Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica L. Williams

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Burned out and looking for inspiration, I found myself at Spark & Hustle, a conference for women entrepreneurs in 2011. It was eye-opening. While I didn’t see myself as an “expert,” when I went, I realized that my background in business and tech gave me a unique perspective. I found technology easy to use and was able to share that knowledge and what I had learned about tools like Facebook and Twitter with my fellow attendees. A week later, a lightbulb went off – I realized I could help others navigate the online business world without getting bogged down by technology. That’s how techbizgurl.com was born. Initially, it was a platform to empower folks, especially women, to pursue their online business dreams without the fear of technology holding them back. As I evolved and grew, so did my business.

In 2016, after co-managing a program for women startup founders, my eyes were open to the power of the side hustle. It was a way to test entrepreneurship in a lower-risk way. It was a way for folks to grow their business and then take a leap versus the “quit your job and go all in” path that startup culture promotes. This resonated deeply, especially for Black women, who often face challenges in traditional entrepreneurship. For many of us, becoming a full-time entrepreneur is only sometimes an option (being a caregiver myself, for example).

Side hustles offer an alternative path to pursue your passions and create additional income without sacrificing your job. With this realization, my focus for my business shifted. I decided to use my experience and resources to curate valuable content and connect side hustlers with the tools they needed to get started, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job is a constant dance. I like to say, “The juggle is real.” There are days when the 9 to 5 leaves you drained, and the thought of working another 2-3 hours feels impossible. It can be extremely tough to do while others go out to a happy hour or home to relax.

The temptation to throw your laptop out of the window is real. But then you hear success stories – someone who launched their dream business thanks to your guidance or a side hustler who overcame a roadblock with a tip you shared. Those moments of connection and the knowledge that you’re making a difference help keep you going. Cause that’s what it’s all about, right? That impact.

Personally, I’ve found it helpful to be honest with myself and my workload. As a caregiver, there have been days when my side hustle needed to take a backseat. I now understand that balls will drop on some days, and I can pick them up later. Maybe I wake up a little earlier on less demanding days or use my lunch break for focused tasks. The key is honoring my capacity and having grace with myself.

The other thing I’ve found helpful is reframing my perception of time. Forget about carving out huge chunks of time—the secret lies in consistency. Dedicate focused 15-30 minute blocks each day to your side hustle. Those tiny blocks consistently over time will help you make progress, even amidst a busy schedule.

This approach to time management, coupled with the understanding that there will be ebbs and flows, helps me juggle all the things and keeps my passion for empowering fellow side hustlers alive. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m a Side Hustle Cheerleader! I empower people who love their day jobs but want to create something of their own. Maybe they want to launch a passion project, a creative side hustle, or build a business they can manage alongside their full-time work. I provide them with the resources, support, and guidance they need to thrive.

There’s a lot of pressure in the entrepreneurial world to “go all in,” to quit your day job and chase the dream full-time. But that’s not for everyone! Entrepreneurship comes in all shapes and sizes. My mission is to help folks build a business that fits seamlessly into their existing lives, one that complements their full-time work and allows them to maintain a healthy balance.

What truly sets me apart is my focus on the “side hustle as a side hustle” concept. Not everyone wants to become a full-time entrepreneur, and that’s perfectly okay! My approach empowers folks to explore their passions, create additional income streams, and achieve fulfillment, all while keeping their day job.

One of my most significant achievements is my #jesspicks newsletter. Launched in 2016, it started as a creative outlet while I was figuring out the next steps for my business. I’m a curator at heart, and by leaning into that strength, I’ve grown my newsletter to over 2,500 subscribers! It’s become a hub for sharing lessons I’ve learned, experiments I’m trying, and, most importantly, a space for honest conversations about the realities of managing a side hustle alongside other commitments.

The most rewarding part is seeing the impact. Each week, I hear from subscribers who found a valuable tip, gained a new perspective, or simply felt encouraged by my message of grace. I’m so proud of my ability to help others navigate their entrepreneurial journeys and build success on their own terms.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

At this time in my life, I’m really looking for ways to create ease, work less, and prioritize my own care and joy. The resources I’ve found have been helpful in this journey. For example, “Chill and Prosper” by Denise Duffield-Thomas helped me create a business that supports my well-being, not the other way around. I also love the concept of being a “genius about what matters and lazy about what doesn’t” from “The Lazy Genius Way” by Kendra Adachi.

The Wakeout app is fantastic for incorporating quick and convenient movement breaks throughout the day. No matter how busy I am, I can find a minute or two to get my body moving, which always energizes me. And their “healthy moments” provide great daily reminders to rest my eyes, drink water, and stretch.

For a daily dose of inspiration, I use Morgan Harper Nichols’s Storyteller app. I love her art and words; the app provides a beautiful and uplifting message to start my day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://techbizgurl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techbizgurl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/techbizgurl
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/techbizgurl
• Other: https://jesspicks.substack.com

Image Credits
Greg Rothstein, Collette Rogers, Hillary Johnson