Interview with Paige Brunton: $1,200/day side hustle
Curious about balancing a creative career with a side hustle?
In this interview with Paige Brunton, I share my journey from struggling actor to building a successful web design business, all while working full-time.
We talk about how Paige’s courses, Square Secrets and Square Secrets Business, helped me fast-track my skills and set up a profitable side business.
From finding clients and setting rates to managing my time with VIP Design Days, I cover the ins and outs of running a creative side hustle that actually works.
Check it out if you're looking to turn your passion into profit!
More of a reader?
Here’s the transcript!
Paige: Have you ever dreamed of having a profitable side hustle that could significantly boost your income while still working a full-time job? That’s exactly what my past student, Nadine Charleston, achieved when she started her web design business. Nadine’s passion is acting, but like many performers, she needed a flexible side hustle to accommodate unpredictable gigs and auditions. She’s now making $1,200 a day with her VIP Design Days, and in our interview, she shares valuable insights for others looking to start a similar side hustle.
From Acting to Web Design: Nadine’s Journey
Paige: So Nadine, tell us a little about what you were doing before diving into web design.
Nadine: Before becoming a web designer, I was and still am an actor, and like many actors, I’ve worked a variety of side jobs. My main role for the past five years has been as an admin for a software company, which has been a dream because it’s flexible and allows me to pursue acting gigs. But I was looking for something more, especially during the pandemic when my husband lost his job, and we were down to one income. I needed a way to supplement our income that wouldn’t interfere with my acting career.
Making the Leap into Web Design
Paige: So what led you to web design as a side hustle?
Nadine: It was a bit of a desperation move. With only one income, I couldn’t afford acting classes, and I felt stuck. I’d built a few websites for fun, and I’d followed your blog for years, taking bits of advice and tips for personal projects. One day, I just thought, “Why not try this as a business?” So I bought your Square Secrets course, and a week later, I added Square Secrets Business — should’ve just bought the bundle from the start! I dove in, and within a few months, it took off in a way I never expected.
Getting the First Clients
Paige: What did your timeline look like from starting the courses to getting clients?
Nadine: I decided to start web design seriously in December. I cold-emailed a personal branding photographer offering a trade — I’d redesign her website, and she’d do some headshots for me. I also announced on Instagram that I’d give away five free one-page websites to build my portfolio. Then, after finishing Square Secrets and Square Secrets Business, I started getting inquiries. People began reaching out, mostly through word of mouth. Within three months, I had a solid start, and it’s been rolling from there!
Pricing & Raising Rates
Paige: Let’s talk about pricing. How did you approach setting and adjusting your rates?
Nadine: Like many beginners, I started too low. I’d charge $100 for a page revamp, which took hours, but I was learning. My first official packages were $700 CAD for a one-page site and $1,800 CAD for a multi-page site. Later, I switched to charging in USD to match industry standards. I also raised my rates by $200 each time I booked a new client, and clients kept coming. By September, I introduced VIP Days, which started at $800 and now are $1,200.
Finding a Balance with a Day Job
Paige: Since this is your side hustle, how does web design fit into your main job and acting?
Nadine: It depends on the day job, but for me, it worked better to separate my design work from my admin job. Initially, I tried spreading out the work, doing a few hours each night, but I realized I’m an “all-out sprint” type. I switched to offering VIP Days, where I dedicate one full Saturday to a client. It’s intense but ideal, and I book about two of these days a month, which feels manageable and rewarding.
Choosing a Niche and Finding Clients
Paige: You work primarily with creative professionals. Did that niche happen naturally?
Nadine: Yes! Being an actor, I knew I wanted to help other creatives. Many performers struggle with tech, so it felt natural to help my peers. Creative people need websites for portfolios, but tech doesn’t come easily to everyone. I worried a bit about narrowing down to a niche, but specializing was the best thing I could have done. It’s true what they say: when you niche down, your ideal clients find you!
Managing Time & Admin Tasks Efficiently
Paige: Running a side hustle involves a lot of admin. How do you manage it?
Nadine: I use a time-tracking app to keep track of hours spent on admin, design, and client work. On average, I spend about 20-25 hours a month. One of my biggest time-saving moves was switching my project management to Dubsado, which automates much of the process. I recommend anyone starting out invest in learning a CRM or CMS to streamline admin tasks. It saves so much time in the long run.
Advice for New Designers
Paige: What would you say to someone thinking of taking Square Secrets or Square Secrets Business?
Nadine: If you’re ready to hit the ground running, it’s totally worth it. I made back the course costs within two months. If you’re on the fence, consider the investment in terms of your time saved and the potential to earn it back quickly. Courses like this help you avoid a lot of trial and error, and that’s huge.
Looking Ahead
Paige: You had an amazing financial goal last year. What’s next for 2023?
Nadine: Thank you! My goal is $35,000 for this year. With increased rates and more VIP Days, it feels doable. Plus, I’m investing in more courses to improve my skills even further.
Paige: Congratulations, Nadine, and thank you for sharing your journey. I know it’s going to inspire others!
Nadine: My pleasure, Paige! Thanks for having me.
