Side Hustle Diaries: How Young Adults are Making Extra Money
As young adults, especially college students, the hustle is real. From managing academics to keeping up a social life, one thing always stays in the back of our minds: getting to the bag. Many rely on odd jobs and side hustles to pay their way through school, some do it for a little pocket money, and others have a real passion for their work.
So how are young adults making it work? I had the chance to connect with my peers who do everything from designing their own clothes to helping others feel confident through photography and makeup, to find out how you can profit from your talents and interests. Here’s a look at their stories and essential advice you can use.
Turning your Passion into Profit: Meet Keshawn Wiley, Founder of Retaliation Dept
Keshawn Wiley, Founder of Retaliation Dept.
Keshawn, a Morehouse College sophomore studying business, used his passion for clothing as the foundation for his brand, Retaliation Department, creating unique designs on jackets, sweatpants, and everything in between. “Your passion is gonna push you on days when you forget where you come from; it’s gonna give you drive.” Keshawn started from the bottom and did it all on his own, but he knew the investment would pay off.
Keshawn’s Tips on starting Your business:
Patience is the Key to Success: Rushing a business venture is the quickest way to make mistakes you can’t come back from. Use your time wisely, and make sure your plans are thought out before pursuing them.
Don’t Overwork Yourself: Carrying all the burden of your venture can cause you to lose love for it, making it harder to push through moments of hardship.
Prioritize Relationships: You never know what someone can bring to the table or how they can help you.
Taking Advantage of Your Talents: Meet Jada Elise, Esthetician and Lash Tech
Jada is a Spelman College sophomore and licensed esthetician who’s taking full advantage of her cosmetic talents to make a profit, all while helping students learn about their skin. Her brand, AdoreLuxeEsthetics, was born out of her own skin challenges and the journey to overcome them. “Instead of letting these experiences hold me back, I used them as motivation to help others feel beautiful and confident,” Jada shared. Earning her esthetician license laid the groundwork for her brand, and during freshman year, she was already offering services to her classmates out of her dorm. Jada hopes to one day expand into a full-blown medical spa.
Jada’s Tips on becoming a beauty entrepreneur:
Grow Your Clientele: A loyal client base will take you far when it comes to building a business.
Get Your Certifications: Skills like lashes, nails, and facials can be learned—take advantage of classes near you. It never hurts to have a few extra skills!
Decide on a Mission Statement: Why are you doing what you do? Who do you aim to help?
Capturing Life on Film: Meet Mariama Nije, Photographer
Mariama Nije, Photographer. @MariamaOnDigital
Mariama is a Spelman College sophomore just starting out in the photography business. She snaps photos at every campus event she can, and each opportunity teaches her how to improve her craft. “I try my best to make it to every event, but school is my priority, and people tend to be understanding!” Mariama uses Instagram to find her clients, and she’s been able to build a loyal customer base solely through connecting with her peers.
Mariama Tips on Growing your business:
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: No one will know about your business if you don’t promote it!
Be a Lifelong Learner: You might think you know it all, but there’s always room for improvement.
Put Yourself in Your Schedule: To avoid burnout, schedule time for yourself when planning your week.
Side hustles can be tough to start, but the financial freedom is worth it. It can be hard to balance when your world is busy, but the key is to stay organized, set priorities, and take on projects that motivate you. Whether it’s content creation, beauty, or design, the possibilities are endless.
Young adults are constantly proving that side hustles are more than just a way to make ends meet—they can fuel your passions and open doors to amazing new opportunities. If you’re thinking of starting your own, take these stories as inspiration, and remember: the best time to start is now.