• 460: This Side Hustler Created a Curated Beauty Supply Store and Community In Ann Arbor
    Apr 30 2025

    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 base
    • The startup costs and how she’s been able to be profitable in the first year
    • The 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 Intro

    08:16 Exploring different side hustles

    14:16 Navigating a new city

    18:43 Filling the need for a beauty supply

    23:18 Startup planning and costs

    27:55 Creating a community

    30:01 Curating events and collaborations

    35:02 Running a storefront as a side hustle

    41:20 Expanding and creating a cultural hub

    46:43 Setting the tone for the future of the store

    56:19 Tips for entrepreneurs


    Check out episode 460 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube


    Links 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/id1126021323

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t?si=8daf52a57e054042

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro

    Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss


    Affiliate 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.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 459: Her Plant-Based Soaps Landed Her On Shark Tank And On The Path To $1.2M In Sales
    Apr 23 2025

    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 Tank
    • Her secret sauce to having a rate of 78% repeat customers
    • How she won over 300K in investment capital and has a trajectory of $1.2M in sales


    Highlights Include:

    00:00 Intro

    03:24 Generations of Black farmers

    06:38 Struggle with eczema

    08:45 Studying horticulture and agriculture

    14:10 Staring Gently Soaps

    18:03 Transitioning to selling at markets

    21:31 Importance of formulating for sensitive skin

    28:56 Sales growth and Shark Tank impact

    32:55 High margins and sales

    39:49 Marketing strategies

    44:03 Tips for entrepreneurs


    Check out episode 459 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube


    Links mentioned in this episode

    • Gently 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/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

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    52 mins
  • 458: Why Your Podcast Isn't Making Money (and How to Fix It)
    Apr 16 2025

    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 downloads
    • Creating Value: How to produce content and services that your audience genuinely wants to pay for


    Highlights Include:

    00:00 Intro

    02:49 The Importance of Podcast Setup

    05:15 Narrowing Down Your Podcast Topics

    09:50 Understanding and Serving Your Audience

    14:33 Creating a Content Plan

    16:39 Effective Marketing Strategies

    19:00 Consistent Marketing Practices

    21:24 Thinking Outside the Box for Sponsorships

    25:54 Create Content People Want to Pay For

    28:17 Recap and Action Steps

    To 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 YouTube


    Links mentioned in this episode

    • Riverside (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/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

    Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

    #SideHustlePro

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    31 mins
  • 457: How Julia Coney Pivoted Careers to Pioneer a New Era in the Food & Wine Industry
    Apr 9 2025

    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 Airlines


    Highlights include:

    00:00 Intro

    04:42 Original career path and intro to wine

    13:00 Navigating a switch in careers

    21:39 Transition from beauty blogging to wine writing

    27:06 Addressing racism in the wine industry

    29:40 Sustaining financially as a freelance writer

    35:00 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 apps


    Links mentioned in this episode

    • Julia’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/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
    • Julia’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.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 456: How To Build a LinkedIn Profile That Helps You Side Hustle
    Apr 3 2025

    This week we’re taking it back to my convo with Portia Obeng, social media strategist, LinkedIn coach, and former Side Hustle Pro social media manager!

    With over 10 years of experience, Portia guides people through the ever-changing social media landscape to amplify their personal brands and make money.


    In this episode she shares about:

    • The steps she’s taken to go from job hopping to helping people optimize their LinkedIn
    • Her focus on the niche of creating “ LinkedIn superstars” who advocate for the company they work for
    • How she’s been able to maintain financially on a non-traditional path


    Highlights Include:

    00:00 Intro

    02:00 Early career experience

    08:00 Helping women level up in LinkedIn

    13:30 The importance of consistency on LinkedIn

    16:20 Building a LinkedIn profile

    24:00 Optimizing content on LinkedIn

    29:25 Using LinkedIn to build a personal brand

    37:00 How to connect in the best way on LinkedIn

    50:00 Tips for entrepreneurs


    Watch episode 456 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps


    Links mentioned in this episode

    • Portia’s Website: https://www.portiaobeng.com/
    • Portia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/portiaobeng/
    • Portia’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@portia.o
    • Muoyo’s Website: https://myvoterstatus.com/
    • Verizon Small Business Program: https://digitalready.verizonwireless.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
    • Portia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/portiaobeng/
    • Portia’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@portia.o

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 mins
  • 455: How One Podcast Became a Six-Figure Consulting Firm w/ Zach Nunn
    Mar 26 2025

    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 revenue
    • How 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 clients
    • How he applied what he learned in Podcast Moguls to his business model


    Highlights include:

    00:00 Intro

    04:50 Centering marginalized voices in the workplace

    08:50 Side hustling while juggling a full-time job

    11:41 Developing a “bundle” approach to brand partnerships

    17:30 Expanding from a single podcast to a network

    37:00 Leveraging 900 hours of archived interviews for his AI e-learning platform

    51:00 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 YouTube


    This 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 episode

    • Podcast 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/


    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


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 454: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots
    Mar 19 2025

    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 working
    • The 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-doubt


    Highlights Include:

    00:00 Intro

    03:36 Breaking into the book industry

    08:20 Streams of steady income

    13:45 Building a personal brand and podcast

    24:08 Traveling the world

    27:00 The ups and downs of finances in freelancing

    36:15 Tips for entrepreneurs


    Check out episode 454 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube


    Links mentioned in this episode

    • Demetria’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/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

    Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

    #SideHustlePro


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    43 mins
  • 453: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5
    Mar 14 2025

    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 9-5
    • The side hustles former guests of Side Hustle Pro have had major success with
    • Why closing the gap between your ideas and actually starting is the key to your business


    Highlights include:

    01:45 Cleaning services

    06:22 Faceless podcast

    07:57 Virtual assistant

    12:16 Social media marketing

    15:25 Short-form video editor

    21:15 Podcast/YouTube channel manager

    22:30 AI integration specialist

    26:34 Corporate training and coaching

    29:40 Done-for-you service provider

    32:30 Why you should start now


    Check out episode 453 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube


    This 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 episode

    • Schedule 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/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

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    36 mins