Why Start a Side Gig
If you read my post “Do It For Your Future Self” you’ll get a sense that I’m pretty passionate about pursuing a dream that may seem impossible. Ten years ago, I never thought that I would move 5,000 miles from everything I knew and loved for a fresh start. Seven years ago I never expected to have a six-week-old baby and begin grad school. Two years ago I was hesitant to enroll in a second masters program while working full-time with a six and one-year-old, but I did it anyway. I’ve had dreams and I’ve turned those dreams into a reality. I feel too often we put things on hold because either 1. we’re scared, 2. don’t feel like it’s the right time or 3. don’t believe it’s for us. The thing is, you won’t know if it’s not for you if you don’t jump in and start swimming. Most of the time, if we set out mind on something, we can achieve it. In all honesty, our dreams begin to fail when we begin to doubt ourselves, allow the thoughts/opinions of others to interject and downplay our dream(s) or give up without putting in enough time to allow our dream to blossom into reality. We all know the saying success doesn’t happen overnight. When you start a business, success and financial freedom is going to take time. It may take three, five or ten years, but if you stick with it, you will greatly benefit from the time, energy and commitment spent on ensuring your dream(s) come to life.
After having Emmy and going back to school, I considered starting a side gig. Why? Because I strive for personal growth outside my career as an educator. At the time I had been studying and in education for five years. I was yearning for something new and different. I wanted something that was my own, that would allow me to express myself creatively. Initially, I wanted to do something with fashion, but the thought of the initial investment always held me back. Plus, I had no idea on what I actually wanted to do. T-shirt design was at the top of the list but I had no design ideas. Zero. Zip.
Fast forward to March of this year just after the pandemic hit New Jersey, schools were shut down and we were all told to stay home. At this point I had been using new hair care products for two weeks and noticed a significant difference in my hair. My mentor, Ashley, asked if I’d consider socially selling my new products. I had my reservations, mostly my introvert nature, but I said why not; I’d give it a go. The worst thing that could happen was that people wouldn’t try the products for themselves and see how freakin’ awesome they were. As a Market Partner, I would get 30% off the new products I was using and continue to improve my hair.
Since joining the business I have received free training from successful business women, a community of like-minded babes, an increase in self-confidence and the aspiration to inspire others. This business is more then just selling shampoo and conditioner. Way more! It’s about personal growth and development; doing something for yourself; finding your niche; and knowing you are supported and encouraged to be your best dang self. Financial freedom and fabulous, healthy hair are just added bonuses.
Not everyone is going to be passionate about hair care. For me, I was intrigued. Maybe it’s because my mom worked in a salon when I was younger or that I’ve dyed my hair more times then I could count or that I know there’s a connection between the way our hair looks and our self-confidence. I said yes to this business because I knew I could stand behind the products I would be selling. My initial investment was less then it would have cost me to start a clothing company. Significantly less. I don’t hold inventory. I don’t have to order products if I don’t want to. I don’t ship out my clients’ orders. I simply share and provide product knowledge on social media. I plant seeds. That’s all I do. And you can do it too!
XOXO Amanda