Willow Smith’s new song has whipped the blogosphere into a frenzy. I bet when you first heard “Whip My Hair” you said something to the effect of “This song is so cute! I like it!” Then reality sank in a bit and you got to thinking about how little Willow is only nine years old and she regularly turns out red carpets, has poise beyond her years and is now stepping boldly into a promising new career. Yes she has the advantage of having parents with multi-million dollar bank accounts, but still–she’s nine years old pursuing a money-making passion. You’re…well, not nine years old and you’re pushing paper in a cubicle to fend off student loan debt worth tens of thousands of dollars. Hmph.
Mesdames, you too can indulge your creative side AND put some money in your pocket. Just listen closely to the Willow Smith’s lyrics and you’ll have your blueprint right in front of you.
Willow’s Line: “I whip my hair back and forth”
Side Hustle Translation: “This thing right here? I KNOW I do it well.”
When you “whip your hair,” you’re telling the world that you’re confident and you have your ish together. What do you do you that gives you that sensation? If crunching numbers at your office job or wiping poopy behinds doesn’t give you that “Look what I can do” feeling then it’s time to find out what does. Maybe your cornbread is the star of every family meal or perhaps you are the go-to guru for all your girlfriends’ style and make-up issues. We often take for granted our talents that don’t bring in income. Pay attention to when you are happiest and most confident.
Willow’s Line: “Just whip it.”
Side Hustle Translation: “Just do the damn thing.”
You have 10 million reasons why you “can’t” do what you really love to do. The kids aren’t old enough. You don’t have time. You can’t afford to rely on creative abilities. Nobody is suggesting that you quit your job, cash in your 401k and take a bus to New York, but you can have stability, creativity and passion at the same time. Keep your full-time job and figure out how to make money on the side with your creative talents. Right now it might seem like you don’t have time for such a thing, but when you are doing what you love, time has a way of flying by. Getting up an hour earlier everyday or devoting a weekend or two a month to your side-hustle is not so painful. Ask a store (or even a salon) in your neighborhood to stock your baked goods for a month trial period. You’d be surprised at how willing your fellow entrepreneurs are to help you. Why not have flyers about your make-up services at the local bridal shop or at the home of a seamstress who works with her clients from her living room? One of the most important skills necessary to become a successful freelancer is the ability to reach your target audience/client.
Willow’s Line: “Whip it real good.”
Side Hustle Translation: “Do it and do it well.”
No half-stepping. This is your baby. If you have decided that you’re going to get your side-hustle on, make sure you’re the best at it. Whatever “it” is, provide only high quality products and services. Be on time for every appointment, use milk even though water would be cheaper, be reasonable and flexible—it’s the little things that make a difference. Know your craft. If that means taking a class at the local community college or reading a book or two on the subject, so be it. Who knows, your side hustle just might turn into a new career.
