You don't have to have any degrees to be a business owner but you have to have a degree to work for one. Let that sink in for a minute.
I'm a third generation college student, so I am an avid believer in getting an education, but there was something about that quote that truly hit me in my spirit. After graduating from a four-year school and finding myself folding panties for $7 an hour, I just knew there had to be more to life than going to work and paying bills.
Gifts are called gifts for a reason, and there's no better time to use them than the present. When you use the term "side hustle", most people's minds automatically gravitate toward the idea of working for a rideshare or delivery service, but I challenge you to adopt a new mentality when you consider the art of getting your side hustle on. Instead of looking for a part-time job as a source of passive income, create one.
When sh*t hits the fan, nobody has your back like you do, so do yourself a favor and secure a supplemental bag by starting your own business in an untapped market. Get ready to say goodbye to your days as an Uber driver by adopting one of the ten lucrative side hustles listed below:
Start A Drop Shipping Company
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Before you say, "Well I don't have any money to start my own business," peep the power of drop shipping, sis. This option allows you to start your own e-commerce company with very little investment capital.
While you may struggle initially with low margins and shipping errors, a drop shipping business allows you to earn a passive income by setting up an online business and selling products to consumers through a third-party manufacturer. Companies like Shopify make this process easy and with the right business strategy, very effective.
Affiliate Marketing 101
If you have a blog or website that generates a substantial amount of traffic, affiliate marketing can be the side hustle you didn't know you needed.
This marketing method will allow you to generate a passive income simply by plugging a product on your media outlet. With affiliate marketing, every time a customer buys that product by using the link on your site, you'll receive a small portion of that sale.
Sell Art On Etsy
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While arts/crafts can be one of the most difficult side hustles, it can also be one of the most fulfilling. Customers like me are always looking for one-of-a-kind black art to purchase, so why shouldn't it be yours?
Etsy is perfect for the eclectic creative who isn't quite ready to quit their 9-to-5 just yet but may be looking to grow their online brand in the meantime.
Produce An E-Book
Monetize your knowledge by writing an e-book or teaching an online course on a site like Skillshare. The best part about your gift is, no one can do it quite like you. Share your knowledge and grow your online presence by compiling what you know into an easily comprehensible informational guide.
Social Media Management
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If you can schedule posts, create content, and analyze insights, you can jumpstart your social media-centric side hustle ASAP. Companies like Freelancer and Upwork often post opportunities with small businesses in your area that could seriously use your expertise.
Help Job-Seekers Write Their Resumes
Anyone who's ever had to write a resume knows that it's no easy task, but you've never been one to take the easy route, have you? Do a good deed for the day and earn some extra cash on the side by lending your imagination to some potential job-seekers. Sites like LinkedIn and Fivver are full of potential clients that are ready for you to make all of their career-related dreams come true.
Become A Virtual Thrift Store
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It's a fact that most of the stuff you have in your closet, you don't need, but luckily, your next trip to the thrift store is an amazing opportunity to launch an online business.
As we all know, shops like Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange have plenty of uncovered gems. Develop a full-scale business around selling used books, clothes, and decor by creating your own marketplace on social media or Amazon and with sites like Depop, Poshmark, or even Etsy.
Try Being A Personal Chef
Put some of grandma's most classic recipes to the test by becoming a personal chef. Helping others meal plan or even launching your own catering service can serve as a pretty excellent use of the flick of your wrist. Cooking for your cousin's baby shower may seem like a small gig now, but it could be the first step in a life-long career in the culinary industry.
Sit Your Way Into Securing A Bag
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Dogs, houses, and kids can be a girl's best friend when it comes to earning passive income. Sites like Care.com and apps like Rover offer a number of care-taking opportunities at pretty fair rates. While these jobs don't require a degree, more lucrative gigs can become available with certain licenses and certifications.
Teach A Language
Who knew that your 3rd grade Spanish class could offer you the opportunity to become your own boss? There are people all over the world looking for language tutors, and sharing your bilinguality on sites like Upwork and Freelancer could potentially earn you a few coins.
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RELATED
Now, I’ll be honest: as an avid TV-lover, I was well-prepared to hop on Zoom and jump into all the chatter around Bel-Air and her characters’ decisions. But after listening to her new EP Identity Crisis, I knew there was a lot more to talk about as well. During this exclusive conversation with xoNecole, Jazlyn Martin delved into the challenging journey she’s faced surrounding her identity, newfound fame, and family influence, and how it all plays a part in her art. Check it out!
xoNecole: So I know that your father is in the entertainment world, but when did you realize you shared the same passion?
Jazlyn Martin: I think it was very early on. I was a child who was full of attitude and fearlessness that would go after anything I wanted. I believe seeing my dad pursue music made me realize it was possible. I just had this hunger and fire, and my parents consciously fed and nurtured that - they are always all super supportive of whatever I do. So very, very early on, I was like, I'm meant to do this. And I just was like, I'm a star, and I know I'm a star.
xoN: Actually, let's talk about your family. What are some of your most important values, and how have your family and heritage played a part in shaping those values?
Jazlyn: I mean, my mom is like an angel; she's so graceful and kind, and I've had to work hard to get there. When I was young, I was very abrasive, headstrong, and stubborn. Whereas my mom gives an immense amount of grace in the way she carries herself. I had to learn that.
I think being strong is something I’ve always had. My parents always joke that they don't know where my personality came from. Because my dad is shy and timid and my mom is kind, and I'm a fireball. But my Dad always asked the important industry questions like, “Why do you want to do this?” And that instilled some purpose into me. It really carried me to keep going because it's so easy to be discouraged in this field, but that drive has helped me push through all of the challenges.
xoN: I bet. I have such a respect for actors and the way you all navigate the industry. Speaking of, let’s dig into “Bel-Air.” Were you a fan of the show? Did you have to go back and watch the episodes?
Jazlyn: So I actually did watch the show which is crazy because sometimes I don’t. I saw it was a reboot and was like, ‘Oh no, not another one.’ But I watched the first three episodes, realized how good it was, and ended up watching the whole season. I became a fan, and then a few months later, I booked the role!
I think the imagination is such a beautiful and powerful tool, and I feel like if you create something in your mind, it happens. It's a crazy thing, but I really just created Jackie's world - the house she grew up in, her parents leaving her, and everything. I created why she fell in love with dance. I really came at it from a human approach. If I see it, then the audience can see it.
xoN: Yeah, background plays into so much of how we deal with things, how we interact with people, and everything. And I feel like Jackie gets a lot of backlash. Like, we’ve all had a “Jackie Moment” to be real.
Jazlyn: She gets so much backlash! I just encourage people to give her grace and see the God in her because I do think she tells a lot of Black and brown girls' stories. People project on her, saying she’s too ratchet or hood, and I’m like does that mean she’s not loveable?
We have to be careful of what’s said and put out because Jackie has gone through things that I've never had to go through. The fact that she's alive and still highly functioning is a blessing. So what if she gets a little messy? I love her. Because she’s helped me extend empathy to people I don't necessarily want to or don't think deserve to have it. But she's 17, she's figuring it out, and she doesn't have parents. Like, that's such a huge factor.
"We have to be careful of what’s said and put out because Jackie has gone through things that I've never had to go through. The fact that she's alive and still highly functioning is a blessing. So what if she gets a little messy? I love her."
xoN: You mentioned how your character is viewed, which digs a bit into identity. So I want to talk a little bit about some of the emotional songs on your EP “Identity Crisis.” What inspired the track “Perfect?”
Jazlyn: When I was creating “Perfect,” I already had the EP title. So I kind of mapped out, like, the different conflicts I had in my head and categorized them into seven songs, and so one of my identity crises was being perfect. Because I feel like a lot of men tend to put women on pedestals. They're expected to be perfect - especially when you’re in the limelight. You know, you can't slip up. You can't say the wrong thing. Cancel culture is such a huge thing. And I just wanted to encourage people to give people grace to be themselves because that's not an easy thing to do.
I just wanted to take down this facade that I’m perfect because I never pretended to be. I never wanted to be. I think that's something people have placed on me, that I have it all figured out, I think I just carry it well, but that doesn't mean it's not heavy. I just wanted to be very vulnerable and honest. I think people think “perfect” is a compliment, but I think it's a cage because it doesn't allow room for error. It doesn't allow for you to be human and mess up and fail and take risks. So I just wanted to encourage grace.
xoN: Do you ever feel like you went through an identity crisis?
Jazlyn: I go through one constantly. Growing up, I didn't really have one. But I think as you get older and more aware and cognitive, you know how the world goes, and the world starts telling you who you are, instead of you deciding who you are. And I feel like being mixed played a big role in that, not feeling Black or Mexican enough. I wanted to belong to both worlds but didn’t so I was just “other.” That was an identity crisis in itself.
Also, being introduced to a level of fame has been interesting, too. I think we all go through identity crises all the time because we’re evolving and changing. It’s beautiful, but it’s also scary; you see yourself this one way, and then something happens, and there’s a shift. So yeah, I think it’s something we all go through but no one talks about.
"I think as you get older and more aware and cognitive, you know how the world goes, and the world starts telling you who you are, instead of you deciding who you are. And I feel like being mixed played a big role in that, not feeling Black or Mexican enough. I wanted to belong to both worlds but didn’t so I was just 'other.'"
xoN: I love that. And I know Hispanic Heritage Month is coming up, and you'll be speaking at the New York Latino Film Festival. Talk to me about what that moment means to you and what you hope to bring to the event. *Editor’s note: The interview was conducted before Hispanic Heritage Month began.
Jazlyn: I’m bringing some Afro-Latino-ness! I always grew up seeing Latinos being represented in a very specific way—very Spanish, not very Indigenous looking. So I'm really excited to bring the Black experience, with the Latino experience, to the stage because that's something a lot of people don't know exists.
People are always like, “Are you Black or Latina?” Well, I'm both! We were just dropped off in different parts. I’m excited to speak on that and highlight how prevalent anti-Blackness is within Latino communities. A lot of Afro-Latinos have faced an identity crisis because of it, including myself. It sometimes feels like you’re supposed to hate the other half of who you are.
For me, I held onto that little Black girl inside. I refused to let her go. And that’s what I want to represent when I speak—resilience and acceptance of our full selves. I’m also looking forward to meeting fellow Latino people, especially Afro-Latinos, and sharing our stories. It’s not a narrative that gets much attention, and I’m excited to represent.
xoN: I’m excited for you! Finally, with all the praise and recognition you’re receiving now, what has it been like to transition from working in music, dance, and acting to now being in the spotlight? How have you embraced this new level of fame?
Jazlyn: Um, it's overwhelming. I think that's the best word. Sometimes, I'm joyful, because I'm giving back to the community. People resonate with Jackie's stories and see themselves in her, which I think is the biggest compliment to me. But then sometimes, you know, I feel sad because I'm like, ‘Damn, I'm not doing enough,’ like I should be doing more. It's crazy, the industry is so fast-paced that you don't really try to celebrate wins. It's just a transition, an identity crisis of the like.
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Hodge, known for his iconic roles in One Night in Miami, Underground, Straight Outta Compton, and a host of other hit projects, will become Alex Cross, the “brilliant detective and forensic psychologist renowned for his uncanny ability to probe the darkest recesses of killers and their victims,” according to a press release shared with xoNecole.
Moderated by Chris Witherspoon, the panel during this year’s CultureCon featured Hodge and his co-star for Cross (and fellow hearth throb) Isaiah Mustafa.
After a special screening for the community builders, creatives, tastemakers, and everyone in between, the trio discussed the theme for the forthcoming show, how it pays homage to the original book series by James Patterson but is its entirely own story, and much more.
Following the conversations, guests could party with Hodge at an exclusive after-party.
“Cross is set to push the boundaries of suspense and storytelling, crafted by the visionary Ben Watkins, who serves as both showrunner and executive producer,” read an official statement for this show.
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
“His creation promises a complex and twisted narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Joining Hodge in this high-octane thriller is a talented ensemble cast including Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, and Samantha Walkes, each adding depth to this multifaceted drama.”
During an interview with Blavity’sShadow & Act this summer, Hodge opened up about playing the iconic character previously serving as the protagonist in the James Patterson novel series dedicated to Alex Cross.
“I’m excited because this is a completely different Cross than anyone has seen before,” said Hodge. “You get to explore every element of what makes cinema entertaining. It’s a sexy show. It’s a dangerous show. I feel like I’m stuck in the coolest psychological thriller ever. We get to explore all the facets of his life, his world, his manhood, family man, brotherhood, trying to explore new relationships, and what that means to him.”
He added, “This show goes there. It dives deep and I just love the fact that people are going to get something they do not expect.”
All eight episodes of Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross will premiere on Nov. 15 only on Prime Video.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage