5 Secrets to Growing Your Side Hustle Into a Thriving Business, According to an Expert Entrepreneur Who Sells Multimillion-Dollar Homes Tricia Lee's journey from beauty entrepreneur to real estate titan offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their side hustle a major player in their career.
By Nicaila Matthews Okome Edited by Mark Klekas
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Tricia Lee's journey from beauty mogul to real estate titan is a masterclass in reinvention. As the star of Netflix's Owning Manhattan and a power player in New York City real estate, Tricia has leveraged her entrepreneurial skills to build a thriving career in two highly competitive industries. But it all started with a side hustle that evolved into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
In her recent appearance on the Side Hustle Pro podcast, Tricia sat down with me to share the secrets behind her success. Here are her top five tips for turning your side hustle into a full-fledged business.
1. Embrace the power of reinvention
Tricia's career didn't start in real estate. She first made her mark in the beauty industry, where she founded Polish Bar, a boutique beauty salon in Brooklyn. But when the opportunity arose to pivot into real estate, Tricia didn't hesitate. "You have to be willing to change with the times," she says. "The market shifts, neighborhoods change, and you have to be adaptable." Her ability to embrace change has been key to her success, allowing her to seamlessly transition from one industry to another. If you're stuck in your side hustle, don't be afraid to pivot and explore new opportunities.
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2. Market yourself like a major brand
One of the reasons Tricia succeeded in both beauty and real estate is her marketing savvy. From day one, she treated her side hustle like a major brand. "People thought Polish Bar was a franchise because of how we branded it," Tricia recalls. She brought this same level of professionalism to real estate, using her marketing skills to build her brand and attract high-profile clients. Tricia advises entrepreneurs to take their marketing seriously, regardless of the size of their business. "Your brand is how you present yourself to the world," she says. "Make sure it's consistent and professional."
3. Leverage your network
When Tricia transitioned to real estate, she tapped into her existing network from the beauty industry. "When I started in real estate, I sent a letter to my Polish Bar clients, letting them know about my new venture," she explains. This simple outreach led to immediate leads and helped establish her credibility in a new field. Your network is one of your most valuable assets — don't be afraid to leverage it as you grow your side hustle. Whether it's a former client base or a group of industry peers, your connections can open doors you didn't even know existed.
4. Stay resilient through the ups and downs
Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster, and Tricia's journey has had its share of highs and lows. From the early days of managing a bustling beauty business to the challenges of breaking into New York's real estate market, Tricia has learned the importance of resilience. "You can't let setbacks stop you," she says. "Acknowledge your emotions, but don't let them dictate your actions." Resilience is key to sustaining a side hustle, especially when things don't go as planned. The ability to push through challenges and keep moving forward separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up.
5. Know your worth and own it
Tricia is unapologetically confident in her abilities, and she encourages other entrepreneurs to be the same. "You have to know your worth and not be afraid to assert it," she says. Whether you're negotiating a deal or marketing your services, it's crucial to be clear about the value you bring to the table. This confidence has helped Tricia secure high-profile clients and solidify her position as a leader in the real estate industry. For side hustlers looking to grow their business, knowing and communicating your value is crucial to attracting the right opportunities.
Final thoughts
Tricia Lee's story is a powerful example of how a side hustle can evolve into a successful, full-time business. Her journey from beauty entrepreneur to real estate titan offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their side hustle a major player in their career. By embracing change, mastering marketing, leveraging your network, staying resilient, and knowing your worth, you too can turn your side hustle into a thriving business.
To learn more from Tricia Lee and dive deeper into her entrepreneurial insights, listen to her full interview on the Side Hustle Pro podcast.
Nicaila Matthews Okome is the host of Side Hustle Pro, a top-rated entrepreneurship podcast with over 10 million downloads. She empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their side hustles into successful businesses through her podcast, programs, and social media. Connect with her at @sidehustlepro or visit SideHustlePro.co.
