
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

Jan 10, 2024 • 41min
386: Life Updates: Juggling Motherhood & Business
This week I’m back with some life updates, and yes, that includes me having a baby on y’all! Time can move so quickly, it’s so important to take time to reflect on the challenges, milestones and accomplishments in life. I’ve learned to tune out other opinions and appreciate my own journey in motherhood and entrepreneurship. In this episode I share about:Now being a mom of 2 and how entrepreneurship has allowed more freedom to parent Personal finance taking the forefront and which books are helping me to reach my financial goalsThe importance of showing up and expressing myself authentically on social media platformsHighlights Include:03:04 Motherhood Reflections25:50 Financial Planning 27:46 Outsourcing Financial Bookkeeping 34:50 Business GoalsCheck out episode 386 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeNewsletter: https://sidehustlepro.co/newsletter/ NicailaTV Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicailaTV Side Hustle Pro Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Side Hustle Pro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ NicailaTV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicailatv/ Made Whole By Tiffany Aliche: https://thebudgetnista.com/order-made-whole/Get Good With Money By Tiffany Aliche: https://getgoodwithmoney.com/ Your Journey To Financial Freedom: https://yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ NicailaTV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicailatv/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 7min
385: Finding Financial Balance While Side Hustling w/ Tiffany The Budgetnista
Tiffany Aliche, 'The Budgetnista', discusses maintaining side hustles while advancing as a business owner, achieving financial wholeness, and the importance of personal financial health. She also shares strategies for balancing margins, transitioning out of CEO role, and transparency in payroll.

Dec 27, 2023 • 59min
384: How To Make It In The Toy Industry W/ Azhelle Wade
This episode we’re getting a masterclass from The Toy Coach herself, Azhelle Wade. At first second-guessing herself, Azhelle eventually found confidence in her talent, leading to her working for big toy companies like Mattel and Toys R Us. She's climbed up and across the ladder in the toy world, starting out as a designer, later gaining 3 toy patents, and eventually becoming a VP at a toy company. Her online course, Toy Creators Academy empowers newbies in the toy industry with step-by-step guidance, downloadable worksheets, and group coaching. In this episode she shares about: Choosing between the corporate path vs inventor path vs entrepreneur path in the toy industry How she found her niche of coaching toy makers while also pursuing her own toy aspirations The success she has found in marketing through her podcast Making It In the Toy Industry and maintaining an Evergreen model for her courses Highlights include: 04:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 06:56 Understanding the Different Paths in the Toy Industry 08:40 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 17:15 The Benefits of Having a Podcast 25:05 What Sets The Toy Coach Apart 32:25 The Stress of Running a Hands-On Course 34:47 The Strategy of the Evergreen Model & Seasonal Webinars 40:20 The Importance of Promoting Your Course 46:25 The Strategy of Targeting Local Stores First 53:20 The Challenges and Opportunities of B2B Consulting 55:48 Advice for Side Hustlers Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurs Check out episode 384 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. 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 episode Azhelle’s Website: Website: https://www.thetoycoach.com/ Azhelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoycoach/ Afro Unicorn SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlAld_Fcwso Easy Webinar: https://easywebinar.com/ Amy Porterfield: https://www.amyporterfield.com/amy-porterfield-podcast/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info Azhelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoycoach/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 20, 2023 • 54min
383: How to Build a Sticky Brand: Insights from Sassy Jones CEO Charis Jones
It’s always a great episode when we get to see the evolution a previous guest has made in their business. We’re back with Charis Jones, CEO of Sassy Jones, an empowering fashion and beauty brand. She shares how she prioritized impact over traditional business metrics, establishing a colorful and elegant brand with a loyal following, or as she calls it, a “sticky” brand. In this episode she shares about: Opening a physical store, noting the distinct experiences offered in-person versus e-commerce Managing work-family dynamics with her husband as company president How to build a disciplined marketing practice Her hiring approach and how she makes sure to prioritize her team’s strengths Highlights include: 01:58 Transition to Physical Store 03:47 The Challenges of Running an E-commerce Business 06:42 Scaling Without Investors 11:10 The Importance of Rest and Balance 20:48 Marketing Strategies and Execution 30:58 The Role of Experience in Hiring 34:26 Managing Family Dynamics in Business 39:46 The Importance of Recognizing Strengths 45:30 The Importance of Consistency and Staying Hungry 48:28 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Check out episode 383 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. Links mentioned in this episode Charis’ Original SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aAeqYOnKfw Sassy Jones Website: https://www.shopsassyjones.com/ Sassy Jones’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsassyjones Rich Paul’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Me-Memoir-Changing-Odds/dp/0593448472 Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info Charis’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charisnjones/ Sassy Jones’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsassyjones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 4min
382: How Dawn Kelly Went From PR Mogul To The Nourish Spot CEO
What started as unexpected unemployment at 52 years old turned into an incredible journey of finding purpose and alignment through absolute self-confidence. Dawn Kelly masterfully tells the story of how she became CEO of The Nourish Spot, a family owned, quick serve healthy food, smoothie and natural juice bar located in Jamaica, Queens, NYC. Relying upon her determination, faith and own resources, Dawn is now a courageous entrepreneur providing healthier beverage and food options in the food desert of Southeast Queens. In this episode she shares: How important it was to grieve her lost position in the PR world so that she could later pivot and use her acquired skills as an entrepreneur How she has made it a point to expand her business beyond her storefront, leading her to opportunities like vending in Citi Field and The US Open Why she is committed to lifelong learning and the many wonderful resources she has found along the way, you can find a list of her resources at https://sidehustlepro.co/nourishspot So much more, you don’t want to miss this episode! Check out episode 382 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This 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. HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. Links mentioned in this episode The Nourish Spot Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenourishspot/?hl=en The Nourish Spot Website: https://the-nourish-spot.myshopify.com/ The Nourish Spot Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theNourishspot/ The Nourish Spot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nourish-spot/ Dawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmaven17/ Queens Economic Development: https://queensny.org/ Score Business Mentoring: https://www.score.org/ Streetwise MBA: https://interise.org/programs/streetwise-mba/ LegalZoom: https://www.legalzoom.com/ Small Business Services NYC: https://www.nyc.gov/site/sbs/index.page M/WBE Certification: https://nyc-business.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/minority-and-womenowned-business-enterprise-certification-program-mwbe ACDBE Certification: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/acr/bus_ent_program Queens Chamber Of Commerce: https://www.queenschamber.org/ Goldman Sachs 10K SB Program: https://10ksbapply.com/ Hello Alice: https://helloalice.com/ NAACP Grants: https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info The Nourish Spot Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenourishspot/?hl=en Dawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prmaven17/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 6, 2023 • 51min
381: How To Make Your Next Move Your Best Move w/ Kimberly Brown
In the world of consultants and career developers, it can feel impossible to find the right fit. Kimberly Brown stands out as an expert whose leadership development company, Manifest Yourself, helps women and people of color navigate the workplace, make more money and become industry leaders. She’s the author of bestselling book, Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You'll Love and the host of the Your Next Move Podcast. In this episode she shares: The steps she took to determine when it was time to leave her 9-5 Her simple yet powerful methods to attracting her ideal clients How she exceedingly surpassed her six figure goal in her first year Check out episode 381 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. Links mentioned in this episode Kimberly’s Podcast: www.kimberlybonline.com/podcast Manifest Yourself Website: www.manifestyourself.com Kimberly’s Website: www.kimberlybonline.com Kimberly’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimberlybonline Kimberly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlybonline/ Profit First Book: https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimberlybonline Kimberly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlybonline/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 29, 2023 • 54min
380: Mastering Financial Freedom W/ Author & Podcast Host Jamila Souffrant
This week we are returning with an update episode with Jamila Souffrant. She is the author of the book, Your Journey To Financial Freedom, and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. As a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field, The Journey To Launch Podcast has over 4+ million total downloads and was listed by the NYTimes as a podcast to help you get better with your money. Starting her journey by saving over $100K in two years, she is now financially free. In this episode she shares: How she went from aggressive saving to over $400K years and becoming debt-free The best and easiest way to traditionally publish your book What methods of income-earning have failed her and how she helps others find what works best for them, and more Check out episode 380 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. Links mentioned in this episode Jamila’s 1st Side Hustle Pro episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTM2FyWDOaY Journey To Launch Website: https://journeytolaunch.com/ Journey To Launch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeytolaunch Jamila’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Journey2launch/ Jamila’s Book: https://yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com/ Mindset- Carol S. Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 The Beautiful Writers Podcast: https://www.beautifulwriterspodcast.com/ Self-Publishing School: https://self-publishingschool.com/podcast/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info Journey To Launch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeytolaunch Jamila’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Journey2launch/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 2023 • 52min
379: From Wall Street Analyst to the Founder of HBCU Prep School REWIND
In this week's rewind episode, I sat down with Claudia Walker, founder of HBCU Prep School. As a proud second generation HBCU graduate, Claudia authored the best-selling book series, The ABCs of HBCUs and The ABCs of Black Wall Street. In this episode Claudia shares: How she balances being a full time entrepreneur while working a full time job The insider financial skills she picked up during her time on Wall Street How she landed her self-published children’s book on Target shelves How she’s expanding her reach by starting a publishing company Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. Links mentioned in this episode HBCU Prep School Website: https://hbcuprepschool.com HBCU Prep School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbcuprepschool/ Overseas Manufacturer: https://www.alibaba.com IngramSpark Self Publishing: https://www.ingramspark.com/ Amazon KDP Self Publishing: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/ Designworks Ink: https://designworksink.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info HBCU Prep School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbcuprepschool/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 15, 2023 • 39min
378: How Domonique Brown Grew Her Art Into An Everyday Lifestyle Brand REWIND
This week we have a rewind episode for you with Domonique Brown, the artist and founder behind DomoINK, a lifestyle brand that contributes art, apparel, and home decor in celebration of Black art. Domonique got her start in real estate and marketing before deciding to become a full-time artist-entrepreneur. In today’s episode she shares: How her side hustle went from Instagram posts to Target carrying a line of her products How she approaches conversations with major brands regarding pricing and licensing her art Her methods to manage the financial ups and downs of entrepreneurship and so much more! Check out this episode of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. This Is Small Business- Learn more about how to start and grow your small business, check out This Is Small Business, an original podcast from Amazon on your favorite podcast app. Links mentioned in this episode Domonique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snoopdoggydom/ Domonique’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domoink DomoINK’s Website: https://domoink.com/ Ryman Arts: https://rymanarts.org/ DomoINK on Society6: https://society6.com/mcdomos Domonique’s Jiggy Puzzle: https://jiggypuzzles.com/products/cali-views?_pos=1&_sid=79e0bc414&_ss=r Printify: https://printify.com/ Printful: https://www.printful.com/sell-tshirts-online Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info Domonique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snoopdoggydom/ Domonique’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domoink Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 2023 • 53min
377: How CultureCon CEO Imani Ellis Went From Side Hustling VP to Full-Time Entrepreneur REWIND
In this week's rewind episode, in the guest chair we have former Side Hustle Pro guest Imani Ellis, CEO and Founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective NYC. While working as Vice President of Communications at NBC Universal, Imani founded The CCNYC and began her journey to becoming the full-time CEO of her company and CultureCon. In this episode she shares: How CultureCon and The CCNYC has hugely expanded since we last spoke The steps she took to firmly make the decision of becoming a full-time entrepreneur How she effectively built and manages a team of 25 people And so much more, you don’t want to miss this episode! Check out episode 377 of Side Hustle Pro podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by: HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork. This Is Small Business- Learn more about how to start and grow your small business, check out This Is Small Business, an original podcast from Amazon on your favorite podcast app. Links mentioned in this episode 2021 Imani Ellis SHP Episode: https://youtu.be/A_JQyPajFK0 The CCNYC Website: https://www.imaniellis.com/ Imani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaniimani/ Imani’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyimanigirl Score Mentor Finder: https://www.score.org/find-mentor The CCNYC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theccnyc/ CultureCon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturecon/ Podcast Moguls: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/podcast-moguls/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If 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 Guest Social Media Info Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaniimani/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyimanigirl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.