Side Hustle to Small Business Hiscox

COVID-19 was a turning point in many peoples lives, including Kate Jacoutot’s. After working as a marketing freelancer for various companies, Kate noticed that she was making more money and had more control over her schedule than working a traditional 9 to 5. However, to learn more, she worked at a few different marketing agencies until deciding to launch ModusMark, a brand and messaging consultancy in April 2020, in the midst of the pandemic.
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[00:01:33] Kate Jacoutot’s Background
[00:02:46] Stumbling Into Freelance Work
[00:06:33] Decision to Start Modus Mark in 2020
[00:09:26] Overcoming Fears and Discovering Her Worth
[00:11:00] Kate’s Entrepreneurial Support System
[00:13:07] Managing Stress While Starting a Business
[00:14:43] Prioritizing Date Nights
[00:16:44] Kate's Daily Routine
[00:18:48] ModusMark’s Growth: Team and Technology
[00:21:00] Growing From Mistakes
[00:23:30] Advice For Prospective Entrepreneurs
[00:25:48] Finding A Niche: Cybersecurity
[00:27:30] Connect with Kate

Justus Hillebrand never planned on becoming an entrepreneur. After graduating from a Ph.D. program, he had wanted to become a history professor. However, after becoming a research assistant, Justus found himself doing contract work for large-scale clients such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. After falling in love with the work, in 2022, he decided to incorporate his business, Digital History Consulting Inc. 
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[00:01:16] Justus Hillebrand's Background
[00:05:07] Early Entrepreneurial Experiences
[00:07:24] Transition to Entrepreneurship
[00:11:31] Balancing Work and Family Life
[00:14:01] Managing Workspaces and Time
[00:16:12] Reflections on Entrepreneurship
[00:19:33] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
[00:22:59] Connect with Justus

When Kera Sanchez’s mother passed away in 2022, she felt that there was much left unsaid and grieved the conversations her and her mother would never get to have. After jotting down some topics she felt she will miss out on, Kera decided to build and publish a journal specifically for those grieving, the Letters Legacy Journal. In February, Kera also published the first edition of her magazine, Get Griefy Magazine.
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[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:01:13] Kera's Background
[00:05:22] Entrepreneurial Beginnings
[00:06:25] Teaching and Entrepreneurship
[00:08:05] Publishing Journey
[00:09:27] Overcoming Nerves
[00:11:02] Balancing Teaching and Business
[00:14:24] Handling the Weight of Grief
[00:16:00] Learning and Support Systems
[00:18:04] Authenticity in Business
[00:20:28] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
[00:21:47] Connect with Kera
[00:22:29] Closing Remarks

 

After the birth of her first daughter, as well as the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nivia Lopez knew that she didn’t want to go back to her in-person 9 to 5. After trying a few different gigs, such as dropshipping and virtual assisting, Nivia realized her passion lies in digital marketing. Now, Nivia has grown a company where she has the freedom to work remotely and have a healthy work-life balance.

Shawnti Refuge is the founder of Shawnti Refuge Journals, a collection of journals she created after navigating a mental health crisis in 2018. With the help of therapists, she found journaling to help her heal, and now wants to help others do the same. With the hope of ensuring no one feels the way she did, Shawnti launched the business in 2021. Now, she hopes to take it full-time in the near future.

After Michele Riechman had her third child, she started to notice that it was challenging to keep up with her children, and that even going up one flight of stairs would leave her breathless. With a background in Physical Therapy, Michele decided to start her business as a personal trainer for women over 40. Michele says that by going back to the basics of fitness, women can feel empowered to take care of their bodies.