Side Hustle Pro

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. A recent 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 406 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.

So you’ve thought about it forever, but actually launching your side hustle is the hardest part. I’m here to remind you that it’s OK to try things out, start over, and then try again! In this episode I share:The first side hustle I tried and why I quickly learned it wasn’t for me How to find the entry point to break into your side hustle’s industry How taking my time allowed to me prove the concept of my productsFive steps to getting your side hustle off the ground and moreHighlights include: 00:00 Intro01:23 The value of side hustling03:21 How to organize your thoughts06:07 Research your market09:00 Product-based vs service-based 11:31 Narrow down to one thing when launching14:36 Collect feedback after launchingCheck out episode 405 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeFREE side hustle guide: https://sidehustlepro.co/startyoursidehustle Sign up for my newsletter: https://sidehustlepro.co/newsletter Podcast Moguls: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/podcast-moguls/ Curlbox: https://curlbox.com/ Myleik Teele’s SHP Episode: https://youtu.be/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 InfoSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro 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 404 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeBoss Women Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosswomenmedia/ 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/facebookGuest Social Media InfoMarty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martytmcdonald/ Boss Women Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosswomenmedia/ Elle Olivia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopelleolivia/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to create content for your business in under an hour a week with tips on optimizing recording sessions, using favorite content creation tech/tools, and embracing authenticity. Discover efficient strategies like batch recording, creating an 'on-camera uniform,' and utilizing simple tools for successful content creation.

This multi-hyphenate artist is the best example as to how pursuing that side hustle you’ve always dreamed about can pay off.In the guest chair this week we have Nicole Crowder, an acclaimed designer, upholsterer, editor/writer, and curator. After her first custom furniture collection launched in 200 World Market US retail stores, Nicole continues to expand and now collaborates with brands that span across advertising, hospitality, fashion and television to create modern heirlooms and redefine space making.In this episode she shares:How she balances the titles of editor, designer, curator and artist Where her work has been featured, from the HBO television series Insecure, to being acquired by historical museumsThe number one way she ensured high profits while working with brands  How she lands huge publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Better Homes & GardensHighlights include:00:00 Intro02:30 Building a photography portfolio 08:49 Discovering the world of upholstery 11:43 Researching and fine-tuning the craft13:14 Landing contracts with huge brands19:48 Navigating negotiations for maximum profit25:34 Building a pay structure 31:07 Being featured on HBO’s Insecure 41:58 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 402 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeNicole’s Website: https://www.nicolecrowderupholstery.com/ Nicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemcrowder Upholstery Retreats: https://www.theupholsteryretreat.com/ World Market: https://www.worldmarket.com/ Vixer app: https://www.vixerapp.com/   The Remedy Affirmation Cards: https://www.themelanatedremedy.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 InfoNicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemcrowder  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.​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 Intro04:19 Gathering expertise in fragrance09:50 Challenges in corporate America13:46 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 401 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: ShopifyGo 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 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 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 399 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country. Sign up and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.Links 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.

This week in the guest chair we have Robiar Smith, CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions. In a male-dominated field, she is trailblazing her way to the top and building a legacy business for her family and community. Juggling two rapidly growing companies in an unexpected industry, she's redefining success and breaking barriers.In this episode she shares:How she developed an exclusive retail deal with Home DepotWhat skills from her background in corporate America and MBA program she applied to being an entrepreneur Her transition into scaling a product-based business into a multi-million dollar company Highlights include:00:00 Intro2:30 Following the pest control legacy 6:34 How an MBA helped launch the business12:57 Acquiring customers and making them long time clients21:34 Phases of scaling a business25:41 Developing and testing retail products29:37 Difference in service-based and product-based business32:44 Maintaining profitability 35:48 Tips for entrepreneurs  Check out episode 399 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeRobiar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.b.pestsolutions/ Robiar’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbpestsolution Robiar’s Website: https://therbpremiumproducts.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 InfoRobiar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.b.pestsolutions/ Robiar’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbpestsolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have in the guest chair Selina Howard, founder and CEO of Vanglorious Brides. Getting her start as a teacher and side hustling as a wedding planner, Selina found her passion and niche in dressing brides. Today, Vainglorious Brides offers custom bridal shopping experiences, day of dressing services, bridal fashion event production, and more. In this episode she shares:How she went from working for free and building her network to booking celebrity clientsHow fostering strong relationships in the industry gave her the upper handHow she pioneered bridal styling and created her own nicheHighlights Include: 00:00 Intro5:08 Becoming a bridal stylist11:22 The business of working with brides18:58 Building relationships in the industry26:07 Creating a niche in the market33:20 Recovering from COVID impact39:38 Scaling A Team43:02 Booking clients from social media 47:17 Expanding Black bridal market’s reach53:48 Advice for entrepreneursCheck out episode 398 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country. Sign up and give it a try at gusto.com/shp.Links mentioned in this episodeSelina’s Website: https://www.vaingloriousbrides.com/ Selina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaingloriousbrides/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 InfoSelina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaingloriousbrides/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair we have DeNeitra Burnett, the Founder and CEO of Savvy Events, a Los-Angeles based event production and creative agency. DeNeitra has used her creativity and grit to climb to the top of the events industry, working closely with entertainment titans and Fortune 500 companies like HBO, Netflix, and Hulu, among others.DeNeitra shares how when the events business was shut down during the Pandemic, she pivoted her business to custom mailers, leading to her scaling Savvy Events to a 7-Figure Business.In this episode DeNeitra shares:How she made her first custom mailer during the pandemic and created a whole new division in her businessHow she structures her pricing to make sure she is fairly compensatedHow she’s expanding her business and team to incorporate both event production and creative mailer productionHighlights Include:00:00 Intro04:16 Event planning09:22 Work-life balance18:10 Percentage-based pricing23:57 Pivoting to mailers31:13 Adapting staffing structure34:50 Tips for entrepreneursCheck out episode 397 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeThis episode is brought to you by: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country. Sign up and give it a try at https://gusto.com/shp.Links mentioned in this episodeWebsite: https://savvycreativeagency.com/ Savvy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvycreativeagency_/ Savvy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyCreativeAgency Savvy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savvycreativeagency/about/ Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.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.