Creative. Content Creator. Podcaster. Serial Side Hustler. Yup, that’s me – Artiatesia.
I’m also a woman on a financial freedom journey. Doing it my way and at my own pace.
This is my story.
Around the same time, I was graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree, we were in the middle of the Great Recession. I didn’t understand what was going on. My only worry was securing a job before graduating, which I did.
However, in November of 2008, I found myself without a job for the first time as an adult. I had work experience and a college degree, so I knew I would be okay. Except, I was naive about how long it would take to find another job.
It didn’t take me too long to snap back into reality.
For one, I wasn’t alone in this boat. And two, it may take us all a much longer time to bounce back.
The start of my creative journey
Something needed to be done. So I took to the Internet. I started a Twitter account and relaunched my domain ArtiatesiaDeal.com as my online portfolio and blog. From there my freelance life was born. I made money as a web graphic designer, it just wasn’t consistent money. Instead of living paycheck to paycheck, it was client to client.
On top of all that I wasn’t charging my worth. Eventually, I was able to find work while I kept running my business. However, I failed at trying to balance it all. All of my energy was put into my job only to be laid off again. I was left with no job and no business. I became fed up with everything, including not being happy with myself.
Instead of getting back to web design, I decided to try my hand at a variety of side hustles. There have been many ups and downs on this journey. It took a whole “Panini” for me to figure out that I needed to get back to my roots. And that’s sharing my life experiences as I navigate through them.
The birth of Hustle and Cents.
I’m a creative who needed an outlet to distract me from the daily news watching at the height of the 2020 Global Pandemic. Whatever I was going to get into, I had to make do with what I already had on hand.
Or make sure I could easily whatever supplies needed. I chose to start a podcast. And as they say, the rest is history (in the making). Now I’m 50-plus episodes in, running two blogs and two YouTube channels.
Can you tell, I’ve jumped into the deep end of my creative side? Who would have thought that?
Starting a journey to financial freedom led me to do a crazy side hustle experiment. I planted multiple tiny seeds instead of just one. I discovered different ways to earn money and have fun with it. For the first time, I get to show up as the real me. Ohh, and it feels so good. Excuse me, while I take a quick break for a random solo dance party.
Please be advised some songs may contain adult language. If that’s not your cup of tea, don’t hit play. Check out my Spotify Profile for something else.
Alright, let’s get serious for a minute.
I want to make sure that you know – your journey to financial freedom won’t look like mine or anyone else for that matter. The important thing is that you take that first step, and start small. The journey won’t be easy and hasn’t been for me. That’s why I’m here to help as your side hustle bestie. And in the spirit of complete transparency, here’s what I’m working towards.
- Reach 20 downloads of the Swipe, Scroll, & Stack Guide
- Build my email family to 20 people
- Reach 1000 podcast downloads
- Earn my first $100 with this blog
Now accountability is key. So, I will be sharing my progress along with a little behind-the-scenes to get you motivated to start your journey.