Side Hustle Pro

Nicaila Matthews Okome | Side Hustle Pro Media
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Side Hustle Pro

Side Hustle Pro spotlights bold black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable business. Join Chief Side Hustler turned full-time entrepreneur Nicaila Matthews Okome for your weekly installment of Side Hustle Pro and learn actionable strategies to start small and get going–wherever and whoever you are. Side Hustle Pro features interviews with inspiring Black women entrepreneurs who started out as side hustlers, including interviews with Myleik Teele, Morgan DeBaun, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 471: From Ghana To Ulta: How Hanahana Beauty’s Founder Is Expanding Her Brand REWIND

    2 DAYS AGO

    471: From Ghana To Ulta: How Hanahana Beauty’s Founder Is Expanding Her Brand REWIND

    Abena Boamah-Acheampong is the founder + CEO of Hanahana Beauty, a consciously clean skin care, beauty + wellness brand. As a former 7th grade math teacher and therapist, Abena launched her brand with humanity and intention in mind. Now being sold in stores like Ulta, Hanahana Beauty is quickly on its way to becoming a household name. In this episode Abena shares: How she was able to pay the Ghanaian women who produce the raw materials twice their asking priceThe skills she learned from being a teacher and therapist that she uses now as a full time entrepreneurHow she’s scaled the brand while staying true to her core values Watch episode 471 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps Links mentioned in this episode Hanahana Beauty’s Website: https://ww.hanahanabeauty.comHanahana Beauty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanahana_beauty/?hl=enAbena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanieboamah/?hl=enA16z START Grant: https://a16z.com/programs-a16z-start/Hello Alice Grants: https://helloalice.com/Shopify Loans Program: https://www.shopify.com/capital Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin 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 Guest Social Media InfoHanahana Beauty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanahana_beauty/?hl=en Abena’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanieboamah/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. 470: This NYC Native Runs a Luxury Fragrance Boutique Out Of Her Harlem Brownstone REWIND

    9 JUL

    470: This NYC Native Runs a Luxury Fragrance Boutique Out Of Her Harlem Brownstone REWIND

    This week in the guest chair we have ​Kimberly Waters, founder of Modern Urban Sensory Experiences, or MUSE​, a luxury boutique fragrance house based in Harlem, NY. When Kimberly realized her role in corporate America was not providing her room to grow into her potential, she launched MUSE out of the parlor floor of a friend’s brownstone on Convent Ave in Harlem and has been growing ever since.​ In this episode Kimberly shares: Why tapping into her community of mentors and entrepreneurs was the right direction How she has self-funded her business since 2017 with no outside capital How she has partnered with hard-to-find global brands, become a sought-after destination for emerging brands Highlights Include:  00:00 Intro 05:50 Challenges in corporate America 9:00 Small-scale beginnings 22:46 Self-financing her side hustle  28:03 The unique customer experience  35:26 Revenue streams 39:18 Target audience and marketing  51:13 Tips for entrepreneurs  Check out episode 470 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Kimberly’s Website: https://www.museexperiences.com/ Kimberly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muse_experiences/ By Killian: https://www.bykilian.com/ Myleik Teele’s SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtJgMJXpUPY  Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin 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 Guest Social Media InfoKimberly’s Website: https://www.museexperiences.com/ Kimberly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muse_experiences/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  3. 469: Turning Grief Into Growth: How Amy Anaiz Built a Sustainable Home Brand

    2 JUL

    469: Turning Grief Into Growth: How Amy Anaiz Built a Sustainable Home Brand

    This week in the guest chair we have Amy Anaiz, a celebrated photographer turned product founder and the creator of OZAIZ, a sustainable home goods and fragrance brand. After building a successful wedding and portrait photography business for over a decade, Amy made a powerful pivot—launching a line of sculptural, multi-use glassware inspired by beauty, intention, and function. In this episode, Amy opens up about her transition from side hustler to full-time creative, and how becoming a mother—while navigating unimaginable grief—reshaped her purpose and path. She shares the behind-the-scenes of building OZAIZ, from manufacturing and funding the business herself, to designing for sustainability and meaning. *Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of infant loss and stillbirth.   In this episode she shares: How she prepared financially to leave her 9-to-5 and pursue photography full-timeThe story behind her product brand OZAIZ and why it took years to bring to lifeHow grief, motherhood, and purpose shaped her new business directionWhat she’s learned about manufacturing, design, and funding a product-based businessThe intentional design and sustainability philosophy behind OZAIZ Highlights Include 00:00 – Intro 01:30 – Amy’s pivot from PR to photography 07:00 – Building her photography side hustle 10:00 – Leaving her full-time job and creating a financial cushion 13:00 – Losing her daughter and navigating grief while becoming a mom 21:00 – Why she launched OZAIZ and what sets the brand apart 28:00 – How she self-funded her entire business 36:00 – The complexities of manufacturing glassware and candles 44:00 – Designing for sustainability and versatility 50:00 – Balancing personal storytelling with branding 58:00 – What's next for OZAIZ and how Amy honors her daughter's legacy Watch episode 469 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps Links Mentioned in This Episode: OZAIZ Website: https://www.ozaiz.comAmy Anaiz Photography: https://www.amyanaiz.comAmy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyanaizphotoOZAIZ on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ozaizhome Side Hustle Pro Podcast: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/podcastKunbi (Amy’s lawyer):https://www.instagram.com/legallyset/  Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin my new coaching program, SHIFT Even the expert needs support. That’s exactly why I created SHIFT—a six-month, one-on-one podcast coaching experience for the podcaster who’s done playing the DIY game. In SHIFT, we’ll clarify your message, attract your ideal audience, build a monetization path that aligns with your values, and create a content engine that works with your real life. Apply now at sidehustlepro.co/shift. Join our Facebook Community here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  4. 468: How Side Hustling Nurse Naseema McElroy Paid Off $1M in Debt

    25 JUN

    468: How Side Hustling Nurse Naseema McElroy Paid Off $1M in Debt

    This week in the guest chair we have Naseema McElroy, author and the founder of Financially Intentional, a platform about personal finance and living life intentionally. Starting with just under one million dollars in debt, Naseema taught herself financial literacy, paid off her debt, and started side hustling as a consultant teaching others to do the same.  In this episode she shares: How she created an intentional budget that didn’t leave her in a place of lackWhy she believes everyone can take control of their finances, and how to actually do itThe different income streams and resources she uses to stay financially free, and much more! Highlights include: 00:00 – Intro 01:15 – Becoming a nurse after working in healthcare administration 06:00 – What made her realize she was “broke” despite earning $200K+ 09:30 – Creating a zero-based budget to pay off $4K–$9K/month in debt 11:00 – What made up nearly $1M in total debt 14:00 – Launching Financially Intentional on Instagram 17:30 – Why she still loves nursing and hasn't gone full-time entrepreneur 22:00 – Using her job to fund her passions 24:30 – The true meaning of financial independence 28:00 – How she makes time to build her brand Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Naseema’s Website:https://www.financiallyintentional.com/  Naseema’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/ Financially Intentional Podcast: https://www.financiallyintentional.com/podcast Travel Nurse Housing Rentals: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/ Podcast Moguls: https://www.sidehustlepro.co/podcast-moguls/  Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements 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 Guest Social Media Info Side Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro #SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m
  5. 467: From Accountant to Clean Beauty CEO: How Tisha Thompson Launched LYS Beauty Into Sephora

    18 JUN

    467: From Accountant to Clean Beauty CEO: How Tisha Thompson Launched LYS Beauty Into Sephora

    This week in the guest chair, I’m joined by Tisha Thompson, the founder and CEO of LYS Beauty, the first Black-owned clean cosmetics brand to be carried at Sephora. Tisha shares her inspiring path from staff accountant and part-time makeup artist to leading her own beauty brand that launched during the pandemic and quickly sold out in 10 days.  In this episode, Tisha breaks down how she strategically pivoted from finance to beauty marketing, cold-pitched Sephora with a bold email (before she even launched!), and developed products that center clean ingredients and inclusivity. Her brand LYS, short for Love Yourself, is not only disrupting the beauty space with triangle packaging and affirmational product names—but it’s also remained profitable every year since launch. In this episode she shares: How she got her foot in the beauty industry using her finance backgroundWhy she took a demotion to pivot industriesHow personal loss and purpose led her to finally launch LYS BeautyWhat made Sephora say "yes" to a brand that hadn’t even launched yetHow she developed 35 inclusive foundation shades with a clean formulationWhy representation and self-love are at the heart of her business model Highlights Include:  00:00 Intro 02:10 How a staff accountant became a makeup artist 04:50 Taking a demotion to move into marketing 10:54 Losing her dad and finding the courage to launch 15:45 Cold-pitching Sephora and landing a deal pre-launch 20:00 What clean beauty means to her (and her skin) 27:00 Packaging, affirmations, and triangle symbolism 30:00 Navigating DEI backlash and economic shifts 45:00 Building a team and staying profitable Check out episode 467 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Links mentioned in this episode LYS Beauty Website: https://lysbeauty.comLYS Instagram: https://instagram.com/lysbeautyofficial/Tisha’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamourgirl5/Cosmoprof: https://cosmoprofnorthamerica.comMakeUp In Trade Shows: https://makeup-in.comLuxepack: https://luxepack.com Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin 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 Guest Social Media InfoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamourgirl5/LYS Beauty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lysbeautyofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  6. 466: From Actuary to Podcaster: How Marina Batliwalla Launched a Financial Literacy Show for Women and Girls

    11 JUN

    466: From Actuary to Podcaster: How Marina Batliwalla Launched a Financial Literacy Show for Women and Girls

    This week in the guest chair, we’re spotlighting Marina Batliwalla, financial professional and host of the Banking on Girls podcast. Born in India, raised in Australia, and now based in LA, Marina joined Podcast Moguls to launch a show centered around financial literacy for women and girls—and she’s done just that, all while working full-time. Marina shares how she overcame mindset hurdles to get started, leveraged her platform to speak at the United Nations, and is now piloting financial education workshops for mothers and daughters. In this episode, she shares:How she found her voice and confidence through Podcast MogulsWhy financial literacy needs to start before the age of 7The early media skills she brought from her radio days in SydneyHow her show opened doors to speak at global institutionsWhy she’s now looking at B2B opportunities for her educational workshopsHighlights Include:00:00 Intro02:25 From actuary to advocate: Marina’s global journey05:20 How a Girl Scout badge sparked her podcast vision12:30 Naming her podcast Banking on Girls and protecting the brand15:00 Defining her perfect listener: mothers raising daughters22:00 Workshop pilot programs and future monetization strategies31:00 Leveraging her podcast to attend the United Nations40:00 How Marina got over her fear of marketingCheck out episode 465 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Banking on Girls Podcast – https://www.bankingongirls.com United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw Cherie Blair Foundation for Women – https://cherieblairfoundation.orgScouting America– https://www.scouting.orgStock Market Game – https://www.stockmarketgame.org Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  7. 465: The Founder of Boss Women Media Launched a Second Business While Pregnant With Twins

    4 JUN

    465: The Founder of Boss Women Media Launched a Second Business While Pregnant With Twins

    This week in the guest chair we have Marty McDonald, founder of Elle Olivia & Boss Women Media. Her background in corporate laid the foundation to launching Boss Women Media, the offline/online women’s empowerment community. After a challenging experience with giving birth to her first child, Marty translated that same idea of empowerment to launch Elle Olivia, a lifestyle brand for young Black and Brown girls. In this episode she shares: How she landed her brand Elle Olivia in over 400 Target locations nationwide within the first year of launchingHow she strategically re-invested revenue from side hustling into her businesses How she oversees a multi-city Black Girl Magic Tour, the annual Boss Woman of the Year Summit, and serves a loyal community of more than 100,000 women Highlights Include: 00:00 Intro 02:38 Navigating corporate America  11:30 Pitching to Sugarfina 14:32 Launching Boss Women Media 16:52 Monetizing the business & impactful collaboration 27:43 Staying nimble and pivoting at the right time 34:02 Navigating a challenging pregnancy  38:10 Creating a brand for Black and Brown girls 48:18 The power of a strong team 54:00 Tips for entrepreneurs  Check out episode 465 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Links mentioned in this episode Marty’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martytmcdonald/ Boss Women Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosswomenmedia/ Boss Women Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosswomenmedia/ Elle Olivia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopelleolivia/ Elle Olivia Website: https://shopelleolivia.com/ Elle Olivia at Target: https://www.target.com/b/elle-olivia/-/N-q643le95h07 Sugarfina: https://www.sugarfina.com/  Power Thoughts Devotional: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/power-thoughts-devotional/id715337851  Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  8. 464: From Corporate Employee to CEO Coach: Monique R. Shields on Teaching Women to Thrive

    28 MAY

    464: From Corporate Employee to CEO Coach: Monique R. Shields on Teaching Women to Thrive

    This week in the guest chair, we have Monique R. Shields, executive coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Claimed, a program dedicated to helping high-achieving Black mothers unlock their next chapter. In this episode, Monique shares her inspiring journey from corporate to coaching and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses the power of releasing limiting beliefs, why investing in yourself is key to growth, and how motherhood led to her decision to take ownership of her time and career. In this episode she shares: The importance of creating space for Black women, especially mothers, to thrive and build without compromising themselvesThe mindset shifts needed to elevate your business and life to the next levelHow transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship gave her the freedom she needed Highlights include: 00:00 Intro 05:00 The importance of relationships in early career transitions 07:30 Background in publishing and banking  12:00 Transition into executive coaching & the influence of motherhood  19:00 Raising her rates and investing in herself 24:35 How to navigate seasons of burnout and pressure 29:03 Tips for women entrepreneurs transitioning into full-time business ownership 34:20 The launch of her program, Claimed, for Black mothers 40:00 The power of releasing limiting beliefs and moving beyond survival mode 1:00:00 Tips for entrepreneurs Watch episode 464 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps Links mentioned in this episode Monique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/ Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/ Monique’s Podcast: https://moniquershields.com/podcast/ Side Hustle Pro: https://sidehustlepro.co/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss AnnouncementsJoin 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 Guest Social Media InfoMonique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/ Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Side Hustle Pro spotlights bold black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable business. Join Chief Side Hustler turned full-time entrepreneur Nicaila Matthews Okome for your weekly installment of Side Hustle Pro and learn actionable strategies to start small and get going–wherever and whoever you are. Side Hustle Pro features interviews with inspiring Black women entrepreneurs who started out as side hustlers, including interviews with Myleik Teele, Morgan DeBaun, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicaila Matthews Okome | Side Hustle Pro Media
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    479
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 SIDE HUSTLE PRO
  • Show Website
    Side Hustle Pro

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