Allyson (left) and Sarah (Right) were looking for something that would bring in more reliable money between their theatre gigs. They were able to capitalize on a growing trend by starting their own dessert tasting food tour company in New York City.
How did you get started?
Allyson and myself (we are the co-owner/founders) both come from theatre backgrounds and were seeking more fulfilling work for our “survival jobs.”
I wanted to take Allyson on an ice cream tasting tour for her birthday in the city this summer, and I couldn’t find a tour for that. As I did a bit more research I felt that there was a niche for us in the market. We raised a small amount of capital doing a crowd-funding campaign to get started, and then went about the legal aspects (setting our business structure and bank accounts), the technical aspects (getting licensed as an NYC tour guide), and the fun aspects (getting to taste lots of yummy desserts and work with local bakeries).
How long have you been doing this?
How do you earn money?
We charge ticket admission for tours.
How do you get new clients?
Mostly social media and PR. We’ve had some luck getting early media coverage. Word of mouth is always the best though!
When do you work on your side hustle?
For a side hustle, it takes a lot of time. Allyson and I both have full-time jobs in the theatre, so we are working on our side hustle whenever we aren’t at the theatre (or between our shows).
Do you have tips or resources for a person who just started a side hustle or wants to start one?
By simply taking notice of these things, ideas can come about organically. When the right idea hits you, you will know it. Often these side hustles start out as passion projects and then develop not just into a side hustle but eventually a full-time profitable business.
Where can we go to connect with you?
Our website SugarToothTours.com. If you are ever in New York, come take a tour. You will love every minute.
If you want to learn step-by-step how to get your own Side Hustle going my eBook Start a Side Hustle With Skills You Already Have breaks it down for you, making it simple to get started on your own Side Hustle today.
Andrea is the Chief Chick of Smart Money Chicks. After filing BK twice (once because she panicked, second time because the pro messed the first time up), she realized that it all could have been avoided if she understood more about how her Finances worked and the options available. At that point, she wanted to help as many as she could never make the same mistakes again. Our Promise is that all the content you read on here is created or edited by Andrea
What a totally awesome story. I work in the “biz” as well and subscribe to the “anything but waitressing” philosophy. I just don’t know how I could commit to being in one place to run my business as tours and regional gigs require me to be out of town constantly. Thank goodness for the internet and blogging 🙂