158: How a Blind Chef Launched Her Kitchen Side Hustle
Debra Erickson lost her vision — but definitely not her drive. What started as a side hustle has blossomed into a full-time mission: The Blind Kitchen - a thriving business that sells adaptive kitchen tools and teaches blind and vision-impaired people how to cook safely, confidently, and independently. Debra shares the inspiring journey of how she transitioned from student to teacher to entrepreneur, and how she built a business with impact, despite the obstacles. From attending a regular culinary school as a blind student, to sourcing and testing dozens of tools, to launching an accessible e-commerce site, Debra has done what many only dream of. But this isn’t just a story of perseverance, it’s packed with insights for anyone building a business. You’ll learn: Tips for juggling a side hustle alongside full-time work Why delegating and building a team can unlock growth How to market to a niche audience and build trust And how to stay motivated on the hard days If you’re in the early stages of your side hustle or wondering if you have what it takes, this episode will leave you thinking: if she can do it, I can too. Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it! Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things. Be sure to grab a copy of my 28-page guide, called, Smart Start: From Idea to It’s Live in 7 Steps. It walks you through the core things to focus on, including a checklist of 8 essentials you need to launch. It’s free for now at Side Hustle Hero but not forever. For the full show notes head on over to the home of Side Hustle Hero. https://www.sidehustlehero.com/158 Connect with Debra: The Blind Kitchen Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Joan: Instagram Facebook About Joan Be on the show! Tell us about your side hustle success story!