Welcome back to the Side Hustle Pro podcast, your headquarters for turning passion projects into profitable businesses! I’m Nicaila, and today we’re talking about how to find (and protect) the time you need to build your side hustle. 

I get it: Working a full-time job, juggling family commitments, and trying to live your life can make your side hustle goals feel impossible. But trust me, it’s not. I used to think I had zero free hours, but as soon as I did a reality check, I found pockets of time I could reclaim. Here’s how you can do the same.

In this episode I share about:

• The time you’re losing and how to identify your top time wasters
• The 3-Step Hustler’s Time Plan: how to maximize your time
• How to build a system and schedule that work for you

Highlights include: 

00:00 Intro

01:45 Identify your biggest time traps

06:42 Reclaim your time

12:35 Power hour: get more done in less time

16:15 Leverage your days off

18:30 Protect your side hustle hours

21:20 Choose a schedule that fits your life

23:40 Final thoughts and recap

Check out episode 450 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

This episode is brought to you by: 

Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Nicaila’s Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/
• Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ 
• Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome 
• Brown Ambition Podcast: https://brownambitionpodcast.com/ 

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If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

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Always wanted to start a side hustle but didn’t know what industry to try? This week I’m breaking down the exact process of identifying the skills you do effortlessly and turning them into a profitable side hustle. 

In this episode I share:

• How to pinpoint the skills hiding in your “blind spot”
• The importance of surveying your network to confirm your strengths
• Different service-based ideas you can launch today
• How to validate your offers quickly and start getting paid sooner

Highlights include:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Three key steps

05:30 Monetizable skills

09:30 How to get paid sooner, not later

15:00 Actionable homework

Check out episode 449 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

This episode is brought to you by: 

Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Portia Obeng SHP episode: https://youtu.be/4qkgObsQ7pA?si=BySviTQaeTqgVa01 
• Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ 
• Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome 
• FREE Survey Template: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/side-hustle-survey/  

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

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro

#SideHustlePro

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This week we’re changing it up and I’m sitting in the guest chair. In this special “podcast swap” episode of Side Hustle Pro, I’m sharing an interview from the podcast To Tell You The Truth with host—and Podcast Moguls student—Brittany Sharpton. We dive into the concept of self-imposed barriers and how they can prevent entrepreneurs, especially Black women, from realizing their full potential. 

In this episode I share:

• My journey to reclaiming my power in spaces where Black women aren’t usually empowered- and why I’m constantly reminding myself that I’m that girl
• Steps to take to combat the fear and negative self-talk that often creep in
• What feeds my soul and the lessons I’m learning every day- even as a seasoned entrepreneur 
• Insights from my Podcast Moguls course and how I’ve seen Brittany grow after being a student 

Highlights Include:

00:00 Intro

03:30 From corporate to entrepreneur 

09:55 The importance of having a side hustle 

11:45 Overcoming biases

17:30 How to show up as a working mom

22:00 Getting your mojo back 

27:15 Overcoming the limitations of the patriarchy

37:04 Tips to feed your soul

41:15 Beating fear and imposter syndrome

Check out episode 448 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Links mentioned in this episode

• Brittany’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britthappenshq/ 
• To Tell You The Truth Pod: https://www.instagram.com/totellyouthetruthpod/ 
• Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ 
• How To Make Money Podcasting Course: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/ 
• Management Leadership For Tomorrow: https://mlt.org/ 
• Mel Robbins Podcast, Let Go of Negative Thoughts: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-198 
• Jen Sincero’s Book: https://jensincero.com/ 
• Walk Through Fire: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Through-Fire-Memoir-Triumph-ebook/dp/B0BXM51HXN 
• Get Good With Money: https://getgoodwithmoney.com/ 

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

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This week in the guest chair we have a returning guest Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row. Brandice launched Harlem’s Fashion Row to bridge the gap between multicultural fashion designers and major fashion brands. From producing top-tier runway events to groundbreaking collaborations—such as her famous partnership with Nike and LeBron James—Brandice ensures Black and Brown designers receive the visibility, mentorship, and retail opportunities they deserve. Growing her business has made Brandice a sponsor and brand partnership expert, and gave me a masterclass for my own sponsorship journey.

In this episode she shares:

• Her road to becoming a household name and partnering with huge names like Nike, LVMH, and Gap
• How to transition your business from relying on event sponsorships to forming robust partnerships that provide a more stable revenue flow
• How she expanded her mission by founding ICON 360, a nonprofit that has raised over $2 million

Highlights include: 

00:00 Intro

02:05 The evolution of Harlem Fashion Row

08:00 Monetizing collaborations

13:00 The power of telling your own story

17:50 Forming contacts and partnerships 

21:00 Creating value for brands

28:30 Diversifying revenue streams

38:30 Power of community in business 

44:00 Ensuring a profitable business model

52:15 Tips for entrepreneurs 

Check out episode 447 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

This episode is brought to you by:

Skillshare: Take Nicaila’s class and explore thousands more hands-on classes taught by creative experts from around the world. Get one month free at sidehustlepro.co/skillshare.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Brandice’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemsfashionrow/ 
• Brandice’s First SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrrXQGFt518 Harlem’s Fashion Row’s Website: https://www.harlemsfashionrow.com/ 
• Brandice’s FREE Sponsorship Book: https://www.smallbusinessbigpartnershipsbook.com/live 
• SHP Website: https://sidehustlepro.co 

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

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

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This week we’re diving into how to shift your mindset to set yourself up for success. Here’s the thing—I’ve learned over the years that your mindset isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for everything you’re trying to build. Whether it’s pushing past fear to finally launch your business, staying consistent when sales are slow, or silencing that little voice in your head saying, ‘Who are you to do this?’—it all comes back to how you think and how you show up for yourself.

In this episode I share:

• The mindset hacks I use, like reframing limiting beliefs, to conquer my goals 
• How to break down your goals into actionable steps to avoid overwhelm 
• My experience with imposter syndrome and how I continuously overcome it

Highlights include:

00:00 Intro

01:00 Battling imposter syndrome

04:14 Breaking free from overthinking

08:05 Confidence is key

14:05 Master Instagram Challenge

17:50 Building mental resilience 

21:28 Actionable steps to a mindset change

Check out episode 446 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

This episode is brought to you by: 

The Master Instagram Challenge. Your 5-Day ticket to DOUBLE your following and build your brand on Instagram (in just 30 minutes a day). Sign up now https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/registration-master-the-gram-challenge/.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Master Instagram Challenge: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/registration-master-the-gram-challenge/ 
• Side Hustle Pro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SideHustlePro 
• Side Hustle Pro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ 
• SHP Done Is Better Than Perfect Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naMuG3Abzmo 
• SHP Denise Woodard Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjQqNBd8-xA 

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

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

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This week we’re diving into one of my favorite mantras: Done is better than perfect.

I was inspired by my decision to relaunch my Master the Gram Challenge. It’s been years since I last did it, and I had to remind myself to push forward without overthinking. I’m breaking down how I got it off the ground and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. 

In this episode I share:

• How to break out of the cycle of overthinking or perfectionism and take action
• Why clarity is key and how to make sure your audience knows what your product is, who it's for, and how it helps
• The step by step process of setting up operations for your products, including exactly what resources I used to set up the Master The Gram landing page

Highlights include: 

00:00 Intro

03:00 Setting up operations

06:00 Setting up marketing

09:30 Taking action is better than perfect

12:00 Tweaking after feedback

16:00 Having an accountability partner

20:00 Mastering self-talk

25:00 Walking through a sales page

33:00 Setting goals for the year

Check out episode 445 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

This episode is brought to you by: 

Shopify. Go to shopify.com/hustlepro for a free fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify’s entire suite of features.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Master The Gram Landing Page: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram 
• Landing Page Builder: https://www.leadpages.com/ 
• Link Shortener: https://prettylinks.com/ 
• Stripe: https://stripe.com/ 
• Email Service Provider: https://kit.com/ 
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/ 
• My Website: https://sidehustlepro.co 
• My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ 
• My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicailamatthewsokome 

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

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We’re kicking off this new year by welcoming new and returning listeners to Side Hustle Pro with a reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to pursue a side hustle. Inspired by an email from a listener, I was reminded that my focus on Black women entrepreneurs still resonates with a wide audience, proving that clarity in your target listener doesn’t exclude anyone else who might benefit.

In this episode I share the five areas of focus for starting or growing your business in 2025:

• Get clear on your main priority 
• Choose a channel to showcase your expertise
• Organize your content (you likely have more than you realize!)
• Trust yourself to figure things out, even when you get stuck
• Invest in education and resources that level up you and your business

Highlights include:

00:00 Intro

03:00 Uplifting women entrepreneurs 

05:00 Setting goals for the year

10:30 Five areas of focus for 2025

18:00 The power of sharing your journey

23:00 Overcoming content overwhelm

29:00 Trusting yourself and investing in growth

35:00 Master The Gram Challenge 

Check out episode 444 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

This episode is brought to you by: 

Master The Gram Challenge: In this 5-Day Master The Gram Challenge, I'll teach you the exact steps I used to grow my Instagram to over 95K followers, launch a hit podcast, launch digital programs, quit my job to work for myself, and make multiple SIX-figures as a successful entrepreneur. Sign up here: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram

Links mentioned in this episode

• Master The Gram Challenge: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram
• Nicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/ 
• Nicaila’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidehustlepro 
• Nicaila’s Website: https://sidehustlepro.co/ 

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

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

#SideHustlePro

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Are you tired of feeling stuck when it comes to Instagram? Not sure how to use it to promote your business effectively? If creating content feels overwhelming or you’re spinning your wheels trying to figure out what works, this is for you. The Master the Gram Challenge is designed to help you take control of Instagram and finally make it work for you. Join here: https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram

In Just 5 Days, You’ll Learn How To:

1. Attract the right people to build a community (not just followers)
2. Create content that makes people want to buy from you
3. Save time with simple automation and scheduling tools
4. Know when (and how) to hire so you can get off the content hamster wheel

We'll Cover:

• Day 1: Followers
• Day 2: Content That Converts
• Day 3: Automation & Planning
• Day 4: Sales
• Day 5: Outsourcing & Scaling

PLUS! A BONUS live Q&A Call

Join me on Friday, Jan 17 at 1:00 PM ET for a live session to get your questions answered

You'll Get:

✔️ Daily bite-sized videos delivered straight to your inbox

✔️ My step-by-step strategies to take the guesswork out of Instagram

✔️ The exact tools and templates I use to simplify and save time

✔️ Access to a live Q&A with me on Day 5

Instagram has been the marketing engine behind my email list, podcast, and digital courses for 10 years. It’s a powerful tool that can transform your business when used the right way. This is your chance to master Instagram, connect with your ideal audience, and start making real money in 2025.

Ready to conquer Instagram? Claim your spot in the challenge here https://sidehustlepro.co/masterthegram

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

This week in the guest chair we have Whitney Gates, an experienced marketing leader turned entrepreneur as co-founder and CEO of Wondry Wine. Her diversified skill set is driven by over 13 years of experience in brand management, shopper marketing and sales across Fortune 200 companies.

Rejecting exclusivity, Wondry presents customers with a more approachable, stronger, semi-sweet wine. Drawing inspiration from her disabled uncle’s wine-making journey, Whitney’s hustled her way into becoming a multi-million dollar company in just a few years. 

In this episode she shares:

• How she went from making wine herself and doing door to door selling to launching Wondry online and expanding onto Target shelves
• What it takes to stand out in a crowded market (and even get a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank)
• The importance of understanding your customer and adjusting your pitch accordingly

Highlights include:

0:00 – Introduction to Whitney Gates

8:17 – Launching Wondry 

11:20 – Defining Wondry’s category: wine vs. cocktail hybrid

15:00 – Investing in the business

18:40 – Door-to-door sales and proof of concept

31:00 – Whitney’s Shark Tank experience and partnering with Mark Cuban

34:00 – Becoming profitable and managing costs as you scale

41:00 – Tips for entrepreneurs 

Check out episode 443 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Links mentioned in this episode

• Wondry Wine Website: https://www.drinkwondry.com
• Follow Wondry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wondrywine
• Side Hustle Pro Website: https://www.sidehustlepro.co

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

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

• Follow Wondry’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wondrywine

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

This week in the guest chair we have Melyssa Ford, media personality, actress, and advocate known for her dynamic presence in entertainment. With a career spanning television, film, and radio, she has captivated audiences as a host on the Joe Budden podcast and various TV appearances.

As a seasoned veteran in media and entertainment, Melyssa mastered the art of pivoting and identifying viable opportunities to launch into new and exciting spaces.

In this episode she shares:

• Her new podcast Hot and Bothered that fosters meaningful conversations about women’s wellness, intimacy, and health 
• Overcoming depression, negative self-talk, and finding grace through personal healing
• The many benefits to pivoting several times in her career

Highlights include:

00:00 Intro

02:00 Building a film/TV personality 

06:00 Being an undocumented immigrant

14:00 Creating her own path

19:00 Battling mental health issues

27:00 Navigating perimenopause

40:00 The podcasting landscape

47:00 Living with a brain injury

1:00:00 Tips for entrepreneurs 

Check out episode 442 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Links mentioned in this episode

• Melyssa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melyssaford/ 
• Melyssa’s Twitter: https://x.com/MissMelyssaFord/ 
• Hot and Bothered Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotnbotheredpodcast/ 
• Melyssa’s Website: https://www.melyssaford.com/ 
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ 

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

Join our Facebook Community

If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook

• Melyssa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melyssaford/ 
• Melyssa’s Twitter: https://x.com/MissMelyssaFord/ 

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