Side Hustle to Small Business

Transitioning from the startup world to freelance

After earning a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies, Jacob “Jeb” Burt started his career in the food and beverage industry, working at a startup.  When the startup folded, he began working freelance gigs to pay the bills. When making the decision to either continue freelancing or get full-time work, Jacob decided to continue down the freelance path and build his company, BURT. Now, Jacob has his own team that specializes in building media brands. 

Starting a business that aligns with your passions

Bonnie Mauldin has been hustling since she was a kid. At eight years old, she was knocking on doors offering to shovel driveways. After graduation, she entered the medical field, but quickly discovered it was not for her. Now, Bonnie owns two successful businesses, The Mauldin Group and Mauldin Production Company. Having learned a lot along the way, Bonnie shares her tips on changing careers, side hustles, and running multiple businesses.

Exploring the ins and outs of freelancing in today’s world

Josh Bernstein joins us today to talk all things freelance. As the owner of Josh Bernstein Media, Josh is an expert in Google Ads and paid search and has been running his own business for over 10 years. Sanjay and Josh sit down to debunk myths about freelancing, give important tips on starting out, discuss maintaining a healthy work-life balance while being your own boss, and suggest when to choose a freelancer over an agency.

Improving the work environment by going solo

Rita Ernst wasn't happy with the work environment in the large corporation where she was worked. With a new baby at home, the stress was overwhelming, so she decided to become her own boss. She is now an Organizational Psychologist and Consultant and founder of Ignite Extraordinary, and author of a book on workplace positivity. Hear what Rita has to say about work-life balance and why networking is so important in finding clients that align with your skills and professional goals.

Giving equal priority to business, body, and brain

Kendrick Disch started his branded content studio, Vertical River, in 2019. Before starting his business, Kendrick was a video production manager, studio manager, and photographer. Today, he’s focused on growing Vertical River through ‘sustainable storytelling’ while prioritizing his health as a new founder. By giving equal priority to his business, exercise, and personal relationships, Kendrick sets himself up for success. 

Inspired by her kids, Monique dishes up SoulFull cooking

As a mom to two young children, Monique Henderson not only planned birthday parties but also cooked for all the guests. When her cooking garnered positive praise, Monique thought, “I could make this a side hustle.” In 2017, she began her catering business, SoulFull Caterers, which serves customers in the Washington DC area. Monique’s goal? Buying a food truck, so she can bring home cooking on wheels to events, fairs, and college campuses.

Moving from Wall Street to three-time entrepreneur

Yong-Soo Chung always knew he wanted to own a business. While working on Wall Street, he dreamed of running a hedge fund. When he left finance and bought a one-way ticket to California, his dream of owning a business remained unchanged, but the product he offered shifted. Since 2015, Yong-Soo has founded three companies: Urban EDC, a carry gear brand; Growth Jet, a third-party logistics provider; and Spotted By Humphrey, a curated dog boutique.

Prioritizing alignment while managing a remote team

John DeShazer is the President of LogicSpree, where he works to make Salesforce simple for small and mid-market organizations. As his business and fully remote 11-person team grow, John focuses on alignment. By standardizing work hours, the LogicSpree team achieves two goals: collaborate in real-time and set clear work-life boundaries. This structure also aligns with John’s primary goals: to be stable, happy, have enough, and reduce stress.

Building a strong foundation for her new creative agency

Heather Gibbons is a wife, mother, twin sister, and musician. She’s also the co-founder of INMO Creative, a full-service creative agency based in Atlanta. As Heather and her business partner, Simon, establish their agency in its first year of business, they focus on the “simple things.” Together, they’re committed to building a solid foundation of systems and processes that aligns with their beliefs, values, and mission.

Mastering social media to help other small businesses

With a creative writing and data analysis background, Lauren Ramsey brings her skills to the table as the founder and Chief Engagement Officer at Betsy Bash. Founded in 2010, Lauren and her team help local businesses get more leads and make more sales using social media. She’s taken her business from her hometown of Houston to her new home in Chicago, but her passion has stayed rooted: helping small businesses make a bigger impact.