Summary of "SUMMER SIDE HUSTLES YOU CAN START TOMORROW" Episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz
Release Date: June 10, 2025
In the "SUMMER SIDE HUSTLES YOU CAN START TOMORROW" episode of The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz, hosts Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John delve into the world of side hustles, showcasing real-life examples from fellow moms who have transformed their passions into profitable ventures. This episode features two inspiring guests, Katie and Caitlin, who share their unique side hustles, the motivations behind them, and practical insights for listeners looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Introduction to Side Hustle Summer
Kelly and Lizz kick off the episode by emphasizing the accessibility and flexibility of side hustles, especially for moms seeking additional income streams without compromising their family commitments.
Notable Quote:
Kelly: "It's not too late to enter your side hustles this summer. There's room for everyone to shine." [20:56]
Guest Introductions
Katie - Lake Area Storks
Katie, hailing from Louisiana, runs Lake Area Storks, a creative side hustle that provides stork signs for new parents to celebrate the arrival of their babies.
Inspiration & Concept: Katie was inspired by the tradition she observed among friends in Houston and Baton Rouge, where stork signs are a popular way to announce the birth of a child. Recognizing the absence of this trend in her small town, she decided to bring it to her community.
Notable Quote:
Katie: "I just noticed like everyone. And then I was like, we live in a small town, everyone has babies like this. I think this is something that would be popular." [22:20]
Operational Details:
- Initial Investment: Approximately $3,000, covering six stork signs and necessary equipment like a Cricut machine.
- Pricing: $105 per week rental, including a custom bundle piece with the baby's details.
- Process: Clients can book via her website, choose between packages, and Katie handles setup and delivery, often involving her young child in the process.
- Growth & Challenges: While initially gaining clients through organic means and word-of-mouth, Katie acknowledges the potential for scaling up and adapting her business as her family grows.
Notable Quote:
Katie: "This side hustle sounds like a really low commitment and it's a great way to get a few hundred extra dollars and kind of open your oyster." [29:00]
Caitlin - The Laundress
Caitlin from Minnesota operates The Laundress, a laundry service catering to busy families who need reliable and efficient laundry solutions.
Inspiration & Concept: As a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, Caitlin sought a safe, home-based job that aligned with her existing skills. Managing her family's extensive laundry needs inspired her to offer similar services to other families.
Notable Quote:
Caitlin: "I found this laundry stuff, and I was like, I can literally do this from home. There's no risk." [32:43]
Operational Details:
- Services Offered: Pickup and delivery laundry services, including washing, drying, and folding, with options for sorting and special requests like hanging clothes.
- Pricing: Charged $1 per pound, supplemented by generous tips averaging over 20%.
- Process: Utilizes a commercial washing machine, sorts laundry by family member and type, and ensures quality through meticulous handling.
- Growth & Challenges: Caitlin balances the demands of a growing family with her side hustle, scaling her business based on her availability and family needs.
Notable Quote:
Caitlin: "It's a good job for me because I stay home too with my kids." [35:28]
Practical Tips for Aspiring Side Hustlers
Both guests offer valuable advice for listeners considering starting their own side hustles:
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Flexibility is Key: Choose a side hustle that aligns with your current life stage and can adapt as your circumstances change.
Notable Quote:
Katie: "It's perfect." [25:42]
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Start with Organic Growth: Utilize word-of-mouth and social media to build your client base before investing heavily in advertising.
Notable Quote:
Katie: "Word of mouth through." [37:19]
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Manage Time Effectively: Balance your side hustle with family responsibilities by setting clear boundaries and expectations.
Notable Quote:
Caitlin: "You can't be out." [37:05]
Ditch the Drive-Thrus: Kitchen Hacks
Towards the episode's conclusion, Katie and Caitlin share their favorite kitchen hacks to bypass traditional drive-thru options:
Katie's Chuck Roast Recipe
Katie introduces a simple yet delicious chuck roast recipe inspired by Olivia Adrian, emphasizing its ease and versatility.
Notable Quote:
Katie: "It's the best roast I've ever made. It cooks in its own juices." [41:21]
Caitlin's Smash Burgers
Caitlin shares her method for making smash burgers at home, highlighting the integration of flavorful ingredients and efficiency.
Notable Quote:
Katie: "We do it at least once a week, right? Now, that's a great." [43:37]
Conclusion
Kelly and Lizz wrap up the episode by expressing gratitude to their guests for sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. They reinforce the episode's theme that with creativity and determination, anyone can start a successful side hustle tailored to their skills and lifestyle.
Notable Quote:
Kelly: "Thank you all for highlighting moms doing this. I feel like if you hear about another mom doing it, like, sometimes that's all it takes to be like, I can do that too." [29:30]
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as an encouraging blueprint for parents looking to balance family life with financial ambitions. Through Katie and Caitlin's stories, listeners gain practical insights and the motivation to explore their own side hustles, proving that entrepreneurial success is attainable with the right mindset and dedication.
