484: Demetria Lucas on Taking Career Risks and Embracing Pivots
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, 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 episode 484 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeDemetria’s Website: https://www.demetriallucas.com/ Demetria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetriallucas Demetria’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demetriallucas Ratchet and Respectable Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ratchet-respectable/id1449001372 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebookGuest Social Media InfoSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
42:21
--------
42:21
483: The First 3 Moves I’d Make If I Were Starting a Side Hustle Today
In 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 Finding your target audience08:36 Validating your idea fast11:09 What to ask during validation calls14:41 Pricing with confidence15:00 Building a simple funnel, not a website19:03 How one simple email list changed everything21:02 Recap: The 3 moves to start your side hustle todayLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeLeadpagesFireflies.ai – My favorite meeting note-takerGemini for Google MeetAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf 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/facebookGuest Social Media InfoSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
23:01
--------
23:01
482: 7 Side Hustles That Pay When You’re Unemployed
Being 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 social media.Highlights include:00:00 Intro02:20 Side Hustle #1: Career Story Studio04:40 Side Hustle #2: Digital Templates Shop07:06 Side Hustle #3: TikTok Shop Seller09:29 Side Hustle #4: Airbnb Co-Host13:59 Side Hustle #5: UGC Creator16:20 Side Hustle #6: AI Consultant18:44 Side Hustle #7: Fractional Ops Manager23:28 Final thoughts on making money now25:32 Closing thoughts + live class inviteLinks mentioned in this episode:Register for my free class: Start the Podcast That Builds Your Exit Plan: https://sidehustlepro.co/freetrainingSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustleproSide Hustle Pro Nicaila Matthews Okome Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
27:30
--------
27:30
481: Why Pivoting Isn’t Failure (My Real Story)
For 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://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/AnnouncementsIf 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/facebookClick here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssSocial MediaSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
24:41
--------
24:41
480: My Life Was Running Me Until I Took This Step
In 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: Track the process, not the result16:05 Lesson 4: Adjust for your shortcomings21:16 Lesson 5: Let go of expectations & celebrate small wins25:32 Closing thoughts + invitation to my live classLinks mentioned on this episodeRegister for my free class: https://sidehustlepro.lpages.co/your-first-1000-downloads/Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsIf 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/facebookSocial Media InfoSide Hustle Pro – @sidehustlepro#SideHustlePro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
South Africa