Social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audiences and increase their brand awareness. But for some, social media has become much more than just a marketing tool – it’s become a money-making machine. These social media moguls started with a small side hustle and turned it into a mainstream success story, making bank in the process. Here are some real-life stories of social media moguls who made it big.
Jenna Kutcher, @jennakutcher
Jenna Kutcher is a small-town girl from Minnesota who, like many others, found her calling in photography. She started her side hustle in 2011, taking pictures of friends and family as a way to make a little extra money. But it wasn’t until she started sharing her work on Instagram that things took off. Jenna now has over 900,000 followers on Instagram and her photography business has grown into a six-figure empire. She’s also become a mentor for other aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing her story and offering advice on building a successful brand.
Emily Schuman, @emilyschuman
Emily Schuman is the founder of the popular lifestyle blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere. She started the blog as a side project while working as a copywriter in Los Angeles. But it wasn’t long before her blog gained a massive following and turned into a full-time business. Today, Cupcakes and Cashmere has its own line of clothing, home decor, and beauty products, as well as a book deal and a podcast. Emily’s success has been so great that she is now a sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship and social media.
Gina Homolka, @skinnytaste
Gina Homolka is the creator of the healthy food blog, Skinnytaste. She started the blog in 2008 as a way to share her love of cooking with others. Over time, the blog grew in popularity, and Gina was able to quit her job as a graphic designer to focus on it full-time. Today, Skinnytaste has over 2 million monthly readers and has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and The Today Show. Gina has also authored several bestselling cookbooks and has a line of meal prep products.
Huda Kattan, @hudabeauty
Huda Kattan is a Dubai-based beauty influencer who started her side hustle as a makeup artist in 2009. She launched her beauty blog, Huda Beauty, in 2010, which grew into a massive following on Instagram. Huda’s brand now includes a beauty line sold in Sephora stores worldwide, as well as a reality TV show and a book deal. Huda is now worth an estimated $610 million, according to Forbes, and has become one of the most influential women in the beauty industry.
In conclusion, these social media moguls prove that with determination and creativity, anyone can turn their side hustle into a full-fledged business. While their journeys may have started small, their success on social media has opened doors that never would have been possible without it. If you’re looking to start your own side hustle, use these stories as inspiration and remember that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and your talent.