A Millennial's Side Venture Surpasses $400K, Tripling Primary Job Income

A Millennial's Side Venture Surpasses $400K, Tripling Primary Job Income

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A millennial's additional venture generated an impressive income of over $400,000 in the past year — exceeding three times her earnings from her primary employment.

Introduction:

 

Chisom Okwulehie, a 35-year-old senior architect, shared her remarkable entrepreneurial journey with Business Insider. Contrary to her initial plans, she founded Juntero Design in 2021, a subsidiary of her and her husband's business, becoming her primary source of income alongside her full-time role at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where she also makes six figures. In this article, we delve into Chisom's experiences, insights, and the evolution of Juntero Design into a successful venture.

 

Discovering Entrepreneurship:

 

Chisom had anticipated starting a business in her 40s, but fate had other plans. In 2021, she ventured into entrepreneurship with the establishment of Juntero Design. What began as a side gig turned into her main income source, surprising Chisom herself. Juntero, offering architecture services, designs, 3D models, as well as non-architecture services like graphic design and photo editing, quickly gained traction.

 

Navigating Side Gigs and Passion:

 

Initially, side gigs were Chisom's creative outlet and a way to explore design beyond her senior architect role. From graphic design to architecture and interior design, she immersed herself in various projects. The numbers revealed a strong interest in architecture and interior design, prompting Chisom to shift her focus to this niche. Consequently, her Port Authority job transformed into more of a side gig, challenging the conventional 9-to-5 income split.

 

Financial Success: Juntero vs. Port Authority:

 

In 2023, Chisom earned over $100,000 from her Port Authority position. In contrast, Juntero Design flourished with a gross income exceeding $400,000 and a net profit surpassing her Port Authority salary. Additionally, she drew a salary of $37,500 from her thriving side business. Chisom advocates diversifying income streams, urging others to monetize their talents by dedicating weekend hours to craft exploration.

 

Providing Accessible Design Services:

 

Chisom aspires to offer design services accessible to a diverse clientele through Juntero. The business provides flexible payment models, including one-time payments and monthly, quarterly, or annual membership programs. Chisom envisions these options being beneficial for developers, interior design firms, and regular homeowners seeking renovation or visualization services.

 

Outsourcing and Business Evolution:

 

As Juntero Design's revenue skyrocketed from $55,000 in 2021 to over $400,000 in 2023, Chisom made a strategic decision to outsource most of the work. This allowed her to assist more clients by creating concepts and overseeing quality assurance while focusing on marketing, accounting, client management, and collaboration with legal and financial professionals. The shift to outsourcing not only saved time but also attracted more clients.

 

Balancing Act: Career and Entrepreneurship:

 

Initially handling most tasks herself interfered with Chisom's family time, prompting her to reevaluate her approach. While some might consider turning a side gig into a full-time job, Chisom values her senior architect role, citing over six years of valuable experience and collaborative learning with colleagues. Her work at the Port Authority primarily involves infrastructure projects, emphasizing the significance of designing and coordinating across different disciplines.

 

Strategies for Success: Monetizing Talents:

 

Chisom offers practical advice for those aspiring to replicate her success. She suggests starting small, setting earnings goals, and gradually increasing rates every six to 12 months. Drawing from her experience, she advocates leveraging both professional and personal networks. Chisom emphasizes the importance of building a portfolio and brand, recommending the creation of a website and encouraging referrals from satisfied clients.

 

Early Research and Multitasking:

 

Chisom highlights the value of early research, drawing inspiration from entrepreneurs' stories and leveraging resources like YouTube videos. She underscores the importance of multitasking, particularly for digital tasks, making the most of commuting or downtime to advance one's business. Chisom emphasizes the need for motivation and passion in effectively managing time between a side business and a full-time job.

 

Benefits Beyond Finances:

 

Chisom's ability to balance a side business with a full-time job has brought not only financial rewards but also personal and professional growth. She views it as rewarding for her family, contributing to overall well-being and quality of life. Most notably, her entrepreneurial journey has played a pivotal role in building generational wealth for her family.

 

Conclusion:

 

Chisom Okwulehie's entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiring example of successfully navigating the intersection of passion, career, and entrepreneurship. Her story highlights the importance of adapting, outsourcing, and strategically managing time to build a flourishing side business. As she continues to balance her senior architect role with the thriving Juntero Design, Chisom's insights provide a roadmap for those seeking to monetize their talents and create lasting financial success.