If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT:https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this solo episode, I am getting real with you about the one skill that changed everything for me and that I believe every woman needs to develop right now: learning how to make money directly for yourself. I am sharing why the leap from employee to entrepreneur is so hard, how our entire lives have programmed us to earn money for someone else, and what it truly takes to start creating money on your own terms. I take you back to my days at NPR, where I was climbing the ladder, playing the game, and quietly building Side Hustle Pro on the side. I share how a hater coworker who reported me to my boss became the catalyst for my exit plan, how I landed my first $4,000 podcast sponsorship from a cold customer service email, and how learning just two revenue streams gave me the confidence to leave my job for good. This episode is also a reminder that you do not have to have everything figured out before you start. Your first $20 or $25 outside of your paycheck changes something in you that no amount of planning can replicate. If you are sitting at a crossroads wondering what your next move is, this episode is your sign to start choosing yourself. Main Takeaways * The difficulty of leaving a job is not fear or lack of risk tolerance; it is decades of programming to earn money for someone else, and that programming can be unlearned. * Earning money depends on someone else choosing you, while creating money is about identifying a problem, building a solution, and offering it to the world. * You do not need two revenue streams mastered before you act; your first dollar outside a paycheck unlocks a shift in confidence and mindset that no amount of planning can give you. * Showing up imperfectly is part of the process; authenticity attracts the right people and gives your audience permission to let their guard down too. Highlights Include * 00:01 - Why I chose to record this episode on the go with ease over perfection * 02:27 - How jobs program us to earn money for someone else and why that makes the leap so hard * 03:06 - The story of bringing my now-husband Muoyo to my NPR holiday party and what it revealed about being stuck in the corporate mindset * 07:31 - Why smart, experienced, degreed women still feel stuck and what they are actually missing * 09:49 - The difference between earning money (someone choosing you) and creating money (creating value) * 12:15 - Why showing up imperfectly is how you attract your people, especially as Black women in professional spaces * 14:37 - Why relying on someone else to choose you is bad for your mental health, and what to do instead * 18:47 - My personal backstory: launching Side Hustle Pro while at NPR and investing $1,197 in a sponsorship intensive * 21:06 - How a cold email to a customer service inbox landed me my first $4,000 podcast sponsorship contract * 25:52 - The coworker who reported me to HR and how that moment became the push I needed to start my exit plan * 00:00 (Part 2) - Why your first $25 changes everything internally and how making money directly for yourself is the skill to build right now Links Mentioned in This Episode Shift Coaching Program: sidehustlepro.co/shift Watch & Listen Listen to Side Hustle Pro on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Announcements SHIFT, my transformational coaching program for ambitious women who want to turn their side hustle into their exit plan from their 9-to-5, is now open for applications. Apply now at sidehustlepro.co/shift before spots fill. Social Media Side Hustle Pro Instagram: @SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If this resonated with you, here are additional resources: ⭐ APPLY TO SHIFT:https://sidehustlepro.co/shift In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my entrepreneurial journey and sharing the six most important lessons I've learned since leaving my corporate job in 2017. Most people assume that quitting was my biggest risk, but the truth is, the scariest steps happened long before I ever turned in my notice. I take you all the way back to 2015, when I graduated from business school without a job after not receiving the full-time offer from my Google internship. From studying abroad in Barcelona to avoid reality, to moving back to DC and starting a blog with no plan, this episode is about what really happens in the messy middle before success shows up. I share how rejection led me to NPR, how my experience there became the foundation for Side Hustle Pro, and how I earned my first $4,000 sponsorship contract from a cold email to a customer service inbox. This episode is for anyone who is waiting for a sign, a plan, or the perfect moment. Spoiler: that moment is not coming. What is coming is everything you need to build, but only if you start. I break down exactly how I got here and what I want you to take away from this milestone journey. Main Takeaways * Rejection is redirection: Not getting the Google offer was the push that led Nicaila to build Side Hustle Pro. * You don't need the whole plan: Taking one next step, even without knowing where it leads, is how clarity is built. * Clarity comes from action: The idea for Side Hustle Pro did not come before the action; the action revealed the idea. * Bet on proof, not hope: Nicaila didn't quit her job out of fearlessness, she quit because she had consistent data showing her business could grow. Highlights Include * [00:02] I share the real biggest risk I took, and it wasn't quitting my job * [00:24] The Google internship story: expecting the full-time offer and not getting it * [02:45] Graduating from business school with no job, no plan, and moving back to DC * [04:40] Lesson 1: Rejection is redirection, and what that looked like in real life * [07:16] Lesson 2: You don't need the whole plan, just the next step * [00:02 segment 2] Lesson 3: Clarity comes from action, not waiting for an aha moment * [03:11] How Side Hustle Pro's concept was born out of a boring blog pivot * [07:26] Lesson 5: Bet on proof, how I earned my first $4,000 sponsorship * [11:37] The real reason I quit: not fearlessness, but evidence * [12:19] Lesson 6: The life you want is built before you leave, not after Links Mentioned in This Episode APPLY TO SHIFT:https://sidehustlepro.co/shift Watch & Listen Listen to Side Hustle Pro on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram: @SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sat down with Camille Joy, founder of the Moments of Joy Podcast and author of Moments of Joy: 90 Days of Encouragement, published by Penguin Random House. Camille is a trafficking survivor who escaped an abusive situation at 21, became a high school dropout turned executive chef, and fought her way into a six-figure salary by going directly to the CEO. When her youngest son Mason was diagnosed with autism, everything shifted again, and a raw, tear-filled video she recorded in her car after a difficult doctor visit went viral with over six million views in 2022. Today Camille runs two businesses: Moments of Joy, her for-profit media brand built on brand deals, speaking, and her book, and Awesomely Different, her nonprofit that provides swimming lesson grants for children with autism. She also shares how she and her filmmaker husband manage it all without a village, and what it really took to land Holly Robinson Peete as a podcast guest after five attempts over several years. Main Takeaways * Your test is your testimony: Camille's openness about trafficking, autism, and grief is what built her audience and her business. * Tackle the shame first: Before you can turn your story into impact, you have to get comfortable sharing what you have been through. * Serve before you ask: Camille landed Holly Robinson Peete as a guest by consistently showing up in her community, buying her book, attending her events, and reaching out five times before getting a yes. * Caregiving and entrepreneurship can coexist: Camille and her husband run two businesses while raising Mason by communicating constantly, sharing schedules, and giving each other permission to pursue their goals. Highlights Include * 00:46 - Camille shares what life looked like before the Moments of Joy Podcast existed * 01:45 - Mason's birth story and three heart surgeries in 18 months * 02:42 - Receiving Mason's autism diagnosis and how it changed everything * 04:40 - Camille reveals she is a trafficking survivor and how she escaped at 21 * 06:06 - How a stranger saying her name out loud was the sign she needed to go to culinary school * 09:14 - Fighting for the executive chef title at ConAir Corporation by CC'ing the CEO * 11:13 - Going to the CEO directly to demand her six-figure salary and getting it on the spot * 23:22 - The viral reel that changed everything: 6 to 7 million views after a tearful moment in the car * 27:06 - Launching Awesomely Different, her nonprofit that teaches children with autism to swim * 31:52 - Signing with Penguin Random House and the reality of first-round edits * 38:45 - How Camille and her husband manage two businesses and Mason's care without a traditional village * 46:01 - Why tackling shame is the first step to turning your test into a testimony * 52:03 - The strategy behind landing Holly Robinson Peete and why she reached out five times * 56:17 - Lightning round: resources, role models, daily non-negotiables, and parting advice Links Mentioned in This Episode Podcorn (early podcast sponsorship platform): https://podcorn.com Moments of Joy Podcast: https://www.mojpodcast.com/ Watch & Listen Side Hustle Pro Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t Side Hustle Pro Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 Social Media Instagram: @momentsofjoypodcast TikTok: @momentsofjoypodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sat down with the powerhouse duo behind Pop’N Creative, Jessica Lane Alexander and Lori Hall McKissic. These two met years ago at Turner Broadcasting and spent years rising through the ranks of some of the biggest names in media and entertainment, including TBS, TNT, UPTV, and TV One, before finally betting on themselves. Their story is one of calculated risk, deep friendship, and relentless creative vision. I was so excited to finally get them both on the show and dig into the real behind-the-scenes of how Pop’N Creative came to be. They walked us through the eight-week planning process over dinners and drinks that turned into a real business, how they launched in February 2020 (yes, right before the pandemic), and how they survived and thrived when the world shut down. They bootstrapped everything, pivoted their model on the fly, and landed clients like Freeform, Hulu, and National Geographic along the way. We also got into the money conversation because the glitz and glamour of events and activations has a whole financial infrastructure behind it. We talked about payment terms, cash flow management, how to structure agency contracts, and what it really takes to grow to the $4 million revenue range as a small boutique agency. If you are building something in the creative or service space, this one is full of gems. Main Takeaways * Start before you are fully ready: Pop’N Creative launched in February 2020, and the pandemic that followed actually forced them to pivot into a social-first model that helped them grow. * Use the 60% rule: Before leaving your full-time job, aim to have 60% of your target salary locked in through contracts so you have enough security to leap without operating from fear. * Master cash flow, not just revenue: Payment terms of net 60 to net 90 are common in the agency world, so having a business line of credit and a great accountant are non-negotiable early hires. * Your network IS your net worth: From their first capabilities presentation to their Cannes Lions shortlist, every major win came from relationships they had built over years in the industry. Highlights Include * 00:53 - Jessica and Lori share their individual career journeys through Turner, Kellogg Business School, Microsoft, UPTV, and TV One * 09:07 - The moment Jessica first told Lori "we could do this ourselves" and how she pitched the idea twice before it stuck * 10:35 - How they tested the business concept during eight weeks of structured planning sessions over dinner and drinks * 13:38 - Launching Pop’N Creative in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut everything down * 14:01 - How Lori's unexpected layoff during the pandemic became the best thing that ever happened to her entrepreneurial journey * 19:06 - Landing their very first capabilities presentation with Freeform (Disney) and wowing a room of 15 people on their first try * 25:27 - How they bootstrapped and self-funded Poppin to retain full autonomy, and what happened when their first big event contract got canceled * 27:49 - The Hulu skating rink at Essence Festival and how they pivoted to experiential work post-pandemic * 47:14 - Pitching National Geographic on a wild-card Fashion Week idea with holographic animals that got shortlisted at Cannes Lions * 59:31 - Their parting advice: the 60% rule for leaving your job and why finding a business partner or lieutenant makes all the difference Links Mentioned in This Episode Pop’N Creative Website: https://www.popncreative.com Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Social Media Pop’N Creative: @popncreative Jessica Lane Alexander: @LaneJessD Lori Hall McKissic: @loriJAY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sat down with Janae Young, founder and CEO of Young College Prep, who started her first business at just 15 years old, tutoring classmates out of her school library in Wilmington, North Carolina. By the time she graduated high school, she had a team of eight tutors. By the time she graduated from Stanford, she had hit $300K in annual revenue. And by 2025, she crossed her first million. But Janae's path was anything but linear. COVID wiped out the SAT/ACT prep market practically overnight, and her company went into negative profit. She was a freshman in college, going through a breakup, studying computer science remotely and somehow she held on. What she shares in this episode about staying stubborn in the quiet moments, investing $25K in herself as a 19-year-old college student, and pivoting her business model to serve parents instead of students is the kind of transparency you don't often hear. Janae also opens up about navigating the college admissions landscape in a post-affirmative action era, why she believes the college application process is a metaphor for life, and how she's helping students of color tell their stories powerfully. If you're an entrepreneur in a side hustle chapter or a parent thinking about your kid's future this one is for you. Main Takeaways * Invest in yourself before you feel ready: Janae wired $25K to a mastermind as a 19-year-old college student with almost nothing left in her account and that bet changed everything. * Know who actually holds the decision and the wallet: When Janae shifted her focus from students to parents, her revenue took off. * Real urgency comes from the problem, not just the deadline: Make your client deeply aware of what inaction is costing them for Janae's audience, that's potentially $100K+ in lost merit scholarships. * Selling is just teaching: When you see yourself as an educator first, the "sleazy" feeling disappears and you become a genuine guide. Highlights Include * (0:38) Janae started her tutoring business at 15 because she was too young to work at Chick-fil-A * (3:26) Hiring and firing her first employee at 16 -- including a tutor who poached a client and cited contract law to get away with it * (11:12) How COVID wiped out the SAT/ACT market overnight and sent her business into negative profit * (22:43) Screen recording a webinar, then closing 4 out of 5 people at $500 the very next night * (27:28) Wiring $25K to a mastermind at 19 -- and the phone call her mom got from the bank * (31:21) Why shifting her target from students to parents changed her revenue trajectory * (36:27) How she structured her Stanford schedule to be a student Mon-Wed and a CEO Thu-Fri * (39:30) Breaking down her two offers: Ivy League Score ($2,500) and Ivy League Acceptance ($12K) * (51:00) Her organic and paid marketing mix: podcast, ads, and live and evergreen webinar funnels * (1:03:46) Her response to the affirmative action ruling and how she helps students of color own their story Links Mentioned in This Episode * Young College Prep website: janaetutoring.com * Stacey Boehman -- 2K for 2K program: staceyboehman.com/2kfor2k * Dielle Charon -- Six Figure Liberation mastermind (formerly called Sales Queen): diellecharon.com * Claire Pelitro (Claire Pels) -- Get Paid Marketing: clairepells.com * Amy Porterfield -- amyporterfield.com * Brooke Castillo -- The Life Coach School: thelifecoachschool.com Watch & Listen Listen to the Side Hustle Pro podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream podcasts. Watch full video episodes on the Side Hustle Pro YouTube channel. Social Media * Instagram: @JanaeTutoring * Facebook: @JanaeTutoring * Podcast: The Get Accepted Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair is Tiffany Aliche, known to millions as the Budgetnista and the author of the New York Times bestseller Get Good With Money. Tiffany is back for a deeply personal conversation about what burnout actually looks like when you’re at the top of your game, and what it finally took for her to listen to herself. She opens up about the physical and emotional signs she ignored for too long, the scary truth she finally admitted to her therapist, and how a solo trip to Sedona shifted everything. She also takes us inside the business pivot happening at Budgetnista, from being the face of everything to stepping back and watching her company grow 74% in a single quarter. We also get into the deeper financial conversation: the difference between financial freedom and financial wholeness, how to release financial shame, and the two questions Tiffany now leans on in even her darkest moments. This one is rich from start to finish. Main Takeaways * Burnout is misalignment, not overwork * Why stepping back from being the face of your brand can grow your business * Financial wholeness vs. financial freedom: which goal actually serves you * How to release financial shame and start your money journey without going it alone Highlights Include * 00:00 - Tiffany’s burnout: blood pressure spikes, Oura Ring stress alerts, and a back that gave out * 03:00 - The thing she finally said out loud and how it shifted her physical pain * 08:10 - Why her COO reframed burnout: it’s not hard work, it’s misalignment * 10:54 - Zone of excellence vs. zone of genius * 21:17 - Transparent look at Budget Nista’s revenue journey from a $10M peak to today’s upswing * 23:41 - The B2B contract pivot: Newark schools, United Way, and NYC Dept of Education * 43:38 - Wealth guilt, giving beyond the overflow, and learning to drink from your own cup * 48:08 - A three-part framework for starting your financial journey: community, voice, and vision * 56:50 - Financial wholeness explained: the 10 pillars and why this goal is for everyone * 01:01:30 - Two questions to ask in your hardest moments: Is this true? Is it the only truth available? * 01:03:34 - Tiffany previews her upcoming book, The Gifts of Grief, and her 2027 sabbatical Links Mentioned in This Episode * Get Good With Money: getgoodwithmoney.com * The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (recommended by Tiffany) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Social Media * Tiffany Aliche's Instagram: @thebudgetnista * Side Hustle Pro - @sidehustlepro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair is Leah Collins, financial coach, speaker, and host of Maxxed Out, a powerful series helping people confront their finances and the relationships tied to them. But Leah’s journey didn’t start on TV, it started with a moment of truth: making the most money she ever had… and realizing she had nothing to show for it. In this episode, I sit down with Leah to unpack how she transformed her own financial struggles into a thriving business, paid off $40,000 in debt, and ultimately landed her own show. We talk about the behind-the-scenes reality of building a personal brand, why communication is the foundation of financial success, and how she leveraged every opportunity to create multiple income streams. Leah also opens up about one of the most pivotal moments in her life: calling off her wedding due to financial incompatibility. That experience reshaped her entire mission and led her to focus on money and relationships, helping others navigate the conversations so many of us avoid. This episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose and building a life that aligns with your values. Main Takeaways * Turning personal financial struggles into a business can create powerful impact and income * Financial compatibility and communication are critical in relationships * Your personal brand is always working for you, even when you don’t realize it * Multiple income streams, including speaking, media, and passive products, create flexibility and freedom Highlights Include 00:00 – Why money affects every part of your life 02:10 – 20 years in corporate finance but struggling personally 04:05 – Wake-up call: high income, no results 04:40 – $100 bootcamp → $40K debt paid off 05:20 – Calling off her wedding over money misalignment 07:06 – Prenups, communication, and financial expectations 09:05 – Turning personal pain into a business niche 10:53 – Launching her brand → getting discovered for TV 12:11 – Building a strategic personal brand that attracts opportunities 14:17 – TV journey: rejection, delay, and eventual greenlight 16:46 – Scaling after motherhood and shifting business model 20:43 – Behind the scenes of Maxed Out and building trust 23:03 – Leveraging TV into multiple income streams 24:55 – Values-based finances and smarter decision-making 26:51 – Balancing a 9–5 while growing a business 29:37 – Storytelling as a tool for impact and connection 31:27 – Pitching yourself and understanding media monetization 34:11 – “You’re always being interviewed” mindset 38:13 – Why quality beats quantity in content 41:02 – Burnout, boundaries, and protecting your time 41:42 – Final advice: build your business without quitting your job Links Mentioned in This Episode * Money Moves Makeover: https://www.amazon.com/ * OWN Network: https://www.oprah.com/own * HBO Max: https://www.max.com/ * Discovery+: https://www.discoveryplus.com/ * Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15) Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram:@theleahmariecollins Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sat down with Monica Cornitcher, CEO and co-founder of Medase Cocktails, a premium non-alcoholic beverage brand redefining what it means to drink without alcohol. What started as a simple desire for a real cocktail experience without the after-effects turned into a six-figure investment and a fast-growing brand that’s now catching the attention of major retailers. Monica shares how she and her co-founder Inga Dyer went from Zoom conversations during the pandemic to building a fully developed beverage company. Instead of rushing the process, they leaned into research, worked with a food scientist, and built a five-year strategy before launching. Their focus was clear: create authentic, full-flavor cocktails that people actually recognize and crave. In this episode, Monica opens up about the real cost of building a physical product, navigating grief after losing her co-founder, and the strategy behind growing through direct-to-consumer before entering retail. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, intentional growth, and building a brand rooted in purpose and community. Main Takeaways * Why taking time to validate your idea and build a strategy can save you costly mistakes * How to approach launching a physical product without cutting corners on quality * The importance of direct-to-consumer growth before entering retail * How resilience, grief, and purpose shaped the future of Medase Cocktails Highlights Include * 00:00 – Introduction to Medase Cocktails * 03:00 – Monica’s first business and corporate background * 06:00 – The idea sparked during COVID and building with intention * 08:00 – Why they worked with a food scientist instead of DIY * 10:00 – Creating a 5-year business strategy before launch * 13:00 – Identifying their target consumer and product positioning * 21:00 – Funding the business with $100K+ of personal investment * 26:00 – Attending Expo West and attracting investors * 29:00 – Navigating grief after losing her co-founder * 30:00 – Growth on Amazon and direct-to-consumer success * 33:00 – Why retail is expensive and how to prepare for it * 45:00 – Lessons from production mistakes and product quality control * 47:00 – Competing in a growing non-alcoholic beverage market * 50:00 – Lightning round insights and tools Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, May 15) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram: @medasecocktails TikTok: @medasecocktails Facebook: Medase Cocktails Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined again by Monique Shields, and this conversation felt like therapy, coaching, and truth-telling all in one. We went deep into something I’ve personally been navigating: what it actually looks like to move out of survival mode as a high-achieving woman, especially when life has been life-ing. We talked about the invisible weight many of us carry, from parenting to business to unexpected life challenges, and how that impacts the way we show up, make decisions, and even spend money. One of the biggest shifts for me? Realizing I wasn’t telling myself the full story about what I had been carrying and surviving. Monique breaks down how our mindset around scarcity, energy, and outsourcing can keep us stuck, and what it really means to “resource yourself” instead of just pushing through. If you’ve been feeling stuck, foggy, or like you’re doing everything but still not moving forward, this episode will hit home. Main Takeaways * You’re not behind, you’re likely operating without acknowledging everything you’ve been carrying * Scarcity mindset after a hard season can quietly shape your decisions and keep you stuck * Your energy, not just your time, is one of your most valuable assets * Resourcing yourself (mentally, physically, strategically) is essential for growth Highlights Include * 00:00 – Reconnecting with Monique and what she’s been building * 02:30 – Why intimate spaces and coaching containers matter * 04:30 – Starting YouTube and breaking through creative burnout * 06:00 – The hidden impact of hard seasons on decision-making * 08:00 – Why you’re not telling yourself the full story * 10:00 – High-achievers and the trap of self-pressure * 12:30 – Why “feeling less overwhelmed” isn’t the right goal * 15:00 – Scarcity mindset after financial or life shocks * 18:00 – Why cost-first thinking keeps you stuck * 21:00 – The “delusional belief” successful people hold about their future * 27:00 – The real value of your time and energy * 33:30 – What actually changed after hiring support * 36:00 – Mental fog and why you don’t even realize you’re in it * 40:00 – Why stability is not the same as hoarding * 43:00 – What it really means to “resource yourself” * 46:00 – The importance of having multiple “brains” supporting you * 50:00 – Why your nervous system needs support in today’s world * 52:00 – Reframing “I can’t afford it” into a choice Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (April 17) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram: @moniquershields Podcast: Ambition Without Compromise Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is one of the most personal and vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared. I’m opening up about my journey as an autism mom, from the early days of pregnancy and motherhood during the pandemic to navigating the realities of developmental delays, diagnoses, and advocacy. What started as subtle concerns about speech delays turned into a life-changing journey through early intervention, therapy, and eventually receiving an official autism diagnosis for my son. Along the way, I’ve had to learn how to advocate fiercely, navigate complex systems, and redefine what motherhood looks like for me and my family. This episode is about the hard moments, the emotional weight, and the unexpected beauty in this journey. It’s also about community, resilience, and learning to see strength in a path that looks different than what I once imagined. Highlights Include 00:00 – Why this episode is deeply personal 02:00 – Pregnancy, birth, and early milestones during the pandemic 04:30 – First signs of speech delay and comparing developmental milestones 06:30 – The emotional impact of early evaluations 07:30 – Starting early intervention: speech and occupational therapy 09:00 – Transition to specialized preschool and navigating the system 11:00 – The hidden challenges of parenting a child with special needs 12:30 – Communication barriers and emotional regulation as a parent 14:00 – The moment I realized how much I’ve been carrying 16:40 – Understanding gestalt language processing 19:30 – Getting an official autism diagnosis 21:00 – Advocating for my son within the school system 23:30 – A “guardian angel” moment that changed everything 27:00 – The role of faith in navigating this journey 29:00 – Finding community and learning from other moms 30:30 – Lessons autism has taught me about boundaries and perspective 31:00 – A real-life parenting moment at the barbershop 33:00 – Choosing celebration during Autism Awareness Month Links Mentioned in This Episode • Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 17) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a side hustler or solopreneur, taxes can go from simple to overwhelming real fast and the truth is, many entrepreneurs are quietly losing thousands of dollars just by not knowing what they don’t know. In this episode, I sat down with CPA and TurboTax Expert Lisa Greene-Lewis to break down the most common tax mistakes side hustlers make, from choosing the wrong business structure too early to missing out on key deductions and failing to stay organized throughout the year. We also unpack what actually makes taxes more complex as your business grows and how to stay ahead of it before tax season hits. This conversation is all about helping you feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control of your finances. Because the goal is not just to make money in your business but to keep more of it. Main Takeaways * Lack of consistent tracking is the biggest mistake that leads to overpaying taxes * Many solopreneurs miss deductions simply because they are unaware of what qualifies * Staying organized year-round is the key to reducing stress and maximizing savings Highlights Include * 00:00 – Introduction to tax season for solopreneurs * 02:00 – Lisa’s journey into tax expertise and entrepreneurship * 05:20 – LLC vs S corp: what you actually need to know * 08:20 – When taxes start to feel complicated * 09:30 – Why tracking income and expenses is critical * 11:40 – Common deductions people miss * 13:00 – Home office deduction explained * 14:20 – Section 179 and equipment write-offs * 15:10 – What you can’t deduct (clothes, hair, makeup) * 16:40 – Business credit card interest deduction * 17:20 – Employing your kids as a tax strategy * 18:00 – SEP IRA and retirement savings for entrepreneurs * 19:00 – Qualified Business Income deduction * 20:10 – Key tax law updates and 1099-K changes * 23:20 – How to stay organized with QuickBooks * 25:40 – How TurboTax experts support business owners * 27:10 – Lisa’s personal system for staying organized Links Mentioned in This Episode * TurboTax:https://turbotax.com/business * QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.intuit.com Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-greene-lewis-7721b815a Website:https://turbotax.com/business Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to finally start that thing you said you’d do this year, this episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is, that moment isn’t coming. This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on a very real, very messy week in my life and sharing why I decided to hit record anyway. From sick kids to mental clutter to a house that is far from organized, I had every reason to wait. But instead, I leaned into a powerful reminder: progress doesn’t require perfection. In this episode, I walk you through the mindset shifts that have helped me move through overwhelm, take action with limited time and energy, and stop letting the idea of “feeling ready” delay my goals. Because sometimes the real work isn’t the task itself, it’s learning how to show up before everything feels aligned. Main Takeaways * Waiting for the perfect time will keep you stuck longer than just starting messy * You have to work with the time and energy you actually have, not what you wish you had * Naming what’s holding you back helps you move through it faster * The real growth often comes from managing your mindset, not completing the task Highlights Include 00:00 – Why I recorded this episode despite not feeling ready 02:10 – How “unexpected” life moments keep disrupting plans 04:18 – Learning to work in chaos instead of waiting for order 05:30 – Lowering the bar to get started 06:10 – Work with the time you have, not the time you wish you had 08:00 – Managing your energy to show up at your best 10:15 – Why naming the problem helps you move forward 11:43 – Recognizing the season you’re in and adjusting expectations 14:00 – Are you truly blocked or just thrown off? 16:12 – How accountability helped me launch Side Hustle Pro 18:36 – Overcoming imposter syndrome in a career leap 21:22 – The hidden cost of needing to “have it all together” 23:21 – Why perfection delays your income and growth 26:24 – Maybe the real goal is mastering your mindset 29:19 – Adjusting expectations so you can move forward Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, April 10th) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see when it comes to making money is the belief that you need to start from scratch. A new certification, a brand new idea, or a completely different skill set. But the truth is, most of us already have everything we need. The real problem is not a lack of knowledge, it is not knowing how to package and position what we already know. In this episode, I break down five simple and practical ways to turn your existing skills, experiences, and knowledge into income. Whether you are in between roles, exploring a side hustle, or just trying to make extra money right now, this episode is your reminder that there is value in what you already bring to the table. I also walk through a key mindset shift. You do not need to be the top expert. You just need to be a few steps ahead of the person you are helping. People are not just paying for information. They are paying for clarity, speed, guidance, and confidence. And that is where your opportunity lies. Main Takeaways * You do not need new skills or certifications to start making money * There are five core ways to monetize what you already know * People pay for clarity, speed, and guidance, not just expertise * Start with one path and keep it simple instead of trying everything Highlights Include * 00:00 – The biggest misconception about making money * 01:30 – Why you already have valuable, monetizable knowledge * 02:00 – The 5 ways to make money with what you know * 03:00 – The mindset shift you need before starting * 04:00 – Service and coaching as the fastest path to income * 06:00 – Done-for-you services and why people pay for convenience * 08:00 – Creating simple digital products that sell * 10:30 – Workshops and why people pay for real-time learning * 13:00 – Why reminders are key when selling anything * 15:00 – Using content to create opportunities and income * 18:00 – How to use AI without losing your voice * 21:00 – Why you should pick ONE path and start now Links Mentioned in This Episode Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair is Chanel Tyler, a strategist, creator, and self-described “contentpreneur” who has worked across investment banking, luxury marketing, and YouTube before stepping fully into entrepreneurship. Chanel built her reputation online by sharing trusted product recommendations and insights from her background in beauty marketing. But after years of consulting with a creator commerce platform that generated over 80% of her income, everything changed when the company suddenly shut down. In this episode, Chanel opens up about what it really looks like to rebuild after losing the majority of your income overnight. She shares how she pivoted by diversifying her platforms, leaning deeper into affiliate marketing, launching new creator education programs, and embracing the vulnerability of sharing her personal story — including her journey with hearing loss. If you’ve ever worried about relying on a single income stream or wondered how creators actually make money online, Chanel breaks down the strategy behind building a sustainable creator business. In this episode, Chanel shares: * How she built a creator business by combining corporate strategy, content creation, and affiliate marketing * What happened when the platform responsible for 80% of her income shut down overnight and how she rebuilt * Why diversification across platforms, income streams, and partnerships is essential for creators and entrepreneurs * How affiliate marketing works and how creators can use performance data to negotiate higher-paying brand deals Highlights Include 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Chanel’s career path from investment banking to luxury beauty marketing 05:10 – Building an audience through skincare and product recommendations 09:00 – Landing a role at YouTube working with top creators 15:00 – Saving a year of income before leaving corporate 19:00 – The moment she lost 80% of her income overnight 24:30 – Why diversification is critical for creators and entrepreneurs 27:00 – Building content series that grow an audience 32:00 – Affiliate marketing vs. brand partnerships explained 37:00 – Sharing her journey with hearing loss and disability 40:00 – How statement earrings became part of her empowerment story 43:00 – Affiliate income strategies for creators Links Mentioned in This Episode • Substack: Sensible • Julia Broome • Check out the Networth and Chill Podcast;Creator Economy & Brand Deals with Victoria Paris • ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/home/creators • MagicLinks: https://www.magiclinks.com/creators • BrandCycle: https://brandcycle.com/ • LTK: https://company.shopltk.com/en/creator • Nordstrom Affiliate Program: https://www.nordstromcreators.com/ Check out Chanel’s Creator Profit Lab’s interest form & course registration Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 20) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here. Social Media Instagram: @thecreatorprofitlab Instagram: @buymechanel Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the guest chair is sales and business coach Dielle Charon, founder of For the 23%, where she helps women of color build profitable businesses and grow their income through coaching and entrepreneurship. Dielle shares how she went from earning $2,500 a month as a social worker with six-figure student loan debt to building a multi-seven-figure coaching business. Along the way, she explains why traditional jobs often undervalue your skills, how to identify the expertise you can monetize, and why the coaching industry continues to grow despite criticism. In this conversation, we also dive deep into the mindset shifts needed to move from six-figure income to seven-figure business growth, including overcoming people-pleasing, claiming your expertise, and stepping fully into your authority. If you’ve been thinking about turning your knowledge into income, starting a side hustle, or scaling your existing business, this episode will help you see what’s possible. Highlights Include 00:00 – Why Dielle realized her corporate career wasn’t the life she wanted 05:30 – Testing multiple side hustles before finding the right one 08:00 – How to identify skills you can monetize 12:00 – Why the coaching industry gets criticism and why it’s still growing 16:30 – The truth about selling and why everyone is already selling themselves 20:00 – Why your job isn’t amazing — you are 23:45 – Breaking the mindset barriers around charging for your expertise 25:50 – The biggest blocks women hit going from six figures to seven figures 31:00 – Visibility, people-pleasing, and identity shifts in business growth 36:00 – Why most successful businesses focus on beginners 41:00 – The simple seven-figure business model (and why it’s simpler than you think) 47:00 – Improving messaging and positioning for entrepreneurs Links Mentioned in This Episode https://forthe23percent.com/ Save the Date: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan (Friday, March 13) Watch & Listen Watch this episode on YouTube and listen on all podcast platforms: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/side-hustle-pro/id1126021323 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13qDj08lBR4ymzGhXIKy8t * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sidehustlepro Announcements If you’re ready to build a podcast that becomes your exit plan from your 9-to-5, sign up for my next live class:: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan Save your seat here: Social Media Instagram: @forthe23percent Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.