Side Hustle Pro: Women Entrepreneurs | Black Women Business Owners | Solopreneurs

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the first three moves I’d make if I were starting a side hustle today and it’s not what you think.Over the years, I’ve seen so many new side hustlers get caught up in the wrong things (logos, websites, Instagram aesthetic), and miss the real work that actually builds momentum and income. So I’m breaking down what I’d focus on right now if I had to start all over again.These are the same foundational steps that helped me build Side Hustle Pro from an idea into a full-fledged business, and they’re the same ones I teach my clients today.In this episode, I share:The number one mistake new side hustlers make (and how to avoid it)How to get laser-focused on the problem you solve and who you serveWhy validation calls will change the way you approach your businessThe difference between a website and a funnel (and why the latter matters more)How I started selling a $50 course before I ever built a websiteHighlights Include00:00 Intro02:10 Getting clear on the problem you solve06:00 Fi

Being out of work can feel scary, the bills don’t stop, and self-doubt creeps in. But here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of your expansion. Today, I’m sharing seven side hustles you can start right now to rebuild your confidence, earn income, and remind yourself that you have options.Each of these hustles has the potential to bring in quick cash this month or grow into a long-term business. Momentum builds confidence, and confidence builds opportunity. In this episode I share:Seven side hustles you can start right now if you’re unemployed or need extra cash—from digital products to service-based opportunities.How to use your existing skills and everyday tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and social platforms to quickly generate income.Why momentum matters more than perfection, and how even a small win can rebuild your confidence.The importance of direct outreach—emails, texts, and personal asks—when you need to make money fast, instead of relying solely on so

For a long time, I believed pivoting meant I had failed. But now, I’ve learned that pivoting is actually proof that you’re still growing, still expanding, and still in motion.In this episode, I open up about why I recently applied for a job, how it connects to everything I’ve built with Side Hustle Pro, and the lessons I’m learning in this new season.In this episode, I share:Why pivoting is feedback, not failureHow every pivot stacks and nothing is wastedThe dangers of comparison and how to release shameWhy pivots prepare you for your next expansion seasonHighlights include: 00:00 Intro 02:20 What pivoting really means 07:05 Why I applied for a new role 11:45 Lessons from past pivots that shaped Side Hustle Pro 16:20 How comparison creates false shame 20:59 Why pivots keep you in motion 25:00 The role of podcasting in creating new opportunities 28:00 Closing thoughts + live class inviteWatch episode 481 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeRegister for my free class: https:/

In this solo Expansion Era episode, I’m opening up about a turning point in my journey: when I realized my life was running me, not the other way around. I share the step I took to shift that dynamic and the five powerful lessons that continue to guide me today. From building discipline like a muscle, to falling in love with the process, to tracking effort over outcomes, these lessons are helping me reclaim balance, confidence, and control. I’m still in the process myself, but I know these insights can help you start running your life, too.In this episode I share:Why focusing on the muscle you’re building matters more than the resultHow to fall in love with the process and romanticize the mundaneThe importance of tracking the process, not just the outcomesHow to recognize and adjust for your shortcomingsWhy letting go of rigid expectations opens the door to more winsHighlights include:00:00 Intro02:26 Lesson 1: Focus on the muscle, not the results07:12 Lesson 2: Fall in love with the process11:24 Lesson 3: Tr

This week, I’m back in the Expansion Era to go deeper into how to slow down without quitting, especially when business (or life) feels heavy. I’m sharing my own experiences navigating tough seasons in entrepreneurship, what it means to identify and pull your levers, and how I stabilize myself before getting back into action. From sponsorship slowdowns to shifting income streams, I walk you through the real strategies I use to find balance and keep moving forward.In this episode, I share:Why slowing down is not failure and how to recognize the season you’re inWhat it means to identify and pull your three key levers for incomeHow I use AI tools to simplify the job search when neededThe importance of pausing before making big decisionsWhy your revenue is flexible, but your identity is notHighlights Include:00:00 Intro02:00 When business slows down and how to stabilize05:00 Understanding and defining your three levers08:00 Tabitha Brown’s advice on getting a job as a lever12:00 How AI can help tailor resumes and

This week in the guest chair is… me! I’m kicking off a new season with a solo episode to share what I’m calling my Expansion Era.In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, I open up about how I lost my mojo, what I’ve been navigating as a mom and entrepreneur, and the steps I’m taking to rebuild my confidence, health, and business.In this episode I share:The reality of postpartum depression, business setbacks, and navigating motherhood while running a businessHow I’m redefining success and detaching my worth from incomeThe investments I made in fitness coaching, business coaching, and therapy to get back on trackWhy consistency and community matter more than ever in this seasonThe shifts I’ve made in 2025 to prioritize my health, creativity, and confidenceHighlights Include:00:00 Intro03:00 Why I’m calling this the Expansion Era10:00 Navigating motherhood and identity shifts20:00 Business setbacks and financial uncertainty30:00 Hiring a fitness coach and rebuilding my health40:00 Getting back into busine

This week I sat down with Codie Elaine Oliver, the CEO and Co-founder of Black Love, Inc. The 100% Black owned media company, founded by Codie Elaine Oliver and husband Tommy Oliver, is a hub for Black couples and singles to have transparent conversations around relationships, parenthood, dating, and more through their app, podcast network, documentaries, and live events. We get the inside scoop on how Codie built her show from the ground up and grew into a multimedia empire. In this episode she shares: How she and her husband Tommy Oliver self funded Black Love, Inc.The strategic moves she made to pitch Black Love to a network while maintaining ownershipThe systems she has in place to manage a thriving career while being a mom of threeCheck out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episodeBlack Love Website: https://blacklove.com/Own Network: https://www.oprah.com/app/own-tv.htmlBlack Love-The Interviews Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/p

This week in the guest chair we have Germanee Gerald, founder of GG&Co Styling Firm, a brand and image styling company. Getting her start in the fashion corporate world, Germanee realized she thrived in offering her talents as a personal stylist and started side hustling. In this episode she shares:How she went from living with family and driving DoorDash to make end’s meet to hiring a team for her styling firmHow to leverage opportunities like internships and a personal brand for business growthHow diversifying her services, hiring a team, and seasonal planning led to scaling her business Highlights include:00:00 Introduction4:08 From biochem to fashion6:22 The world of corporate fashion 11:35 Transitioning into personal styling17:49 Strategizing finances to go full time 22:36 Nomad life and gigs to meet ends meet29:14 Working with a celebrity stylist36:58 Launching GG Styling Firm39:53 Maximizing cash flow42:34 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 476 of Side Hustle Pro podcast ou

This week I’m back with a solo episode where I’m giving you the tools to make money with your podcast. When I became a full-time podcaster in 2017, I focused on my revenue streams like brand partnerships, sponsorships, courses, and VIP programs, leading to having over 10 million episode downloads to date. I’m here to help you get your podcast to that same level. In this episode I’m sharing:Effective Marketing: How you’re going to optimize content planning and to get people to consistently see what you are offering Thinking Outside the Box: Exploring non-traditional sponsorships and multi-channel packages like retreats to generate revenue beyond just downloadsCreating Value: How to produce content and services that your audience genuinely wants to pay forHighlights Include:02:49 The Importance of Podcast Setup05:15 Narrowing Down Your Podcast Topics09:50 Understanding and Serving Your Audience14:33 Creating a Content Plan16:39 Effective Marketing Strategies19:00 Consistent Marketing Practices21:24 Th

This week in the guest chair we have Kareem Edwards, one of the very first men to grace the Side Hustle Pro guest chair! Hailing from Far Rockaway, Queens, Kareem got his start in major corporate roles at Lehman Brothers, Kraft Heinz, and Google—all while dreaming of owning a business. Kareem decided to pursue franchising and balanced a 9-to-5 at Google while working nights at a Chick-fil-A to master the day-to-day operations.In this episode she shares:The importance of community impact, creating an empowering work culture, and leading with empathyKey lessons on staffing, building trust, and innovating with different revenue channelsThe art of balancing grit and grace when trying to grow your businessHighlights include: 00:00 Intro03:00 Early career in finance09:00 Discovering Chik-Fil-a franchising 17:00 Choosing the right location25:00 Opening during a pandemic34:00 Staffing strategies43:00 Leaving a steady paycheck46:00 Expanding sales methods52:00 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 474 of S

This week in the guest chair we have Melyssa Ford, media personality, actress, and advocate known for her dynamic presence in entertainment. With a career spanning television, film, and radio, she has captivated audiences as a host on the Joe Budden podcast and various TV appearances.As a seasoned veteran in media and entertainment, Melyssa mastered the art of pivoting and identifying viable opportunities to launch into new and exciting spaces.In this episode she shares:Her new podcast Hot and Bothered that fosters meaningful conversations about women’s wellness, intimacy, and health Overcoming depression, negative self-talk, and finding grace through personal healingThe many benefits to pivoting several times in her careerHighlights include:00:00 Intro02:00 Building a film/TV personality 06:00 Being an undocumented immigrant14:00 Creating her own path19:00 Battling mental health issues27:00 Navigating perimenopause40:00 The podcasting landscape47:00 Living with a brain injury1:00:00 Tips for e

This week in the guest chair we have Quianne Perrin Savoy and Sonja Smith, founders of The Merch Studio. They provide businesses and entrepreneurs with unique and completely customizable merchandise. In this episode they share:How their creative backgrounds set the foundation for starting their own businessHow they expanded from small business to having corporate clients The processes they use to ensure high quality and timely customer service Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeMoore & Moore Merch Website: themerchstudio.comMoore & Moore Merch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themerchstudio/ Moore & Moore Merch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themerchstudio The Momference: https://themomference.com/ Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf you’re looking f

Abena Boamah-Acheampong is the founder + CEO of Hanahana Beauty, a consciously clean skin care, beauty + wellness brand. As a former 7th grade math teacher and therapist, Abena launched her brand with humanity and intention in mind. Now being sold in stores like Ulta, Hanahana Beauty is quickly on its way to becoming a household name.In this episode Abena shares:How she was able to pay the Ghanaian women who produce the raw materials twice their asking priceThe skills she learned from being a teacher and therapist that she uses now as a full time entrepreneurHow she’s scaled the brand while staying true to her core valuesWatch episode 471 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeHanahana Beauty’s Website: https://ww.hanahanabeauty.comHanahana Beauty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanahana_beauty/?hl=enAbena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanieboamah/?hl=enA16z START Grant: https://a16z.com/programs-a16z-start/Hello Alice Grants: https://helloalice.com/Shopify Lo

This week in the guest chair we have ​Kimberly Waters, founder of Modern Urban Sensory Experiences, or MUSE​, a luxury boutique fragrance house based in Harlem, NY. When Kimberly realized her role in corporate America was not providing her room to grow into her potential, she launched MUSE out of the parlor floor of a friend’s brownstone on Convent Ave in Harlem and has been growing ever since.​In this episode Kimberly shares:Why tapping into her community of mentors and entrepreneurs was the right direction How she has self-funded her business since 2017 with no outside capital How she has partnered with hard-to-find global brands, become a sought-after destination for emerging brandsHighlights Include: 00:00 Intro05:50 Challenges in corporate America9:00 Small-scale beginnings22:46 Self-financing her side hustle 28:03 The unique customer experience 35:26 Revenue streams39:18 Target audience and marketing 51:13 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 470 of Side Hustle Pro

This week in the guest chair we have Amy Anaiz, a celebrated photographer turned product founder and the creator of OZAIZ, a sustainable home goods and fragrance brand. After building a successful wedding and portrait photography business for over a decade, Amy made a powerful pivot—launching a line of sculptural, multi-use glassware inspired by beauty, intention, and function.In this episode, Amy opens up about her transition from side hustler to full-time creative, and how becoming a mother—while navigating unimaginable grief—reshaped her purpose and path. She shares the behind-the-scenes of building OZAIZ, from manufacturing and funding the business herself, to designing for sustainability and meaning.*Trigger Warning:This episode includes discussions of infant loss and stillbirth.  In this episode she shares:How she prepared financially to leave her 9-to-5 and pursue photography full-timeThe story behind her product brand OZAIZ and why it took years to bring to lifeHow grief, motherhood, and pur

This week in the guest chair we have Naseema McElroy, author and the founder of Financially Intentional, a platform about personal finance and living life intentionally. Starting with just under one million dollars in debt, Naseema taught herself financial literacy, paid off her debt, and started side hustling as a consultant teaching others to do the same. In this episode she shares:How she created an intentional budget that didn’t leave her in a place of lackWhy she believes everyone can take control of their finances, and how to actually do itThe different income streams and resources she uses to stay financially free, and much more!Highlights include:00:00 – Intro 01:15 – Becoming a nurse after working in healthcare administration 06:00 – What made her realize she was “broke” despite earning $200K+ 09:30 – Creating a zero-based budget to pay off $4K–$9K/month in debt 11:00 – What made up nearly $1M in total debt 14:00 – Launching Financially Intentional on Instagram 17:30 – Why she still loves nursin

This week in the guest chair, I’m joined by Tisha Thompson, the founder and CEO of LYS Beauty, the first Black-owned clean cosmetics brand to be carried at Sephora. Tisha shares her inspiring path from staff accountant and part-time makeup artist to leading her own beauty brand that launched during the pandemic and quickly sold out in 10 days. In this episode, Tisha breaks down how she strategically pivoted from finance to beauty marketing, cold-pitched Sephora with a bold email (before she even launched!), and developed products that center clean ingredients and inclusivity. Her brand LYS, short for Love Yourself, is not only disrupting the beauty space with triangle packaging and affirmational product names—but it’s also remained profitable every year since launch.In this episode she shares:How she got her foot in the beauty industry using her finance backgroundWhy she took a demotion to pivot industriesHow personal loss and purpose led her to finally launch LYS BeautyWhat made Sephora say "yes" to a b

This week in the guest chair, we’re spotlighting Marina Batliwalla, financial professional and host of the Banking on Girls podcast. Born in India, raised in Australia, and now based in LA, Marina joined Podcast Moguls to launch a show centered around financial literacy for women and girls—and she’s done just that, all while working full-time.Marina shares how she overcame mindset hurdles to get started, leveraged her platform to speak at the United Nations, and is now piloting financial education workshops for mothers and daughters.In this episode, she shares:How she found her voice and confidence through Podcast MogulsWhy financial literacy needs to start before the age of 7The early media skills she brought from her radio days in SydneyHow her show opened doors to speak at global institutionsWhy she’s now looking at B2B opportunities for her educational workshopsHighlights Include:00:00 Intro02:25 From actuary to advocate: Marina’s global journey05:20 How a Girl Scout badge sparked her podcast vision12:30

This week in the guest chair we have Marty McDonald, founder of Elle Olivia & Boss Women Media. Her background in corporate laid the foundation to launching Boss Women Media, the offline/online women’s empowerment community. After a challenging experience with giving birth to her first child, Marty translated that same idea of empowerment to launch Elle Olivia, a lifestyle brand for young Black and Brown girls.In this episode she shares:How she landed her brand Elle Olivia in over 400 Target locations nationwide within the first year of launchingHow she strategically re-invested revenue from side hustling into her businesses How she oversees a multi-city Black Girl Magic Tour, the annual Boss Woman of the Year Summit, and serves a loyal community of more than 100,000 womenHighlights Include:00:00 Intro02:38 Navigating corporate America 11:30 Pitching to Sugarfina14:32 Launching Boss Women Media16:52 Monetizing the business & impactful collaboration27:43 Staying nimble and pivoting at the rig

This week in the guest chair, we have Monique R. Shields, executive coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Claimed, a program dedicated to helping high-achieving Black mothers unlock their next chapter. In this episode, Monique shares her inspiring journey from corporate to coaching and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses the power of releasing limiting beliefs, why investing in yourself is key to growth, and how motherhood led to her decision to take ownership of her time and career.In this episode she shares:The importance of creating space for Black women, especially mothers, to thrive and build without compromising themselvesThe mindset shifts needed to elevate your business and life to the next levelHow transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship gave her the freedom she neededHighlights include:00:00 Intro05:00 The importance of relationships in early career transitions07:30 Background in publishing and banking 12:00 Transition into executive coaching & the influence of mot