Sinopsis
Side Hustle Pro spotlights bold black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable business. Join Nicaila Matthews Okome, Senior Manager of Social Marketing at NPR by day and Chief Side Hustler by night, for your weekly installment of Side Hustle Pro and learn actionable strategies to start small and get goingwherever and whoever you are. Side Hustle Pro features interviews with inspiring black women entrepreneurs like Venture Capitalist Stefanie Thomas, named a Voice of Black Women VCs by Fast Company, Award-winning financial educator and best-selling author Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, and entrepreneur, speaker and goal achievement specialist Courtney Sanders, the Founder of Think and Grow Chick, LLC.
Episodios
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497: 7 Side Hustles That Can Make Real Money
15/01/2026 Duración: 27minIn this episode of Side Hustle Pro, I break down seven side hustles you can start this month that have real income potential. This episode is all about building leverage through problem-solving businesses that can grow from side hustle to full-time income.In This Episode, I Share:Why your side hustle should be treated as leverage and a real business, not a hobby or just extra moneyThe two rules I want you to follow before choosing a side hustle: don’t try everything at once, and focus on solving real problemsSeven proven, service-based side hustle ideas — from home operations and career pivots to podcast booking and fractional COO workHow to move from idea to action by getting your first client through simple, focused next stepsHighlights Include00:00 Why your side hustle should be treated as leverage, not a hobby02:10 The two rules to follow before choosing a side hustle04:30 How to stop collecting ideas and start building a real business06:30 Side Hustle #1: The local “fix-it” project manager (home ops mana
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496: The 12-Week Sprint Approach That Changed My Side Hustle Results
09/01/2026 Duración: 21minIn this solo episode, I’m sharing the exact 12 week sprint system that completely changed how I set and complete my goals.Instead of giving myself an entire year to “figure it out,” I learned that shrinking the timeline created clarity, urgency, and momentum. I walk you through how I choose my goals, break them down into manageable weekly actions, and build in a recalculation rule that allows for real life instead of an idealized version of it.If you have ever started the year motivated only to feel your goals quietly drift away by February, this episode gives you a simple and realistic framework you can start using right now.In This Episode, I Share:Why yearly goal setting gives side hustlers too much room to procrastinate and how 12 week sprints create clarity and momentumHow I choose just three goals per sprint with one clear focus per monthThe simple way I break monthly goals into realistic weekly tasks that actually get doneWhy daily five minute reviews and one weekly self accountability day keep my goal
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495: Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
31/12/2025 Duración: 51minThis 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 girlSteps to take to combat the fear and negative self-talk that often creep inWhat 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 Intro03:30 From corporate to entrepreneur 09:55 The importance of having a side hustle 11:45 Overcoming biases17:30 How to show up as a working mom2
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494: Owning Manhattan’s Tricia Lee: From Beauty Mogul to Real Estate Titan
24/12/2025 Duración: 01h17minThis week in the guest chair we have Tricia Lee, powerhouse real estate broker, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, and founder and leader of the highly talented Tricia Lee Team at Serhant. Tricia sold over $200M in her solo career before joining Serhant and simultaneously joining forces with her partner, Jeffrey St. Arromand. Through the power of partnership, authenticity, and personal branding, Tricia has become a household name in real estate and media.In this episode, Tricia shares:How she successfully managed the pivot from beauty to real estate and television Why she makes it a point to share her journey while also marketing her businessHow content creation has helped her close real estate dealsHow she has stayed true to herself and blocked out opinions, jobs, and people who don’t align with her goalsAnd so much more!Highlights Include:00:00 Intro 03:14 Discovering identity13:00 Navigating real estate16:50 Polish Bar success23:08 Transferring skills from previous industries34:19 Navigatin
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493: How To Make Content For Your Business In Less Than 1 Hour A Week
19/12/2025 Duración: 22minAs an entrepreneur, content creation has become a huge part of expanding a business. So this week I’m sharing 4 tips that have helped me take the pressure off creating awesome content while running a business. In this episode I’m sharing:How to optimize your recording sessions to get content done quickerMy favorite content creation tech and tools, and much more!Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeFree Side Hustle Guide: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/startyourhustle/Register for my next FREE Podcast Masterclass: https://www.podcastmoguls.com/Favorite Ring Light: https://amzn.to/3KaMiGNNicaila’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlepro/Content Tools Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-37ba1da3/list/WQ7ES8GSRRBH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfinfluencer-37ba1da3_P22F9MBGA63FZKWR7V1WClick here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook Communit
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492: Rebuilding My Business After Burnout
11/12/2025 Duración: 17minRebuilding my business after burnout wasn’t one big breakthrough. It was a series of small, honest shifts that finally brought me back to myself.Rest. Prioritization. Time boundaries. Financial honesty. And the self-care I kept putting off because I felt guilty investing in myself.In today’s episode of The Expansion Era, I’m sharing what this rebuilding season has really looked like for me as a mom of two, a wife, and a founder trying to get her mojo back. This chapter isn’t about going back to who I was. It’s about becoming someone who doesn’t abandon herself on the way to her goals.If you're feeling depleted, questioning your confidence, or trying to rebuild your business after a hard season, this one’s for you.✨ Watch this whenever you need a reminder that you can rebuild without rushing yourself.RESOURCES MENTIONED► Join my newsletter for behind-the-scenes support as you rebuild your business: https://sidehustlepro.co/newsletter► Register for my next free Podcast Moguls training on how to start the podcas
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491: 9 Side Hustles You Can Start Today That Could Replace Your 9-5
04/12/2025 Duración: 34minAre you ready to finally take the leap and start your side hustle, but don’t know where to start? This week we are outlining nine high-potential side hustles that can realistically scale to replace or significantly supplement your full-time income. Now these are not quick-fix ideas, these are long-term businesses that can bring you recurring revenue by leveraging automation tools (especially AI), and refining your marketing so clients find and trust you. Take it from someone who has built an entire brand on side hustling! In this episode I share:Nine unique and and high-profit side hustles that can fully replace your 9-5The side hustles former guests of Side Hustle Pro have had major success withWhy closing the gap between your ideas and actually starting is the key to your businessHighlights include:01:45 Cleaning services06:22 Faceless podcast07:57 Virtual assistant12:16 Social media marketing15:25 Short-form video editor 21:15 Podcast/YouTube channel manager22:30 AI integration specialist26:
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490: She Left Corporate and Built a 7-Figure Business
26/11/2025 Duración: 54minThis week in the guest chair, Dr. Lakila Bowden shares her powerful journey from leading thousands inside Fortune 500 companies to co-founding ISee Technologies, a Black sister-owned, disability-led consulting firm now earning seven figures.After leaving corporate in 2019, Lakila teamed up with her sister, Camille, to build a company trusted by brands like Disney, Kraft Heinz, and the EPA for high-impact training, inclusion, and workforce wellness programs. What makes her work different is how she blends corporate strategy, healing, and public speaking to help organizations and people thrive without burnout.In this episode, Lakila opens up about the moment she walked away from the “known,” how she rebuilt her identity outside of corporate titles, and how speaking became a major accelerator in her business growth. She also breaks down the inner and outer transformation required to grow with your purpose, honor your well-being, and lead from a place of wholeness.In This Episode, Dr. Lakila Shares:The pivotal mo
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489: How to Start a Side Hustle with AI (feat. Nadeen Matthews Blair)
19/11/2025 Duración: 58minThis week in the guest chair, we have someone very special, my sister, Nadeen Matthews Blair and her pivot story is going to speak directly to anyone who’s ever felt called to reinvent themselves.After 20 years in banking, management consulting, and C-suite leadership, Nadeen hit a point where the titles, the pressure, and the nonstop demands were no longer aligned with the life she wanted for herself and her family. So she did what so many high-achieving women fear doing: she stepped back, listened to the whisper, and chose a new path.That path led her to Crescent Advisory Group, where she now teaches professionals, creatives, and new entrepreneurs how to use AI with confidence. What’s wild is that she built the entire business using just four beginner-friendly AI tools and today, she’s breaking them all down for you.Whether you’re in a pivot, launching a side hustle, or trying to understand where AI fits into your next chapter, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a simple starting point.In T
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488: The Power in the Pivot: How Keewa Nurullah Is Rebuilding After Closing Her Dream Business
12/11/2025 Duración: 52minThis week in the guest chair we have Keewa Nurullah, artist, entrepreneur, and small-business strategist you may remember as the founder of Kido, the beloved South Loop children’s boutique that brought color, culture, and community to families across Chicago.After six powerful years in business, and national recognition that included a shout-out from President Barack Obama, Keewa made the bold decision to close her brick-and-mortar store and start over.In this episode, Keewa opens up about what it truly looks like to evolve as an entrepreneur, navigating economic shifts, changing customer behavior, and the emotional side of letting go of something you built from the ground up. Today she’s channeling those lessons into her work as a strategist and host of Circulate, a monthly community event that “love-bombs” local shops with intentional support and helps other founders build thriving, purpose-driven businesses on their own terms.In this episode, she shares:The courage to walk away from a business What re
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487: Mindset Hacks For Every Business Owner
05/11/2025 Duración: 27minThis 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 itHighlights include:00:00 Intro01:00 Battling imposter syndrome04:14 Breaking free from overthinking08:05 Confidence is key14:05 Master Instagram Challenge17:50 Building mental resilience 21:28 Actionable steps to a mindset changeCheck out episode 487 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out
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486: How to Side Hustle With a Full-Time Job
29/10/2025 Duración: 26minWelcome 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 wastersThe 3-Step Hustler’s Time Plan: how to maximize your timeHow to build a system and schedule that work for youHighlights include: 00:00 Intro01:45 Identify your biggest time traps06:42 Reclaim your time12:35 Power hour: get more done in less time16:15 Leverage your days off18:30 Protect your side hustle hours21:20 Choose a schedule that fits your life23:40 Final thought
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485: How to Turn Your Skills Into a Side Hustle
24/10/2025 Duración: 22minAlways 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 strengthsDifferent service-based ideas you can launch todayHow to validate your offers quickly and start getting paid soonerHighlights include:00:00 Intro02:00 Three key steps05:30 Monetizable skills09:30 How to get paid sooner, not later15:00 Actionable homeworkCheck out episode 485 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodePortia 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: h
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484: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots
16/10/2025 Duración: 42minThis week we’re airing my first ever live podcast! I had the opportunity to sit down with author, journalist, and media powerhouse Demetria Lucas at the On Air Fest in Brooklyn, NY. From launching A Belle in BK to building an empire that spans books, film, podcasting, and more, Demetria has mastered the art of evolving and thriving as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Taking risks and flawlessly pivoting has paid off.In this episode she shares:How prioritizing steady income through podcasting, owning a travel company, and more gives her freedom to enjoy life outside of workingThe enormous impact traveling the world has had on her work, leading her to author three books on travel How she stayed resilient through personal challenges and self-doubtHighlights Include:00:00 Intro03:36 Breaking into the book industry08:20 Streams of steady income13:45 Building a personal brand and podcast24:08 Traveling the world27:00 The ups and downs of finances in freelancing36:15 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out ep
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483: The First 3 Moves I’d Make If I Were Starting a Side Hustle Today
10/10/2025 Duración: 23minIn this solo episode, I’m sharing the first three moves I’d make if I were starting a side hustle today and it’s not what you think.Over the years, I’ve seen so many new side hustlers get caught up in the wrong things (logos, websites, Instagram aesthetic), and miss the real work that actually builds momentum and income. So I’m breaking down what I’d focus on right now if I had to start all over again.These are the same foundational steps that helped me build Side Hustle Pro from an idea into a full-fledged business, and they’re the same ones I teach my clients today.In this episode, I share:The number one mistake new side hustlers make (and how to avoid it)How to get laser-focused on the problem you solve and who you serveWhy validation calls will change the way you approach your businessThe difference between a website and a funnel (and why the latter matters more)How I started selling a $50 course before I ever built a websiteHighlights Include00:00 Intro02:10 Getting clear on the problem you solve06:00 Fi
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482: 7 Side Hustles That Pay When You’re Unemployed
04/10/2025 Duración: 27minBeing out of work can feel scary, the bills don’t stop, and self-doubt creeps in. But here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be the beginning of your expansion. Today, I’m sharing seven side hustles you can start right now to rebuild your confidence, earn income, and remind yourself that you have options.Each of these hustles has the potential to bring in quick cash this month or grow into a long-term business. Momentum builds confidence, and confidence builds opportunity. In this episode I share:Seven side hustles you can start right now if you’re unemployed or need extra cash—from digital products to service-based opportunities.How to use your existing skills and everyday tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and social platforms to quickly generate income.Why momentum matters more than perfection, and how even a small win can rebuild your confidence.The importance of direct outreach—emails, texts, and personal asks—when you need to make money fast, instead of relying solely on so
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481: Why Pivoting Isn’t Failure (My Real Story)
26/09/2025 Duración: 24minFor a long time, I believed pivoting meant I had failed. But now, I’ve learned that pivoting is actually proof that you’re still growing, still expanding, and still in motion.In this episode, I open up about why I recently applied for a job, how it connects to everything I’ve built with Side Hustle Pro, and the lessons I’m learning in this new season.In this episode, I share:Why pivoting is feedback, not failureHow every pivot stacks and nothing is wastedThe dangers of comparison and how to release shameWhy pivots prepare you for your next expansion seasonHighlights include: 00:00 Intro 02:20 What pivoting really means 07:05 Why I applied for a new role 11:45 Lessons from past pivots that shaped Side Hustle Pro 16:20 How comparison creates false shame 20:59 Why pivots keep you in motion 25:00 The role of podcasting in creating new opportunities 28:00 Closing thoughts + live class inviteWatch episode 481 on YouTube and listen on all podcast appsLinks mentioned in this episodeRegister for my free class: https:/
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480: My Life Was Running Me Until I Took This Step
19/09/2025 Duración: 25minIn this solo Expansion Era episode, I’m opening up about a turning point in my journey: when I realized my life was running me, not the other way around. I share the step I took to shift that dynamic and the five powerful lessons that continue to guide me today. From building discipline like a muscle, to falling in love with the process, to tracking effort over outcomes, these lessons are helping me reclaim balance, confidence, and control. I’m still in the process myself, but I know these insights can help you start running your life, too.In this episode I share:Why focusing on the muscle you’re building matters more than the resultHow to fall in love with the process and romanticize the mundaneThe importance of tracking the process, not just the outcomesHow to recognize and adjust for your shortcomingsWhy letting go of rigid expectations opens the door to more winsHighlights include:00:00 Intro02:26 Lesson 1: Focus on the muscle, not the results07:12 Lesson 2: Fall in love with the process11:24 Lesson 3: Tr
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479: When Business Gets Hard, Do This (Don’t Quit)
12/09/2025 Duración: 20minThis week, I’m back in the Expansion Era to go deeper into how to slow down without quitting, especially when business (or life) feels heavy. I’m sharing my own experiences navigating tough seasons in entrepreneurship, what it means to identify and pull your levers, and how I stabilize myself before getting back into action. From sponsorship slowdowns to shifting income streams, I walk you through the real strategies I use to find balance and keep moving forward.In this episode, I share:Why slowing down is not failure and how to recognize the season you’re inWhat it means to identify and pull your three key levers for incomeHow I use AI tools to simplify the job search when neededThe importance of pausing before making big decisionsWhy your revenue is flexible, but your identity is notHighlights Include:00:00 Intro02:00 When business slows down and how to stabilize05:00 Understanding and defining your three levers08:00 Tabitha Brown’s advice on getting a job as a lever12:00 How AI can help tailor resumes and
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478: Why I Lost My Mojo
05/09/2025 Duración: 39minThis week in the guest chair is… me! I’m kicking off a new season with a solo episode to share what I’m calling my Expansion Era.In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, I open up about how I lost my mojo, what I’ve been navigating as a mom and entrepreneur, and the steps I’m taking to rebuild my confidence, health, and business.In this episode I share:The reality of postpartum depression, business setbacks, and navigating motherhood while running a businessHow I’m redefining success and detaching my worth from incomeThe investments I made in fitness coaching, business coaching, and therapy to get back on trackWhy consistency and community matter more than ever in this seasonThe shifts I’ve made in 2025 to prioritize my health, creativity, and confidenceHighlights Include:00:00 Intro03:00 Why I’m calling this the Expansion Era10:00 Navigating motherhood and identity shifts20:00 Business setbacks and financial uncertainty30:00 Hiring a fitness coach and rebuilding my health40:00 Getting back into busine