We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Maurya Cockrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Maurya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Side Hustle Honors originated in 2015, recognizing individuals adeptly managing full-time commitments alongside their entrepreneurial pursuits. The inaugural awards ceremony unfolded in St. Louis in 2018, marking the genesis of a consistent annual growth trajectory. The drive to establish Side Hustle Honors arose from identifying a void in the awards landscape, where existing events primarily spotlight high-level executives, substantial sales achievements, or rely on popularity metrics. Recognizing the absence of ceremonies dedicated to individuals navigating a 9-5, pursuing full-time education, or fulfilling parental duties while building their side business during unconventional hours, such as early mornings, late evenings, or weekends, fueled the initiative.

A deep-seated appreciation for celebrating the achievements of others is at the core of my commitment to Side Hustle Honors. Amidst a world often marked by negativity, the aspiration is to provide a platform where individuals, frequently overlooked, receive the acknowledgment they rightfully deserve. Witnessing the impactful stories of honorees and observing the inspiration drawn by individuals aspiring to be recipients of these awards is a driving force.

Expanding our purview in 2022, Side Hustle Honors introduced Side Hustler Jrs., dedicated to extolling the achievements of entrepreneurs under the age of 18. Simultaneously, the establishment of the 501c3 nonprofit, Side Hustler Alliance, served as a vehicle for delivering training and development workshops. This initiative equipped aspirants preparing to embark on and sustain their entrepreneurial endeavors, solidifying our commitment to cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit across all stages of development.

Looking ahead to our sixth event and having bestowed over 100 awards across eight states, Side Hustle Honors continues to be a beacon, recognizing and celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of remarkable individuals in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dr. Maurya Dominica, a devoted learner with a passion for guiding individuals through life’s transitions. My journey into the business space began in 2015 with the establishment of YKNOT Consulting, my consulting company. In 2018, I officially delved into the edutainment industry by launching the Side Hustle Honors Awards. What truly fills me with pride is creating an awards experience that draws professionals from across the nation. I want potential clients and followers to understand that our brand is genuinely dedicated to celebrating and supporting side hustlers. Whether you join the honoree family or the virtual hustler hub, anticipate a continuous journey of networking, collaboration, and skill elevation.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In showcasing resilience, I confronted the challenge of sustaining an annual event amid the pandemic. The heartbreak ensued when the 2020 Side Hustle Honors awards had to be postponed due to the widespread shutdown of events. Contracts were canceled left and right as in-person gatherings came to a halt. Despite having winners already announced, the unpredictable nature of the pandemic forced the venue to cancel the contract. I then faced the arduous task of notifying awardees that their celebration would not take place.

Sharing the news of the canceled ceremony with winners was a crushing moment, and it could have been a breaking point for the business. Nevertheless, I remained steadfast in my commitment to honor them the following year. On August 21, 2021, serendipitously coinciding with my birthday and the rescheduled Side Hustle Honors, marked an extraordinary night. Not only did we celebrate the class of 2020 – 2021, but I also walked across the stage for my doctoral graduation. Although I had technically graduated in April 2020, the pandemic prevented a formal ceremony at that time. The postponed date fortuitously aligned with my birthday and Side Hustle Honors, creating an unforgettable evening.

Adding to the challenges, I had to rush from my graduation ceremony to the venue to ensure I made it to the Side Hustle Honors event on time. Despite the time constraints, we successfully hosted an incredible event and after-party at a speakeasy, managing to achieve a sold-out attendance despite the limited capacity imposed by the ongoing pandemic.

If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?

Side Hustle Honors has diversified its income streams. Relying solely on an awards ceremony isn’t sufficient to elevate it from a side hustle to a “main gig.” In addition to our annual event, we’ve ventured into offering creativity coaching and established a membership platform tailored for side hustlers, small business owners, and gig workers. This strategic diversification has been pivotal for the sustained growth and evolution of Side Hustle Honors.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sidehustlehonors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlehonors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideHustleHonors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/side-hustle-honors/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJK-ncnhqzAgGzfVMfWMHww?themeRefresh=1
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidehustlershh?_t=8iANLb5RSXe&_r=1