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Side Hustle Pro
444: Five Steps to Finally Launch Your Side Hustle
We’re kicking off this new year by welcoming new and returning listeners to Side Hustle Pro with a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to pursue a side hustle. Inspired by an email from a listener, I was reminded that my focus on Black women entrepreneurs still resonates with a wide audience, proving that clarity in your target listener doesn’t exclude anyone else who might benefit.
In this episode I share the five areas of focus for starting or growing your business in 2025:
- Get clear on your main priority
- Choose a channel to showcase your expertise
- Organize your content (you likely have more than you realize!)
- Trust yourself to figure things out, even when you get stuck
- Invest in education and resources that level up you and your business
Highlights include:
00:00 Intro
03:00 Uplifting women entrepreneurs
05:00 Setting goals for the year
10:30 Five areas of focus for 2025
18:00 The power of sharing your journey
23:00 Overcoming content overwhelm
29:00 Trusting yourself and investing in growth
35:00 Master The Gram Challenge
Check out episode 444 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
This episode is brought to you by:
Master The Gram Challenge: In this 5-Day Master The Gram Challenge, I'll teach you the exact steps I used to grow my Instagram to over 95K followers, launch a hit podcast, launch digital programs, quit my job to work for myself, and make multiple SIX-figures as a successful entrepreneur. Sign up here: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram
Links mentioned in this episode
- Master The Gram Challenge: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram
- Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/
- Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidehustlepro
- Nicaila’s Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/
Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss
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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
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453: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5
36:15|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 9-5The side hustles former guests of Side Hustle Pro have had major success withWhy closing the gap between your ideas and actually starting is the key to your businessHighlights include:01:45 Cleaning services06:22 Faceless podcast07:57 Virtual assistant12:16 Social media marketing15:25 Short-form video editor 21:15 Podcast/YouTube channel manager22:30 AI integration specialist26:34 Corporate training and coaching29:40 Done-for-you service provider32:30 Why you should start nowCheck out episode 453 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodeSchedule a clarity call with Nicaila: https://sidehustlepro.co/start 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/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebook452: Feeling Stuck? My Favorite Techniques to Get Back on Track
40:59|Today I am back with a solo episode where I share my favorite techniques to get back on track when you're feeling stuck. It's time to take a step back, reflect on what has worked, what hasn't, and what we're going to do about it. Whether you're dealing with mid-year slumps or just need a boost, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward.In this episode I share about:Getting in the spiritual gym: The importance of reconnecting with spirituality, physical activity, or changing your scenery to take care of yourself Focusing on what you can control: Set minimum and maximum goals and prioritize action over inactionPracticing gratitude: Using gratitude as a tool to shift perspective and boost motivationHighlights Include: 00:00 Intro02:36 The Importance of Mid-Year Reflection05:15 Get in the Spiritual Gym09:54 Move Your Body11:00 Get Some Sun13:32 Change Your Scenery15:58 Face the Facts20:42 Set Minimum and Maximum Goals26:01 Focus on What You Can Control32:50 Take a Step, Any Step37:39 Reflect and Have Gratitude42:01 Recap and Action StepsCheck out episode 452 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodeYou Are a Badass by Jen Sincero: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass-Doubting-Greatness/dp/0762447699Superhuman App: https://www.superhuman.app/It’s About Damn Time Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-about-damn-time/id1528584161 Alexis Barber SHP episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F64OvfCrzE Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebook451: What It Takes to Launch a Chick-fil-A Franchise w/ Kareem Edwards
58:38|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 451 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodeKareem’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareemjedwards/ Kareem’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemedwards Posse Foundation: https://www.possefoundation.org/ Chick-fil-a Franchising: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchising Chat GPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Uncle Nearest: https://unclenearest.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebook450: How to Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job
25:46|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 wastersThe 3-Step Hustler’s Time Plan: how to maximize your timeHow to build a system and schedule that work for youHighlights include: 00:00 Intro01:45 Identify your biggest time traps06:42 Reclaim your time12:35 Power hour: get more done in less time16:15 Leverage your days off18:30 Protect your side hustle hours21:20 Choose a schedule that fits your life23:40 Final thoughts and recapCheck out episode 450 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodeNicaila’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/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebookGuest Social Media InfoSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro449: How to Turn Your Skills Into a Side Hustle
22:13|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 strengthsDifferent service-based ideas you can launch todayHow to validate your offers quickly and start getting paid soonerHighlights include:00:00 Intro02:00 Three key steps05:30 Monetizable skills09:30 How to get paid sooner, not later15:00 Actionable homeworkCheck out episode 449 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodePortia 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/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebookGuest Social Media InfoSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro448: Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
53:07|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 girlSteps to take to combat the fear and negative self-talk that often creep inWhat 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 Intro03:30 From corporate to entrepreneur 09:55 The importance of having a side hustle 11:45 Overcoming biases17:30 How to show up as a working mom22:00 Getting your mojo back 27:15 Overcoming the limitations of the patriarchy37:04 Tips to feed your soul41:15 Beating fear and imposter syndromeCheck out episode 448 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeBrittany’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/rss447: Harlem’s Fashion Row CEO Shares Her Secret To Sponsorship w/ Brandice Daniel
55:00|This week in the guest chair we have a returning guest Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row. Brandice launched Harlem’s Fashion Row to bridge the gap between multicultural fashion designers and major fashion brands. From producing top-tier runway events to groundbreaking collaborations—such as her famous partnership with Nike and LeBron James—Brandice ensures Black and Brown designers receive the visibility, mentorship, and retail opportunities they deserve. Growing her business has made Brandice a sponsor and brand partnership expert, and gave me a masterclass for my own sponsorship journey.In this episode she shares:Her road to becoming a household name and partnering with huge names like Nike, LVMH, and GapHow to transition your business from relying on event sponsorships to forming robust partnerships that provide a more stable revenue flowHow she expanded her mission by founding ICON 360, a nonprofit that has raised over $2 millionHighlights include: 00:00 Intro02:05 The evolution of Harlem Fashion Row08:00 Monetizing collaborations13:00 The power of telling your own story17:50 Forming contacts and partnerships 21:00 Creating value for brands28:30 Diversifying revenue streams38:30 Power of community in business 44:00 Ensuring a profitable business model52:15 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 447 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by:Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodeBrandice’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemsfashionrow/ Brandice’s First SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrrXQGFt518 Harlem’s Fashion Row’s Website: https://www.harlemsfashionrow.com/ Brandice’s FREE Sponsorship Book: https://www.smallbusinessbigpartnershipsbook.com/live SHP Website: https://sidehustlepro.co Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebook446: Mindset Hacks For Every Business Owner
27:59|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 itHighlights include:00:00 Intro01:00 Battling imposter syndrome04:14 Breaking free from overthinking08:05 Confidence is key14:05 Master Instagram Challenge17:50 Building mental resilience 21:28 Actionable steps to a mindset changeCheck out episode 446 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: The Master Instagram Challenge. Your 5-Day ticket to DOUBLE your following and build your brand on Instagram (in just 30 minutes a day). Sign up now https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/registration-master-the-gram-challenge/.Links mentioned in this episodeMaster Instagram Challenge: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/registration-master-the-gram-challenge/ 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/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebook445: Done Is Better Than Perfect
32:25|This week we’re diving into one of my favorite mantras: Done is better than perfect.I was inspired by my decision to relaunch my Master the Gram Challenge. It’s been years since I last did it, and I had to remind myself to push forward without overthinking. I’m breaking down how I got it off the ground and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. In this episode I share:How to break out of the cycle of overthinking or perfectionism and take actionWhy clarity is key and how to make sure your audience knows what your product is, who it's for, and how it helpsThe step by step process of setting up operations for your products, including exactly what resources I used to set up the Master The Gram landing pageHighlights include: 00:00 Intro03:00 Setting up operations06:00 Setting up marketing09:30 Taking action is better than perfect12:00 Tweaking after feedback16:00 Having an accountability partner20:00 Mastering self-talk25:00 Walking through a sales page33:00 Setting goals for the yearCheck out episode 445 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Shopify. Go to shopify.com/hustlepro for a free fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.Links mentioned in this episodeMaster The Gram Landing Page: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram Landing Page Builder: https://www.leadpages.com/ Link Shortener: https://prettylinks.com/ Stripe: https://stripe.com/ Email Service Provider: https://kit.com/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ My Website: https://sidehustlepro.co My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss