SYRACUSE SIDE HUSTLES
Salt City residents share stories about the jobs they do when the work day ends.
Syracuse Side Hustles: This Paralegal Built a Business Out of Elsa, Jasmine, and Snow White
Amber Nadeau is a full-time paralegal and mom of two kids. In her spare time, she works to make kids' dreams come true through her startup business, As You Wish Entertainment, an agency that specializes in booking princesses and superhero characters for children's parties and special occasions. - Credits: Videographer and editor
Syracuse Side Hustles: He Cooks By Day and Paints the City in Monsters by Night
Tino Lopez is a cook, bartender, and graffiti artist from Utica, N.Y. He calls art his therapy, but admits it’s also hard work. To make ends meet, he juggles jobs, commissions, and plenty of planning. - Credits: Videographer and editor
Syracuse Side Hustles: A Mother of Five Raps Her Way to Hip-Hop Fame
Monique Williams talks about juggling five kids and the trajectory of her rap career — how she began by writing poetry, how her kids sometimes have to hang out in the car while she performs, and how easy it is to switch from shy, introverted Monique to the stage-commanding MoeBetta ThaGoddess. - Credits: Videographer and editor
Syracuse Side Hustles: A Burlesque Performer Dancing Toward Body Positivity
Growing up, Talia Shenandoah loved all things glitzy, girly, and artsy. As headmistress of Salt City Burlesque, she embraces the opportunity to live out her glam dreams, while also learning to love herself, demonstrate body positivity, and build a more diverse burlesque community. - Credits: Videographer and editor
Syracuse Side Hustles: A Forklift Operator Who Dreams of Being a Comedy Headliner
Torrance Jackson spends his days driving a forklift while practicing and editing jokes in his head. At night, he steps on stage, becoming Mr. Jaxn and working toward his goal of becoming a headliner. We profile Torrance Jackson on episode six of Syracuse Side Hustles, a podcast that finds stories from those chasing second jobs in the Salt City. - Credits: Videographer and editor
Syracuse Side Hustles: A South Sudan Immigrant Brings Education to Lost Boys/Girls
Non-profit founder Dut Deng has worked for years to get his organization, South Sudan Initiatives, off the ground. After creating a website, social media presence and finding a board of directors, Deng is ready to take big steps to get the fundraising he needs for big changes through grant writing. -Credits: One of the videographers
Syracuse Side Hustles: The Social-Justice Warrior Working to Better His Community
Local activist and business owner Michael DeSalvo is best known for his work with Friends of Dorothy House, a home dedicated to helping those with HIV/AIDS that also serves as the home of DeSalvo and his partner Nick Orth. DeSalvo shares his suggestions for becoming an social-justice activist, the roots of his activism, and his faith. - Credits: One of the videographers
Syracuse Side Hustles: A Female Magician Shares Illusions and Industry Insights
Theresa Barniak, an assistant manager at the gift shop in St. Joseph’s Hospital, aspires to be a magician and illusionist of international fame. She serves as the manager of the Salt City Magic Club and spends her spare time practicing her acts and perfecting her illusions. - Credits: One of the videographers