Side Hustle Pro

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 Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube 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/facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 entrepreneurs Check out episode 473 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeMelyssa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melyssaford/ Melyssa’s Twitter: https://x.com/MissMelyssaFord/ Hot and Bothered Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotnbotheredpodcast/ Melyssa’s Website: https://www.melyssaford.com/ ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.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: https://sidehustlepro.co/facebookGuest Social Media InfoMelyssa’s Twitter: https://x.com/MissMelyssaFord/ Melyssa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melyssaford/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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 InfoMoore & Moore Merch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themerchstudio/ Moore & Moore Merch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themerchstudio  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Loans Program: https://www.shopify.com/capitalClick 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 InfoHanahana Beauty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanahana_beauty/?hl=enAbena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanieboamah/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeKimberly’s Website: https://www.museexperiences.com/ Kimberly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muse_experiences/ By Killian: https://www.bykilian.com/ Myleik Teele’s SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtJgMJXpUPY 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 InfoKimberly’s Website: https://www.museexperiences.com/ Kimberly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muse_experiences/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 purpose shaped her new business directionWhat she’s learned about manufacturing, design, and funding a product-based businessThe intentional design and sustainability philosophy behind OZAIZHighlights Include00:00 – Intro01:30 – Amy’s pivot from PR to photography07:00 – Building her photography side hustle10:00 – Leaving her full-time job and creating a financial cushion13:00 – Losing her daughter and navigating grief while becoming a mom21:00 – Why she launched OZAIZ and what sets the brand apart28:00 – How she self-funded her entire business36:00 – The complexities of manufacturing glassware and candles44:00 – Designing for sustainability and versatility50:00 – Balancing personal storytelling with branding58:00 – What's next for OZAIZ and how Amy honors her daughter's legacyWatch episode 469 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks Mentioned in This Episode:OZAIZ Website: https://www.ozaiz.comAmy Anaiz Photography: https://www.amyanaiz.comAmy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyanaizphotoOZAIZ on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ozaizhome Side Hustle Pro Podcast: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/podcastKunbi (Amy’s lawyer):https://www.instagram.com/legallyset/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin my new coaching program, SHIFTEven the expert needs support. That’s exactly why I created SHIFT—a six-month, one-on-one podcast coaching experience for the podcaster who’s done playing the DIY game. In SHIFT, we’ll clarify your message, attract your ideal audience, build a monetization path that aligns with your values, and create a content engine that works with your real life. Apply now at sidehustlepro.co/shift.Join our Facebook Community here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 nursing and hasn't gone full-time entrepreneur 22:00 – Using her job to fund her passions 24:30 – The true meaning of financial independence 28:00 – How she makes time to build her brandCheck out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeNaseema’s Website:https://www.financiallyintentional.com/  Naseema’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/ Financially Intentional Podcast: https://www.financiallyintentional.com/podcast Travel Nurse Housing Rentals: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ Podcast 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.