Side Hustle to Small Business

Marisol Colette on merging her two passions into one business

In this episode, Marisol Colette, founder of Sol Reflections, shares how she combined two seemingly different passions, therapy and fashion styling, into a single, transformative business. Tune in as Sanjay and Marisol discuss how she approached pricing her services, what it took to hire a full-time employee for the first time, and how she built a model that supports both personal expression and emotional wellbeing.

 

Whether you’re growing a service-based business or trying to merge multiple passions into one career, this conversation offers practical insight and honest reflection.

 

What you’ll learn:

• How Marisol combined therapy and fashion into one aligned business

• How she approached pricing when her services evolved

• What founders should know before hiring their first full-time employee

• The mindset shifts that help creatives build sustainable businesses

• How personal identity and entrepreneurship connect

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and background

5:30 Starting the business

13:53 Maintaining multiple businesses

20:12 Overcoming nerves

21:50 Hiring

24:55 Balancing work and life

28:35 Advice for other entrepreneurs

30:17 Reflecting on the business

31:49 Closing and contact

 

Learn more about Marisol Colette and Sol Reflections: solreflection.com 

 

 

#entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #womeninbusiness 

 

At Hiscox, we believe in supporting entrepreneurs who bring bold ideas and strong communities to life. Explore resources and coverage options to help protect and grow your business at Hiscox.com.

Rachel Lundberg leads Thrive Yoga and Wellness through community building

Rachel Lundberg is the founder of Thrive Yoga and Wellness in Oregon City, Oregon, a wellness center that aims to reconnect and nourish your body and mind. Rachel and Sanjay discuss her early journey into yoga, her approach to building a supportive and inclusive studio environment, and why community connection is essential for long-term success in the wellness industry.

 

What you’ll learn:

• How Rachel transitioned into ownership at Thrive Yoga and Wellness

• Why community plays a central role in wellness-based businesses

• How early personal experiences can shape an entrepreneurial path

• Practical lessons for growing a mission-driven yoga or wellness studio

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

2:18 Buying an existing business

8:15 Rachel’s yoga background

10:43 Shifting roles

18:09 Successes and failures

23:57 Exercise and wellness

26:16 Reflecting on the business

27:58 Closing and contact

 

Learn more about Rachel and Thrive Yoga and Wellness here:  https://www.thriveyogaoc.com/ 

 

 

 #smallbusinesss #yoga #hiscoxbusiness

 

At Hiscox, we believe in supporting entrepreneurs who bring bold ideas and strong communities to life. Explore resources and coverage options to help protect and grow your business at Hiscox.com.

Jodi Peterman builds a client-focused interior design practice

Jodi Peterman is the owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs, a full-service interior design firm known for creating timeless, functional spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle. What began as Jodi’s passion for design has grown into a respected business serving clients with a commitment to exceptional service and practical, elegant solutions.

 

In this episode of the Side Hustle to Small Business® Podcast, Jodi shares her journey as a design founder and entrepreneur. She and Sanjay discuss how to choose the right interior designer, the importance of staying within budget, and the realities of balancing business ownership with maintaining mental health and managing stress.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to evaluate and select the right interior designer for your project

• Strategies for creating beautiful spaces without going over budget

• What it takes to grow and manage a successful design business

• How entrepreneurs can maintain balance, reduce stress, and protect their well-being

 

Learn more about Elizabeth Erin Designs at https://elizabetherindesigns.com

 

Chapters:

00:00 Opening and introduction

8:16 Finding the right client

16:57 Pleasing your clients

19:48 Staying in budget

21:03 Balancing life and work

23:39 Balancing offices across the country

26:44 Advice for other entrepreneurs

28:05 Closing and contact

 

#SmallBusiness #InteriorDesign #HomeDesign

 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.

Lesle Lane expands a family enterprise

Lesle Lane is the third-generation owner of Studio 13 Corporate Photography, which began as a family business founded by her grandparents and has evolved into a respected photography studio known for its craft, consistency, and client-focused approach. Her leadership continues a legacy built over decades, with a focus on adapting to new technologies while honoring the studio’s original artistic vision.

 

In this episode, Lesle shares her inspiring journey from taking over the studio in 1992 to navigating the challenges of running a multi-generational business. She and host Sanjay discuss how youth sports can lay the foundation for entrepreneurship, how to maintain quality and consistency as you hire, and what it takes to preserve a legacy while continuing to grow.

 

What you’ll learn:

• How to successfully lead and evolve a multi-generational family business

• The connection between youth sports and entrepreneurial resilience

• Strategies for maintaining quality and consistency when hiring

• The story behind Studio 13 Photography’s long-term success

 

Learn more about Studio 13 Corporate Photography at https://www.studio13online.com/

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

7:28 Taking over a family business

11:49 Maintaining family legacy

14:00 Shifting the business’s focus

15:50 Expanding the business

18:55 Incorporating AI into the business

23:43 Work-life balance

28:43 Reflecting on the business

30:43 Advice for other entrepreneurs

31:55 Closing and contact

 

#SmallBusiness #Photography #Podcast

 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.

Miriam Schulman built a life around her creative work

Miriam Schulman is the Founder of Schulman Art, which began as a resource for creative entrepreneurs and has evolved into a comprehensive coaching service helping artists turn their talents into sustainable businesses. Her innovative approach supports artists’ success through mentorship, educational resources, and community-building.

 

In this episode of the Side Hustle to Small Business® Podcast, Miriam shares her inspiring journey from working in corporate finance to launching Schulman Art. She and host Sanjay discuss monetizing creativity, building supportive communities for artists, overcoming challenges as a creative entrepreneur, and her book "Artpreneur".

 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to transform a creative passion into a sustainable business

• Strategies for monetizing and marketing artistic work

• Building supportive communities for creative entrepreneurs

• The story behind launching Artpreneur and empowering artists

 

Learn more about Miriam and Schulman Art at https://www.schulmanart.com/

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and background

8:30 Overcoming nerves

12:00 Building a coaching business

15:33 Challenges artists face

19:42 Balancing life and work

25:58 Incorporating AI into your business

27:55 Reflecting on the business

29:55 Advice for other entrepreneurs

30:32 Closing and contact

 

#SmallBusiness #SideHustle #art

RERUN: Bartender Launches Restaurant Empire: Brian Parenteau's Story

Brian Parenteau never planned to work weekends, but bartending sparked his passion for the restaurant industry. Rising through the ranks and gaining experience helping launch new venues, Brian realized it was time to take control and build his own business. 

Now the proud owner of four unique restaurants and bars in Florida, Brian shares his candid journey through first-year losses, pandemic pivots, and elevating his concepts to stay ahead in a competitive market. He also offers practical insights into buying versus starting businesses and how staying humble helped him succeed. 

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry or love stories about turning passion into profit, this episode is a must-watch. 

What You’ll Learn: 

- How to turn hospitality experience into business ownership 

- Pros and cons of buying vs. starting restaurants 

- Navigating first-year financial challenges 

- Adapting strategies amid a pandemic 

- Building a distinct brand with elevated concepts 

- Tools and apps that streamline restaurant management 

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction & Background 
05:13 Humbling Roots 
07:55 Buying vs. Starting a Business 
10:04 Lessons from First Year Losses 
12:42 Pivoting Through the Pandemic 
16:14 Creating Elevated & Edgier Concepts 
18:14 Bartender to Entrepreneur 
23:12 Inspiration from Sam Malone at Cheers 
26:20 Embracing Humility 
28:45 Best Apps for Restaurateurs 
30:07 Closing 

#SmallBusiness #Insurance #Side Hustle 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.​ 

​Explore inspiring stories and practical advice from entrepreneurs by listening to more episodes of the Side Hustle to Small Business® Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@HiscoxSmallBusinessInsurance/podcasts

RERUN: How to leverage AI for your small business

Joselyne Walter has seen her fair share of corporate jobs. In these environments, even with large budgets, she found that there was a gap in resources. It was then that she got the idea for The Digg Agency, a marketing agency that helps organizations execute high scale projects. By leveraging AI, Joselyne efficiently scaled her business during its early stages, paving the way for long-term success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Incorporating AI into your business
• Having a safety net
• Prioritizing family while growing a business 

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

4:44 – Starting The Digg Agency

8:40 – Managing Work-Life Balance

9:50 – Maintaining Exercise Practices

11:55 – The Impact of AI

13:30 – Challenges of Incorporating AI

14:36 – Upcoming Trends and Tools in AI

15:48 – Impact of AI on Teams

16:56 – Reflecting on Past Mistakes

17:56 – Advice from Joselyne

21:31 – Closing & Contact

 

Learn more at: https://www.thediggagency.com/

 

#smallbusiness #AI #agency

 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.

 

 

 

 

Aquila Mendez-Valdez scales through franchising and community

Aquila Mendez-Valdez is the Founder of Haute in Texas, which began as a personal blog and has evolved into a full-service public relations agency empowering women-led businesses. Her innovative approach combines storytelling, strategy, and community to help brands grow with authenticity and purpose.

 

In this episode, Aquila shares her inspiring journey from launching a business while pregnant to scaling her company into a thriving agency. She and Sanjay discuss hiring your first employee, creating a franchise model, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong, supportive community.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build a business while balancing family and entrepreneurship

• When and how to hire your first employee

• What it takes to develop a franchise model

• The power of community in sustaining business growth

 

Learn more about Haute in Texas at https://hitpr.com/

 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction and background 

5:53 Overcoming nerves

11:31 Growing a company culture

13:42 Differentiating your company

17:23 Advice for small businesses

20:12 Scaling the business

24:52 Balancing work and life

30:08 Closing and contact 

 

#SmallBusiness #PublicRelations #Podcast

 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.

Patty Durrell transforms physical therapy into a thriving gym

Patty Durrell is a Physical Therapist and the Founder of Rock Solid Fitness, based in Dunedin, Florida. Having seen gyms close around her while working with clients in other facilities, she decided to open Rock Solid Fitness to create a sustainable, client-focused environment. Her innovative approach combines expert physical therapy with fitness training, supporting clients’ long-term health and performance.

 

In this episode of the Side Hustle to Small Business® Podcast, Patty shares 

the challenges of running a gym during COVID-19, training and empowering staff, and her thoughts on business partnerships.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• Strategies for managing and growing a fitness business

• Training staff to provide consistent, high-quality client experiences

• How Patty overcame the challenges of running a gym during a pandemic

• Building successful community connections

 

Learn more about Rock Solid Fitness at https://www.rocksolidfitnessfl.com/

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and background

5:31 Overcoming nerves

8:25 Finding your first clients

15:14 Surviving COVID

20:33 Balancing work and life

27:31 Reflecting on the business

30:09 Advice for other entrepreneurs

31:01 Closing and contact

 

#Fitness #Entrepreneurship #SideHustle

 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.

Katherine Klimitas built a career from her childhood passion

Katherine Klimitas is the Founder of KAK Art & Designs, which began as a childhood hobby painting animals for her parents’ veterinary clients and has evolved into a thriving business specializing in pet portraits and graphic design. Her innovative approach supports artists and pet lovers alike through personalized artwork and creative design solutions.

In this episode of the Side Hustle to Small Business® Podcast, Katherine shares her inspiring journey from using art as a way to engage during childhood limitations to building a successful creative business. She and host Sanjay discuss turning a passion into profit, developing a unique artistic style, and growing a business centered on creativity and connection.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to turn a personal hobby into a thriving creative business

• Strategies for marketing and selling custom artwork

• Building a brand that connects with clients emotionally

• The story behind KAK Art & Designs and Katherine’s unique artistic journey

Learn more about KAK Art & Designs at https://kakartnola.com/

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and background

11:10 Building the business and getting clients

15:00 Finding the proper rates

17:00 Setbacks in the business

19:22 Dealing with rejection

21:55 Balancing life and work

23:46 Engaging with community

25:43 Reflecting on the business

28:40 Technology and app suggestions

30:22 Advice for other entrepreneurs

31:49 Closing and contact

 

#SmallBusiness #art #graphicdesign

 

At Hiscox, we provide customized insurance solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering you to take risks with confidence. With over 100 years of expertise, we offer coverage options like general liability and professional liability, helping you protect what matters most. Learn more at hiscox.com.