Side Hustle Pro: Women Entrepreneurs | Black Women Business Owners | Solopreneurs

Michelle Obama's hairstylist and entrepreneur Yene Damtew is in the guest chair sharing her amazing side hustle journey. ⠀ Hear how her side hustle led to a full-time job as Michelle Obama's hairstylist AND opening her own salon Aesthetics Salon What I admire most about Yene is her commitment to going back to college and completing her business degree, despite already having amazing experience, mentorships, and clientele.⠀ Today, she is a mentor to other salon business owners learning how to navigate the industry, run the operations, and turn a talent into a sustainable business and career.  Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify This episode is brought to you by: FreshBooks. Try FreshBooks FREE for 30 days. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro and enter SIDE HUSTLE PRO in the how did you hear about us section to get started. Skillshare is offering Side Hustle Pro listeners a limited time New Years offer of 2 months of Skillshare FREE. To sign up, go to Skillshare.com/nicaila Links mentioned on this episode You

On today’s episode, I am answering: Should you start a podcast? If you or a friend are considering starting a podcast or wondering if it will be a helpful strategy for your business, or if you want more insight into how I launched Side Hustle Pro, this is the episode for you. For full notes, visit: SideHustlePro.co/Podcast Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country —they were even named best online payroll by PCMag. And as a listener, you’ll get three monthsfree when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a try at Gusto.com/shp. ZipRecruiter. Side Hustle Pro listeners can try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/hustle. Zola. To start your free wedding website and also get $50 off your registry, go toZOLA.com/sidehustle Links mentioned on this episode SideHustlePro.co/Podcast for all podcast resources and links that are mentioned in this episode Podcast Moguls Mas

Today in the guest chair is Dreena Whitfield, the founder of WhitPR, a New Jersey-based boutique strategic communications firm. Her clients have been featured on Good Morning America, in The New York Times, Essence, and more. You may be familiar with WhitPR client The Budgetnista, who has graced The Side Hustle Pro guest chair, and has made several appearances on The Real Daytime television show. On today’s episode, we learn how Dreena started WhitPR in her living room in 2009; with no clients, no media contacts, and no mentors, the side job she worked for years to invest in her business during the early stages, and what side hustlers need to know about when and how to get press for your business when you’re just getting started. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: Gusto. Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country. And as a listener, you’ll get three months free when you run your first payroll. Sign up and give it a

Today in the guest chair we have Beatrice Feliu-Espada, the Founder of The Honey Pot Company. The Honey Pot Company is a plant-based, chemical-free feminine care system that cleanses, protects, and balances your vagina. Powered by herbs, made by women, and 100% natural, The Honey Pot Company is disrupting the industry with a healthy alternative to feminine care. I love their tagline: Made by humans with vaginas, for humans with vaginas. As women, we all have to use tampons, pads, lubricants, and subsequently worry about the contents of the products we are putting into our bodies. Beatrice is solving for all of that. She developed the products right in her kitchen. Armed with a mission, determination, and on the job experience, she is tackling scaling her business, entering multichannel mega retailers like Target, and figuring this out as she goes. On today’s episode, we get into how a message from an ancestor brought her business to life and how she is building her mission-driven brand. Let’s get right into i

Today in the guest chair we have Krystle Rowry (better known as Kriss), a Web Designer and Brand Strategist majorly obsessed with online marketing, launching and revenue growth. Kriss specializes in strategically building 6, 7 and even 8-figure brands alongside each of her clients.As a professional designer for over 10 years, Kriss has had the pleasure of creating design strategies for New York Times best selling authors, Oprah endorsed thought-leaders, top YouTubers, content creators, leading podcasters and even a Grammy award-winning artist. Some of her notable clients include Marie Forleo, Franchesca Ramsey, Hey Fran Hey, Luvvie Ajayi, Danielle Leslie and moreKriss has designs featured on BuzzFeed, Essence, and Refinery 29 and on television including VH1, TVOne, and The Food Network. On today’s episode, we discuss how she got started, how she built her own web design and brand strategy business, and what YOUR website needs for your business to flourish. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This

I am back with a solo episode to kick off January!This episode comes highly requested, as people have asked to learn more about the systems that helped me turn my podcast into a six-figure business. Listen in to hear how I eliminate overwhelm, push past mental blocks, how I am still able to get things down in between my reality tv binges, and so much more. Also, I have a special treat for my listeners. For the next week only, you can purchase the newly revamped Goal Getter Action Plan for just $49 with code 2019. The normal price is $98. So get it now, for 50% off while you can. Head over to SideHustlePro.co/GoalGetter to snag your own Goal Getter Action Plan today and enter code 2019 for the $49 price. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: FreshBooks. Try FreshBooks FREE for 30 days. Go to freshbooks.com/sidehustlepro and enter SIDE HUSTLE PRO in the how did you hear about us section to get started. Skillshare. Skillshare is offering Side Hustle Pro listeners a lim

Today I’m back in the guest chair for the first ever LIVE episode. That’s right, this episode was recorded live on Facebook and Instagram. I’m sharing my first year of entrepreneurship in review. Hear my honest thoughts on how the first year went, where I succeeded and where I fell short. I’m breaking down my biggest mistakes and biggest wins and planning for the future. Interested in learning more about the Podcast Moguls Podcast Accelerator? Start Here Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: HoneyBook. HoneyBook makes it easy to streamline your process with client and calendar management tools, and custom branded proposals and contracts. To get started at HoneyBook.com today use promo code HUSTLEPRO for 50% off your first year. Skillshare. Skillshare is offering Side Hustle Pro listeners a limited time offer of 2 months of Skillshare for just 99 cents. To sign up, go to Skillshare.com/hustlepro Links mentioned on this episode Podcast Moguls Podcast Accelerator -

Today in the guest chair is Sakita Holley, the Founder/CEO of House of Success PR. Since 2011, Sakita’s firm House of Success PR has worked with a wide array of clients that include African Pride, Lottabody, KinkyCurlyYaki, Harlem Arts Festival, Heat Free Hair and more. In addition to her PR work, she also hosts a popular business podcast called Hashtags and Stilettos, which is designed to help millennial women win at work, in business and everywhere in between. Sakita has been featured by Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, Women's Biz Journals, xoNecole AND more for her PR and business expertise. In 2017, Sakita was named as one of PRWeek's 40 Under 40 honorees and she is a proud graduate of Howard University. Sakita played a special role in the beginning of this side hustle Pro podcast and you'll hear all about that in this episode. She is someone who inspires me to keep it moving and has always driven home to me that done is better than perfect.In this episode we are going to be breaking down how to start

Today in the guest chair is Briana Owens, the Founder of Spiked Spin. Briana is the perfect example that when you have a vision in your heart it doesn't matter what else exists in the market or what you think the competition might be you have to go after it. For example, by no means does New York City have a shortage of Fitness classes, but after 5 years of spinning across the city, avid cycling fan Briana decided there was a void—one that she was meant to fill. So, balancing her full-time job in advertising she received her certification in spin and got to work.Briana wanted to create an experience specifically with women of color in mind. And so—Spiked Spin was born. Spiked Spin classes are packed with a diverse array of young women and men committed to getting their bodies and lives together.On today's episode, I talk with Briana about how she got started, but also why it’s so important to have a spirit of discernment, a practice of being in tune with what's on your heart and following what's in your soul

Today in the guest chair is Nicole Gibbons, the CEO and Founder of Clare. Nicole is an entrepreneur, interior designer, blogger, and on-air personality best known for her fashion-forward take on personal style expressed through the home. Clare is essentially paint shopping simplified. Nicole has created an easier way to paint a space you love with premium paint, designer-curated colors, and the best painting supplies—all delivered to your door. Nicole has been featured in top media outlets such as HGTV, The Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning America and more. She appeared on the Emmy Award-winning Home Made Simple on OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, for three seasons as a designer helping deserving families re-imagine their living spaces.  On today’s episode, we will get into what inspired her to pivot and how she got herself prepared to launch, secure funding, and now scale. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher and Google Play This episode is brought to you by: Mented Cosmetics. Side Hustle Pro liste

Today in the guest chair, I’m back with another Q&A episode. This was inspired by a Q&A I did on Instagram stories the other day. By the way, if you are not following me on Instagram, I’m @sidehustlepro, I jump into my stories often to show you the behind the scenes that don’t always end up making it to the feed. So follow and subscribe to updates so you’ll also know when I go live. Today, I get into: When I realized I could do this full time What I invested in first: marketing or PR What I miss about my corporate job How bschool helped me become an entrepreneur The RIGHT way to pitch yourself as a guest on Side Hustle Pro (hint: It’s not in the DMs) And so much more! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: Mented Cosmetics. Side Hustle Pro listeners get 15% off of all their Mented purchases! Head over to www.mentedcosmetics.com/sidehustle or use code SideHustle at checkout. Skillshare is offering Side Hustle Pro listeners a limited time offer of 2 months of

Today in the guest chair, we have Jessica Spaulding, Founder of Harlem Chocolate Factory. Jessica grew up in a home where sugar was not on the menu in no shape or form. But putting her entrepreneurial skills to the test early on, she struck a deal with her mother: if she could make her own candy, then she would also be allowed to eat it. As a Food Network enthusiast she learned to make all types of chocolate at just 10 years old, a passion that would inspire her to eventually launch Harlem Chocolate Factory. At Harlem Chocolate Factory, Jessica produces bars and brownies inspired by the rich ethnic heritage of her native Harlem community. Jessica emphasizes quality, handcrafting her products and responsibly sourcing her chocolate.Now, outsiders discouraged Jessica from starting her own business, saying that there was no money to be made. She was determined, however, and in college decided to take a shot at starting a chocolate company. While she was not successful at first, it encouraged her to take time to l

Today in the guest chair we have Brittany Hennessy. Brittany is a marketer and the author of INFLUENCER: Building Your Brand in the Age of Social Media. She was the first-ever Senior Director of Influencer Strategy & Talent Partnerships for Hearst Magazines Digital Media, and the co-founder of Carbon. Before reaching out to Brittany, I read her book and I found it extremely helpful. This year, I found myself on the receiving end of more requests for brand collaborations, partnerships and influencer posts that I ever had before. I used the INFLUENCER book templates to confidently negotiate counter offers or decline opportunities that were not right for my business without burning a bridge. So, as usual, when I discover something useful, I want to share it with you guys. I think that anyone can benefit from Brittany’s knowledge about influencer marketing. Especially if you have plans to build out and monetize your personal brand or ever work with another brand for any reason, for example having them sponsor

Imagine coming up with a marinade that had guests at your bbq forming a line for second and thirds. That’s exactly what happened when today’s guest Monique Wilsondebriano and her husband Chevalo threw a BBQ at their home in Charleston, South Carolina. What they thought was just a secret recipe formed out of their love of food and experimentation, has grown into the nationally acclaimed Charleston Gourmet Burger Company. Their All Natural, Gluten Free Charleston Gourmet Burger Marinade and Gourmet Burger Sauce is currently available in hundreds of retail locations across the country such as Whole Foods Market, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kroger Supermarkets, and The Market at Macy’s. In today’s episode, we get into how a company that started by accident has grown into a legacy building endeavor. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: WIDOWS, the movie. WIDOWS is a modern-day thriller set against the backdrop of crime, passion and corruption from Academy Award-w

On today's episode I am back with my entrepreneur diaries, updating you on what's been going on since I checked in in September. In today's episode, I get into: My experience searching for the right therapist My life-changing appointment with a nutritionist How I am "doing it scared" And so much more! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud Stitcher This episode is brought to you by: WIDOWS, the movie. WIDOWS is a modern-day thriller set against the backdrop of crime, passion and corruption from Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen and co-writer and bestselling author of Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn. The film stars Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Robert Duvall and Liam Neeson.Widows arrives in theaters on November 16! Watch more here. Links mentioned on this episode WIDOWS movie Podcast Moguls MASTERCLASS Dr. Joy's episode on Therapy for Black Founders MavenClinic 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating Food Heaven podcast Cl

Today’s guest is Jereshia Hawk. Jereshia is an Income Strategist and recent Corporate Dropout who helps content creators, coaches, and consultants 4X their revenue through online positioning and sales strategy. Before starting her own business, Jereshia was a Civil Engineer on the leadership track to become the next generation of leadership at her company. She was the lead engineer on a $400M pipeline project. She had no plans to leave her corporate job to become an entrepreneur. But as she learned to package her corporate training into lessons that could help other entrepreneurs sell their service based business, she shifted her career plans. Today, she teaches others her PROVEN process to build a 5-Figure business selling your services online. On today’s episode we get into: How to develop your signature serviceHow to determine how to price your services Why she continued to side hustle after booking her first $60,000 in sales And so much more! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher and Google Pl

Today in the guest chair is Catherine Soliz-Rey. Catherine is a Self Transformation Strategist for Women and the founder of the Fiercer Woman brand, where she empowers and motivates women with ways to get past their blocks and become their fiercest selves in life and business. Fun fact, when I first started my blog back in 2015, Catherine was one of the first people I come across. I came across Catherine when I was starting out in side hustling. I was attracted to her authentic approach to sharing marketing and content creating tips. She is personally someone I have purchased content from and learned from, and I always like sharing some of my best kept secrets with the side hustle pro audience, so I had to have her in the guest chair. Today, I still look to Catherine for motivation to not let fear of what might go wrong hold me back and just do it. Catherine has used her marketing expertise to train hundreds of entrepreneurs how to build their brand and do the personal development work necessary to breakthrou

Today in the guest chair is the one and only, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a Licensed Psychologist, Speaker, and the host of the wildly popular mental health podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, her Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Arkansas State, and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Georgia.Her work focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Blackwomen and she specializes in creating spaces for Black women to have fuller and healthierrelationships with themselves and others.She has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Bustle, Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, Women’s Health, BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, and Essence. This episode is so important to me because I am passionate about breaking the stigma of mental health. Like any other part of our body, we need to take care of our mind. And as Founders, sometimes we think what we

Today in the guest chair are the ladies of Curly Girl Collective. Curly Girl Collective is comprised of Charisse, Gia, Melody, Simone and Tracey. Curly Girl Collective’s vision is to be a change agent in the beauty industry by connecting, empowering and celebrating women of color around the world. Their mission is to create innovative experiences that celebrate natural beauty and showcase the best brands for women of color. And they have done so with signature events that have taken the natural world by storm. You may know them best for their signature event, CURLFEST, which takes place annually in the summer in Prospect Park. These ladies went from dreaming up a vision for this business during a potluck in one of their apartments to now producing a large scale, activation filled experiences for natural hair women with brand partners like Shea Moisture, Target, BET and more! Most importantly, these women are dear friends, and running a business with your girlfriends is no easy feat. On today’s episode we get

Today in the guest chair is Angelica Nwandu. Angelica is the founder of The Shade Room, a media company that covers celebrity news and celebrates black culture. With over 14 million followers on Instagram alone, The Shade Room has become the it-destination for breaking national stories. Angelica herself was named as one of the Forbes "30 under 30" in 2016 and has created an empire that inspired Refinery 29 to dub her "the Oprah of our generation.” Angelica, as you’ll hear on the episode, is someone who is so fascinating to me, because she didn’t have a blueprint. But her confidence is contagious. She may not have known for sure that what she would create would work, but something inside of her made her believe it would work. That’s the kind of confidence we all need to have. On today’s episode, we’ll get into: How Angelica got her start How her foster care upbringing influenced her life’s path And how she revolutionized celebrity news starting with a laptop, wifi, and an Instagram account Listen on Apple Po