How do you take a passion project and turn it into a profitable side hustle? This week, we discuss the journey from novice to artisan. We'll give you actionable first steps that you can take towards growing your side hustle. This episode comes paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. 

Our Hosts:

Corinne Foxx - @corinnefoxx

Natalie McMillan - @nataliemcm

What We're Drinking: Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc 2018

INTRO

While enjoying their Sauvignon Blanc, Corinne and Natalie discuss how they spent their weekends. Corinne talks about her recent 12-hour road trip to the Redwoods. Natalie recaps her recent experience using a wax pot, her failed attempts at self-tanning, and how she gave herself a hickey.

Lastly, Natalie talks about her recent dating profile song choice: Who Let The Dogs Out vs. Aaron’s Party. 

TOPIC

A lot of people are experimenting with crafts and trying new hobbies right now. From tie dying shirts to beaded bracelets to homemade candles, it seems as though many novices are turning into artisans. We want to help budding small businesses take the first steps towards creating a solid side hustle. 

STEP #1 CLEAR INTENTIONS

The first and most important step towards hustling your hobby is having a clear intention. You need to pinpoint exactly what your side hustle will be and be specific about it. If you’re a blogger, what will you blog about? If you’re selling a product, what is the product? Do you need a name? Or will you sell under your name?

The other side of clear intentions is about being realistic with yourself: How many hours a week do you want to dedicate to it? How will you balance your real job and your side hustle? What are your goals for the side hustle?

Specificity and expectations are the building blocks of clear intentions.

STEP #2 RESEARCH YOUR CRAFT & SPACE

RESEARCHING YOUR CRAFT

If you’re going to do something, do it well. For example, if you want to make candles, research how to actually make them. You should research how to do your craft, how to do it cost-efficiently and how to do it consciously. Before you can call yourself an artisan, you need to research your craft and its space. 

RESEARCHING YOUR SPACE

You should research your competitors, people that you admire in your space, what your craft's market landscape looks like, etc. You should be aware if people are making similar products to you. Then, you can decide how you will make you and your craft stand out.

RESEARCHING YOUR MATERIALS

This step is often overlooked. You need to research what materials and supplies you'll need to create your craft. If you want to start a YouTube channel, you'll need things like a camera and lights. If you want to tie dye t-shirts, you'll need to account for the costs of the dyes and shirts.

Natalie discusses the surprisingly high costs of shipping. This is something that you should take into consideration, before you begin to market your craft.

Corinne discusses how she was blindsided by the high costs of creating a website. She talks about how you should be prepared for the price of hiring a graphic designer, if you choose.

RESEARCHING TECHNIQUES

A great resource for researching is social media. YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and Tik Tok are all great resources for you to research your craft and your space. Also, don't feel afraid to reach out to people on social media that you admire.

STEP #3 JUST DO IT

This is often the hardest step to take. Corinne and Natalie discuss how they've overcame imposter syndrome and the things that held them back from starting their businesses initially.

Corinne and Natalie reference the motivational speech from Shia Labeouf as funny inspiration for getting started on your side hustle.

The best way to get started is to "just do it." It sounds simple, because it is. The first step is always the hardest. Buy a domain name. Open an Etsy shop. Buy supplies. Take pictures of your products.

In this episode, Natalie talks about her first step of opening an Etsy shop. It's a great place to start selling crafted items.

STEP #4 KEEP IT FUN

Having a side hustle isn't worth it if you're not enjoying the process. Take the pressure off the business being a success overnight. One of our favorite parts of having our own side hustles has been the learning process, so embrace mistakes.

Something to keep in mind: Don't expect a side hustle to be your main source of income. Unless you're ready to make the leap from side hustle to main hustle, allow your side hustle to have room for error and for learning curves.

END OF SHOW

This week, Corinne and Natalie are rating the Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc 2018 against early 2000s bad boy turned rebel royal, Prince Harry.

Hottie Of The Week: Prince Harry

Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc 2018: 6/Prince Harry

To wrap up, Corinne and Natalie reveal their unpopular opinions: Corinne reveals that she does not believe anyone actually likes salad, while Natalie reveals that she doesn't like avocados.

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