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 lack Why she believes everyone can tak...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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...
Jun 18, 2025•54 min
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 educat...
Jun 11, 2025•50 min
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 Targ...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr
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 ca...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min
This week in the guest chair we have Maekaeda Gibbons, Trinidad-born founder & CEO of Brown Sugar Babe, the cult-favorite fragrance and body-care brand whose body oils like Wild Card and Rich Auntie just keep selling out. In this episode she shares: Turning a $300 paycheck into a side hustle that now ships 10,000+ orders a month Her exact growth playbook: pop-ups at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, a 20,000-member Facebook group, and influencer collaborations that went viral on the internet How ...
May 21, 2025•53 min
This week in the guest chair we have Raven Gibson, multidisciplinary designer and founder of the empowering apparel and lifestyle brand Legendary Roots. Getting her start in her dorm room, Raven takes us on her journey of delegation, negotiating with Fortune 500 retailers, and trusting that what’s for you will never pass you by. In this episode she shares: How she uses art to speak up and invites her community to set healthy boundaries The moment she got serious about QuickBooks, hired a CPA, le...
May 14, 2025•55 min
This week in the guest chair we have Rachel Rodgers—entrepreneur, coach, and bestselling author of We Should All Be Millionaires. She's back on the show with powerful insights to help side hustlers and full-time entrepreneurs alike build sustainable wealth and stop playing small. In this episode, she shares: How to make real “money moves” instead of hiding behind busy work The mindset shifts needed to overcome imposter syndrome and take bold action Why outsourcing your life first can unlock grow...
May 08, 2025•59 min
This week I’m excited to chat with someone I go way back with, Sheena McCullers. Sheena is the founder of Della’s Beauty Supply. Della’s was launched to bring a much-needed sense of belonging for BIPOC beauty lovers in Ann Arbor, MI. After moving from Brooklyn, Sheena saw a need for a place for people who look like her and took a chance on opening a storefront. In this episode she shares: How intentionally creating a community through word of mouth was the foundation to building her customer bas...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 3 min
This week in the guest chair we have Kristen Dunning, founder and CEO of Gently Soap - a bathing brand built on her self-developed herbal infusions. An MBA grad, Kristen hails from a rare five generations of Black Alabama farmers, and she’s continuing the legacy by bringing joy back to bathing experiences for people with sensitive skin, using the medicinal properties of plants. In this episode she shares: Her vigorous passion and research that landed her on Shark Tank Her secret sauce to having ...
Apr 23, 2025•52 min
This week I’m back with a solo episode where I’m giving you the tools to make money with your podcast. When I became a full-time podcaster in 2017, I focused on my revenue streams like brand partnerships, sponsorships, courses, and VIP programs, leading to having over 10 million episode downloads to date. I’m here to help you get your podcast to that same level. In this episode I’m sharing: Effective Marketing : How you’re going to optimize content planning and to get people to consistently see ...
Apr 16, 2025•31 min
This week in the guest chair we have Julia Coney, award winning wine writer, speaker, & consultant. Julia wears many hats, including being the Wine Consultant for American Airlines and Founder of Black Wine Professionals; a resource for Black professionals in the world of wine. In this episode she shares about: Being multi-passionate: how exploring a range of interests, from starting at a law firm to writing a beauty blog, has elevated her career Paving the way for diversity: how starting ho...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min
This week we’re taking it back to my convo with Portia Obeng, social media strategist, LinkedIn coach, and former Side Hustle Pro social media manager! With over 10 years of experience, Portia guides people through the ever-changing social media landscape to amplify their personal brands and make money. In this episode she shares about: The steps she’s taken to go from job hopping to helping people optimize their LinkedIn Her focus on the niche of creating “ LinkedIn superstars” who advocate for...
Apr 03, 2025•54 min
This week in the guest chair, we have former Podcast Moguls student Zach Nunn, Founder and CEO of Living Corporate. Zach unpacks how he turned his podcast into a thriving consulting business, landing brand partnerships with major corporations like Pfizer and more. He talks about the strategies behind creating authentic, high-quality content, leveraging interviews as a networking channel, and maximizing the value of a show’s back catalog. In this episode he shares: Why owning your IP is a game-ch...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 10 min
This 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, o...
Mar 19, 2025•43 min
Are 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 ent...
Mar 14, 2025•36 min
Today I am back with a solo episode where I share my favorite techniques to get back on track when you're feeling stuck. It's time to take a step back, reflect on what has worked, what hasn't, and what we're going to do about it. Whether you're dealing with mid-year slumps or just need a boost, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move forward. In this episode I share about: Getting in the spiritual gym: The importance of reconnecting with spirituality, physical activity, or...
Mar 05, 2025•41 min
This week in the guest chair we have Kareem Edwards, one of the very first men to grace the Side Hustle Pro guest chair! Hailing from Far Rockaway, Queens, Kareem got his start in major corporate roles at Lehman Brothers, Kraft Heinz, and Google—all while dreaming of owning a business. Kareem decided to pursue franchising and balanced a 9-to-5 at Google while working nights at a Chick-fil-A to master the day-to-day operations. In this episode she shares: The importance of community impact, creat...
Feb 26, 2025•59 min
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...
Feb 19, 2025•26 min
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: 0...
Feb 12, 2025•22 min
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 e...
Feb 05, 2025•53 min
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 busin...
Jan 29, 2025•55 min
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 episod...
Jan 23, 2025•28 min
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 au...
Jan 16, 2025•32 min
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 clea...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min
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: Attract the right people to build a community (not just fol...
Jan 05, 2025•2 min
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 m...
Dec 18, 2024•46 min
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 an...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 9 min
This week in the guest chair we have Alexis Barber, a lifestyle influencer and founder of Too Collective, a modern wellness and loungewear brand. At just 25 years old, Alexis is the host of the top-rated Too Smart For This Podcast and has worked with brands like Lululemon, Rare Beauty, Microsoft, and Miss Dior as a content creator. In this episode she shares: How growing up low-income provided the foundation for having confidence and an ambitious mindset to overcome the limitations of her past H...
Dec 04, 2024•56 min
Helena Faustin is a Registered Nurse and content creator from New York City who has garnered an audience of millions by sharing her love and passion for cooking. As a mother of three, Helena inspires people with her massively popular food blog, That Nurse Can Cook, to get comfortable in the kitchen and cook delicious meals for their families. In this episode she shares: The ways she stayed consistent in content creation, and why it paid off How she differentiated her physical cookbook, The Soul ...
Nov 27, 2024•59 min
