From October 2020 to September 2021, I was unemployed and navigating a really tough job market. To stay afloat during that time, I tapped into the gig economy and explored side hustles. I started with Shipt deliveries, then leveraged connections from college to land freelance work in PR and copywriting. Once I landed a full-time job in September 2021, I stepped back from side hustles to focus on my new role. But when I was unexpectedly laid off again (and then re-hired a week later), I jumped back in. I began freelancing in social media for a skincare brand—work I kept doing for a full year, even while transitioning into my current job in May 2023. These days, I also post my own skincare content online, which lets me combine a personal passion with creative work. I’ve learned that side hustles can be a powerful way to make progress toward your financial goals (whether it’s saving for a car, building an emergency fund, or just having extra money for travel or fun purchases). They can also be an outlet for creativity and personal interests that your full-time job doesn’t fulfill. While side hustles can be great, balancing everything takes strategy, boundaries, and self-awareness to avoid burnout. I’d love to help others find that balance and build side income in a way that feels sustainable.

I’ve spent years learning how to navigate the chaos of life without letting stress take over. Between work, side projects, travel, and personal growth, I’ve experienced firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when time and priorities feel out of control. Over time, I’ve discovered practical strategies, mindset shifts, and daily habits that help me stay balanced, focused, and productive—even during life’s busiest seasons. Now, I help others do the same. I guide people to manage their time more effectively, reduce stress, and create routines that support both their goals and well-being. My approach is about finding what truly works for you, cutting through the overwhelm, and reclaiming your days. After working with me, people often feel calmer, more in control, and empowered to handle their responsibilities with clarity and confidence, leaving room for both productivity and the things they love most in life.

Back in 2014, I wanted to be able to work from home because I had 3 kids at the time and wanted to be around more for them. I had some experience working as an instructional designer and creating online courses for students at the university I graduated from, as well as a degree in Mathematics. So I decided to take those skills and find people who needed short term help on projects or others who wanted a freelancer to do some overflow work from time to time. My first freelance job only paid $50 for probably a full days work, but it helped me begin to get an online reputation for quality work on a freelancing site. Soon I had a longer term contract that paid fairly well, and slowly was able to work my way up to several regular clients and consistent part time work. During this time, I learned how to negotiate for higher rates, manage client expectations, and when to turn down job offers, as well as juggle multiple projects, and market myself effectively in the freelance world. Over several years, my clients became increasingly better quality, and I was able to begin working full time. Now I have an employee myself, so that I can pass off extra work to him, and I have been through the hiring process several times since I worked with independent contractors as well. Most of what I have learned came through trial and error and running things by my husband who has served as my business coach. I also talked to a small business development center to take things to the next level a couple of years ago.

In June 2024, I signed up through Rover.com to become an independent pet sitter and bring in extra income. Most of my clients have cats, which is perfect because I’m a lifelong cat lover and have three of my own! I’ve learned what it takes to get started, create a great profile, build trust with pet owners, and keep pets happy and healthy while their people are away. If you’re thinking about starting your own pet-sitting journey—whether as a side hustle or a full-time gig—I’d love to share what I’ve learned, answer your questions, and help you feel confident stepping into this rewarding work.

I experienced several mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, psychosis, mood changes, trauma, stigma) as a young teenager, and over the years, I worked hard to learn to cope with those challenges. Along this journey, I realized that I have a passion for mental health advocacy and that I genuinely want to help others who are struggling with mental health challenges. I also realized that I need a path to financial stability. These realizations inspired me to start my own mental health advocacy business. Over the years, I have learned effective strategies to help me maintain my state of mental health recovery while also running a business that has been growing rapidly. Now, I am offering my expertise to those who have lived experience with mental health struggles, so that you too, can create income streams by sharing your mental health story. Let's take the first step of turning your pain into profit, and we can book a time to connect!

I did not know how to read patterns when I first began to crochet. Just like music, I learned how to play the instrument first and then studied the craft and learned how to read the patterns to crochet and to read music. Once I respected the craft, I could apply what I learned and play anything in music as I could make anything in crochet. I discovered how much creativity helps me. It brings me joy and peace, especially crocheting. Later on, I realized I could make additional income by making and selling items online and at craft fairs. Eventually,I pivoted to teaching crochet classes and private lessons. What a wonderful way to spend time being creative and making money doing it! It's such a rewarding feeling seeing what you've made after you finished creating it. I sold items I crocheted and loved hearing my customer's stories of their purchases, such as that scarf they bought to give their best friend as a birthday gift or the throw afghan for themselves. It began with one stitch!