Chisom Okwulehie, at 35, shattered her own timeline by diving into entrepreneurship well before hitting her forties. In 2021, she took the leap, launching a venture that quickly morphed from a sideline passion into her primary income source, turning the tables on the traditional job paradigm. Here's the scoop on how Okwulehie's design savvy and business acumen propelled her side hustle, Juntero Design, into the spotlight, along with her pearls of wisdom for aspiring side hustlers.
From Hobby to Financial Lifeline
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Initially, Okwulehie’s foray into side gigs was purely for the love of design, exploring avenues outside her senior architect role at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Her ventures spanned from graphic and web design to the more familiar territories of architecture and interior design. Little did she know, this ‘hobby’ was about to become her main stage. She noticed a trend: a growing demand for her architectural and interior design services. Honing in on this niche, Okwulehie’s side hustle began to eclipse her day job in terms of income.
A Shift in Focus
What started as a balancing act between her 9-to-5 and her personal projects, soon flipped. Okwulehie's side business not only outpaced her salary from the Port Authority but also became her primary focus. This shift wasn't just about financial gain; it was a testament to her ability to spot and capitalize on market demands, transforming Juntero Design from a fledgling side gig into a booming business.
Diversifying Income Streams
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Okwulehie is a staunch advocate for diversifying income, especially in an unpredictable economy. Her advice? Leverage your talents and carve out time to dedicate to your craft, however small that initial step may be. For her, the key was identifying a service that could appeal to a broad spectrum of clients, from homeowners seeking renovations to developers in need of comprehensive design packages. Juntero Design's success lies in its versatility, offering everything from architectural designs to interior decorations under one roof.
Growth and Strategy
Reflecting on her journey, Okwulehie shared insights into how she scaled her business. Starting with graphic design gigs, she gradually increased her offerings, prices, and ultimately, her client base. Outsourcing became a strategic move, enabling her to focus on marketing, client management, and the overall vision for Juntero Design. This shift allowed her to maintain a healthy work-life balance while expanding her business's reach.
Networking and Brand Building
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For those looking to mirror Okwulehie's success, she emphasizes the importance of networking and starting small. Tapping into personal and professional networks can provide those initial projects that form the backbone of a budding portfolio. Building a brand, through a professional website and word-of-mouth referrals, is also crucial.
A Balancing Act
Okwulehie’s journey underscores the potential of side hustles to evolve into main income sources, provided there's a clear vision, unwavering dedication, and a knack for multitasking. While she continues to cherish her role at the Port Authority for its learning opportunities, her story is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with the right approach, side gigs can indeed become lucrative ventures that enrich both personal and financial lives.
