Side Hustle Pro

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 brand that hadn’t even launched yetHow she developed 35 inclusive foundation shades with a clean formulationWhy representation and self-love are at the heart of her business modelHighlights Include: 00:00 Intro02:10 How a staff accountant became a makeup artist04:50 Taking a demotion to move into marketing10:54 Losing her dad and finding the courage to launch15:45 Cold-pitching Sephora and landing a deal pre-launch20:00 What clean beauty means to her (and her skin)27:00 Packaging, affirmations, and triangle symbolism30:00 Navigating DEI backlash and economic shifts45:00 Building a team and staying profitableCheck out episode 467 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Links mentioned in this episodeLYS Beauty Website: https://lysbeauty.comLYS Instagram: https://instagram.com/lysbeautyofficial/Tisha’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamourgirl5/Cosmoprof: https://cosmoprofnorthamerica.comMakeUp In Trade Shows: https://makeup-in.comLuxepack: https://luxepack.comClick 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 InfoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamourgirl5/LYS Beauty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lysbeautyofficial

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 Naming her podcast Banking on Girls and protecting the brand15:00 Defining her perfect listener: mothers raising daughters22:00 Workshop pilot programs and future monetization strategies31:00 Leveraging her podcast to attend the United Nations40:00 How Marina got over her fear of marketingCheck out episode 465 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeBanking on Girls Podcast – https://www.bankingongirls.com United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw Cherie Blair Foundation for Women – https://cherieblairfoundation.orgScouting America– https://www.scouting.orgStock Market Game – https://www.stockmarketgame.orgClick 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/facebook

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 right time34:02 Navigating a challenging pregnancy 38:10 Creating a brand for Black and Brown girls48:18 The power of a strong team54:00 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 465 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeMarty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martytmcdonald/ Boss Women Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosswomenmedia/ Boss Women Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosswomenmedia/ Elle Olivia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopelleolivia/ Elle Olivia Website: https://shopelleolivia.com/ Elle Olivia at Target: https://www.target.com/b/elle-olivia/-/N-q643le95h07 Sugarfina: https://www.sugarfina.com/  Power Thoughts Devotional: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/power-thoughts-devotional/id715337851 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/facebook

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 motherhood 19:00 Raising her rates and investing in herself24:35 How to navigate seasons of burnout and pressure29:03 Tips for women entrepreneurs transitioning into full-time business ownership34:20 The launch of her program, Claimed, for Black mothers40:00 The power of releasing limiting beliefs and moving beyond survival mode1:00:00 Tips for entrepreneursWatch episode 464 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeMonique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/ Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/ Monique’s Podcast: https://moniquershields.com/podcast/ Side Hustle Pro: 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/facebookGuest Social Media InfoMonique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/ Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/ 

This week in the guest chair we have Maekaeda Gibbons, Trinidad-born founder & CEO of Brown Sugar Babe, the cult-favorite fragrance and body-care brand whose body oils like Wild Card and Rich Auntie just keep selling out. In this episode she shares:Turning a $300 paycheck into a side hustle that now ships 10,000+ orders a month Her exact growth playbook: pop-ups at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, a 20,000-member Facebook group, and influencer collaborations that went viral on the internetHow she approaches exploring various side hustle ideas as a multi passionate side hustlerHighlights Include:00:00 Intro06:00 Personal connection to scent09:00 Turning a business to a hobby15:00 Marketing strategies21:00 Financial growth and investment30:00 Importance of discipline in business40:00 Navigating debt46:00 Breaking the stigma around money53:00 Managing tariffs and business costs55:00 Tips for entrepreneursWatch episode 463 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeBrown Sugar Babe Website: ttps://www.brownsugarbabe.net/ Shopify (e-commerce platform) – https://shopify.comPonce City Market Makers Market – https://poncecitymarket.comAsia Evans, Financial Therapist – @asiatherapy on InstagramBrown Sugar Babe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brwnsugarbabe/ 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/facebook

This week in the guest chair we have Raven Gibson, multidisciplinary designer and founder of the empowering apparel and lifestyle brand Legendary Roots. Getting her start in her dorm room, Raven takes us on her journey of delegation, negotiating with Fortune 500 retailers, and trusting that what’s for you will never pass you by.In this episode she shares:How she uses art to speak up and invites her community to set healthy boundariesThe moment she got serious about QuickBooks, hired a CPA, learned her metrics, and embraced FIRE principles to build a sustainable, profitable business.The systems that keep burnout at bay, and her gratitude‑driven approach to growthHighlights include: 00:00 Intro3:50 Shifting from medicine to art10:00 Scaling a side hustle20:00 Importance of early support24:00 Managing and learning business finance33:00 Marketing strategies39:00 Retail partnerships43:00 Maintaining a work/life balance52:00 Tips for entrepreneurs Watch episode 462 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeLegendary Rootz website – https://legendaryrootz.com Instagram / TikTok / Threads – @legendaryrootzTarget – https://www.target.com Shopify – https://www.shopify.com PayPal – https://www.paypal.com Figma – https://www.figma.com ClickUp – https://www.clickup.com QuickBooks – https://quickbooks.intuit.com Tumblr – https://www.tumblr.com Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes – https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Year-of-Yes/Shonda-Rhimes/9781476777122 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

This week in the guest chair we have Rachel Rodgers—entrepreneur, coach, and bestselling author of We Should All Be Millionaires. She's back on the show with powerful insights to help side hustlers and full-time entrepreneurs alike build sustainable wealth and stop playing small.In this episode, she shares:How to make real “money moves” instead of hiding behind busy workThe mindset shifts needed to overcome imposter syndrome and take bold actionWhy outsourcing your life first can unlock growth in your businessHer step-by-step approach to building a million-dollar business with a strong team and systems to build wealth with confidenceHighlights include: 00:00 Intro04:00 Transitioning from law to passion projects11:40 Building life and business teams14:00 Balancing outsourcing and income16:45 Reframing selling as helping24:00 Importance of announcing your business30:00 Embracing growth and change37:00 Structuring a mastermind program46:00 Investing in yourself is key50:00 Helping Gen Z build wealth53:00 Tips for entrepreneursWatch episode 461 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeRachel’s first SHP episode: https://youtu.be/a_8Kyku41GE Rachel’s website: https://rachelrodgers.com/Rachel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachrodgersesq/ Future Millionaire book: https://futuremillionairebook.com/ The Four Hour Work Week: https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357 The Big Leap: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-big-leap-gay-hendricks We Should All Be Millionaires: https://www.harpercollinsleadership.com/9781400221684/we-should-all-be-millionaires/ 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 InfoRachel’s website: https://rachelrodgers.com/Rachel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachrodgersesq/ 

This week I’m excited to chat with someone I go way back with, Sheena McCullers. Sheena is the founder of Della’s Beauty Supply. Della’s was launched to bring a much-needed sense of belonging for BIPOC beauty lovers in Ann Arbor, MI. After moving from Brooklyn, Sheena saw a need for a place for people who look like her and took a chance on opening a storefront. In this episode she shares:How intentionally creating a community through word of mouth was the foundation to building her customer baseThe startup costs and how she’s been able to be profitable in the first yearThe importance of working a full-time job where she was supported enough to be transparent about needing space to focus on expanding Della’s Highlights Include: 00:00 Intro08:16 Exploring different side hustles14:16 Navigating a new city18:43 Filling the need for a beauty supply23:18 Startup planning and costs27:55 Creating a community 30:01 Curating events and collaborations35:02 Running a storefront as a side hustle41:20 Expanding and creating a cultural hub46:43 Setting the tone for the future of the store56:19 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 460 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks Mentioned: Auntie Della’s Website: https://auntiedellas.com/Auntie Della’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntiedellas/ Auntie Della’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@auntiedellas Virtual Assistant: https://theindemandva.com/ Listen on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t?si=8daf52a57e054042 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustleproClick here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAffiliate Disclosure: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend or share. If you purchase those items through my links, I may earn a commission. You will not pay more when you use my links.

This week in the guest chair we have Kristen Dunning, founder and CEO of Gently Soap - a bathing brand built on her self-developed herbal infusions. An MBA grad, Kristen hails from a rare five generations of Black Alabama farmers, and she’s continuing the legacy by bringing joy back to bathing experiences for people with sensitive skin, using the medicinal properties of plants.In this episode she shares:Her vigorous passion and research that landed her on Shark TankHer secret sauce to having a rate of 78% repeat customersHow she won over 300K in investment capital and has a trajectory of $1.2M in salesHighlights Include:00:00 Intro03:24 Generations of Black farmers06:38 Struggle with eczema08:45 Studying horticulture and agriculture14:10 Staring Gently Soaps18:03 Transitioning to selling at markets21:31 Importance of formulating for sensitive skin28:56 Sales growth and Shark Tank impact32:55 High margins and sales 39:49 Marketing strategies44:03 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 459 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeGently Soap Website: https://gentlysoap.com/ Gently Soap Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlysoap/Kristen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalplantgirl/ Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendunning/  Shark Tank episode: https://gentlysoap.com/pages/shark-tank Aveeno start-up pitch competition: https://www.aveeno.com/startup-collective Thirteen Lune: https://thirteenlune.com/ Tech Stars: https://www.techstars.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/facebook