When we moved into our home, I chose the sunniest part of our yard and planned a garden. I chose a location that was on the side of our house. It would get morning and afternoon sun. The soil was rich, dark, and full of big, juicy earthworms. The soil was easy to break up.
Growing a Garden
I read a few gardening books. Some of them taught gardening skills. Others taught plant care. I also read books that provided the best planting schedule based on the climate. Garden centers were so helpful to me. The people who worked there, knew the plants and the best way to grow them. I asked many questions and got good advice.
Once I figured out where I wanted to plant, I then chose what to plant. I decided that I wanted collard greens. Our daughters loved them, and I cooked them well. They are also a good source of vitamins E,A, K and C.
Choosing what to plant over the years was easy. Tomatoes were easy to grow and plentiful once the plants yielded. I usually chose yellow squash and different types of peppers. One year I planted zucchini and cucumbers. We had many laughs about that garden because the zucchini never grew. We had baskets and baskets of cucumbers the entire summer. Our neighbors did as well because we shared with them.
Over the years, we tried planting different vegetables. We tried watermelon, green beans, carrots, and eggplant. Our daughters tried planting strawberries. We got one before the squirrels found the rest.
That garden gave me joy for many years. Now my attention is on growing a side hustle business.
Growing a Side Hustle
Starting my business was much like starting and maintaining that garden. I knew little about being an entrepreneur. Because my knowledge was limited, I read books and asked a lot of questions. Getting information was easy. Most people share information without hesitation. My struggle was around financing the start-up.
I did not have a pot of money buried in the backyard. One of my mentors told me that she started her business on a floss string budget. She said that her budget was so small that it was less than a shoestring. My budget was totally nonexistent. In addition to money, I knew other areas would hinder my business’ growth. Because if this, I had to be prudent in several areas.
Time
I started my business as a side hustle. Business and business preparation were conducted during time off from my full-time job. Time management was critical. I had to be thoughtful of my time so that I would not ignore my family. I always put my family first and made a commitment that this business would not harm or hinder our relationship.
As a result, I have had to grow slowly, taking deliberate actions. The benefits of taking my time and using my time wisely has met the needs of my family and me. I am available to my family and we continue to share quality time together. Growing slowly has also allowed me the time to gain clarity regarding the exact services I want to deliver and to whom.
Money
Funding for the business was taken from my salary. Part of my commitment to my family was that I would be frugal. I would not use funds dedicated to the household, to our children’s activities or to their education. To begin the process, I calculated that I could put aside about $200 a month by bringing my own lunch to work. Savings began when I started preparing lunch using the previous night’s dinner. I also found other ways that I could cut my own personal spending. The money helped to finance start-up costs and supported my efforts for several years.
When the business started making money, I reinvested it into the business.
Connections
I recognized that my business connections needed to be strategic. Because of my time limitations, efforts to connect had to fit within my time constraints. I avoided networking events and focused on cultivating true relationships.
Several friends helped me by using their influence and resources. They gave me exposure. We remain friends and I am grateful for their continuing support. My business is still growing. I must tend it on a regular basis making sure it gets what it needs. Additionally, I remain prudent in the areas of time, money, and connections.
Are you a side hustle social worker? Do you need help growing your business?
“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”
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