SHS010: How To Make $9000 A Month As A Vendor Selling Products With It's Butter Baby!
Intro
Some of the oldest ways to make money are still some of the most effective.
Long before online businesses and digital products, people made money by simply putting products in front of people and selling them. Today, that same concept exists in the form of vendor events—and it’s still one of the most powerful ways to generate income.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with entrepreneur Isa Jacqueline to break down how to build a product-based business and consistently make money both online and offline.
Subscribe Now And Get Chapter 5 Of The Best Selling Book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success!
Find out about the different types of income there are and which one(s) are best for you based on your personality! Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Intro to Isa Jacqueline (It’s Butter Baby)
Founder of It’s Butter Baby, a natural skincare brand specializing in shea butter products
Over 15 years of experience in business and self-employment
Built a loyal customer base through vendor events, word-of-mouth, and product quality
Offers over 60+ shea butter variations using natural ingredients sourced globally
Focuses on holistic skincare solutions for issues like eczema, blemishes, and dry skin
Known for strong customer relationships and repeat business
Website: https://itsbutterbaby.com/
Episode Overview
This episode breaks down how a simple idea—selling products—can evolve into a long-term, sustainable business.
Elijah introduces the concept of vendor events as one of the oldest forms of entrepreneurship, dating back to ancient marketplaces where merchants sold goods in high-traffic areas.
Isa Jacqueline’s journey reflects that same model—just modernized.
She shares how It’s Butter Baby wasn’t originally planned as a business. Instead, it started organically after years of working in corporate roles where she felt stuck and unable to grow.
After seeking change, she unexpectedly found herself building a product that people genuinely loved—and that changed everything.
Elijah Bilel connects this to a bigger idea:
👉 Sometimes your business doesn’t start with a plan—it starts with a problem and evolves through action.
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
The Anatomy Of Financial Success Paperback
Quick Takeaways
Elijah emphasizes that vendor-style selling is one of the oldest and most effective business models
Isa Jacqueline built her business through both online and offline sales channels
Product-based businesses can start organically without a clear initial plan
Elijah Bilel highlights that taking action often leads to unexpected opportunities
Vendor events can be highly profitable if chosen strategically
Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the most powerful growth tools
Customer feedback can directly shape your product line
Quality products lead to repeat customers and long-term success
You should never rely on just one income channel
Business growth comes with phases—just like a relationship
How She Built a Product-Based Business
1. Started Without a Perfect Plan
Isa didn’t start with a fully mapped-out business.
Instead, It’s Butter Baby came from:
A desire for change
A willingness to try something new
Letting the process unfold over time
2. Focused on Product Quality First
One of the biggest reasons for her success:
👉 The product works
She uses:
Natural ingredients
Globally sourced shea butter
No chemical-based additives
This creates a product that:
Solves real problems
Builds trust with customers
Generates repeat business
3. Built Through Vendor Events
Vendor events became a major growth driver.
Isa explains that success comes from:
Choosing the right events
Understanding your audience
Positioning your product correctly
She also highlights something many beginners overlook:
👉 Sometimes you have to pay to be at events—but the return can be worth it if done right
4. Sell Everywhere, Not Just One Place
A key strategy from the episode:
👉 Don’t rely on one income stream
Isa sells:
Online through her website
At vendor events
At private events (weddings, parties, etc.)
Through direct customer relationships
This diversification creates stability and growth.
5. Let Customers Shape the Business
One of the most unique aspects of her brand:
👉 Customers help create the products
Isa listens to:
Customer requests
Preferred scents
Feedback on performance
This led to:
60+ product variations
Strong customer loyalty
A community-driven brand
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Your Business Will Evolve Over Time
Isa compares building a business to a relationship:
It starts exciting
You learn as you go
You face challenges
You grow stronger over time
This is a realistic look at entrepreneurship that many people don’t talk about.
2. Word of Mouth Is Still King
One of the biggest drivers of her success:
👉 Happy customers tell other people
This leads to:
Organic growth
Lower marketing costs
Stronger brand trust
3. Go Where the People Are
Instead of waiting for customers to find you:
👉 Put your product in front of them
This is why vendor events work so well:
High traffic
Immediate feedback
Direct sales opportunities
Who This Episode Is For
People interested in starting a product-based business
Entrepreneurs looking to sell at vendor events
Anyone wanting to build a physical or natural product brand
Side hustlers exploring offline income opportunities
Key Topics Covered
How Elijah Bilel approaches product-based businesses
Building a brand like It’s Butter Baby
Vendor event strategies
Customer-driven product development
Creating multiple income streams
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS009: How To Develop The Hustler's Mentality With Sani Bravo!
Intro
There’s a difference between people who want to make money… and people who can walk into almost any situation and find a way to get paid.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down once again with returning guest Sani Bravo to break down what it really means to develop a hustler’s mentality.
This isn’t theory—it’s real-world experience from someone who has made money in multiple industries, environments, and situations.
Subscribe To Elijah's New Youtube Channel, Social Dynamics
Find out the different ways that Elijah teaches to grow your network, plan events with big turnouts and advance in your career by cultivating the right relationships. Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Intro to Sani Bravo (Returning Guest)
Sani Bravo (also known as Sunny Bravo Reacts on YouTube) is an experienced entrepreneur, personal trainer, and lifelong hustler who has built income through multiple streams over the years.
If you’ve been listening to the show, you might remember him from a previous episode where he broke down:
👉 How to become a personal trainer, get certified, and build a client base
(Insert internal link to previous Sani Bravo episode here)
In this episode, we go deeper—beyond one hustle—and focus on the mindset and strategy behind making money consistently.
Episode Overview
This conversation is all about one thing:
👉 Opportunity
Sani explains that making money isn’t about one specific hustle—it’s about your ability to:
Spot demand
Position yourself
Execute quickly
From running shuttle services at major events…
To selling merchandise outside stadiums…
To structuring offers that practically sell themselves…
This episode shows you how to think like someone who always finds a way to win.
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Quick Takeaways
The difference between side hustlers and full-time entrepreneurs is mindset
You can create income opportunities almost anywhere if you understand demand
Large crowds = large opportunity if you position yourself correctly
Selling is about solving problems, not convincing people
Presentation (how you look and carry yourself) directly impacts sales
You can repurpose skills from one hustle into another
The best hustlers observe patterns and act on them
Confidence increases conversion rates
Most people fail because they don’t act on opportunities fast enough
Income growth comes from execution, not just knowledge
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Opportunity Is Everywhere (If You Know What to Look For)
One of the biggest gems from Sani:
👉 Find where people are already spending money—and insert yourself into the transaction
He breaks down how he made money by:
Running independent shuttle services at major events
Selling merchandise around high-demand situations
Leveraging crowds where demand was already proven
This is one of the fastest ways to make money because:
👉 You’re not creating demand—you’re tapping into it
2. The Hustler’s Mentality Is Built, Not Born
Sani makes it clear—this mindset comes from:
Trial and error
Experience
Pattern recognition
Over time, you start to naturally see:
Where money is flowing
Where people are underserved
Where you can step in and provide value
3. Selling Is Just Problem Solving
One of the simplest but most powerful concepts in the episode:
👉 If you can solve a problem, the money becomes irrelevant
People don’t buy because they’re convinced.
They buy because:
They need a solution
They trust you can provide it
4. Positioning Makes Selling Easy
A major theme in this episode is positioning.
Instead of chasing customers, Sani explains how to:
Put yourself in high-demand environments
Create offers that naturally make sense
Reduce resistance before even asking for the sale
5. Your Presentation Impacts Your Income
This was a powerful and underrated point:
👉 The way you present yourself can directly increase your earnings
Sani explains that when he:
Dresses better
Looks more professional
Carries himself with confidence
He experiences:
Less price resistance
Faster decisions
Higher conversions
6. Transitioning Into Self-Employment Requires Strategy
Going full-time isn’t just about quitting your job.
Sani breaks down how to:
Gradually transition (instead of jumping blindly)
Use income sources like restaurant work or sales to stay afloat
Build skills that transfer across multiple hustles
Who This Episode Is For
People who want to go full-time with their side hustle
Entrepreneurs trying to increase their income
Beginners who want to learn how to think like a hustler
Anyone struggling to find profitable opportunities
Key Topics Covered
The hustler’s mentality explained
How to spot money-making opportunities in real time
Real-world side hustle examples that generated income
Sales psychology and positioning
Transitioning from employee to self-employed
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS008: From $0 To $408,000 A Year With Roberto Blake From Awesome Creator Academy!
Intro
There’s a lot of hype around becoming a content creator—but very few people actually understand what it takes to turn it into real income.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with one of the most respected voices in the creator economy, Roberto Blake.
Together, they break down the truth behind content creation—what works, what doesn’t, and what it actually takes to succeed long-term.
Intro to Roberto Blake
Content creator and educator with over 1,000 videos teaching entrepreneurs and creatives
Founder of Awesome Creator Academy, helping creators build profitable brands
Generated over $400,000 in a single year as a YouTuber & Content Creator
Host of the Roberto Blake Podcast, reaching millions of creators worldwide
Known for his direct, transparent, and strategy-driven teaching style
Author of Create Something Awesome, focused on helping creators monetize their passion
Episode Overview
This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to succeed as a content creator—beyond the hype and viral screenshots.
Elijah opens by addressing a major misconception: many people see the income potential of YouTube and content creation, but don’t realize the process, consistency, and strategy required to get there.
Roberto Blake brings years of experience to the conversation, breaking down how his journey started long before YouTube—even going back to learning coding and design as a teenager.
One of the biggest themes in this episode is intentionality.
Roberto emphasizes that success isn’t luck—it’s the result of:
Preparation
Observation
Skill development
Consistent execution
Elijah Bilel reinforces this by connecting it to a broader principle: people who succeed are usually those who act intentionally, while most people leave their outcomes up to chance.
🚀 Want to Become a Content Creator the Right Way?
If you’re serious about building a brand and making money as a creator:
👉 Join Awesome Creator Academy Today!
This is one of the best places to learn:
How to grow your audience
How to monetize your content
How to build a real business as a creator
Click here to get started!
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Quick Takeaways
Elijah emphasizes that content creation requires strategy—not just posting videos
Roberto Blake made over $400K in a year as a YouTuber through intentional effort
Success in content creation comes from preparation, not luck
Elijah Bilel highlights that many people fail because they don’t act intentionally
Observation and pattern recognition are key skills for creators
You don’t need expensive equipment to get started
Consistency and skill development matter more than going viral
Learning efficiently (like using summaries and targeted content) can accelerate growth
Your background and experiences can shape your success as a creator
Building a creator business requires both creativity and discipline
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Success Isn’t Luck—It’s Preparation
One of the most powerful ideas from Roberto:
👉 Luck is often just preparation meeting opportunity
He explains that many people label success as “luck” because they don’t understand the process behind it.
2. Be Intentional With Everything You Do
Elijah and Roberto both stress that most people:
Don’t intentionally build their skills
Don’t intentionally manage their finances
Don’t intentionally build a career
And that’s why results are inconsistent.
3. You Don’t Need Expensive Equipment
A major barrier for beginners is gear.
But Roberto makes it clear:
👉 Equipment doesn’t create success—execution does
Many successful creators started with basic setups and improved over time.
📚 Want to Learn More From Us?
If you want to go deeper into building your mindset and creating income:
👉 Check out The Anatomy of Financial Success by Elijah Bilel
👉 And Create Something Awesome by Roberto Blake
Click here to check out their books!
Who This Episode Is For
Beginners who want to become content creators
People interested in making money on YouTube
Creators struggling to grow or monetize
Entrepreneurs building a personal brand
Key Topics Covered
How Elijah Bilel built his experience in the creator economy
Roberto Blake’s journey into content creation
The difference between hype and reality in YouTube income
How to start without expensive equipment
Building a long-term creator business
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS005: Freelancer For Beginners 2026: 10 Tips For Success (Side Hustles 2026)
Intro
With rising inflation, increasing expenses, and growing uncertainty in the economy, more people are starting to look for ways to take control of their income.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel breaks down one of the most powerful ways to do that: freelancing.
Rather than relying on platforms or employers, Elijah explains how freelancing gives individuals the ability to generate income directly from their skills—making it one of the strongest defenses against a recession.
Episode Overview
This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to succeed as a freelancer—especially for beginners who are just getting started.
Drawing from over five years of experience in the freelance and gig economy space, Elijah shares how he was able to consistently generate anywhere between $500 to $4,000 per month through freelancing, even before reaching an advanced level.
His core skills—video editing and website design—served as the foundation, but the principles shared in this episode apply to virtually any freelance service.
Elijah Bilel also challenges a common misconception: that platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are required to succeed. While they can be useful tools, he explains why relying on them too heavily can limit growth and create unnecessary risk.
Instead, Elijah focuses on building a freelancing system that includes:
Strong skill development
Independent lead generation
Strategic networking
Long-term client relationships
The episode is structured around 10 key tips—starting with beginner fundamentals and progressing into more advanced strategies designed to increase income and stability over time.
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Quick Takeaways
Elijah emphasizes that freelancing is one of the best ways to protect your income during a recession
Having a skill or trade allows you to “print money” on demand through your own effort
Elijah Bilel made between $500–$4,000/month freelancing early on, with higher potential as skills improve
Choosing the right skill should be based on your strengths, including creativity, social ability, and technical skills
Relying solely on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can put your income at risk
Being willing to work for free at the beginning helps build a portfolio and credibility
Offline networking (like local events and chambers of commerce) can generate high-quality clients
Online platforms should be used as tools—not your only source of leads
Networking on purpose can lead to long-term clients and unexpected opportunities
Success in freelancing comes from building systems, not just completing random gigs
Who This Episode Is For
Beginners looking to start freelancing
People who want more control over their income
Side hustlers preparing for economic uncertainty
Anyone looking to turn a skill into consistent income
Key Topics Covered
How Elijah Bilel makes money freelancing
Building income through skills like video editing and web design
Why freelancing is different from gig apps like Uber Eats
Generating leads both online and offline
Avoiding over-reliance on freelancing platforms
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS004: How to Make Money with Voice Acting With Nikki Connected!
Intro
There are more ways than ever to make money online—but some of the most overlooked opportunities are hidden in plain sight.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel explores one of those opportunities: voice acting.
From audiobook narration to online gigs, voice acting has become a growing income stream for people who may not even realize their voice can be monetized.
Intro to Nikki Connected
Content creator and entrepreneur focused on helping people make and save money
Runs a YouTube channel and blog under the brand “Nikki Connected”
Formerly known as Deal Finding Diva
Discovered audiobook narration through YouTube and landed her first opportunity with no prior experience
Turned one opportunity into multiple audiobook contracts, a course, and coaching services
Built her platform by sharing real experiences that resonate with everyday people
Nikki's Website: https://nikkiconnected.com/
Subscribe Now And Get Chapter 5 Of The Best Selling Book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success!
Find out about the different types of income there are and which one(s) are best for you based on your personality! Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Episode Overview
This episode features a conversation between Elijah and Nikki Connected, breaking down how audiobook narration can become a real income stream—even for beginners.
Nikki shares how she discovered the opportunity by simply watching a YouTube video about getting paid to read books. After taking action, she landed her first audition and quickly turned that into multiple contracts.
One of the biggest insights from this episode is how demand plays a role in opportunity. Elijah points out that there was very little up-to-date information on audiobook narration online, which created a gap in the market.
Nikki filled that gap by documenting her journey—and that decision led to rapid growth, new opportunities, and a full content series around voice acting.
Elijah Bilel also connects this to a broader principle: when there’s a lack of quality information in a space, that often signals an opportunity for those willing to step in and provide value.
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Get Elijah's best selling book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success here! Find out which one of the 6 financial personalities that you are so you can start maximizing your income!
Quick Takeaways
Voice acting is a growing side hustle that many people overlook
Nikki Connected landed multiple audiobook contracts after just one successful audition
You don’t need prior experience to get started
Elijah emphasizes that gaps in information often signal opportunity
Platforms like Amazon’s ACX allow beginners to get started without upfront costs
Elijah Bilel highlights the importance of taking action quickly when discovering new opportunities
Sharing your journey publicly can create unexpected income streams
Voice acting can evolve into courses, coaching, and content creation
How to Get Started with Voice Acting
1. Start with Basic Equipment
You don’t need an expensive setup, but you do need the essentials:
Microphone
Pop filter
Recording software (like Audacity)
Nikki emphasizes that investing in yourself is part of the process.
2. Create a Recording Environment
Sound quality matters more than expensive gear:
Record in smaller spaces (like a closet)
Use foam or soundproofing tools
Avoid echo-heavy environments
3. Use Platforms Like ACX
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) allows you to:
Audition for audiobook roles
Connect with authors
Get paid through multiple contract types
4. Understand How You Get Paid
There are 3 main models:
Flat Rate → One-time payment
Royalty Share → Percentage of book sales
Royalty Share Plus → Upfront pay + royalties
Royalties can last up to 7 years, creating long-term income potential.
5. Promote Your Work
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is stopping after the job is done.
Nikki explains that you should:
Promote the audiobook
Drive traffic to it
Continue generating income over time
Pro Tips from the Episode
Don’t record on your phone—audio quality matters
Read the full book before narrating to avoid mistakes
Ask authors about pronunciation and details
Take breaks to maintain audio quality
Small details (like mouth noise control) make a big difference
Who This Episode Is For
Beginners looking for a unique side hustle
People interested in voice acting or audiobook narration
Content creators looking for new income streams
Anyone exploring skill-based ways to make money
Key Topics Covered
How Elijah Bilel identifies new opportunities
How Nikki Connected got started with audiobook narration
Equipment and setup for beginners
How ACX works
Turning a side hustle into a scalable business
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
If you found value in this episode, you can see some of the equipment and items mentioned in this show on Amazon here!
SHS003: How To Be Successful As A Personal Trainer With Sani Bravo!
Intro
Some side hustles come and go—but others have been around for years and continue to create real income opportunities.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel dives into one of those proven paths: becoming a certified personal trainer.
Joined by experienced trainer Sani Bravo, Elijah explores how this skill-based hustle can turn into a long-term income stream—and even a full-time business.
Subscribe Now And Get Chapter 5 Of The Best Selling Book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success!
Find out about the different types of income there are and which one(s) are best for you based on your personality! Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Intro to Sani Bravo
Personal trainer and entrepreneur with over a decade of self-employment experience
Built income through multiple side hustles including selling food, merchandise, and service-based work
Transitioned into personal training as a core, stable income-producing skill
Expanded into online coaching, virtual training, and digital opportunities
Represents a real-world example of experimenting with hustles before finding a scalable path
Episode Overview
This episode is a replay of a live conversation originally hosted on Financial Anatomy, where Elijah sits down with Sani Bravo to break down the reality of becoming a personal trainer.
Early in the conversation, Elijah emphasizes a key principle he often teaches: having a skill or trade creates financial stability. Personal training is one of those skills that can be monetized in multiple ways—both in-person and online.
Sani Bravo shares how his journey into self-employment included years of trying different hustles before finding something that could provide consistent income year-round.
One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion is how personal training can act as a foundation, not just a single income stream. From there, trainers can expand into:
Online coaching
Content creation
Digital services
Additional side hustles
Elijah Bilel also highlights how mindset plays a major role. Once someone develops a “hustler’s mentality,” the problem shifts from not making enough money to managing and scaling income effectively.
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Get Elijah's best selling book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success here! Find out which one of the 6 financial personalities that you are so you can start maximizing your income!
Quick Takeaways
Elijah emphasizes that having a skill or trade creates long-term financial stability
Personal training is a flexible side hustle that can grow into a full-time business
Sani Bravo built his income through multiple hustles before focusing on training
Elijah Bilel highlights that mindset is key—once you think like a hustler, income opportunities expand
Looking the part as a trainer (physique) can directly impact your ability to attract clients
Certifications like NASM can help you get your foot in the door
You don’t need to pay upfront—many certification programs offer payment plans
Personal training income varies widely depending on effort, pricing, and business model
Working for a gym can limit income, while independent training increases earning potential
Knowledge and results sell themselves—clients are drawn to proven expertise
Who This Episode Is For
People interested in fitness as a side hustle
Beginners looking to learn a skill that can generate income
Anyone considering becoming a personal trainer
Side hustlers who want to build income around their passions
Key Topics Covered
How Elijah Bilel approaches skill-based side hustles
Becoming a certified personal trainer
Different certification options (like NASM)
Income potential in the fitness industry
Transitioning from employee to self-employed