

Side Hustle Pro
Nicaila Matthews Okome | Side Hustle Pro Media
Side Hustle Pro spotlights bold black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable business. Join Chief Side Hustler turned full-time entrepreneur Nicaila Matthews Okome for your weekly installment of Side Hustle Pro and learn actionable strategies to start small and get going–wherever and whoever you are. Side Hustle Pro features interviews with inspiring Black women entrepreneurs who started out as side hustlers, including interviews with Myleik Teele, Morgan DeBaun, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2025 • 47min
477: How Codie Elaine Oliver Brought Black Love To The Big Screen
This week I sat down with Codie Elaine Oliver, the CEO and Co-founder of Black Love, Inc. The 100% Black owned media company, founded by Codie Elaine Oliver and husband Tommy Oliver, is a hub for Black couples and singles to have transparent conversations around relationships, parenthood, dating, and more through their app, podcast network, documentaries, and live events. We get the inside scoop on how Codie built her show from the ground up and grew into a multimedia empire. In this episode she shares: How she and her husband Tommy Oliver self funded Black Love, Inc.The strategic moves she made to pitch Black Love to a network while maintaining ownershipThe systems she has in place to manage a thriving career while being a mom of threeCheck out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episodeBlack Love Website: https://blacklove.com/Own Network: https://www.oprah.com/app/own-tv.htmlBlack Love-The Interviews Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-love-the-interviews/id1552488882Black Love Podcast Network: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/black-love-network/id6442514914Click 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 InfoCodie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codieco/Black Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacklove/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 20, 2025 • 48min
476: How Germanee G Went From GAP Inc. to Celebrity Stylist REWIND
This week in the guest chair we have Germanee Gerald, founder of GG&Co Styling Firm, a brand and image styling company. Getting her start in the fashion corporate world, Germanee realized she thrived in offering her talents as a personal stylist and started side hustling. In this episode she shares:How she went from living with family and driving DoorDash to make end’s meet to hiring a team for her styling firmHow to leverage opportunities like internships and a personal brand for business growthHow diversifying her services, hiring a team, and seasonal planning led to scaling her business Highlights include:00:00 Introduction4:08 From biochem to fashion6:22 The world of corporate fashion 11:35 Transitioning into personal styling17:49 Strategizing finances to go full time 22:36 Nomad life and gigs to meet ends meet29:14 Working with a celebrity stylist36:58 Launching GG Styling Firm39:53 Maximizing cash flow42:34 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 476 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeGermanee’s Website: https://germaneeg.com/gg-co/ Germanee’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/germanee_g Germanee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggandco/ LinkedIn Premium: https://premium.linkedin.com/ Apuje Kalu: https://www.instagram.com/apuje/ 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 InfoGermanee’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/germanee_g Germanee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggandco/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 13, 2025 • 31min
475: Why Your Podcast Isn't Making Money (and How to Fix It)
This week I’m back with a solo episode where I’m giving you the tools to make money with your podcast. When I became a full-time podcaster in 2017, I focused on my revenue streams like brand partnerships, sponsorships, courses, and VIP programs, leading to having over 10 million episode downloads to date. I’m here to help you get your podcast to that same level. In this episode I’m sharing:Effective Marketing: How you’re going to optimize content planning and to get people to consistently see what you are offering Thinking Outside the Box: Exploring non-traditional sponsorships and multi-channel packages like retreats to generate revenue beyond just downloadsCreating Value: How to produce content and services that your audience genuinely wants to pay forHighlights Include:02:49 The Importance of Podcast Setup05:15 Narrowing Down Your Podcast Topics09:50 Understanding and Serving Your Audience14:33 Creating a Content Plan16:39 Effective Marketing Strategies19:00 Consistent Marketing Practices21:24 Thinking Outside the Box for Sponsorships25:54 Creating Content People Want to Pay For28:17 Recap and Action StepsCheck out episode 475 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeRiverside (Use code ‘hustlepro’): https://riverside.fm/ Podcast Moguls: http://sidehustlepro.co/join Lori Tharps SHP episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3EsWprSGu4 Launching Podcast Moguls 2.0: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d-wkYAcsLo&t=1s Free newsletter: http://sidehustlepro.co/newsletter You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero: https://jensincero.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#SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 6, 2025 • 58min
474: What It Takes to Launch a Chick-fil-A Franchise w/ Kareem Edwards
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 9min
473: Melyssa Ford on Health, Hustle, and Healing
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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
472: How Two Side Hustlers Became The Go-To Merchandisers For Businesses Across America REWIND
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.

Jul 16, 2025 • 57min
471: From Ghana To Ulta: How Hanahana Beauty’s Founder Is Expanding Her Brand REWIND
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.

Jul 9, 2025 • 57min
470: This NYC Native Runs a Luxury Fragrance Boutique Out Of Her Harlem Brownstone REWIND
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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 8min
469: Turning Grief Into Growth: How Amy Anaiz Built a Sustainable Home Brand
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.

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
468: How Side Hustling Nurse Naseema McElroy Paid Off $1M in Debt
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.