Side Hustle to Small Business

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.

Keeping her side hustle while starting a new full-time job

Jennifer Bourn has been self-employed for 17 years. She started her creative services agency, Bourn Creative, in 2005 and added on a side hustle, teaching courses and workshops in 2017. When Jennifer’s best friend offered her a full-time job, Jennifer was intrigued but also had conditions. She would accept the job, but her side hustle had to stay up and running. A compromise was reached, and now Jennifer has the best of both worlds.

How a pandemic-forced pivot paid off long term

Michael Cox has been in the corporate sales recruiting world for 20 years. But when his recruiting side hustle yielded more profit and control, Michael realized he could open his own business. He founded Zag Worx in late 2019. Starting a business in the wake of a global pandemic with few companies hiring, Cox was forced to innovate. He transitioned from full-service recruiting to offering highly-specific services tailored to his client's needs.

Selling sneakers as a side hustle? Possible and profitable

Chris Casseday always loved collecting shoes. Not just shoes in general, but really, really nice sneakers. Twenty years ago, he began selling collectible sneakers on eBay. As his experience and sales volume grew, he founded 513 Kicks. Since 2017, Chris has managed 513 Kicks solo while working full-time as a Director of Operations. For Chris, selling sneakers isn’t just a hobby. It’s a fun — and profitable — side hustle.