury beauty marketing 05:10 – Building an audience through skincare and product recommendations 09:00 – Landing a role at YouTube working with top creators 15:00 – Saving a year of income before leaving corporate 19:00 – The moment she lost 80% of her income overnight 24:30 – Why diversification is critical for creators and entrepreneurs 27:00 – Building content series that grow an audience 32:00 – Affiliate marketing vs. brand partnerships explained 37:00 – Sharing her journey with hearing loss and disability 40:00 – How statement earrings became part of her empowerment story 43:00 – Affiliate income strategies for creators Links Mentioned in This Episode • Substack: Sensible • Julia Broome • Check out the Networth and Chill Podcast;Creator Economy & Brand Deals with Victoria Paris • ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/home/creators • MagicLinks: https://www.magiclinks.com/creators • BrandCycle: https://brandcycle.com/ • LTK: https://company.shopltk.com/en/creator • Nordstrom Affiliate Program: https://www.nordstromcreators.com/ Check out Chanel’s Creator Profit Lab’s interest form & course registration Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram: @thecreatorprofitlab Instagram: @buymechanel Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	504: How to Go From Side Hustle to $1 Million \| My Coaching Session with Dielle Charon	06 Mar 2026	01:06:43
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 traditional jobs often undervalue your skills, how to identify the expertise you can monetize, and why the coaching industry continues to grow despite criticism. In this conversation, we also dive deep into the mindset shifts needed to move from six-figure income to seven-figure business growth, including overcoming people-pleasing, claiming your expertise, and stepping fully into your authority. If you’ve been thinking about turning your knowledge into income, starting a side hustle, or scaling your existing business, this episode will help you see what’s possible. Highlights Include 00:00 – Why Dielle realized her corporate career wasn’t the life she wanted 05:30 – Testing multiple side hustles before finding the right one 08:00 – How to identify skills you can monetize 12:00 – Why the coaching industry gets criticism and why it’s still growing 16:30 – The truth about selling and why everyone is already selling themselves 20:00 – Why your job isn’t amazing — you are 23:45 – Breaking the mindset barriers around charging for your expertise 25:50 – The biggest blocks women hit going from six figures to seven figures 31:00 – Visibility, people-pleasing, and identity shifts in business growth 36:00 – Why most successful businesses focus on beginners 41:00 – The simple seven-figure business model (and why it’s simpler than you think) 47:00 – Improving messaging and positioning for entrepreneurs Links Mentioned in This Episode https://forthe23percent.com/ Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 13) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class:: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here: Social Media Instagram: @forthe23percent Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	503: She Got Laid Off…Then Built a YouTube Income to Pay Her Bills	27 Feb 2026	00:56:35
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 assistant work, and strategic financial decisions like bringing on a roommate. If you’ve been navigating uncertainty, considering content creation, or wondering how to turn a setback into leverage, this episode will show you how. Highlights Include 00:00 – Recording the layoff conversation that changed everything 04:30 – Growing from 10K to 60K+ subscribers in one year 08:20 – Making $5,900 in one month from YouTube ad revenue 13:00 – Cutting expenses and surviving without touching savings 18:10 – Turning skills into income: photography, digital products, VA work 24:00 – Why personal finance has one of the highest CPMs on YouTube 29:00 – Replacing a corporate salary through content creation 35:00 – The reality of working 7 days a week as a full-time creator 38:00 – Getting a roommate as a financial reset strategy 43:00 – Navigating job offers after deciding to go all-in Links Mentioned in This Episode Life and Numbers YouTube Channel Read Successful Failure by KevOnStage Watch Symone's YouTube video "I Got Laid Off From My 6 Figure Tech Job" Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 13) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/ Social Media YouTube: Life and Numbers: https://www.youtube.com/lifeandnumbers Instagram: @lifeandnumbers: http://instagram.com/lifeandnumbers Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	502: My 12-Week Reset: Health, Money & Business	21 Feb 2026	00:30:57
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 corporate and my foundation for long-term leverage. Highlights Include 00:00: Why I use 12-week sprints 02:15: Rebuilding my health after six years 06:30: Accountability and investing in myself 14:00: Emotional spending and financial clarity 18:45: Auditing my business finances 21:30: Updating Podcast Moguls 25:00: Managing mindset during execution 28:00: Why my podcast became my bridge out of corporate 31:00: Building leverage and long-term positioning Links Mentioned in This Episode Podcast Moguls: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here: Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	501: Laid Off: Now What? 5 Ways to Generate Income While You’re Unemployed	13 Feb 2026	00:21:27
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 content creation as a visibility tool 07:20 – Turning alumni and professional networks into income 09:10 – Short-term projects using skills you already have 13:10 – Becoming a LifeOps consultant 16:50 – Short-term rental support as seasonal leverage 19:30 – Creating a premium career support retreat experience 21:40 – Why you should always keep side hustling 23:30 – How my unemployment season planted the seed for Side Hustle Pro Links Mentioned in This Episode Podcast Moguls: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan, attend my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	500: I've Recorded 500 Podcast Episodes: Here's What I've Learned	06 Feb 2026	00:26:41
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 owner, and why playing the long game has paid off in ways I never could have planned. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, growing a side hustle, or building something meaningful over time, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to rush, you just have to keep going. Highlights Include 00:00 – Welcome to the 500th episode of Side Hustle Pro 02:10 – Starting with what I had and recording from home 04:30 – Why trying to predict the end can stop you from starting 06:45 – Why the podcast was never the point, the platform was 09:30 – How podcasting transformed my network 12:50 – Keeping costs low and thinking like a business owner 16:30 – The power of consistency and playing the long game 18:45 – How podcasting improved my confidence as a speaker 21:00 – Giving myself grace through different seasons of life 24:45 – Final lessons I’d tell my earlier self Links Mentioned in This Episode Podcast Moguls Group Coaching Program: https://sidehustlepro.co/podcastmoguls Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/ Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	499: How to Make Your First $1K Side Hustling	29 Jan 2026	00:33:20
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 planning, tweaking, or doubting yourself, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum. In This Episode, I Share: Why the first $1,000 changes everything mentally and strategically How to choose a simple offer you can confidently deliver right now How to identify who your offer is really for and why frustration matters Why clarity, consistency, and conversations matter more than perfection Highlights Include: 00:00 – Why you don’t need a million dollars to change your life — you need your first $1,000 01:35 – How your mindset shifts after you make your first $1K and why proof matters more than theory 02:31 – What actually counts as an offer and why your first one should be useful, not fancy 03:52 – Why starting with what you’re already confident in is the fastest way to get paid 05:16 – How to decide who your offer is really for and why specificity matters 07:27 – The difference between a painkiller and a vitamin offer (and why frustration drives sales) 08:55 – How to package your offer simply without a website, logo, or brand 11:22 – Why offering your service is the most important step people delay 12:48 – How confidence and customer focus directly impact whether you make your first $1K 14:04 – Why you don’t need a massive audience — just real conversations and feedback 15:37 – How to use feedback as information instead of taking it personally 17:47 – Why overbuilding and “perfecting” keeps side hustlers stuck 19:21 – Breaking down the math behind $1,000 so it feels achievable 20:45 – Why fewer clients at a higher price can reduce burnout 21:34 – Why most people earn their first $1K from conversations, not content 22:19 – How I made my first $1,000 and what actually worked 26:03 – When to start building your email list and why simple free resources convert better 28:54 – How to use a 12-week sprint to stay focused on your first $1K 29:38 – What to do when your first offer feels slow or doesn’t land immediately 31:08 – What changes after you hit your first $1,000 — and the mistake to avoid next 31:49 – Final action steps to start building your first $1K offer Links Mentioned in This Episode Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	498: How to Start a Side Hustle Without Quitting Your Job	22 Jan 2026	00:22:38
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” situation for side hustling. What matters is how you build, not whether you quit your job first. I’m walking you through my five rules for side hustling the Side Hustle Pro way, plus a bonus rule to help you decide when you’re actually ready to leave your job on purpose, with a plan, and on your own terms. If you’ve been feeling the pull to build something but don’t want to move out of panic or pressure, this episode will help you build quietly, strategically, and stress-free. In This Episode, I Share: Why keeping your job can actually give you leverage and clarity as you build The mindset shift that turns your paycheck into startup capital How to choose a side hustle that fits your real life, energy, and capacity How to decide in advance what “ready to leave” really looks like backed by numbers and a plan Highlights Include 00:00 Introduction to Side Hustling 01:00 The Importance of Stability 02:24 Five Rules for Side Hustle Success 04:39 Rule 1: Keep Your Day Job 06:26 Rule 2: Choose a Suitable Side Hustle 08:53 Rule 3: Set Non-Negotiable Time Boundaries 12:37 Rule 4: Build Basic First 17:11 Rule 5: Protect Your Job While You Build 20:48 Bonus Rule: Decide What 'Ready to Leave' Means 24:01 Conclusion and Next Steps Links Mentioned in This Episode Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Goal Getter Action Plan: https://side-hustle-pro.teachable.com/p/goal-getter-action-plan Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	497: 7 Side Hustles That Can Make Real Money	15 Jan 2026	00:27:43
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 follow before choosing a side hustle: don’t try everything at once, and focus on solving real problems Seven proven, service-based side hustle ideas — from home operations and career pivots to podcast booking and fractional COO work How to move from idea to action by getting your first client through simple, focused next steps Highlights Include 00:00 Why your side hustle should be treated as leverage, not a hobby 02:10 The two rules to follow before choosing a side hustle 04:30 How to stop collecting ideas and start building a real business 06:30 Side Hustle #1: The local “fix-it” project manager (home ops manager) 10:15 Side Hustle #2: Career Pivot Studio for job seekers and career switchers 14:45 Side Hustle #3: Podcast guest booking agency for founders and experts 18:50 Side Hustle #4: Compliance, privacy, and admin cleanup for small businesses 22:30 Side Hustle #5: Elder care concierge for busy adult children 26:30 Side Hustle #6: Micro-business events producer for pop-ups and workshops 30:00 Side Hustle #7: Fractional COO and operations command center builder 35:20 How to pick one side hustle and take action this week 38:10 Simple next steps to land your first client Links Mentioned in This Episode Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	496: The 12-Week Sprint Approach That Changed My Side Hustle Results	09 Jan 2026	00:21:55
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 of an idealized version of it. If you have ever started the year motivated only to feel your goals quietly drift away by February, this episode gives you a simple and realistic framework you can start using right now. In This Episode, I Share: Why yearly goal setting gives side hustlers too much room to procrastinate and how 12 week sprints create clarity and momentum How I choose just three goals per sprint with one clear focus per month The simple way I break monthly goals into realistic weekly tasks that actually get done Why daily five minute reviews and one weekly self accountability day keep my goals from drifting The recalculation rule that helps me keep going when life gets messy without guilt or quitting Highlights Include 00:00 Why annual goals do not work for busy side hustlers 02:50 How 12 week sprints eliminate procrastination 05:55 The rule of only three goals with one focus per month 10:20 Why writing my goals down is non negotiable 12:40 How I break goals into simple weekly tasks 14:45 The recalculation rule that keeps me moving forward 17:00 Choosing a weekly self accountability day 21:00 Your 12 week sprint challenge Links Mentioned in This Episode Goalgetter Action Plan: https://sidehustlepro.co/goalgetter Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	495: Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling	31 Dec 2025	00:51:24
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 I share: My journey to reclaiming my power in spaces where Black women aren’t usually empowered- and why I’m constantly reminding myself that I’m that girl Steps to take to combat the fear and negative self-talk that often creep in What feeds my soul and the lessons I’m learning every day- even as a seasoned entrepreneur Insights from my Podcast Moguls course and how I’ve seen Brittany grow after being a student Highlights Include: 00:00 Intro 03:30 From corporate to entrepreneur 09:55 The importance of having a side hustle 11:45 Overcoming biases 17:30 How to show up as a working mom 22:00 Getting your mojo back 27:15 Overcoming the limitations of the patriarchy 37:04 Tips to feed your soul 41:15 Beating fear and imposter syndrome Check out episode 495 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Brittany’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britthappenshq/ To Tell You The Truth Pod: https://www.instagram.com/totellyouthetruthpod/ Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ How To Make Money Podcasting Course: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/ Management Leadership For Tomorrow: https://mlt.org/ Mel Robbins Podcast, Let Go of Negative Thoughts: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-198 Jen Sincero’s Book: https://jensincero.com/ Walk Through Fire: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Through-Fire-Memoir-Triumph-ebook/dp/B0BXM51HXN Get Good With Money: https://getgoodwithmoney.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	494: Owning Manhattan’s Tricia Lee: From Beauty Mogul to Real Estate Titan	24 Dec 2025	01:17:05
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 become a household name in real estate and media. In this episode, Tricia shares: How she successfully managed the pivot from beauty to real estate and television Why she makes it a point to share her journey while also marketing her business How content creation has helped her close real estate deals How she has stayed true to herself and blocked out opinions, jobs, and people who don’t align with her goals And so much more! Highlights Include: 00:00 Intro 03:14 Discovering identity 13:00 Navigating real estate 16:50 Polish Bar success 23:08 Transferring skills from previous industries 34:19 Navigating real estate and running a business 40:48 Building confidence through successful selling 50:00 Personal branding through authenticity 1:00:00 Power of partnership 1:11:00 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 494 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Tricia’s Website: https://serhant.com/agents/tricia-lee-riley Tricia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovetricialee/?hl=en Team Tricia Lee: https://serhant.com/agents/tricia-lee-riley Bed-Stuy Restoration: https://www.restorationplaza.org/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	493: How To Make Content For Your Business In Less Than 1 Hour A Week	19 Dec 2025	00:22:23
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, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Free Side Hustle Guide: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/startyourhustle/ Register for my next FREE Podcast Masterclass: https://www.podcastmoguls.com/ Favorite Ring Light: https://amzn.to/3KaMiGN Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Content Tools Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-37ba1da3/list/WQ7ES8GSRRBH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfinfluencer-37ba1da3_P22F9MBGA63FZKWR7V1W Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	492: Rebuilding My Business After Burnout	11 Dec 2025	00:17:22
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 wife, and a founder trying to get her mojo back. This chapter isn’t about going back to who I was. It’s about becoming someone who doesn’t abandon herself on the way to her goals. If you're feeling depleted, questioning your confidence, or trying to rebuild your business after a hard season, this one’s for you. ✨ Watch this whenever you need a reminder that you can rebuild without rushing yourself. RESOURCES MENTIONED ► Join my newsletter for behind-the-scenes support as you rebuild your business: https://sidehustlepro.co/newsletter ► Register for my next free Podcast Moguls training on how to start the podcast that builds your exit plan: https://podcastmoguls.com CONNECT WITH ME Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro Podcast: Side Hustle Pro Business inquiries: hi@sidehustlepro.co CHAPTERS 00:00 Realizing burnout 01:20 When exhaustion becomes normal 03:05 The power of rest 04:40 Relearning prioritization 06:30 Time boundaries and rebuilding my schedule 09:30 Money, fear, and shrinking my confidence 12:40 Self-care and putting myself back in the budget 15:00 What rebuilding actually looks like 17:00 Your next step Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	491: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5	04 Dec 2025	00:34:50
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 your marketing so clients find and trust you. Take it from someone who has built an entire brand on side hustling! In this episode I share: Nine unique and and high-profit side hustles that can fully replace your 9-5 The side hustles former guests of Side Hustle Pro have had major success with Why closing the gap between your ideas and actually starting is the key to your business Highlights include: 01:45 Cleaning services 06:22 Faceless podcast 07:57 Virtual assistant 12:16 Social media marketing 15:25 Short-form video editor 21:15 Podcast/YouTube channel manager 22:30 AI integration specialist 26:34 Corporate training and coaching 29:40 Done-for-you service provider 32:30 Why you should start now Check out episode 491 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Schedule a clarity call with Nicaila: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ8wQegpaMW8YR72ZgrS0b Jhanilka’s Cleaning Business Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuN8j7YEDFg Kimberly’s Corporate Training Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A672riddr1E Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: https://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	490: She Left Corporate and Built a 7-Figure Business	26 Nov 2025	00:54:33
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, inclusion, and workforce wellness programs. What makes her work different is how she blends corporate strategy, healing, and public speaking to help organizations and people thrive without burnout. In this episode, Lakila opens up about the moment she walked away from the “known,” how she rebuilt her identity outside of corporate titles, and how speaking became a major accelerator in her business growth. She also breaks down the inner and outer transformation required to grow with your purpose, honor your well-being, and lead from a place of wholeness. In This Episode, Dr. Lakila Shares: The pivotal moment she knew she had to leave corporate America How she and her sister built ISee Technologies into a 7-figure consulting firm Why public speaking became a core revenue driver in her business How personal healing shaped her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship Her framework for helping organizations and individuals thrive without burning out Highlights Include 00:00: Intro 02:10: Starting IC Technologies with her sister Camille 04:30: Becoming a speaker and author and how speaking scaled her impact 08:20: Building a disability-led, wellness-centered company 12:00: How corporate strategy + personal healing became her business superpower 16:15: The growth that came after walking away from the “known” 20:45: Helping organizations cultivate inclusion and sustainable wellness 26:30: Advice for anyone ready to pivot from corporate into purpose Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t?si=8daf52a57e054042 Links Mentioned in This Episode ISee Technologies: https://www.iseetechinc.com/ Achieve Work Life Alignment by Dr. Lakila Bowden http://www.lakilabowden.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Guest Social Media Info Lakila's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakilaj/ ISee Technologies Website: https://www.iseetechinc.com/ Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	489: How to Start a Side Hustle with AI (feat. Nadeen Matthews Blair)	19 Nov 2025	00:58:25
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 family. So she did what so many high-achieving women fear doing: she stepped back, listened to the whisper, and chose a new path. That path led her to Crescent Advisory Group, where she now teaches professionals, creatives, and new entrepreneurs how to use AI with confidence. What’s wild is that she built the entire business using just four beginner-friendly AI tools and today, she’s breaking them all down for you. Whether you’re in a pivot, launching a side hustle, or trying to understand where AI fits into your next chapter, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a simple starting point. In This Episode, Nadeen Shares: How she pivoted from a demanding corporate career into full-time entrepreneurship Why early consulting and workshop opportunities found her before she officially launched How AI tools like Perplexity, Gamma, Looka, and Namelix helped her build her brand, website, and business foundation fast Why AI is the most powerful leverage tool for side hustlers in 2025 How redefining success around flexibility, family, and purpose shaped her new chapter What she’s teaching thousands of people in her beginner-friendly AI webinars If you’ve been feeling the pull to pivot or you’re curious about how to use AI without feeling overwhelmed, this is your episode. Watch Episode 489 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps. Links mentioned in this episode Crescent Advisory Group: http://crescentadvisorygroup.com ChatGPT Perplexity NameLix Gamma Lovable MIT AI Courses Alicia Little’s AI Innovation Program Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Nadeen Matthews Blair IG: https://www.instagram.com/nadeenmatthewsblair/ Nadeen Matthews Blair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadeenmatthews/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	488: The Power in the Pivot: How Keewa Nurullah Is Rebuilding After Closing Her Dream Business	12 Nov 2025	00:52:12
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 her brick-and-mortar store and start over. In this episode, Keewa opens up about what it truly looks like to evolve as an entrepreneur, navigating economic shifts, changing customer behavior, and the emotional side of letting go of something you built from the ground up. Today she’s channeling those lessons into her work as a strategist and host of Circulate, a monthly community event that “love-bombs” local shops with intentional support and helps other founders build thriving, purpose-driven businesses on their own terms. In this episode, she shares: The courage to walk away from a business What retail taught her about leadership, money, and boundaries The realities of pivoting after success How she’s creating new pathways for community-minded entrepreneurs Highlights Include 00:00 Intro 03:10 Launching Kido and building community through culture 08:45 Getting national recognition (including Barack Obama’s shout-out) 13:20 The moment she knew it was time to close her storefront 17:15 Navigating shifting customer habits post-pandemic 22:40 Starting over as a strategist and redefining success 27:00 Creating Circulate and supporting small businesses 33:15 Lessons on resilience, rest, and rediscovering your "why" 40:00 Advice for entrepreneurs in transition Watch episode 488 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps Links mentioned in this episode Keewa Nurullah Instagram:@kiwimercury Keewa’s website: https://www.keewanurullah.com/ Side Hustle Pro: https://sidehustlepro.co Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Instagram: @kiwimercury Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	487: Mindset Hacks For Every Business Owner	05 Nov 2025	00:27:27
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?’ it all comes back to how you think and how you show up for yourself. In this episode I share: The mindset hacks I use, like reframing limiting beliefs, to conquer my goals How to break down your goals into actionable steps to avoid overwhelm My experience with imposter syndrome and how I continuously overcome it Highlights include: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Battling imposter syndrome 04:14 Breaking free from overthinking 08:05 Confidence is key 14:05 Master Instagram Challenge 17:50 Building mental resilience 21:28 Actionable steps to a mindset change Check out episode 487 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Side Hustle Pro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SideHustlePro Side Hustle Pro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ SHP Done Is Better Than Perfect Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naMuG3Abzmo SHP Denise Woodard Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjQqNBd8-xA Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: https://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	486: How to Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job	29 Oct 2025	00:26:04
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 think I had zero free hours, but as soon as I did a reality check, I found pockets of time I could reclaim. Here’s how you can do the same. In this episode I share about: The time you’re losing and how to identify your top time wasters The 3-Step Hustler’s Time Plan: how to maximize your time How to build a system and schedule that work for you Highlights include: 00:00 Intro 01:45 Identify your biggest time traps 06:42 Reclaim your time 12:35 Power hour: get more done in less time 16:15 Leverage your days off 18:30 Protect your side hustle hours 21:20 Choose a schedule that fits your life 23:40 Final thoughts and recap Check out episode 486 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Nicaila’s Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome Brown Ambition Podcast: https://brownambitionpodcast.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: https://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	485: How to Turn Your Skills Into a Side Hustle	24 Oct 2025	00:22:39
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 How to validate your offers quickly and start getting paid sooner Highlights include: 00:00 Intro 02:00 Three key steps 05:30 Monetizable skills 09:30 How to get paid sooner, not later 15:00 Actionable homework Check out episode 485 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Portia Obeng SHP episode: https://youtu.be/4qkgObsQ7pA?si=BySviTQaeTqgVa01 Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome FREE Survey Template: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/side-hustle-survey/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: https://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
	484: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots	16 Oct 2025	00:42:21
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 paid off. In this episode she shares: How prioritizing steady income through podcasting, owning a travel company, and more gives her freedom to enjoy life outside of working The enormous impact traveling the world has had on her work, leading her to author three books on travel How she stayed resilient through personal challenges and self-doubt Highlights Include: 00:00 Intro 03:36 Breaking into the book industry 08:20 Streams of steady income 13:45 Building a personal brand and podcast 24:08 Traveling the world 27:00 The ups and downs of finances in freelancing 36:15 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 484 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Demetria’s Website: https://www.demetriallucas.com/ Demetria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetriallucas Demetria’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demetriallucas Ratchet and Respectable Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ratchet-respectable/id1449001372 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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