Side Hustle Pro

This week we’re back for a very exciting update episode with Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, the allergy-friendly packaged food company inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing cookies around NYC, eventually becoming a Certified B Corporation and raising millions of dollars in investment capital. In this episode she shares:Her strategies to getting investors interested, including big names like HER and RihannaHow she became the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup, accumulating more than $20MHow she is continuing to inspire other entrepreneurs while growing her own businessHighlights include:00:00 Intro03:30 Partake’s rise to success07:15 Raising capital with huge companies14:50 Partnerships and rapid expansion23:40 Managing personal finances in the start-up phase29:06 Aligning with your true passions38:21 Work-life balance44:45 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 434 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episodePartake’s Website: www.partakefoods.comPartake’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partakefoods/Denise’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisegwoodard/ Desnise’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisegwoodard/ Marcy Venture Partners: https://www.marcyvp.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 InfoDenise’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisegwoodard/ Desnise’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisegwoodard/ 

This week I sat down for a very inspiring chat with Mignon François, the #1 national best-selling author of Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe, and founder of a multi-million dollar cupcake empire, The Cupcake Collection. In this episode she shares:Why having a great product and determination got her community to support her visionThe different financial methods she used, like cash stuffing, to reinvest into her business and employeesHow she leveraged $5 and turned it into a legacy with over five million cupcakes sold And much more, you don’t want to miss the gems she’s dropping!Highlights include:00:00 Intro04:30 Learning to bake from grandma10:53 The struggle to make ends meet15:09 Turning $5 into $60020:27 Humble beginnings32:50 Low margins, high profit from day one37:30 Benefits of profit sharing with employees42:00 Scaling to $10,000 days48:20 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out this episode of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeThe Cupcake Collection: https://www.thecupcakecollection.com/Made From Scratch Book: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Scratch-Finding-Success-Without/dp/B0BV7G8F7C Mignon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cte6fHBIlzO/ The Cupcake Collection’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecupcakecollection/ 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 InfoMignon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cte6fHBIlzO/ The Cupcake Collection’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecupcakecollection/

This week in the guest chair we’re taking it back to Donyale Walton, founder of Hoop Mobb, Home of the Hoop Earring. Coming from Flint, Michigan, Donyale made her way to New York to learn the business ropes and was inspired to pursue her own ventures. In this episode she shares:How she went outside of the box of where she’s from and gained unique skills by working in fashion Her process of finding and working with the best manufacturers How she’s able to build the best team and balance hiring family and friends Highlights include:00:00 Intro05:30 Getting her start in fashion15:30 Determining a niche24:50 Acquiring vendors and manufacturers 30:53 Focusing on serving a community 38:20 Profitability and hiring strategically 49:09 Marketing and growth strategies56:22 Tips for entrepreneurs  Check out episode 432 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeThe Hoop Mob Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehoopmobb/ Hoop Mobb’s Website: https://hoopmobb.com/ Hoop Mobb’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/685105618951748 Donyale’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donyalewalton/ 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 InfoThe Hoop Mob Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehoopmobb/ Donyale’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donyalewalton/ 

You’ve done your research, gathered your materials and you’re ready to launch your side hustle. Now what? Keep GOING. This is the time to reevaluate, regroup, and dig deeper. A lot of side hustlers who get to this point will start to lose the spark they had when they first started. In episode 431, I’m giving you the tips to keep that same energy and build your side hustle into a sustainable business. Tips shared include:How to affirm yourself to build confidence The next steps to stay on track with your goalsHow to continue to find inspiration Highlights include:00:00 Intro04:00 Get down to business05:30 Determine what your impactful tasks are08:30 Get your schedule down10:00 Affirm your journey13:00 Time to get vulnerable15:30 Find your calling20:00 Limit outside opinionsI’m also hosting a live Side Hustle Bootcamp next week. Whether you’ve started your side hustle or are still trying to get it off the ground, this challenge is designed to help you get out of your head and into action. Go to sidehustlepro.co/bootcamp to sign up!Check out episode 431 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episodeMy Old Blog Wordpress Theme DetectorSide Hustle Pro BootcampPodcast MogulsClick 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 #SideHustlePro

This week in the guest chair we have Vanessa James, the dynamic founder of Vanessa James Media. Known as "the voice you hear everywhere," Vanessa is a seasoned Caribbean voice-over actress whose captivating voice has graced numerous iconic brands, including Netflix, Amazon, and the new promo voice for the nationally syndicated "Tamron Hall" daytime talk show.In this episode she shares about:How she uses her media company Vanessa James Media to advocate for diversity, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and creative collaborationThe groundbreaking events she leads each year like Food, Wine, and Fete—an all-inclusive Soca experience celebrating Caribbean cultureHow she scaled Vanessa James Media from side hustle to a profitable businessHighlights include: 00:00 Intro04:30 Corporate roles and burnout13:30 Side hustling in V.O.18:00 Understanding the voiceover industry22:50 Overcoming a stutter27:30 Stabilizing income as a side hustler33:30 Scaling a media business39:11 Food, Wine and Fete43:21 How to break into voice acting49:55 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 430 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeVanessa James Media Website: https://www.vanessajamesmedia.com/  Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajamesmedia Vanessa’s X: https://x.com/MsVanessaJamesVanessa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-james-media/ Reach TV: https://reachtv.com/ Food, Wine, and Fete: https://foodwineandfete.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 InfoWebsite: Vanessa James Media: https://www.vanessajamesmedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajamesmediaX: https://x.com/MsVanessaJames 

In this Flashback Friday episode, we’re taking it back to the steps to take when starting your side hustle, specifically how to test it out. All the research in the world can’t compare to actually launching and testing your side hustle out. This may feel like the hardest part, but don’t let perfectionism get in the way. You’ve already done all the prep work, now it’s time to see the fruit of your labors. You’ll learn the steps needed to launch the side hustle of your dreams. In the episode I discuss:How to put yourself out there and get your side hustle recognized as a brandWhat platforms you’ll need to set up How to be brave and just startHighlights include: 00:00 Intro03:22 Naming your podcast05:00 Importance of domain names and websites09:30 The starting elements 12:30 Refine your starting steps15:30 Block out the noiseThe Side Hustle Bootcamp is designed to help busy, multi-passionate professionals just like you discover your perfect side hustle and get it up and running. Join us over at sidehustlepro.co/bootcampCheck out episode 429 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeMy old blog: https://cailakspeaks.com/ Wordpress Theme Detector: https://www.wpthemedetector.com/Side Hustle Pro Bootcamp: https://sidehustlepro.co/bootcamp Podcast Moguls: http://podcastmoguls.com/joinClick 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#SideHustlePro

This week in the guest chair I have Philomina Kane, Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and content creator. In 2017, she graduated from Princeton University and began to cement herself as a haircare YouTuber. Garnering a following of nearly 200,000 subscribers, Philomina became a guiding force, empowering Black women to embrace and care for their natural hair. After building a strong brand and loyal following, Philomina founded KIN Apparel, a brand dedicated to crafting satin lined hoodies and hats for both hair protection and comfort. In this episode she shares about:How the innovative approach of KIN Apparel caught the attention of Shark Tank landed a six-figure deal with SKIM’s founding partner Emma GredeHer desire-driven approach to marketing and how leading with offering a solution to a problem has hooked her audience Reaching over $10M in revenue while continuously navigating challenges like fulfillment centers and a changing financial landscapeHighlights include: 00:00 Intro03:15 From the Bronx to Ghana07:30 Building a following on YouTube14:50 Founding KIN Apparel20:00 Transition to full-time entrepreneurship27:00 Benefits of vulnerable marketing32:00 Financial journey- grants and funding41:00 Navigating the changing financial landscape44:00 Shark Tank experience 47:00 Challenges with fulfillment centers57:00 Tips for entrepreneurs Links mentioned in this episodeKIN Apparel: https://kinapparel.org/ KIN Apparel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinapparel_/?hl=en LEDA Program: https://ledascholars.org/ Science of Black Hair: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518428 Hello Alice: https://helloalice.com/ Black Ambition: https://blackambitionprize.com/ New Voices: https://newvoicesfoundation.org/ 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 InfoPhilomina’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@naturallyphilo Philomina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs3xy3wpZ-d/?img_index=1 Philomina’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@naturallyphilo_ 

So, you’ve figured out the side hustle you want to pursue. Now what’s the next step? Hint: It’s finding your audience.I’m not talking about just anyone who might come across your side hustle, I’m talking about the specific person who needs and wants what you’re offering! It’s time to get creative and identify who it is you’re talking to, and I’ve got a roadmap to help you do so. This episode is part two of the Side Hustle Pro Bootcamp series, where I teach you how to start your side hustle. In this episode we discuss:How to identify your customer/audience by understanding their habitsThe benefits of getting hyper-specific in your research How to reach out to the customer you identify as your target audience\Highlights include:00:00 Intro01:57 Identify target audience 06:12 Writing out your target listener attributes12:30 Get on the phone with potential audience17:30 Secondary audience’Check out episode 427 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeSide Hustle Pro Bootcamp: https://sidehustlepro.co/bootcampPodcast Moguls: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/podcast-moguls/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#SideHustlePro