

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

May 14, 2025 • 55min
462: How Legendary Rootz Went From Dorm‑Room Tees to Retail Shelves
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 8, 2025 • 59min
461: Rachel Rodgers on Million-Dollar Decisions and Letting Go to Grow
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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
460: This Side Hustler Created a Curated Beauty Supply Store and Community In Ann Arbor
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 2025 • 52min
459: Her Plant-Based Soaps Landed Her On Shark Tank And On The Path To $1.2M In Sales
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 31min
458: 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: 00:00 Intro02:49 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 Create Content People Want to Pay For28:17 Recap and Action StepsTo learn more about making money from your podcast, join my next live class. Register at sidehustlepro.co/class.Check out episode 458 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.

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
457: How Julia Coney Pivoted Careers to Pioneer a New Era in the Food & Wine Industry
This week in the guest chair we have Julia Coney, award winning wine writer, speaker, & consultant. Julia wears many hats, including being the Wine Consultant for American Airlines and Founder of Black Wine Professionals; a resource for Black professionals in the world of wine.In this episode she shares about:Being multi-passionate: how exploring a range of interests, from starting at a law firm to writing a beauty blog, has elevated her career Paving the way for diversity: how starting honest conversations about racism, equity, and inclusion in the wine industry led to being the recipient of Wine Enthusiast's 2020 Social Visionary Award Winner The power of putting yourself out there on social media: How she has created opportunities for herself like being the first Black woman to run a wine program for American AirlinesHighlights include: 00:00 Intro04:42 Original career path and intro to wine13:00 Navigating a switch in careers21:39 Transition from beauty blogging to wine writing27:06 Addressing racism in the wine industry29:40 Sustaining financially as a freelance writer35:00 Providing a niche wine service 41:30 Unlocking networking opportunities 45:07 Running a wine program for American Airlines 54:16 Tips for entrepreneurs Watch episode 457 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeJulia’s Substack: https://juliaconey.substack.com/ Julia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaconey/ Julia’s email: hello@juliaconey.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 InfoJulia’s Substack: https://juliaconey.substack.com/ Julia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaconey/ Julia’s email: hello@juliaconey.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2025 • 54min
456: How To Build a LinkedIn Profile That Helps You Side Hustle
In this engaging conversation, Portia Obeng, a seasoned social media strategist and LinkedIn coach, shares her journey from job hopping to building impactful LinkedIn profiles. She highlights the importance of consistency and authenticity in personal branding, and provides actionable tips for optimizing content on the platform. Portia emphasizes the significance of crafting compelling value propositions and the role of community in supporting entrepreneurs. Tune in for strategies to elevate your LinkedIn game and connect effectively in today's professional landscape!

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 10min
455: How One Podcast Became a Six-Figure Consulting Firm w/ Zach Nunn
This week in the guest chair, we have former Podcast Moguls student Zach Nunn, Founder and CEO of Living Corporate. Zach unpacks how he turned his podcast into a thriving consulting business, landing brand partnerships with major corporations like Pfizer and more. He talks about the strategies behind creating authentic, high-quality content, leveraging interviews as a networking channel, and maximizing the value of a show’s back catalog.In this episode he shares:Why owning your IP is a game-changer for growing podcast revenueHow to repurpose past podcast episodes into new offers (and sell them)Why being transparent about your numbers, no matter how small, can still land you big corporate clientsHow he applied what he learned in Podcast Moguls to his business modelHighlights include: 00:00 Intro04:50 Centering marginalized voices in the workplace08:50 Side hustling while juggling a full-time job11:41 Developing a “bundle” approach to brand partnerships17:30 Expanding from a single podcast to a network37:00 Leveraging 900 hours of archived interviews for his AI e-learning platform51:00 Transitioning from DEI language to “experience management”1:02:00 Advice for entrepreneurs Check out episode 455 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 episodePodcast Moguls Coaching: https://sidehustlepro.co/podcastmoguls/ Living Corporate: https://living-corporate.com Zach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharynunnphr Zach’s email:zach@living-corporate.com Opus Clip (auto-generate multiple clips): https://opus.pro RedCircle: https://redcircle.com CEO Action: https://www.ceoaction.com/ AnnouncementsJoin 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.

Mar 19, 2025 • 43min
454: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots
This week we’re airing my first ever live podcast! I had the opportunity to sit down with author, journalist, and media powerhouse Demetria Lucas at the On Air Fest in Brooklyn, NY. From launching A Belle in BK to building an empire that spans books, film, podcasting, and more, Demetria has mastered the art of evolving and thriving as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Taking risks and flawlessly pivoting has paid off.In this episode she shares:How prioritizing steady income through podcasting, owning a travel company, and more gives her freedom to enjoy life outside of workingThe enormous impact traveling the world has had on her work, leading her to author three books on travel How she stayed resilient through personal challenges and self-doubtHighlights Include:00:00 Intro03:36 Breaking into the book industry08:20 Streams of steady income13:45 Building a personal brand and podcast24:08 Traveling the world27:00 The ups and downs of finances in freelancing36:15 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 454 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeDemetria’s Website: https://www.demetriallucas.com/ Demetria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetriallucas Demetria’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demetriallucas Ratchet and Respectable Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ratchet-respectable/id1449001372 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.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.

Mar 14, 2025 • 36min
453: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5
Are you ready to finally take the leap and start your side hustle, but don’t know where to start? This week we are outlining nine high-potential side hustles that can realistically scale to replace—or significantly supplement—your full-time income. Now these are not quick-fix ideas, these are long-term businesses that can bring you recurring revenue by leveraging automation tools (especially AI), and refining your marketing so clients find and trust you. Take it from someone who has built an entire brand on side hustling! In this episode I share:Nine unique and and high-profit side hustles that can fully replace your 9-5The side hustles former guests of Side Hustle Pro have had major success withWhy closing the gap between your ideas and actually starting is the key to your businessHighlights include:01:45 Cleaning services06:22 Faceless podcast07:57 Virtual assistant12:16 Social media marketing15:25 Short-form video editor 21:15 Podcast/YouTube channel manager22:30 AI integration specialist26:34 Corporate training and coaching29:40 Done-for-you service provider32:30 Why you should start nowCheck out episode 453 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 episodeSchedule a clarity call with Nicaila: https://sidehustlepro.co/start Jhanilka’s Cleaning Business Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuN8j7YEDFg Kimberly’s Corporate Training Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A672riddr1E Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome 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.


