Sharing Two Cents

Every Day Advice For Everyday People

Side Hustle Saturday – Monat

Nicole Korica from Monat

We were so impressed with Nicole that we immediately wanted to feature her here because of her drive to succeed and her entrepreneurial spirit at such as a young age. We can all learn something from her and apply it to our own lives.

1. Why did you decide to start a side “hustle”?

It has always been on my mind, being an ambassador for a company and making money from social media. Watching YouTube was a big influence on me saying yes to joining the business. I wanted to be the model, the person in front of the camera promoting a product I genuinely loved.

2. Why (How) did you choose your business?

A girl from Monat reached out to me and saw potential in me to succeed in the company. At this point, I had never thought about promoting haircare products. I ended up saying yes because I care about my hair and the ingredients that are in my products. All of the products Monat sells are vegan and cruelty free! I used to color and bleach my hair all the time and my hair was so damaged. These products have forever changed my hair!

3. How do you balance your side hustle along with finishing high school and having a social life?

It is a luxury to work from home and really anywhere. All you need is your phone and WiFi! It has given me the opportunity to focus on school and spend time with my friends. With this job, all you need is an hour or less a day and anyone could have the potential to make more than what they do at their full time job. At my old job, working part time and going to high school, I wasn’t able to go on weekend trips or get spring and winter breaks off. Marketing for Monat means I can be anywhere and have the ability to work from my phone!

4. What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about or may have just entered the side hustle scene? 

Multi-Level Marketing is the new trend for stay at home moms, students, and really anyone who has motivation and dedication! With Monat, there is no stressing about meeting sales quotas because there are none! My advice would be that nothing happens overnight. It might take you months for a girl to join your side hustle and days for them to respond. Everyone who has joined a multi level marketing company has been in your shoes, they struggled, but eventually succeeded! Networking is very important in this, so if you’ve been struggling and stressing, make business cards and hand them out! Also, never sell/promote a product that you don’t believe in! 

5. What was the initial investment to start your side hustle?

My initial investment for my side hustle was $199.99. A huge starter kit that comes with shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, blowout cream, rejuvabeads split end mender, rejuvenique oil (+100 uses), a ton of samples, and guides to starting your business. Among this starter kit, there are many others to choose from! You really can’t beat it with this price point for luxury haircare products.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Nicole and Monat then check out her website at nicolekorica.mymonat.com or her Instagram at nicole.korica.

Side Hustle Saturday – Norwex

Happy Saturday! We are honored to have a fellow nurse by the name of Christi Padilla here with us to introduce you all to Norwex. Both of us personally use Norwex in our homes so of course we are excited to share our obsession with the world!

1. Why did you decide to start a side “hustle”?

In all honesty I find the term “side” hustle to be slightly limiting because for many, what starts off as just a “side” endeavor, can eventually become a primary source of income instead of an addition to another career. As many of my friends say, Norwex is a business that offers you the opportunity to make FUN money or FUNdnamentally life changing money! This was part of the allure when I looked into the business for myself. I saw the potential and wanted to take advantage of the business opportunity. I was a new mama and although I chose to reduce my hours at the hospital to be home with my baby, I wanted to supplement my family’s income so my husband would not have to pick up any OT. I loved being a new mom, but I also missed ME. I missed the connection with other women and wanted to tap into something that I was passionate about and would allow me to help others to lead a healthier life. 

2. Why (How) did you choose your business?

I was invited to one of those “Magic Rag” parties by my mother, who had to convince me to tag along!  10 minutes into the demo, the Science behind these amazing products struck a chord with me. As a former Science teacher and current RN I truly saw the “magic” in the unique micro silver cloths. I purchased a few items and upon using them I was BLOWN away at the quality, ease and effectiveness of their products! I quickly realized I could easily eliminate the harsh, toxic, chemicals I had been trained to use for so many years. Not only did this significantly change our budget for the better, I was also making small changes to help the environment. Norwex saves me time when I clean and it has allowed me to make my home a SAFE HAVEN for my friends, family and pets. Once I fell in love with Norwex, it was easy to share. I couldn’t stop talking about it. That’s when I knew that I wanted to be a part of this incredible movement. I can fully stand behind a company whose core values are: Integrity, Trust, and Respect. I have seen first-hand how much they give to their community, consultants and consumers. I am so inspired by the men and women who are committed to leaving a legacy for the future and happy to be a part of that change.

3. How do you balance your side hustle along with your marriage, your two toddlers, and your nursing career?

I am the type of person that thrives on a check list, so I will admit-I am very organized. But I am also not afraid to say “NO”. I have to set boundaries for my business to protect my family time. One of the main reasons I stepped into this journey was so that I could have more time with my family, so I never want this business to become my primary focus. Early into my journey with Norwex, I defined my goals with the support and approval of my husband. I had to be realistic about what I could commit to while still being a wife, mom, nurse and an individual. I then set a plan of action to achieve the goals. Each month I reflect back on my goals to see what worked and what didn’t so that I can make the necessary changes to meet them the following month.

4. What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about or may have just entered the side hustle scene?

Define your WHY. Why do you want to do this? What motivates you? What do you hope to gain from the experience? You have to realize that you will only get out what you put in. You can’t go into a side-hustle with unrealistic expectations that it’s just all going to miraculously happen. It is work. It takes daily commitment to build it. Find something that you absolutely LOVE and can’t stop talking about, because you want to be able to TELL and not just SELL. Don’t ever assume that just because a person is already making a good living that they wouldn’t be interested in joining your team or taking advantage of the business opportunity. Because, not every person will start a side business for the same reason. Some will join for the connections and friendships they’ll make, others are looking to step out of their comfort zone and build their confidence. Many may be going through a recent divorce, affair, or loss of a family member and are looking for something new and exciting to fill a void. Money is not always the driving force of those looking for a side hustle. With that being said, share what you love… the rest is easy!

5. What was the initial investment to start your side hustle?

I paid $9.99 for the shipping & handling of my starter kit. I had over $2,000 is sales in the 1st 90 days so I earned my kit (valued at over $300) for FREE! Plus, I earned a ridiculous amount of products and shopping sprees along the way. I have been blessed with incredible leaders on our team and mentors who continue to help me grow and reach my goals. Norwex provides excellent support and training to new consultants and feeling supported and encouraged has been invaluable!

If you are interested in learning more about Norwex and acquiring safe products for your home, please visit Christi’s website: www.christipadilla.norwex.biz


Side Hustle Saturday – Pikake & Sun

Mari from Pikake & Sun

We took some time off for our back to back birthdays, but today we are back with a guest by the name of Mari Tisby from Pikake & Sun. We ran into Mari at a holiday pop up and were absolutely mesmerized by her handmade wreaths and ornaments. They are beautiful!

1. Why did you decide to start a side “hustle”?

I was a room mom, team mom and one of those “ask her, she will do it” moms for both of my children from kindergarten to high school. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was a big part of my life…more like it was my life!! Now both of my children are in college. All of sudden I have all this time to myself. What do I want to do? Should I go get a job? But I still need to make myself available when my children need me. Well, I have been pretty crafty decorating the classroom doors and windows, making banners for the teams, making very cute goodie bags for every occasion. Maybe I can share my creations with other people!! That’s why I started my side hustle.

2. Why (How) did you choose your business?

Oh the answer for this question is in the answer above…(smile). I thought it might be a good idea to share what I love making for the people I love and care with other people. I love seeing the smile on the faces when they see what I make. It is the best when they gasp!! 😉 I named my business “pikake & sun”. Pikake means jasmine in Hawaiian language. Hawaii is like my second home in my heart. I have been visiting those beautiful islands since I was 11. My husband and I got married in Oahu and had a wedding in Maui. The islands have a very special place in my heart. I didn’t take long to come up with the name because the smell of jasmine and the sunshine which give me the positive vibe is what I wanted to give people with what I make.

3. How do you balance your side hustle along with your marriage and raising kids (if you are not married or have kids, balance life overall)?

Well, my husband (24 years of marriage!!) is very supportive and patient with me. 🙂 He gives me advice with his (guys) point of view and made the weights for my EasyUps with cement. He is there for me when I need him. Also my children are always so supportive of their mom. 🙂

4. What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about or may have just entered the side hustle scene?

I have just started my side hustle not so long ago myself…what I can say is “Do What You Love”. It is very intimidating to start something new. Contacting businesses, meeting new people and swiping a stranger’s debit card!! But as long as you love what you do, you get over those jittery feelings and move forward a little at a time.

5. What was the initial investment to start your side hustle?

The new Cricut machine was the biggest investment!! My husband bought one for me as an early Christmas present last November when I was still debating whether I should start my side hustle. I feel like he believed in me and pushed me for the first step with the machine.

Find Mari and her creations here: https://www.facebook.com/pikakeandsun/

Instagram: @pikakesun

If you’re interested in being featured for Side Hustle Saturday, please e-mail us at sharingtwocents@gmail.com.

DIY: How To Keep Your Suitcase Smelling Fresh

I just returned from an amazing trip to Australia and New Zealand. It was a great time visiting with extended family, meeting new family members, and enjoying some quality time with my daughter and her fiancé. I am planning a return trip to New Zealand in the next coming months – YAY!

My suitcases have literally traveled across the world and back carrying gifts, seashells, and even my dirty laundry!

To keep my suitcases smelling fresh between trips, I have found Purify essential oil to be effective. I apply a few drops of Purify essential oil to a cotton ball and drop into my suitcase before zipping it up and stowing it away. I don’t have to worry because the essential oil will not stain the lining of my suitcase. Instead, it leaves my suitcase smelling fresh and clean. Purify smells like a cross between clean laundry mixed with a light citrus scent. I love it!

If you are not super fond of the Purify scent, you can pretty much use any essential oil that you like. Lavender, Wild Orange, OnGuard, Citrus Bliss are all great ones to also use. If you need a sample of any oil, just email us at sharingtwocents@gmail.com and we will be happy to send you one.

Give it a try and post it to your Instagram. Make sure to tag us because we would love to see what oil you used!

~Simone

Keep It Simple Sista – Part 2

#2: Stop Over Thinking Everything

Are you an over thinker? You know what I mean… Everything you do, everything you plan, every event you are invited to, every family outing – you plan it, then you think about it, then you re-think about it, and then you add contingency plans for every possible outcome. You know what I am talking about!

I realized that I was an over thinker at about the same time I learned that I cannot control anything or anyone but myself. During my life, over thinking was a wasted effort to protect myself against what I viewed as potentially unhealthy situations. I worried and worried and tried to protect myself and my family from any unnecessary pain.

Once I realized that I could not possibly predict every awkward or unhealthy moment, and that I was actually just wasting my precious energy on unnecessary planning and re-planning, life became a whole lot simpler. Please don’t misunderstand me. Plans are good. I make plans. I use a daily planner. I plan trips. I make lists. I plan events. I write down goals.

You and I cannot predict the future. You and I cannot work out every possible scenario in our lives and attempt to accommodate for it. Quit wasting your energy on this kind of stuff because it will steal the joy out of everything you do. You cannot enjoy something if you are constantly thinking and worrying about it.

I make plans, but I do not let over thinking steal my joy anymore. It is that simple – try it!

~Simone

Side Hustle Saturdays

Have you ever been interested in starting a side hustle? There are many options out there for everyone whether you’re working a full-time job, wrangling kids, or attending school. We are excited to present to you Side Hustle Saturdays that will feature men and women who are making it happen outside of the 9 to 5 grind. Our first introduction will be next Saturday, April 13th.

Maybe you’re looking for extra income or you’d like to start a side hustle to try out a potential business idea or career change. Come on back next week for our very first side hustle spotlight.

If you’re interested in being featured on our blog for Side Hustle Saturdays, please contact us directly at sharingtwocents@gmail.com.

Keep It Simple Sista – Part 1

#1: Mind Your Own Business

Life feeling out of control? Overwhelmed? Too many things left undone?

Unfortunately, those are some pretty common feelings for women today. It does not matter if you are a stay at home mom, a full-time working mom, PTA president, a business owner, or a newly married woman. We all have felt this very same way.

So, what do we do?

We can first start by simplifying our lives. Oh great, what does that even mean? We have all heard that buzz word a million times. You need actual tips, not just slogans, right?

Here we go… actual tip #1: Mind Your Own Business

Warning: Stop reading if you can easily be offended.

Easy enough right? Wrong!

It is very easy to get caught up in other people’s business and in other people’s drama. People will also intentionally try to suck you into their drama and just dump their mess all over you.

It took me a while to really learn this tip because I used to love giving other people advice. Have you ever listened to a conversation or problem and you are dying inside just wanting to jump in and give your opinion? Have you ever interrupted the conversation to lend your wise advice?

STOP! We don’t need to solve everyone else’s problems (unless you are a licensed therapist!!). We just need to worry about what we have influence over – our own lives, our own feelings, our own reactions, our own potential, and our own dreams.

Look in the mirror – That’s whose business you need to mind… YOUR OWN! It’s that simple.

~Simone




Side Hustle Saturday – Usborne

Kari and Usborne Books & More

Welcome to our very first Side Hustle Saturday! We thought of this idea after we did our Easter basket giveaway and filled the basket with books to encourage kids to read. Today we’d like to introduce Kari Pavlenko and her side hustle Usborne Books & More. We asked Kari a few questions to get the scoop on why and how she decided to focus on Usborne.

1. Why did you decide to start a side “hustle”?

I decided to start a side hustle because I wanted to provide some financial contribution to my household. Children are expensive and I figured if I could help offset the cost of preschool or sports that would be amazing. Going from being a part of the workforce since age fifteen to being a full time stay at home mom at age thirty four was difficult for me. When I say “difficult” I don’t mean being able to stay home with my daughter because I have absolutely loved that and feel incredibly blessed to be able to do so! It was difficult in the sense of me feeling like I wasn’t contributing financially, hence my side hustle.

2. Why did you choose Usborne?

I chose Usborne because I immediately fell in love with their unique, one of a kind, books! My family loves to read and I have exposed my daughter to books since birth. After I hosted my first Usborne party I immediately started thinking “This could be fun to join and financially rewarding at the same time”, a win win right?! So, I pondered it for a while and finally jumped in. Sharing Usborne with friends, family and strangers has been so wonderful. I love spreading literacy and encouraging families to read with their children.

3. How do you balance your side hustle along with your marriage and raising your 4 year old daughter?

The balancing act between my marriage, being a mother to my four year old daughter and my side hustle has really been pretty smooth for me. The beauty of Usborne is that I can work as little or as much as I want to. There is no monthly minimum sales to meet or minimum party bookings so if I want to have five parties one month and none the next, that is totally up to me. I do a majority of my parties online and in the evenings after my daughter goes to bed. If I need to do a party before she is in bed, my husband is extremely supportive and will handle all of her bedtime routine. I plan my parties around my family schedule, so my family will always come first!

4. What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about or may have just entered the side hustle scene?

My advice to anyone who is thinking about starting a side hustle is to make sure it is something that you are one hundred percent passionate about! That is crucial, you have to truly believe in whatever you are selling and promoting to be successful. Find your “thing” that you love to share about and the rest will fall into place.

There are two additional tips that I have, the first is to is to familiarize yourself with the social media world. Social media has become a huge tool in today’s society and I have found it to be extremely helpful for my business. My second tip is to set goals and share them with someone who will not only hold you accountable to achieving those goals but also encourage you and perhaps give you some pointers. For example, when I have goals for my book business, I share them with my team leader. She provides encouragement, strategies and checks in with me to see how I am doing with reaching my goals.

5. What was the initial investment to start your side hustle?

Usborne Books & More runs consultant enrollment specials periodically. When I joined, it cost me just $89 and that included a box full of books, (fifteen to be exact including two of their best sellers), twenty five catalogs, a pack of order forms, guides for hosting successful parties and a sixth month subscription to their business site. They give you the opportunity to earn that start up fee back by hitting certain sales goals within your incentive period, which I did, so essentially it cost me absolutely nothing to start my side hustle!

Facebook VIP link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/387552518400628/

Usborne website link: Usborne Books & More

If you’re interested in being a part of our Side Hustle Saturday series, please e-mail us at sharingtwocents@gmail.com or direct message us on Instagram: @sharingtwocents.

Valentine’s Day for a Married Woman

Just picture it…

I am standing in the kitchen thinking about what to cook for dinner…

My perfect kids are quietly doing their homework on the kitchen table…

In walks my husband. He rushes in the door, home from work, and is holding a large bouquet of flowers and a heart-shaped box of chocolates. He spins me around, confesses his undying love for me, and tells me he arranged for a babysitter and reservations at the newest restaurant in town!

Really? C’mon!

Thursday, February 14th is just another day of the week for married women…

It’s a work day.

School day.

Homework day.

Baseball and softball practice day.

Another exhausting day.

Don’t get caught up in what the media portrays for Valentine’s Day. Their interpretation can set you up for disappointment. Oh, there may be some husbands that can pull off the epic, tv sitcom-type-holiday. But for most of us, it is just another day that we hope our husbands don’t forget. Don’t set false expectations only to be left feeling let down and sorry for yourself.

Be grateful for what you do love on Valentine’s Day – maybe a husband? maybe kids? maybe a pet? a job? maybe your health? a quiet night at home because practice is cancelled due to rain? maybe Netflix? maybe peanut butter?

What are me and my husband doing you ask? Well, this Valentine’s Day we’ll be traveling with our kids. I already initiated a discussion of no gifts this year – not even a card. No games of having that discussion either. What I say is what I mean. There is no secretly longing for the fantasy. I have so much on my plate already. Just a quick, honest and sincere “I love you” will do for me this year. No unmet expectations. No false fantasies. Just real love between us and our family.

~Simone

Valentine’s Day As A Single Woman

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. As a single woman, the 14th is just another day that specifically highlights my singleness. For some, the magnification of being alone is too much. It can be depressing and thoughts of “am I not good enough?” creep up as you suddenly notice every single couple in your path that day. There’s balloons, flowers, chocolates, and expensive dinner reservations. What is there do to as a single woman?

Treat yourself, girl! Wait until chocolates go on sale on the 15th and buy yourself some. Book a massage for yourself. Have a Galentine’s Day with your best girlfriends who either don’t celebrate with their significant other or are also single. Join a Meetup with other singles. It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the day, but your singleness is not a reflection of what kind of person you are.

This year, I’ll be enjoying a good book in my comfiest pajamas and then buying discounted chocolate on the 15th. What will you be doing?

-Maria