Side Hustle Pro

This week in the guest chair we have fellow podcaster Les Alfred, content creator and host of the Balanced Black Girl podcast. Les shares her journey from blogging to launching her podcast, driven by the realization that there were few Black women discussing wellness on her social feeds. Les highlights the importance of relatability and audience connection in content creation, emphasizing that consumers today want to feel a personal connection to the creator behind a brand. By 2021, consistent monetizing and growth led her to partner with an agency, and later a podcast network, allowing her to scale ads and go full time as a podcaster.In this episode she shares:How following her curiosity and having the bravery to allow herself to be widely seen set her up for successHer methods to creating inspiring, approachable wellness content covering everything from wellness, to productivity, to personal finance, to self-careThe need for financial stability before quitting her corporate job by budgeting, saving, paying off student loans, and organizing her business financesHighlights include: 00:00 Intro04:30 Breaking into wellness10:00 Starting a podcast15:00 Emphasizing relatability to your audience19:30 First year of full-time podcasting23:30 The power of financial planning38:00 Benefits of having a lean team 45:30 The power of an email list50:15 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 437 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeLes’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedles/ Balanced Black Girl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedblackgirlpodcast/ Balanced Black Girl Website: https://www.balancedblackgirl.com/ Balanced Black Girl YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BalancedBlackGirl Profit First Book: https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/ 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

Jamila Souffrant is the author of the book Your Journey To Financial Freedom, and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. As a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field, her podcast has amassed over 4+ million total downloads. Starting her journey by saving over $100K in two years, she is now financially free. In this episode she shares:How she went from aggressive saving to over $400K years and becoming debt-freeThe best and easiest way to traditionally publish your bookWhat methods of income-earning have failed her and how she helps others find what works best for them, and moreHighlights include:00:00 Intro07:00 Mindset is the key to success 14:00 Revenue milestones25:00 Financial freedom30:15 Understanding life priorities38:10 Creating wealth for side hustlers42:30 Silent wealth  45:30 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 436 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeJamila’s 1st Side Hustle Pro episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTM2FyWDOaY Journey To Launch Website: https://journeytolaunch.com/ Journey To Launch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeytolaunch Jamila’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Journey2launch/ Jamila’s Book: https://yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com/ Mindset- Carol S. Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 The Beautiful Writers Podcast: https://www.beautifulwriterspodcast.com/ Self-Publishing School: https://self-publishingschool.com/podcast/ 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 we are getting a masterclass in content-based business with Bola Sokunbi. Bola is a finance expert, 4-time bestselling author, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance media/education platforms for women in the U.S.In this episode she shares:Her start as a financial advisor while side hustling Clever Girl Finance How she expanded past 1 to 1 business by creating courses and repeatable content How she was able to financially thrive while making her platforms free and accessible Highlights include:00:00 Intro07:15 Becoming a financial expert12:35 Initial business investments20:30 Determining target audience 25:18 Building a team32:40 Making the platform free and accessible36:53 Benefits and challenges of brand partnerships44:20 Being a content-first business57:00 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out this episode of Side Hustle Pro podcast and others 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 episodeClever Girl Finance Website: https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/ Clever Girl Finance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevergirlfinance/ Bola’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevergirlfinance/ Bola’s Website: https://www.bolasokunbi.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 InfoBola’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clevergirlfinance/ Bola’s Website: https://www.bolasokunbi.com/

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