How I Made $117K A Year Cooking Jamaican Food | On The Side

Helena Faustin, 35, cares for babies born with congenital heart disease as a registered nurse in New York City. On the side, she cooks and shares traditional Jamaican recipes on social media @thatnursecancook. Juggling work at the hospital while raising two kids of her own, Helena decided to do something for herself and took her passion for food to the next level. In 2021, she made over $117,000 from her side hustle and says she’s just getting started.
See Helena’s food on Instagram: / thatnursecancook
Find Helena’s recipes on KZbin: / thatnursecancook
Follow Helena on TikTok: / thatnursecancook
Check out Helena’s e-books: shopthatnursecancook.com/
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How I Made $117,000/Year Cooking Jamaican Food | On The Side

[@investedfemelle7564]

And of that $117k she had to pay no salary, no extensive business cost. Incredible!!!!! Being a Nurse alone is lucrative! Girl you are an inspiration 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@chocolateangel8743]

Nursing can be quite lucrative -- especially if you hold an advanced degree -- but you have to work your butt off.

[@relaxationsoundsambience2724]

@@chocolateangel8743 Say that again! I'm an NP, originally from Africa and people say a restaurant for the foods they've tasted would be worth it, but where is the time?

[@geadonnamoore-xu5jq]

She does not have to worry about getting approval from her local health department because she's just cooking at home showcasing it virtually. There is no need for a permit or license from the state. She does not have to pass any inspections or get coded. In such a time as this. This is great.

[@Kuttie03]

@@chocolateangel8743nursing these days is only lucrative if you work 5-7 days a week. They don’t pay nurses their worth, especially here in Florida. It is a shammmeeeee!!!

[@gerryo25]

I can't wait to show this to my older sister. We're Guyanese and she is an RN who went to culinary school she is an amazing chef she's just nervous about starting her business. I hope this inspires her. I can completely relate to this video. I'm in BK right now!

[@Rhawn246]

Do it! Good luck!

[@CarissaGlow]

Yay! All the best wishes to your sis.

[@irmakalember9403]

Cool

[@sharidandrade5333]

🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@lindelwacele383]

@Gerryo, I am really rooting for her. When she does the business and blows up, come back to this comment and add the link to her video :)

[@SisiYemmieTV]

She’s done so well for herself! ❤️🍾 happy to see this feature.

[@SincerelyDiane]

Thought about you when I saw this feature!

[@TheWorldofSam]

The one and only Sisi Yemmie! So you dey watch CNBC docus too? 🥰🥰

[@SisiYemmieTV]

@@TheWorldofSam yes oh!!!

[@SisiYemmieTV]

@@SincerelyDiane thank you!

[@Chrissieb.rackett]

If my child were in the NICU, this is who I want taking care of them. She has such a calming presence and warm energy. Love her!

[@velvetice100]

❤❤❤ yes

[@suppn2tlkbout]

"She didn't have the patience to teach me" like every Jamaican mom 😂

[@UXtatic]

And use yuh judgement! 😂😂😂

[@PortiaObeng]

And Ghanaian mom 😩 😩 😂 😂

[@lesleyk1727]

And Ivorian Mom. Lol!

[@annamc8228]

The more I hear others stories..I realize this is a norm among families

[@dwaniaduhaneymillen]

A gwine tell pan yuh! 🤭🤣

[@aldralee]

I know this is completely irrelevant, but her makeup is so flawless! She could easily have a second side hustle on how to do makeup. So gorgeous.

[@myrthajean9393]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@maxicali8410]

Same

[@Tiffamethalisse]

Tell me abt it

[@DebraJohnson]

I really like seeing someone with a traditional career slowly growing her side hustle. Seems more realistic. And that food looks amazing!

[@MinnieOnCam]

As a first gen Canadian Jamaican I just sent this to my mother who is a ICU nurse. ♥💚💛🖤

[@Snowballbuilder]

Love seeing someone that has both "9-5" and a business. So often the story is success in one or the other. Rarely does anyone say you can do both.

[@Martina_E]

Yes I love that we see that! That’s what I’m trying to do too - make my side business really successful.

[@kendrasterling5966]

Q @@d

[@sophiaatn5339]

Black women always work so hard, I'm so proud of her. I love Jamaican food too

[@chocolateearrings]

*Women work so hard. You don't need to differentiate with race, several cases of all races are published on this channel. Spread postive vibes not race vibes

[@Thatbul]

@@chocolateearrings shut up it’s not that deep

[@sophiaatn5339]

@@chocolateearrings lol

[@Brucelee89896]

@@chocolateearrings ok karen

[@sfab5039]

@@chocolateearrings no, black women always work hard. Make your own comment

[@farfromacurse7402]

I’ve been following her for a while now & I can attest that her recipes are legit!!! Absolutely love her!

[@MPPG663]

Me too! Love her!

[@arellasbigideas1181]

I'm looking for her on line can you plz send me her info🙏🙏🙏

[@annaisiomaful]

Me too

[@justelleleigh]

The description box has all her socials

[@bumboklaattv3326]

Finally a Jamaican make it. Thank you CNBC

[@noblegirl1991]

She is awesome, but not the first

[@portiamarriott5513]

Absolutely love and admire Helena. Her husband Greg, and her children, Ti-Greg, and Aria are hilarious and are superstars in the making. Her Instagram following has exploded to just under $500k so I would expect her to double her 2021 income this year. The sky is the limit for her. Her personality and that of her family are the secret weapons to her success. We love her cooking, but it’s her authenticity that draws us in. I am so proud of you. Keep soaring and representing our culture with such flair.

[@AlexWilliams-qf3rp]

Yes, Yes...I had just started a home cooking business when the pandemic hit, two weeks later my mom, suffered a stroke. Everything went on hold. Your story, has given me renewed spirit to start again. Thanks and all the best.

[@Lola-vf7km]

Did you?

[@AlexWilliams-qf3rp]

@@Lola-vf7km ..lol...about too...just unexpectedly received an order.. so yes.. it's been a hard road, since my mom passed.. but I'm not going to give up.. thanks for asking.. be blessed

[@moyaondemand]

As a Jamaican, I am so proud of her and her achievements. So inspiring for me as someone who wishes to have a successful KZbin channel some day. What she said about monetizing your talents spoke to me! 🙏🏾👍🤗

[@chrissiec2123]

This warmed my heart as a first-gen Jamaican myself. All the feels! 🥰 I even stood up and started clapping for her while watching this video!😂😁

[@lolsmileyface34100]

This woman is amazing. The same pride she takes cooking , I can imagine those children , fortunate to have her as their nurse . Thank You for Your Service .

[@AndyPalTV]

As a first gen, love this story! Rooting for her success to grow!

[@janetthompsonmarshall5827]

So you were born before my grandpa then j

[@janetthompsonmarshall5827]

K first gen

[@favourazah1504]

Your videos have helped me reach over $200,000 in stocks by age 23! Thanks CNBC Make It. Keep the videos coming. 👍🏽

[@andrewblack4432]

Congrats ! I started right before covid when the recession hit. I held those stocks and made a killing. I bought dividend stocks and made a lot during covid.

[@jamesjude4988]

I'm convinced that the big investors and analysts are trying to scare us to keep us poor and ignorant to the market.. because its steady doing good after all the jobless and market crash talks

[@grantstanley6039]

The one effective technique I use is staying in touch with a financial coach for guidance, it might sound basic or generic, but getting in touch with a financial adviser was how I was able to outperform the market during the pandemic and raise a profit of roughly $400k

[@favourazah1504]

@kim sun When I was 20 but you need a finance Pro to be successful.

[@favourazah1504]

Arkplatform

[@NurseLisa1908]

So inspiring! I am first generation of Jamaican parents as well and I'm so thankful how I was raised. I wish her all the success from one fellow nurse to another. Keep shining!

[@annaleah7890]

“Sometimes I go to the grocery store with pure vibes. No list, just vibes.” 🙋🏽‍♀️😅

[@MarshasJourney]

Girl you have my respect 100%!

[@ChrissyTooPrissy]

I love everythingggggggg about this! Hands down relatable as a first generation 🇯🇲 who come from a family of nurses. Nurses are the real MVPs! All the best to you and I’m happy to see it ❤️

[@deidrehector3643]

What she says is so true.....you don't get measurements etc but from experience you will know how to your use judgment to cook. Proud Jamaican 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@gojosgirl6487]

I know how that feels, my grandmother never uses measurements either!

[@ambrosia417]

As a fellow first-gen'er, I salute her hustle! Let me go invest in my side hustle. As she said, our parents crave stability and do not like 'creative' careers UNTIL they see the money, then they approve!

[@MFlint-un2tq]

I just saw Jamaican and automatically pressed the thumbs up button!

[@lashannacandacy2912]

This black queen 👸🏾, I’m so proud !! This was an inspiring story. I love to cook myself but being Caribbean I know it’s normal for us, we don’t really see it as talent rather then second nature.

[@marvinbrown1717]

Loved this, especially the last part of creating this as a means "to take back control" of her life. I, too, have a side hustle, and the beautify of doing it, wasn't because I needed extra income, but more out of a passion. I love my day job, and will keep continuing to do it. Congrats Helena!

[@henrikraymond5235]

Thanks for the Enlightenment, The truth is. money is worthless until you put it to work. Successful people look for business to invest on and make more money.

[@binagital5665]

His trade execution quality and profiting is well structured with great financial features.

[@lindalily6924]

Working with Romero pieto is the best thing that can happen to a beginner trader who is aspiring to be fruitful out of the market he is trustworthy and straightforward we surely need more men like him in trading world.

[@jasonthomas269]

Good good content.

[@abscottcoleman400]

Yes I'm a living testimony of Romero pieto his platform has also done a great thing for me.

[@katlinmicheal8121]

I've seen so many review about this man called Romero pieto who is he ?

[@melbrown5770]

CNBC thank you for continuously showing Black women getting to the THE MONEY!!!

[@helenatube]

That last part was a kick in the butt that I needed! If she can grow her side hustle through all that, I have no excuses! My favorite part was how you could feel that this side hustle is based on her passion/love for food, and by nurturing that she in turn was rewarded with more control over her life. Amazing

[@CamirrasKitchen]

i love Helena from That Nurse Can Cook. She is a great cook and mom. i love the hustle she has.

[@FopsyTheGreat]

So inspiring to see a side hustle flourishing so well!

[@nickysunshine8734]

I’m also 1st Generation American 🇺🇸 from Jamaican Parents. Having a Stable Career is definitely pushed! BUT pushing your passion is also Great as well ❤️. Respect to all my Jamaican peeps 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@kimberlyjackson8064]

This is so inspiring. I’ve never heard of her but glad she was showcased! A lot of us in culinary (line cooks, etc..) do not do it for money. We typically don’t get paid enough for the amount of labor we give. So to see times changing and opportunities being created is wonderful!

[@lifewithlex9745]

I’m so happy to see this feature! She’s the best! I’ve been following her on social media for some time and her recipes are simple. This is well deserved 👏🏾👏🏾

[@cocoajanelle]

I LOVEEE her Instagram and it’s inspired me to cook more Jamaican foods. You go girl, happy for you!

[@samanthabrown359]

Yes! Love this! The food looks delicious. 😋I was born in England to Jamaican parents. I always want recipes and my family looks at me crazy. I will definitely check out your ebooks. Congratulations!🎉

[@melkeighran363]

This sounds good

[@vibryantsounds2764]

Love this! She's from my hometown!! Both Jamaican American!! 🇯🇲🇯🇲 Such an inspiration! May God bless your endeavors exponentially!

[@bwbgreatadventures3483]

I’ve been following her on Instagram for a while now and i love her!! So happy to see her efforts recognized!!

[@alyssuh6064]

I love her energy! She’s an inspiration

[@handlemytask]

Shared this with family and friends ASAP... Our hearts were overflowing with inspiration, love and pride with your every word. You are an incredibly ambitious, beautiful, hard-working and intelligent role model, and we wish you and your family the best happiness, harmony, health and prosperity!!!

[@stacytucker1677]

This story is such a blessing, and it also hit home for me. Someone I know saw this video and shared it with me and said to me watch this video this should inspire me even more. God bless you.

[@aliciajackson2708]

She’s amazing!!! I’ve been wanting to record the food I make for my family! Nice motivation!!

[@user-ye2jp3kj2j]

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[@Rhawn246]

Wow. One of the best videos I've seen! She's so beautiful, so relatable, inspiring and OMG that food!! Thanks so much for sharing so much of yourself. Much respect!

[@zoradelaney9412]

How inspirational! This video helps keep me motivated to continue my side hustle!

[@JP-br5os]

Love her, her content, her family, and the food! Love to see this!

[@MerrilDiniz]

Loved the animation format - kudos CNBC Make It team!

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

Oh Helena! Kudos to you! What you do in your regular work life is so awesome, and I’m sure every baby you care for has a grateful family behind him/her. But then that you went for it with your side hustle is just amazing and inspiring! I wish you the very best 😊👏🏻💯

[@renee8802]

Yayyyy I’m so happy to see her on here. She deserves the recognition!!

[@lisamarie2827]

I’m literally soooo proud of her!! It’s only up from here💕

[@whosyourdaddy5719]

gotta love this lady! harding working, well-mannered, especially the softness when she speaks. This is kind of people young girls and boys should look up to.

[@Coco_vanille28]

I love the honnesty talking about numbers $ and sharing her journey. Such a strong woman and beautiful family. Congratulations

[@tolusdiary9437]

This is sooo amazing to watch. I first saw this as it was shared with me by my cousin. Congratulations on your current and future success. You are an inspiration to myself and I’m sure many others. Great work.

[@MerrilDiniz]

You are so impressive Helena - love your confidence, skill sets and the food looks gorgeous!

[@buttaflyantics8618]

Congratulations sis your beautiful and inspiring❤️ ordering a copy of your ebook today.

[@natashaginindza7513]

Absolutely loved this, thank you!

[@antoinettejones5556]

Oh my gosh! I love her! Soooo happy for her. She deserves this and more! 💕💕💕

[@bezymjannaja]

OMG! She is so super inspiring! I am Ujrainian who search for different option now and I am super glad to see, how people can rise from different situations and still be happy and not be a slave of money! All the best to her and anyone who read this! )

[@JAdoreQT123456]

Her recipes are **chefs kiss** I’m so proud of her!!!

[@TheNeonArcade]

Her food looks delicious!

[@raychellvelez8445]

I love this in every aspect and can relate to this in so many ways. Thank you, Nurse Helena.

[@sharoyea]

always seeing her on IG. she does my culture proud. big up yuhself nurse!

[@emilmueller8108]

I love this. You can just tell how proud she is of the work she put in, she deserves it all

[@brownskindivah]

Loved everything about this episode! Hats off to the producers and team involved in showcasing diversity in all areas!

[@koredeosifuwa]

LOVE THIS!! Truly inspirational 🔥🔥

[@kwaugh08]

Love it! Jamaican parents are truly one of a kind ❤️

[@isazaki3056]

I loved this video. I’m a software engineer by professional but my passion is being a home chef 😊

[@myopinions1]

I love how motivating she is. You go girl!

[@kristenenation]

I love this new series. Can't wait to see more. 😊

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[@prestonmatthews725]

“My Mom didn’t have the patience to teach”. Lol. Use your judgement and all. Man. Your Mom sounds like an awesome woman. Typical Jamaican mothers very supportive to a fault. Keep up the awesome work

[@alylewis3435]

As soon as I saw the scrubs in the beginning I knew it was you! Love your content!!!! Impressive and so inspiring. ❤️

[@codigodominicano]

So inspiring! Nicely done! I hope you keep cultivating greater success!

[@Martina_E]

We love to see it! 👏🏾 she is indeed an inspiration!

[@shana-kayepusey1857]

So happy 😊 to see this. Proud of you Helena 👏 🥰 💛

[@sabrina.natalie]

This is absolutely amazing! I see so much success in her future. I wish her continued success and happiness! 🦋✨

[@womanwelldone]

Motivation to keep going! I complain daily about being a stay-at-home mom who’s homeschooling and doing every single thing to expand myself beyond the borders of my kitchen. I’m on a mission and this sister’s story is one more to add to my playlist for times I think it’s too much. Much success to all who’s going after something with their whole heart!

[@Rocioslane]

I absolutely LOVE her Instagram! It’s honestly one of the best I’ve seen 👏🏼😍

[@CBrown-zu6jf]

It's so cool to hear her story. I've seen one of her videos before. I just subscribed to her channel. Much success to her.

[@Kamishani926]

Definitely one of the best one I have ever seen!! More power to her 💪🏾👌🏾✊🏾

[@ivenv3212]

I love her! I hope her business continues to flourish!

[@blackgirlstart]

Love her !! So happy to see this feature 💚

[@celina5324]

Been following her from 2020..such an inspiration 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@JR-_-2010]

So inspiring. Thank you so much for posting.

[@bronxkies]

Ms. Faustin, you’re an inspiration! I’m a 35 year old native New Yorker as well and do need some sort of side income lol. I’m a veteran full time elementary school teacher and was wondering what I’d do on the side. Still not sure but thank you for inspiration. And, my darling your food looks AMAZING!

[@msadviceisnice]

What an inspiration!!! Feeling like you are only working to pay bills is not at all inspiring or a recipe for a fulfilled, happy life! Keep at it, Girl! You've inspired this Lady here 🙋‍♀

[@kaze987]

Well done! And thank you for taking care of babies in the NICU and fighting on the front lines during the pandemic!!

[@summergirlv]

I’ve watched this woman grow on instagram, her hustle is so respectable!

[@queenlala916]

Love her!!! Her food always looks so good🥰

[@DebtDemolisherTV]

Such a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!

[@simply_janae_7217]

❤️❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲I love that you were featured and sharing your story 😊

[@sabrinamobley1978]

God bless you, sis. Thank you for doing what was necessary during the pandemic and everyday. This is very inspirational. I'm working on doing something similar.

[@kazkazzie3906]

I am so happy for this lady. Good for you. I wish you the best in your businesses 😊

[@godisallaroundus]

This has been exactly what I needed to see for so long. Thank you so much praise God for you.

[@evakamau2412]

I love you on Instagram! Proud of you 👏🏾 ❤️❤️

[@asc_yourself_why]

Ayeee!! That’s TiGreg’s mom!! #TheRealOnesKnow

[@tawongamvula7757]

Truly inspiring! Keep up with the good work.

[@Grace2me623]

First-gen Jamaican and NYC ICU nurse here - sooooo proud! The sky is the limit Helena 🥳

[@sugarbeefactory]

absolutely love her recipes!!!

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

Loved this so very much, I actually watched THE WHOLE THING!!!! !!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Girl Power, I’m so proud and happy for you!! Thank you for sharing 💝🙌