Podcast Summary: "AMAZON AND COTTON CANDY SIDE HUSTLE SUMMERS"

The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz episode titled "AMAZON AND COTTON CANDY SIDE HUSTLE SUMMERS," released on July 1, 2025, delves into the vibrant world of side hustles tailored for millennial moms. Hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John, both seasoned auto-industry experts and devoted mothers, explore two distinct side ventures: Amazon deliveries and a mobile cotton candy business. This episode not only highlights the flexibility and rewards of these pursuits but also weaves in personal anecdotes and practical insights, making it a valuable listen for moms seeking additional income streams without compromising family time.

1. Personal Reflections: Navigating Life’s Chaos

The episode opens with Kelly sharing her anxiety over her sister Lizz’s home renovation, reflecting the common struggles of balancing personal projects with family responsibilities. Lizz adds her own challenges, mentioning her endeavors to master frying and her aspirations to incorporate smoking into her culinary repertoire. This candid discussion sets the stage for the episode's central theme: finding manageable and fulfilling side hustles amidst the hustle of motherhood.

Notable Quote:

Kelly [00:13]: “Seeing your house in that state of disarray. I was not prepared for your mom. Time off starts now.”

2. Introducing Side Hustle Summer

Kelly and Lizz express their enthusiasm for Side Hustle Summer, a segment dedicated to showcasing diverse side ventures. They emphasize their focus on side hustles over full-fledged businesses, aiming to inspire women who seek extra income without the pressure of scaling a large enterprise.

Notable Quote:

Lizz [00:52]: “I love highlighting side hustles instead of just businesses. There is a lot of space for female entrepreneurs, mom entrepreneurs.”

3. Spotlight on Side Hustles

a. Kim’s Amazon Deliveries

Motivation and Start-Up: Kim, an Amazon Flex Deliver driver, shares her journey into the gig economy. Motivated by the need to work alongside her 17-year-old son with autism, she chose Amazon deliveries for its flexibility and compatibility with her family life.

Notable Quote:

Kim [19:42]: “The main reason that I got into Amazon Flex Delivery is I knew I could take my son with me.”

Typical Shift and Flexibility: Kim explains the ease of picking up delivery blocks via an app, allowing her to choose hours that fit her schedule. Shifts range from $15 to $26 per hour, providing a substantial range based on time flexibility and demand.

Notable Quote:

Kim [20:29]: “It is super, super flexible. I do drive my own vehicle so I don't have to drive a big van.”

Earnings and Considerations: While the hourly rate is attractive, Kim notes the necessity of accounting for expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance. As a 1099 employee, she also manages her own taxes, underscoring the importance of financial planning in gig roles.

Notable Quote:

Kim [23:13]: “The shifts will start at about $15 an hour... but out of that money I have to buy my own gas.”

Operational Insights: Deliveries predominantly occur in rural areas, making the work less hectic and more manageable. Kim enjoys the unpredictability of delivery locations, which adds an element of adventure to her job.

Notable Quote:

Kim [22:55]: “We usually finish early almost every time and we're in a rural area.”

Ditch the Drive-Thru: Healthy Cooking Hack: Kim shares her favorite recipe to avoid the temptation of fast food after a long day—shredded pork in the crock pot. This versatile dish serves as a foundation for various meals, aligning with the podcast's theme of practical, family-friendly solutions.

Notable Quote:

Kim [28:11]: “My ditch, the drive through that everyone loves is a shredded pork in the crock pot.”

b. Alexis’s Coops Cotton Candy

Inspiration and Launch: Alexis Cooper reveals her passion for small businesses and her decision to start a cotton candy venture as a side hustle. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, she emphasizes the importance of fun and practicality in her business choice.

Notable Quote:

Alexis [30:13]: “Fake it till you make it is my life motto... I just had to do this.”

Business Evolution: Initially battling nerves, Alexis found immense satisfaction in operating her cotton candy business at events. Transitioning from farmers' markets and festivals to 95% private events, she highlights the financial benefits and the ability to prioritize family time.

Notable Quote:

Alexis [36:06]: “Now I do 95% private events, weddings, corporate things, birthday parties.”

Branding and Marketing: Alexis attributes her success to strong branding, including her distinctive pink jumpsuit and the quality of her cotton candy—dye-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Her interactive approach at events not only entertains but also fosters connections with customers.

Notable Quote:

Alexis [31:55]: “My cotton candy is everything but sugar free. It’s no dyes, there’s no artificial colors or flavors.”

Challenges and Growth: Maintaining the freshness of her product without preservatives is a significant challenge, requiring dedication and efficient time management. Alexis's commitment to quality has paid off, allowing her business to thrive and even finance personal milestones like purchasing a new vehicle.

Notable Quote:

Alexis [38:50]: “My base fee right now is $350 an hour. And that is unlimited cotton candy for that hour.”

Ditch the Drive-Thru: Home Ice Cream Maker: To complement her cotton candy business, Alexis recommends investing in an ice cream maker. This not only provides a healthy alternative to store-bought treats but also ensures quick, homemade desserts that delight her children without the mess of traditional ice cream cones.

Notable Quote:

Alexis [48:21]: “You need to get an ice cream maker. Because you can have soft served ice cream in 30 minutes.”

4. Key Takeaways

• Flexibility is Paramount: Both Kim and Alexis highlight the importance of adaptable schedules that accommodate family life, a crucial factor for mompreneurs.

• Start Small and Scale Gradually: Alexis’s journey underscores the value of starting with manageable investments and gradually upgrading as the business grows.

• Strong Branding Enhances Success: Effective branding, as demonstrated by Alexis, can significantly impact customer engagement and business reputation.

• Diversify Income Streams: Exploring varied side hustles, such as deliveries and culinary ventures, can provide multiple sources of income tailored to individual skills and interests.

• Balance and Prioritization: Maintaining a balance between side hustles and family commitments is essential, ensuring that additional work enhances rather than hinders personal life.

5. Notable Quotes Highlighted with Timestamps

• Kelly [00:13]: “Seeing your house in that state of disarray. I was not prepared for your mom. Time off starts now.”

• Lizz [00:52]: “I love highlighting side hustles instead of just businesses. There is a lot of space for female entrepreneurs, mom entrepreneurs.”

• Kim [19:42]: “The main reason that I got into Amazon Flex Delivery is I knew I could take my son with me.”

• Kim [23:13]: “The shifts will start at about $15 an hour... but out of that money I have to buy my own gas.”

• Alexis [30:13]: “Fake it till you make it is my life motto... I just had to do this.”

• Alexis [38:50]: “My base fee right now is $350 an hour. And that is unlimited cotton candy for that hour.”

• Alexis [48:21]: “You need to get an ice cream maker. Because you can have soft served ice cream in 30 minutes.”

6. Conclusion

In this episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, the hosts effectively blend personal narratives with insightful discussions on side hustles, providing listeners with both inspiration and actionable advice. Kim’s experience with Amazon deliveries and Alexis’s cotton candy business illustrate the diverse opportunities available for moms to earn extra income while maintaining flexibility and family priorities. The episode underscores the significance of passion, adaptability, and strategic planning in successfully managing side ventures.

Whether you're considering joining the gig economy like Kim or launching a unique culinary business akin to Alexis, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to balancing entrepreneurship with the demands of motherhood. Tune in to gain practical tips, heartfelt stories, and the motivation to embark on your own side hustle journey.