Can a Side Hustle Really Replace Your 9–5? Here's How Nicole Made It Happen

How are you supposed to grow your business, stay financially sane, and chase your independence when you're exhausted by bias, your 9–5 isn’t built for you, and uncertainty seems to be the only thing guaranteed?

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, host Alejandra Rojas sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur Nicole Leon—a proud Latina, devoted mom, and self-made business owner who turned two side hustles into six-figure brands.

Nicole didn’t just start a lash business and ride a wave. She created momentum, involved her community, and pivoted during the pandemic with strategy, not panic. Then? She launched a second business supporting other women and business owners through virtual assistant services—all while balancing motherhood and mentorship.

If you’ve ever wondered, Can I actually do this? Can my side hustle become my full-time freedom? — this episode is the blueprint.

Because your path to financial independence wasn’t built to play by the old rules—and Nicole’s story shows exactly how to build your own.

• Adopt a business-owner mindset before you launch to build momentum early

• Use your personal brand to involve your community before you even make your first sale

• Stay present—even during economic shifts—to protect your brand and serve your audience

• Diversify your income streams for financial stability

• Prioritize support systems and self-awareness to stay consistent (not just busy)

• Apply for a $500 Microgrant – Apply now

• Book a 90-Minute Private Strategy Call – Only 2 spots left! Save your spot

• Visit The Brown Way to Money – brownwaytomoney.com

• Rate & Review the Podcast – Leave a review

• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn – Connect here

Nicole Leon is a proud Latina, a devoted mom, and a multi-passionate entrepreneur. She runs three businesses—two of which started as side hustles and are now thriving six-figure brands. With a deep understanding of what it takes to build something from scratch, she’s committed to helping others do the same.

At the heart of everything Nicole does is community. Whether she’s mentoring aspiring virtual assistants, helping business owners streamline operations, or creating space for women to connect, she believes success is best when shared. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t always easy—but for Nicole, it’s a journey filled with purpose, growth, and the joy of uplifting others.

Follow Nicole: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn

Did you catch the secret word in this episode? (Hint: It’s “community.”)

Use it to apply for a chance to win a $500 microgrant to support your business, career, or financial healing journey. 👉 Apply here

This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Tune in every week for grounded financial guidance, real conversations, and actionable steps for women of color building wealth and independence on their own terms.

Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your inspiration.

How are you supposed to grow, and stay financially sane in your business when global tariffs are rising, the economy is unstable, and financial stress is hitting everyone around you?

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, Alejandra Rojas is flying solo to break down what’s really going on from the highest U.S. tariffs since 1909 to world latest economic moves—and what it all means for women of color in business.

You’ll get grounded, practical strategies to keep growing your business in a time of uncertainty. Whether you’re a service provider, product-based entrepreneur, or somewhere in between, this episode gives you the tools to adapt, stabilize your finances, protect your peace, and lead your business with intention, not fear.

Because your path to financial independence wasn’t built to play by the old rules—and these times call for leadership, clarity, and community more than ever.

• Forbes Article: How to Navigate Tariff-Fueled Financial Stress as a Woman Entrepreneur Read it here

• Apply for a $500 Microgrant – Your business could be next! Apply now

• Book a 90-Minute Private Strategy Call – Only 2 spots left! Create a clear plan for your business during uncertain times. Save your spot now

• Visit The Brown Way to Money – www.brownwaytomoney.com

• Rate & Review This Podcast – www.brownwaytomoney.com/rate

• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn – www.brownwaytomoney.com/LinkedIN

• Adopt a business owner mindset to identify opportunities for growth

• Understand the importance of providing solutions to your community

• Learn practical financial strategies to adapt to economic changes

• Discover ways to protect your mental health while growing your business

• Find out how to better serve your audience during challenging times

• What do tariffs have to do with your business—and why should you care?

• How do you stay grounded and lead with strategy when the economy feels like it’s spiraling?

• What financial trauma responses to look out for (like avoidance or panic)?

• How can you protect your mental health while still showing up as a CEO?

• What shifts do women of color need to make to thrive financially in times like these?

Did you catch the secret word in this episode?  Use it to apply for a chance to win a $500 microgrant to fuel your business, career, or financial healing journey. 👉 Apply here

This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Tune in every week for grounded financial guidance, honest convos, and actionable steps for women of color building wealth and independence on their own terms.

Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your inspiration.

Together, let’s redefine what financial freedom really means.

How are you supposed to build financial independence when your income is unpredictable, inconsistent, and just all over the place as an entrepreneur?

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, Alejandra Rojas sits down with Paula Pant—renowned financial expert, founder of Afford Anything, and host of the award-winning Afford Anything Podcast—to talk about the real strategy behind creating wealth when your money isn’t coming in on a schedule.

From managing volatile income, balancing personal + business finances, to navigating emotional money patterns rooted in culture and childhood, Paula drops gems that every woman of color in business needs to hear.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your empire, this episode is your permission slip to stop playing defense with your money—and start building financial freedom on your terms.

• Visit The Brown Way to Money – www.brownwaytomoney.com

• Rate & Review This Podcast – www.brownwaytomoney.com/rate

• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn – www.brownwaytomoney.com/LinkedIN

• Follow Paula Pant on Instagram – @paulapant

• Listen to the Afford Anything Podcast – affordanything.com/podcast

Volatility Isn’t the Problem—Lack of a Strategy Is It’s not about smoothing out your income—it’s about creating a gap between your lowest income month and your baseline expenses.

Separate Yourself from Your Business (Even Emotionally) Give your business a name, pay yourself like an employee, and treat it like a company—even if you’re a solo founder.

Start with Hypervigilance, But Don’t Stay There Tracking every dollar helps you regain control—but eventually, you need to step back and trust your system.

Money is a Tool, Not a Savior Paula and Alejandra talk time, energy, creativity, and how financial independence is about freedom in all forms—not just your bank balance.

You Can’t Afford Everything, But You Can Afford Anything With intentional timelines and clarity around your goals, financial planning becomes a powerful, values-aligned tool.

• How do I build financial stability when my income fluctuates every month?

• What’s the best way to plan for the future when my expenses and income are both unpredictable?

• How can I emotionally separate from my business so I stop making reactive decisions?

• What does it really mean to pay yourself first as an entrepreneur?

• How do I build financial goals that reflect my values—not just some spreadsheet?

• What mindset shifts help women of color reclaim financial power and independence?

Did you hear the secret word? Apply now to win a $500 microgrant to fuel your business, career, or financial growth. 👉 Apply at www.brownwaytomoney.com

This episode is just the beginning. Tune in every week for actionable strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help women of color build wealth and success.

Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your inspiration.

Together, let’s redefine what financial independence really means.

Paula Pant is the founder of Afford Anything, a platform and podcast dedicated to helping people build wealth, freedom, and intentional lives. She’s a nationally recognized speaker, writer, and thought leader in the financial independence and real estate investing space.

Paula's unique philosophy—“You can afford anything, but not everything”—has empowered thousands to take control of their money and design lives on their terms. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, and more. When she’s not talking money, you’ll probably find her traveling the world or spending time with her beloved parents.

Ever wondered if working with your mom (or any family member) could actually grow your businessor just make the holidays awkward?

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, Alejandra Rojas sits down with Vonmarie Thomas, a brilliant NYC-based accountant, fractional CFO, and Afro-Latina powerhouse, to explore the beauty and boundaries of working with family in business. From onboarding her mom as a business partner to setting emotional and contractual boundaries, Vonmarie shares the behind-the-scenes of building generational wealth while keeping relationships strong.

If you’ve ever thought about working with your parents or family—but fear the tension, blurred lines, or cultural hierarchies—this episode is your permission slip and your playbook.

Visit The Brown Way to Money – www.brownwaytomoney.com Rate & Review This Podcast – www.brownwaytomoney.com/rate Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn – www.brownwaytomoney.com/LinkedIN Follow Vonmarie on Instagram – @vonmarie_breakaway_ba Connect with Vonmarie on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/vonmariethomas

Business + Family Can Work (If You Set the Rules) Contracts, clear communication, and defined roles are essential—even when you’re hiring your mom.

You Are the Authority—Even in Family Dynamics Vonmarie shares how redefining “authority” helped her lead confidently while maintaining deep respect for her mom.

Soft Skills Are the Secret Sauce Kindness, humility, forgiveness, and emotional awareness are non-negotiables when business meets family.

Generational Wealth is More Than Money From passing on business knowledge to creating travel memories, Vonmarie shows how wealth lives in both assets and experiences.

Don’t Wait for Permission to Lead Learn how to stand in your power—even when you're working with people who raised you.

• How do I set boundaries when working with family in my business?

• What contracts and expectations should I have in place before hiring a parent?

• Can I still be a good daughter/son and also be the boss?

• How do cultural expectations impact our leadership style as women of color?

• What are the emotional and financial benefits of involving family in business?

• How do I prevent business from taking over every personal moment?

Did you hear the secret word? Apply now to win a $500 microgrant to fuel your business, career, or financial growth. Apply here.

This episode is just the beginning. Tune in every week for actionable strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help women of color build wealth and success.

Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

Let’s redefine financial independence together.

Vonmarie Thomas is a skilled accounting professional with expertise in complex bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting, cloud technology, and auditing. As a bookkeeper, controller, and fractional CFO, she brings both technical excellence and a bright, approachable personality to her work with small business clients.

She serves a variety of industries including Trust & Estate, social media creators, nonprofits, hospitality, and professional services. Based in NYC, Vonmarie leverages cutting-edge tech to simplify bookkeeping, tax prep, and financial operations for entrepreneurs. Outside the office, you’ll find her vibing at live concerts or jet-setting to tropical destinations with her friends.

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, Alejandra Rojas sits down with Julissa, an Afro-Latina leader in tech, speaker, and author, to explore how embracing your voice can lead to financial independence, career success, and industry impact. They break down the cultural narratives that often hold women of color back and share actionable steps to shift your mindset, negotiate with confidence, and build generational wealth.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling too ambitious or hesitated to talk about money, this episode is for you.

• Visit The Brown Way to Money – www.brownwaytomoney.com
• Rate & Review This Podcast – www.brownwaytomoney.com/rate
• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn – www.brownwaytomoney.com/LinkedIN

• Your Ambition is Your Superpower Women of color are often told to tone it down, but Julissa shares why ambition is essential for career and financial success.

• Money is a Tool—Not a Measure of Your Worth Shift from seeing money as something you deserve to something you strategically earn and leverage.

• Why Talking About Money is a Power Move Cultural narratives can make financial conversations feel taboo. Learn how to overcome these mental blocks and own your financial decisions.

• The Value of Being in the Right Rooms Surrounding yourself with financially savvy communities accelerates growth—find out how Julissa positioned herself in spaces with top industry leaders.

• Tactical Steps to Negotiate Your Worth Julissa breaks down the exact strategies she used to secure high-paying roles, land speaking engagements, and build wealth.

• How can I confidently speak up and be heard in my industry?
• What strategies help women of color negotiate higher salaries and fees?
• How do I balance ambition with cultural expectations to stay humble?
• What mindset shifts help me achieve financial independence without guilt?
• How can I get recognized as a leader in male-dominated spaces?
• What steps position me as a thought leader in my industry?
• How do I build powerful connections that grow my income and career?

Did you hear the secret word? Apply now to win a $500 microgrant to fuel your business, career, or financial growth. Apply here.

This episode is just the beginning. Tune in every week for actionable strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help women of color build wealth and success.

Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

Let’s redefine financial independence together.

Julissa S. Germosén is an award-winning technology leader, sought-after speaker, author, and career coach with over two decades of experience leading teams at Microsoft, Salesforce, and tech start-ups in global enterprise sales, consulting, strategic alliances, product development, go-to-market strategy, and operations. Julissa is the CEO of Mariposa Blanca, a business strategy consulting firm. Her book, Latina Madrina: Stories, Lessons and Hard Truths from a Brown Latina in Tech, and TEDx Talk reflect her journey from immigrant roots in the Dominican Republic to her rise in the technology industry. Featured in People En Español, Forbes, Authority Magazine, BronxNet TV, and many podcast interviews, Julissa has been a guest speaker at Google, TikTok, CME Group, Microsoft, Salesforce, HITEC, LTX Connect, and other conferences and organizations. Passionate about education and the Latina/o community, Julissa established the Latina Leadership Potential Award scholarship at Rutgers University, the first for a woman of Hispanic/Latin descent. Julissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Criminology from Rutgers University and a Diversity Management Graduate Certificate from Cornell University. To learn more about Julissa and to book her for your next event, visit latinamadrina.com.

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, Alejandra Rojas sits down with Bernadette Joy, author of Crush Your Money Goals, to uncover powerful strategies for achieving financial independence. This episode is packed with actionable insights, personal stories, and practical habits to transform how you approach your finances—perfect for women of color entrepreneurs ready to crush their money goals in 2025.

• Download Bernadette’s Exclusive PDF: Get it here
• Visit The Brown Way to Money: www.brownwaytomoney.com
• Rate this podcast: www.themoneymindsethub.com/rate
• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn: www.themoneymindsethub.com/LinkedIN

1. The Power of Screenless Sundays: Recharge your creativity and improve your financial decisions by taking intentional time away from technology each week.

2. The Dollar Rule for Intentional Spending: Simplify your financial choices by focusing on value and use. This rule helps reduce unnecessary purchases and guilt while maximizing joy from the things you truly love.

3. Creating a Cash Flow Cushion: A must-have strategy to avoid living paycheck to paycheck. Learn how having a buffer in your checking account reduces stress and keeps you focused on long-term goals.

4. Curating Your Accounts: Discover the importance of consolidating accounts to streamline money management and build clarity around your finances.

5. Balancing Long-Term Goals with Immediate Needs: Get tips for navigating the emotional and financial pressures of the holiday season while keeping your financial objectives in sight.

1. How can I balance my business, family responsibilities, and financial independence without feeling overwhelmed or guilty?
2. What simple, actionable habits can I start today to take control of my finances and stop living paycheck to paycheck?
3. How do I stop buying things I don’t need and focus on what truly matters to me?
4. Bernadette shares her inspiring journey from debt to a multi-million-dollar net worth.
5. Insightful conversation on how cultural norms and family expectations shape financial behaviors.
6. How to approach money with intention and overcome guilt-driven spending.
7. A practical discussion on managing holiday expenses without compromising long-term goals.

Did you hear the secret word? 🎉 Apply now to win a $500 microgrant and take the next step in your financial journey! Apply Here

This episode is just the beginning! Tune in each week for actionable strategies, personal stories, and tools to empower women of color in business. Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

Let’s create financial independence together!

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money podcast, Alejandra Rojas reflects on her 2024 financial journey and shares how to transform past mistakes into actionable strategies for a prosperous 2025. With an emphasis on emotional awareness, goal setting, and redefining financial independence, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their financial wellness.

• Download The Actionable Steps Here
• Share this podcast with a friend
• Visit Brown Way to Money: www.brownwaytomoney.com
• Rate this podcast: www.themoneymindsethub.com/rate
• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn: www.themoneymindsethub.com/LinkedIN

• Reflecting on past financial mistakes helps inform better strategies for the future.
• Emotional triggers can significantly impact financial decisions and outcomes.
• Financial independence should be defined personally, not just by a bank account number.
• Investing wisely and involving third-party accountability can reduce emotional bias.
• Balance personal wellness with business growth for true financial freedom.

• How to turn financial missteps into stepping stones for success.
• Why emotional awareness is vital to creating sustainable financial goals.
• Practical steps to establish financial independence while respecting personal time.
• How to set clear ROI-based investment strategies for business growth.
• Methods to manage financial trauma and adopt a growth-oriented money mindset.

Did you hear the secret word? 🎉 Apply now to win a $500 microgrant and take the next step in your financial journey! Apply Here

This episode is just the beginning! Tune in each week for actionable strategies, personal stories, and tools to empower women of color in business. Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

Let’s create financial independence together!

In this episode of The Brown Way to Money podcast, Alejandra Rojas unpacks the unique challenges faced by women of color on their path to financial independence. Through a powerful three-point framework—mental, emotional, and strategic—Alejandra explains why financial freedom requires more than just hitting a number in your bank account.

Important Links:

• Download The Actionable Steps Here

• Share this podcast with a friend:

• Visit Brown Way to Money: www.brownwaytomoney.com

• Rate this podcast: www.themoneymindsethub.com/rate

• Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn: www.themoneymindsethub.com/LinkedIN

Key Takeaways:

• Women of color face unique challenges in achieving financial independence.

• A big vision is essential for success and aligned financial decisions.

• Financial independence isn’t just about numbers; it’s a mindset and lifestyle.

• Recognizing emotional triggers and limiting beliefs is key to growth.

• True financial independence is impossible without mental and emotional freedom.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why traditional financial strategies don’t work for everyone.

• How to define financial independence using a three-point framework: strategic, mental, and emotional.

• The impact of historical and societal factors on the financial mindsets of women of color.

• Why having a big vision is critical for building a fulfilling life and business.

• Practical steps to create a vision that motivates and sustains your journey.

Microgrants Section: Did you hear the secret word? 🎉 Apply now to win a $500 microgrant and take the next step in your financial journey! Apply Here

Subscribe & Join Us: This episode is just the beginning! Tune in each week for actionable strategies, personal stories, and tools to empower women of color in business. Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

Let’s create financial independence together!

Ready to change the way you think about money and take control of your financial future? In this inaugural episode of The Brown Way to Money Podcast, host Alejandra Rojas, a Black Latina entrepreneur and finance expert, shares her personal journey and introduces a new approach to achieving financial independence for women of color in business.

Alejandra explores why traditional financial education often fails women of color and explains the importance of rewriting the rules to fit our unique identities and experiences. From breaking generational cycles to addressing financial trauma, this episode lays the foundation for redefining your relationship with money and building generational wealth.

Whether you're just starting your journey to financial freedom or looking for actionable strategies to grow your business, this episode is packed with practical insights, empowering stories, and tools to help you thrive.

Important Links:

Share this podcast with some friends 

Visit Brown Way To Money   >>> www.brownwaytomoney.com

Rate this podcast >>> www.themoneymindsethub.com/rate

Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn >>> www.themoneymindsethub.com/LinkedIN

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional financial education doesn’t consider the unique needs of women of color.
• Financial success is possible when you rewrite the rules and own your narrative.
• Understanding financial trauma is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Building generational wealth requires breaking existing cycles.
• Financial independence is a journey that we can navigate together as a community.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why financial education hasn’t been built with women of color in mind.

• The importance of rewriting the rules to create a tailored path to financial success.

• How understanding and addressing financial trauma can unlock your potential.

• The power of claiming your voice in financial conversations and creating generational wealth.

Subscribe & Join Us:

This episode is just the beginning! Tune in each week as we explore the Brown Way to Money through actionable steps, transformative stories, and strategies designed to empower women of color. Subscribe to The Brown Way to Money Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

The first episode drops December 27, and we can’t wait to embark on this journey with you. Financial independence is possible – let’s claim it together!

Have you ever felt the need to conceal a part of yourself to fit in or avoid judgment? In this eye-opening episode, we explore the powerful concept of "unhiding" with Ruth Rathblott, author of the book "Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life, Do Your Best Work."

Important Links: 

1. The Brown Way To Money Academy is Open! Financial Independence for Women of Color is here >>> www.themoneymindsethub.com/Academy
2.  Our Guest Socials >>>  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-rathblott/ and https://www.instagram.com/ruthrath/ 
3. Rate this podcast >>> www.themoneymindsethub.com/rate
4. Follow Alejandra Rojas on LinkedIn>>> www.themoneymindsethub.com/LinkedIN
5. Have you seen our newsletter? >>> www.themoneymindsethub.com/newsletter

Ruth shares her personal journey of hiding her limb difference for 25 years and the transformative experience of finally embracing her true self. This conversation delves into the universal nature of hiding, its impact on our personal and professional lives, and the liberating process of unhiding.

• Understanding the various forms of hiding and their effects on our relationships and self-esteem
• Exploring the connection between identity, money, and how we show up in the world
• Recognizing the exhausting nature of hiding and the freedom that comes with unhiding
• Identifying triggers that prompt us to consider unhiding

Ruth introduces her book, which outlines a four-step process to unhiding. She emphasizes that unhiding is a journey, not an overnight transformation. The book offers:

• An inventory to help identify what you might be hiding
• A quiz to determine your "hider" type
• Strategies for unhiding in both personal and professional contexts

This episode is more than just a discussion – it's an invitation to join a movement. Ruth encourages listeners to embrace connection, self-awareness, and introspection. By unhiding, we can create cultures that value diverse experiences and perspectives, leading to more authentic relationships and personal growth.

Whether you're struggling with hiding aspects of yourself or simply curious about the concept, this conversation offers valuable insights into living a more authentic and connected life. Tune in to discover how unhiding can help you thrive in your personal and professional endeavors.

Ready to start your unhiding journey? Listen to the full episode and learn how to embrace your true self and foster genuine connections.