How to turn a side hustle into a small business

SAN ANTONIO – Angel Contero created Que Bonita Crafts as she struggled to find joy in her job in the medical field. It has been six years since she turned her small business into a full-time venture, and she has learned a lot from her experience.

“Sometimes you make something, and you really think it’s going to hit, and it’s a total fail. Sometimes something you think is just the worst thing you’ve ever made, and you think, ‘Why did I even do this?’ sometimes it’s your biggest hit.”

Contero has always loved art, and now her hobby is both her passion and business.

Her advice to those pursuing a side hustle they want to grow is the following:

• Set goals, starting with small, attainable ones.

• Use social media wisely; you don’t have to pay to advertise. Make videos yourself and post them.

• Find a network of small businesses that can help you connect and find opportunities. If you don’t find one, create one yourself. Groups like Southside First and Women Unlimited are ones Contero recommends.

• Register your business name. She said a DBA (Doing Business As) will protect your business.

• Don’t forget to keep a positive attitude.

“Be prepared for growth. Whether you have to have a loan or you have an extra credit card, be prepared,” Contero said.

Contero recently gave a one-hour presentation at Southside First to help vendors prepare to sell at markets. Watch it here.