
Side Hustle Pro
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 5, 2025 • 53min
448: Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
This week we’re changing it up and I’m sitting in the guest chair. In this special “podcast swap” episode of Side Hustle Pro, I’m sharing an interview from the podcast To Tell You The Truth with host—and Podcast Moguls student—Brittany Sharpton. We dive into the concept of self-imposed barriers and how they can prevent entrepreneurs, especially Black women, from realizing their full potential. In this episode I share:My journey to reclaiming my power in spaces where Black women aren’t usually empowered- and why I’m constantly reminding myself that I’m that girlSteps to take to combat the fear and negative self-talk that often creep inWhat feeds my soul and the lessons I’m learning every day- even as a seasoned entrepreneur Insights from my Podcast Moguls course and how I’ve seen Brittany grow after being a student Highlights Include:00:00 Intro03:30 From corporate to entrepreneur 09:55 The importance of having a side hustle 11:45 Overcoming biases17:30 How to show up as a working mom22:00 Getting your mojo back 27:15 Overcoming the limitations of the patriarchy37:04 Tips to feed your soul41:15 Beating fear and imposter syndromeCheck out episode 448 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeBrittany’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britthappenshq/ To Tell You The Truth Pod: https://www.instagram.com/totellyouthetruthpod/ Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ How To Make Money Podcasting Course: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/ Management Leadership For Tomorrow: https://mlt.org/ Mel Robbins Podcast, Let Go of Negative Thoughts: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-198 Jen Sincero’s Book: https://jensincero.com/ Walk Through Fire: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Through-Fire-Memoir-Triumph-ebook/dp/B0BXM51HXN Get Good With Money: https://getgoodwithmoney.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2025 • 55min
447: Harlem’s Fashion Row CEO Shares Her Secret To Sponsorship w/ Brandice Daniel
This week in the guest chair we have a returning guest Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row. Brandice launched Harlem’s Fashion Row to bridge the gap between multicultural fashion designers and major fashion brands. From producing top-tier runway events to groundbreaking collaborations—such as her famous partnership with Nike and LeBron James—Brandice ensures Black and Brown designers receive the visibility, mentorship, and retail opportunities they deserve. Growing her business has made Brandice a sponsor and brand partnership expert, and gave me a masterclass for my own sponsorship journey.In this episode she shares:Her road to becoming a household name and partnering with huge names like Nike, LVMH, and GapHow to transition your business from relying on event sponsorships to forming robust partnerships that provide a more stable revenue flowHow she expanded her mission by founding ICON 360, a nonprofit that has raised over $2 millionHighlights include: 00:00 Intro02:05 The evolution of Harlem Fashion Row08:00 Monetizing collaborations13:00 The power of telling your own story17:50 Forming contacts and partnerships 21:00 Creating value for brands28:30 Diversifying revenue streams38:30 Power of community in business 44:00 Ensuring a profitable business model52:15 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 447 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by:Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.Links mentioned in this episodeBrandice’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemsfashionrow/ Brandice’s First SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrrXQGFt518 Harlem’s Fashion Row’s Website: https://www.harlemsfashionrow.com/ Brandice’s FREE Sponsorship Book: https://www.smallbusinessbigpartnershipsbook.com/live SHP Website: 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/facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2025 • 28min
446: Mindset Hacks For Every Business Owner
This week we’re diving into how to shift your mindset to set yourself up for success. Here’s the thing—I’ve learned over the years that your mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for everything you’re trying to build. Whether it’s pushing past fear to finally launch your business, staying consistent when sales are slow, or silencing that little voice in your head saying, ‘Who are you to do this?’—it all comes back to how you think and how you show up for yourself.In this episode I share:The mindset hacks I use, like reframing limiting beliefs, to conquer my goals How to break down your goals into actionable steps to avoid overwhelm My experience with imposter syndrome and how I continuously overcome itHighlights include:00:00 Intro01:00 Battling imposter syndrome04:14 Breaking free from overthinking08:05 Confidence is key14:05 Master Instagram Challenge17:50 Building mental resilience 21:28 Actionable steps to a mindset changeCheck out episode 446 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: The Master Instagram Challenge. Your 5-Day ticket to DOUBLE your following and build your brand on Instagram (in just 30 minutes a day). Sign up now https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/registration-master-the-gram-challenge/.Links mentioned in this episodeMaster Instagram Challenge: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/registration-master-the-gram-challenge/ Side Hustle Pro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SideHustlePro Side Hustle Pro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ SHP Done Is Better Than Perfect Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naMuG3Abzmo SHP Denise Woodard Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjQqNBd8-xA 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.

Jan 16, 2025 • 32min
445: Done Is Better Than Perfect
This week we’re diving into one of my favorite mantras: Done is better than perfect.I was inspired by my decision to relaunch my Master the Gram Challenge. It’s been years since I last did it, and I had to remind myself to push forward without overthinking. I’m breaking down how I got it off the ground and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. In this episode I share:How to break out of the cycle of overthinking or perfectionism and take actionWhy clarity is key and how to make sure your audience knows what your product is, who it's for, and how it helpsThe step by step process of setting up operations for your products, including exactly what resources I used to set up the Master The Gram landing pageHighlights include: 00:00 Intro03:00 Setting up operations06:00 Setting up marketing09:30 Taking action is better than perfect12:00 Tweaking after feedback16:00 Having an accountability partner20:00 Mastering self-talk25:00 Walking through a sales page33:00 Setting goals for the yearCheck out episode 445 of Side Hustle Pro podcast 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 episodeMaster The Gram Landing Page: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram Landing Page Builder: https://www.leadpages.com/ Link Shortener: https://prettylinks.com/ Stripe: https://stripe.com/ Email Service Provider: https://kit.com/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ My Website: https://sidehustlepro.co My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 8, 2025 • 36min
444: Five Steps to Finally Launch Your Side Hustle
We’re kicking off this new year by welcoming new and returning listeners to Side Hustle Pro with a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to pursue a side hustle. Inspired by an email from a listener, I was reminded that my focus on Black women entrepreneurs still resonates with a wide audience, proving that clarity in your target listener doesn’t exclude anyone else who might benefit.In this episode I share the five areas of focus for starting or growing your business in 2025:Get clear on your main priority Choose a channel to showcase your expertiseOrganize your content (you likely have more than you realize!)Trust yourself to figure things out, even when you get stuckInvest in education and resources that level up you and your businessHighlights include:00:00 Intro03:00 Uplifting women entrepreneurs 05:00 Setting goals for the year10:30 Five areas of focus for 202518:00 The power of sharing your journey23:00 Overcoming content overwhelm29:00 Trusting yourself and investing in growth35:00 Master The Gram Challenge Check out episode 444 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Master The Gram Challenge: In this 5-Day Master The Gram Challenge, I'll teach you the exact steps I used to grow my Instagram to over 95K followers, launch a hit podcast, launch digital programs, quit my job to work for myself, and make multiple SIX-figures as a successful entrepreneur. Sign up here: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegramLinks mentioned in this episodeMaster The Gram Challenge: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegramNicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidehustlepro Nicaila’s Website: 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/facebook#SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 2025 • 2min
[BONUS] Master The Gram Challenge To Kick Off 2025!
Are you tired of feeling stuck when it comes to Instagram? Not sure how to use it to promote your business effectively? If creating content feels overwhelming or you’re spinning your wheels trying to figure out what works, this is for you. The Master the Gram Challenge is designed to help you take control of Instagram and finally make it work for you. Join here: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegramIn Just 5 Days, You’ll Learn How To:Attract the right people to build a community (not just followers)Create content that makes people want to buy from youSave time with simple automation and scheduling toolsKnow when (and how) to hire so you can get off the content hamster wheelWe'll Cover:Day 1: FollowersDay 2: Content That ConvertsDay 3: Automation & PlanningDay 4: SalesDay 5: Outsourcing & ScalingPLUS! A BONUS live Q&A CallJoin me on Friday, Jan 17 at 1:00 PM ET for a live session to get your questions answeredYou'll Get:✔️ Daily bite-sized videos delivered straight to your inbox✔️ My step-by-step strategies to take the guesswork out of Instagram✔️ The exact tools and templates I use to simplify and save time✔️ Access to a live Q&A with me on Day 5Instagram has been the marketing engine behind my email list, podcast, and digital courses for 10 years. It’s a powerful tool that can transform your business when used the right way. This is your chance to master Instagram, connect with your ideal audience, and start making real money in 2025.Ready to conquer Instagram? Claim your spot in the challenge here https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 2024 • 46min
443: She Side Hustled Her Way To a Multi-Million Dollar Wine Business (Feat. Whitney Gates)
This week in the guest chair we have Whitney Gates, an experienced marketing leader turned entrepreneur as co-founder and CEO of Wondry Wine. Her diversified skill set is driven by over 13 years of experience in brand management, shopper marketing and sales across Fortune 200 companies.Rejecting exclusivity, Wondry presents customers with a more approachable, stronger, semi-sweet wine. Drawing inspiration from her disabled uncle’s wine-making journey, Whitney’s hustled her way into becoming a multi-million dollar company in just a few years. In this episode she shares:How she went from making wine herself and doing door to door selling to launching Wondry online and expanding onto Target shelvesWhat it takes to stand out in a crowded market (and even get a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank)The importance of understanding your customer and adjusting your pitch accordinglyHighlights include:0:00 – Introduction to Whitney Gates8:17 – Launching Wondry 11:20 – Defining Wondry’s category: wine vs. cocktail hybrid15:00 – Investing in the business18:40 – Door-to-door sales and proof of concept31:00 – Whitney’s Shark Tank experience and partnering with Mark Cuban34:00 – Becoming profitable and managing costs as you scale41:00 – Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 443 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeWondry Wine Website: https://www.drinkwondry.comFollow Wondry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wondrywineSide Hustle Pro Website: https://www.sidehustlepro.coClick 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 InfoFollow Wondry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wondrywine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 9min
442: 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 442 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: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebookGuest Social Media InfoMelyssa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melyssaford/ Melyssa’s Twitter: https://x.com/MissMelyssaFord/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 2024 • 56min
441: How Alexis Barber Balances Being A Wharton MBA, Influencer, and Founder
This week in the guest chair we have Alexis Barber, a lifestyle influencer and founder of Too Collective, a modern wellness and loungewear brand. At just 25 years old, Alexis is the host of the top-rated Too Smart For This Podcast and has worked with brands like Lululemon, Rare Beauty, Microsoft, and Miss Dior as a content creator. In this episode she shares: How growing up low-income provided the foundation for having confidence and an ambitious mindset to overcome the limitations of her pastHer transformative experience as an MBA candidate at The Wharton School at UPennHow she makes a living off of content creation and the opportunities being an influencer has providedHighlights Include:00:00 Intro 03:00 Confidence and putting yourself out there09:55 Becoming a lifestyle influencer12:04 Navigating side hustling and a corporate role19:27 Collaboration with Rare Beauty 20:48 Launching a robe company 29:09 MBA program at Wharton39:20 Transparency in content creation44:07 The importance of building a teamCheck out episode 441 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeToo Collective Website: https://toocollective.com/ Too Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/ Alexis’ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_ Alexis’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/ Alexis’ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexis_barber MLT Program: https://mlt.org/Harvard Summer Program: https://www.hbs.edu/svmp/Pages/default.aspx Pietra: https://www.pietrastudio.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.

Nov 27, 2024 • 59min
440: She Went From NICU Nurse To Full-Time Content Creator and Published Author
Helena Faustin is a Registered Nurse and content creator from New York City who has garnered an audience of millions by sharing her love and passion for cooking. As a mother of three, Helena inspires people with her massively popular food blog, That Nurse Can Cook, to get comfortable in the kitchen and cook delicious meals for their families.In this episode she shares:The ways she stayed consistent in content creation, and why it paid offHow she differentiated her physical cookbook, The Soul of Scotchie, from others on the marketHow she diversified her revenue streams to triple her income and surpass her nursing paycheck Highlights include: 00:00 Intro05:22 Finding a path in nursing10:51 The goal of work-life balance11:52 Cooking as an outlet15:25 Intentional content creation19:24 Unlearning the idea of creating perfect content 27:21 Diversifying revenue streams33:38 Hiring a team for content creation41:09 Revenue from YouTube & brand partnerships43:42 Publishing a unique cookbook49:59 Take control of your inner voice52:30 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 440 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeHelena’s Website: Https://www.thatnursecooks.com Helena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatnursecancook/ Helena’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatnursecancookHelena’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatNurseCanCook Grace Foods: https://www.instagram.com/gracefoods/ Capcut: https://www.capcut.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.
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