About Shola Sodiya
Welcome to Side Hustle Weekly. I'm Shola Sodiya, the founder and managing editor behind this platform. If you're here, you're likely looking for practical, honest guidance on how to earn extra income, build valuable skills, and create financial opportunities that work in the real world — and that's exactly what I aim to provide every single day.
I want to take a moment to share who I am, why I do what I do, and what you can expect from me and from Side Hustle Weekly. I believe that people trust people — not faceless websites. So here's my story, honestly told.
My Background and Journey
My journey into the world of side hustles and online income began like many others — with a desire for more financial freedom and a willingness to learn. I didn't come from a business family. I didn't have a mentor guiding me through the maze of online opportunities. I started exactly where many of my readers are right now: curious, motivated, but unsure where to begin.
What set me apart was my commitment to learning through action. I spent years researching, testing, and refining strategies across multiple areas — freelancing, affiliate marketing, digital product creation, blogging, search engine optimisation, content marketing, email list building, e-commerce, and more. Some approaches worked brilliantly. Others taught me valuable lessons that I now share freely so you don't have to learn them the hard way.
Through this journey, I discovered something important: the biggest barrier between most people and financial progress isn't a lack of intelligence, talent, or work ethic. It's a lack of clear, honest, practical guidance. The internet is flooded with exaggerated promises, incomplete advice, and get-rich-quick fantasies that leave people frustrated and discouraged. I wanted to create something different — a place where people could find truthful, useful information they could actually act on.
That's how Side Hustle Weekly was born. Not from a desire to build an audience or monetise attention, but from a genuine desire to help. Every article I write reflects this original intention.
My Expertise and Experience
Over the years, I've developed deep, practical, hands-on expertise across multiple areas of online income generation. These aren't things I've read about in books — they're skills I've built through direct experience, testing, and continuous improvement:
- Freelancing and Client Acquisition: I understand the complete freelancing journey — identifying marketable skills, creating compelling profiles and proposals, finding quality clients consistently, setting rates that reflect your true value, negotiating confidently, managing client relationships professionally, handling difficult situations like late payments, and building a reputation that attracts opportunities. I know what works on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and through direct outreach, and I share strategies that have been proven in real projects.
- Affiliate Marketing and Monetisation: I've built niche websites from scratch, created content that genuinely helps readers while generating affiliate revenue, selected programmes that align with audience needs, optimised for conversions without being pushy, and developed diversified income streams through honest, ethical partnerships. I understand the entire lifecycle — from keyword research and content strategy to traffic generation and revenue optimisation.
- Digital Products and Passive Income: I've created and sold a wide range of digital assets — eBooks, templates, printables, planners, spreadsheets, checklists, online courses, Notion templates, Canva templates, and more. I understand product ideation, market validation, creation, pricing strategy, sales page optimisation, delivery systems, and ongoing marketing. I know how to build a product portfolio that generates income consistently over time, not just during launch weeks.
- Content Creation, Blogging, and SEO: I have deep expertise in content strategy, keyword research, on-page and technical SEO, audience building, email marketing, list growth, content monetisation, and creating content that ranks in search engines and genuinely serves readers. I understand the difference between content that attracts clicks and content that builds trust — and how to create both.
- Online Business Strategy and Growth: Beyond individual tactics, I understand the bigger strategic picture — choosing the right business model for your goals and circumstances, managing your time and energy as a side hustler, automating processes, knowing when and how to outsource, making data-driven decisions, and building systems that support sustainable growth over years rather than weeks.
- AI Tools for Modern Creators: I actively research and integrate artificial intelligence tools into my workflows — for content creation, research, productivity, automation, and discovering new opportunities. I stay current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and share practical guidance on which tools provide real value and how to use them effectively without losing the human touch.
I don't write about things I haven't personally tested or thoroughly researched. When I recommend a strategy, a platform, or a tool, it's because I genuinely believe in its value — not because someone paid me to promote it. My reputation with readers matters far more to me than any commission.
My Core Values and Principles
Side Hustle Weekly is built on values that I hold personally and professionally:
Truthfulness Over Hype: I will never exaggerate results, hide limitations, or promote something I don't believe in. If a strategy has significant downsides, I'll tell you. If an opportunity requires substantial time, money, or skill, you'll know upfront. Trust is earned through consistent honesty, and I take that responsibility seriously.
Practical Action Over Theory: Every piece of content is designed to help you take real action in the real world. I avoid vague platitudes and focus on specific steps, concrete examples, and practical guidance that works even if you only have an hour a day. Theory without application is just entertainment — I'm here to help you make progress.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: I write for real people with real lives — people balancing jobs, families, studies, responsibilities, and all the complexities of modern life. You don't need a degree, technical expertise, or a large budget to benefit from this content. If a strategy is presented clearly enough, anyone can take the first step — and I work hard to make that possible.
Continuous Growth and Learning: The online world evolves rapidly. Platforms change, algorithms are updated, tools emerge and disappear, and market dynamics shift. I'm committed to staying informed, adapting my approaches, and continuously updating content so you always have access to current, relevant information. Learning never stops — for me or for you.
Long-Term Thinking: I'm not interested in helping people chase quick, unsustainable wins. My focus is on building skills, creating genuine value, developing reliable income streams, and constructing a financial foundation that supports your goals for years to come. Shortcuts rarely lead anywhere worth going, and I won't pretend otherwise.
What I Write About
Side Hustle Weekly covers a wide range of topics, all centred on one goal: helping you earn more, learn more, and build a stronger financial future. Areas I focus on include:
- Side hustle ideas for 2026 — practical options that fit different schedules, skill levels, and income goals
- Freelancing opportunities — from beginner-friendly services to high-value consulting
- Passive income strategies — realistic approaches that build over time with consistent effort
- Affiliate marketing — honest, ethical strategies for earning through content and recommendations
- Blogging and content creation — building audiences and monetising expertise
- Digital products — creating and selling assets that generate ongoing revenue
- Print on demand and e-commerce — selling physical products without holding inventory
- Virtual assistant services — providing valuable support that businesses consistently need
- AI tools for freelancers and creators — leveraging technology for efficiency and growth
- Remote work opportunities — finding flexible, location-independent income
- Productivity and business tools — working smarter, not just harder
- Personal finance for side hustlers — managing, saving, and growing what you earn
I don't just list opportunities — I explain how they work, who they're suited for, what they require, and how to get started from zero. My goal is to give you everything you need to make informed decisions and take confident action.
Why You Can Trust Side Hustle Weekly
In a world full of questionable advice and empty promises, trust is everything. Here's what makes this platform different:
- Every article is researched and written by me: I don't outsource content to writers who don't understand the subject matter. Every word on this site reflects my personal knowledge, experience, and research.
- No false promises: I won't tell you that you can make £10,000 in your first month or that success is guaranteed. Real income takes real effort, and I respect you enough to be honest about that.
- Transparent monetisation: When this site earns money through affiliate links or advertising, it's clearly disclosed. When I recommend something, it's because I believe in it — not because I was compensated.
- Continuous improvement: I regularly review and update articles to ensure information stays current. Platforms, tools, and strategies change, and outdated advice can do more harm than good.
- Reader-first philosophy: Every editorial decision starts with one question: "Will this genuinely help the reader?" If the answer isn't an enthusiastic yes, it doesn't get published.
My Commitment to You
Building Side Hustle Weekly is more than a project or a business to me — it's a genuine commitment. My commitment to every reader is this:
I will always be truthful with you. I will never exaggerate. I will never promote something I haven't vetted. I will never sell you a dream that I know isn't realistic. I will share what I know honestly, acknowledge what I don't know, and always prioritise your best interests over any short-term gain for myself.
I will treat your time with respect. Every article should be worth the minutes you spend reading it. If you finish a piece of content and don't feel better equipped to take a step forward, I haven't done my job.
I will keep learning, keep improving, and keep striving to make this platform better — for you, for new readers who are just discovering it, and for the community we're building together.
Let's Stay Connected
I genuinely value hearing from readers. Your questions, feedback, success stories, and even constructive criticism help me improve and create content that better serves your needs. Building an online business or side hustle can feel isolating — but it doesn't have to be.
If you have a question about getting started, a topic you'd like me to cover, feedback on an article, or a business enquiry, please reach out. I read every message personally and use reader input to guide what I create.
Email me directly: admin@sidehustleweekly.co.uk
Or visit our Contact page for additional ways to get in touch.
A Personal Note
If you've read this far, thank you — genuinely. I know your time is valuable, and the fact that you invested it in learning more about me and this platform means a lot.
Whether you're a complete beginner wondering where to start, someone who's tried a few things and is looking for a clearer path, or an experienced side hustler seeking new ideas and strategies — I'm glad you're here. Side Hustle Weekly exists for you.
Let's build something meaningful together. One step at a time. One article at a time. One small win at a time.
Here's to your success.
— Shola Sodiya
Founder, Side Hustle Weekly