How This College Student Built Her $300/Month Side Hustle

Carmella Taitt is a 20-year-old college student and natural hairstylist from Brooklyn, New York. She has clients both at George Mason University in Virginia and back home in Brooklyn. Even though her hair braiding business is technically a side hustle, Carmella sees it as more of a “spiritual practice” and likes to offer student discounts to give back to her community.
Follow Carmella on Instagram at / mellanin.magic
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How This College Student Built Her $300/Month Side Hustle

[@DoctorFashion]

She offer student discounts ? Like whyyyy? Her price is already low to begin with .. And she said 40% off .. I can’t! . We gotta help her y’all! She’s really doing hair for FREE .. none of her time is being compensated

[@sidehustlevikki1066]

Doing hair is a GREAT side hustle but sis raise your prices and stop offering discounts. What you make a month you can make in a week. $300 should easily be 2 heads! I love that black business owners love helping out a friend and considering what others can afford BUT i have learned that the ppl who claim they cannot afford your services will then turn around and blow money on other things they do not need. She can still make money while offering a competitive price. PUT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS FIRST SIS. #keephustling

[@luckycharms960]

I think it’s great to give back to the community by not charging an arm and leg.

[@x97sfinest]

@@luckycharms960 it's a bigger lesson to teach your community that we all need to value ourselves and pay each other what we're worth, but I do see your point. There's a way to respectfully explain that this is your time (the most valuable resource) so you cannot afford to accept less.

[@shadiaahmed4762]

Yes, echoing what everyone is saying, you really should be charging more. Something that takes 10hrs of your time (ESPECIALLY something as labour intensive standing up and braiding) should cost AT LEAST 200 on its own! Do not value yourself for less than 20 an hour. You are an amazing hustler and I only wish you more prosperity as you grow your business! Keep at it lady

[@ladiirissa100]

She's clearly not charging enough and that's not fair to her. I'm getting braids Sunday and I'm paying $195

[@miriamstrauss]

Ya. She’s young. She’ll learn. Impressive still for the fact she’s a college student

[@srsmithali]

Great job, however she does not seem to be charging enough to even afford to buy the edge control and hair products.

[@sabrinatatalias4277]

That’s cool she does that especially on college campus I bet there’s a major need for it. Although that $200-300 seems really low to me. I always thought it was a good $100-200 for braids for natural Hair. I’m picturing her rates may be lower just because...it’s a college setting and not everyone can drop $200-300 on hair, but she needs to make sure she’s charging for her time as well especially if it’s 5-10 hours per client. I wonder if people tip too like you should for a hair service?!?!? Regardless, I thought this was a cool idea, but she should treat it more like a “business” in the sense of her pricing structure should could easily keep the same # of clients per month but just adjust pricing to get ) $100-200 more per month.

[@sabrinatatalias4277]

I feel okay speaking to this, I’m 21 and have a few different side hustles while in college and church out around $500 per month. I do literal market research surveys, and with that I just am confused because I’d expect this girl to make more than me. Extra: I wonder if she can buy those products she uses in bulk to save money?

[@natasia325]

My braids cost $180

[@VictoriaJean]

I totally agree with you.

[@sironeil-personalfinancere9367]

This is great! Doing hair has been a side hustle for many generations in the black community. Love ghay CNBC is telling this story

[@missm5238]

Exactly!

[@neykamarie6181]

YES GIRL you better get your hustle on! keep going! youre in such a lucrative business! Raise the prices a little bit but youre in there! $200 can be from one client alone doing a box braid style mid back length.

[@halsa9923]

You could easily charge at least $150 per style, these styles take a long time to do and take a lot of product! That would be $600/ month if you book 1 client a week. The go to stylist at my uni charges $200 per head for box braids.

[@courtneyloreal1134]

Yess!! I love seeing this on here! She should definitely charge more! I just paid $200 for large knotless braids.. braiding is time and work! Girls that do weave In their dorm rooms at HBCUs make even more! Lol

[@genwilson7741]

She can definitely charge more, HOWEVER, I’m so happy she is trying to work with students and low income people. It’s hard when you can’t afford to get your hair done when like she stated, it’s of high importance for the black community. I think that she should continue as she’s doing and her friends and family should give her a tip if they can afford more that month. Maybe they got a nice Christmas card from grandma and can afford to pay 200 that month but next month they only have $130. Also after college she should definitely increase her rates. Hair can be so expensive and I’m always so happy to hear when stylist are working with low income clients but those same clients should be open to paying more when they make more.

[@LeilahWoods123]

​@@genwilson7741Hi, I'm Carmella! This is exactly my motivation for helping people with lower income! As someone who knows what it is like to have a lower income and still want to keep up my appearance, I'm able to empathise with other black women who are in that same position. Being blessed with the talent of doing hair allows me the opportunity to truly give back to my community, while also considering everyone's different circumstances. Once I graduate and my clientele increases, I plan to adjust my rates accordingly. Thank you so much for perfectly understanding where I am coming from! Have a blessed day!

[@genwilson7741]

@@LeilahWoods123 oh snap! Your the lady from the video! Thanks for the reply girl and thanks for working with the low income people. We need to help each other more especially these days with covid making everyone broke. Your also building that clientele cause once all your college friends graduate and get that real money they can still come to you and pay you big dollars for all those days you hooked them up in the dorm rooms. Thanks for being such a big help to the community. Stay blessed! ☺️

[@artofnia]

Yesss to showcasing a young, black, female entrepreneur who is so focused & talented 👏🏽

[@michaelvan6675]

Why’s it always about race?

[@andrepoghosyan8269]

@@michaelvan6675 or gender?

[@michaelvan6675]

@@andrepoghosyan8269 or age

[@andrepoghosyan8269]

@@michaelvan6675 true

[@Not2008Me]

This was me in college. I didn't do extensions, but I did loc maintenance for men and women. It helped me keep money in my pocket. I wasn't rich, but it helped being in college and not having a lot of financial backing sometimes things can get hard. I recommend always having a side hustle. I only stopped after I started dating my husband senior year of college because he didn't want "No man laying up under his woman getting their hair washed" lmbo! He said he'd pay my phone bill, buy my books etc...so I wouldn't have to do that anymore and he did. Been happily married 10 years now, but that hair hustle helped me out back when I needed it.

[@octavia1amazing]

Lol love the story

[@thepreventionista4732]

Great job!! Please raise your prices!! You deserve it.

[@snuckumsss750]

Bless u babe. You are very patient I must say. I could not withstand the turnover of clients weekly, an aching back and sore fingers. Yet as you mentioned it is a spiritual connection. Xxx

[@debbie12346]

Sometimes 40% 😮😮😮 wow I'm not sure what you're charging but don't discount that much girl ! These styles take long and you're a student as well! This is also an amazing video, thanks to this channel for making it, love it!

[@itstimeforlife]

Charge more sis!!! It's tedious work. Also Coro is looming and you in close proximity to people. It's also obviously taking time away from your studies! Charge more. You deserve it! 😊

[@alona724]

Yeah. She can definitely get more money.

[@LeilahWoods123]

Hey Everybody! My name is Carmella, and that is me featured in this video. If you would like to support me on my journey pleaseeee follow me on Instagram @mellanin.magic , which is also where you can contact me about any of your inquiries. Thank you to CNBC and to all of you for your love and support! ❤️

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Even if your side hustle earns $10/month, keep at it!

[@abesapien9930]

Huh? It would be wiser to look for a better hustle.

[@miriamstrauss]

Agreed. impressive for a college student

[@orchid2407]

Great job girl but please raise your prices, if you are doing quality work charge for it!!! I think you are seriously under selling, $300 a month when some take 10 hours is problematic. Your time is more valuable than that.

[@gm-vf2zz]

I wouldn’t count this as a side hustle but more her giving back to her community. She kinda said so herself. Either way love her hair ❤️

[@chellybaby]

I love this!! Definitely charge more but keep it up!

[@theulysses7236]

I hope she reads these comments, because it sounds like she could be charging a LOT more. It's understandable to charge less when you're just starting out, or doing your family/friend's hair, but if every job costs you at least 16USD, and you're only taking home ~200-300USD each month, there's A LOT of room to charge more for your services.

[@NickVetter]

I am not black or a women but this girl should charge more.

[@miriamstrauss]

Definitely. She’s young. She’ll learn

[@simplythebest5341]

Some things does not sound correct I did hair in college as a side hussle and made a minimum of $600 per week

[@presidentanp]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jerrypie]

Oh she goes to GMU. :O I wonder why she chose GMU. I'm from Fairfax County and GMU is kinda a random school for someone to go to out of state, especially from New York.

[@rohansmusic4931]

Proximity to D.C.? Maybe didn't get into AU/GWU/GU so chose GMU.

[@shiwan45]

Honey you're not charging enough .$300 is just for one person

[@natashaapril8693]

Awesome! Sending you many blessings for a successful future! ❤❤❤

[@user-eu2me4bp7j]

Carmella if you see this - please do not negotiate your prices! You have talent and skill, not to mention it is taking your time and resources to do this. Remember your worth. Furthermore, 40% student discount is too much! If you want to give a discount for students, consider 10-15%! Wishing you lots of luck and prosperity! Good luck!

[@raynamaldonado1058]

It’s not that much for students. And if she wants to do it that way she can. There’s a lot of students that even paying 60% is out of their budget and I think making these things accessible to people of color is more important.

[@raynamaldonado1058]

@Michael I mean if this was strictly for her income but again she has the choice to do whatever she wants to do. And I think creating a loving and beautiful community for black people to finally enjoy their hair and feel like it can create different windows of opportunity for shining different aspects of their personality… All of that is a lot more important to her and I think right now it’s really important to a lot of people. So maybe instead of focusing on the money part of it… Maybe support what she’s doing for the community of people that She is both a part of and helping

[@maarten2803]

@@raynamaldonado1058 if 80% is out of your budget, then you shouldn't go for 60%. You shouldn't go at all.

[@AshleyObasi]

Agreed if there’s one thing people will spend money on, it’s their appearance. Raise the prices, minimally $160 for individual braids

[@sidehustlevikki1066]

@@raynamaldonado1058 at the end of the day you are right she can charge what she wants to charge but it is somewhat obvious that her side hustle is not really profitable unless she is only doing 2 heads per month. At minimium it will take her 6 hours to do one head of braids (that is a fast braider) $300/month / (6hours/headx2heads/month)= is only $25/ hour. plus she said she has no car and it costs her $16 \/ head on average not to mention the additional time needed to prep the braiding hair and cleaning up.

[@justicejoycetv]

Wow. *A true blue real deal side hustle we all take part in during school. Kudos to both - her for telling the story and CNBC for covering this.* SHOUT OUT FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNTS.🥰🥰 *We definitely needed such while in undergrad and grad.*

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

That’s great. If you’ve got skills, they will pay.

[@jaimiek1116]

Okay CNBC Make it, I see you!! Keep it up girl, may your business continue to flourish!

[@MRMT2000]

finally some normal stuf

[@miriamstrauss]

Hahah ya true

[@Investingforthe99Percent]

Love seeing people hustle like this, especially at such a young age!

[@ennayak113]

yeah this woman is awesome

[@OWNReview]

Love this ❤️

[@ananyav3395]

Awesome!!

[@keddycameron2723]

You go girl

[@ray.Mamuks]

Love It!!!

[@Samahsings]

I think it’s great she is helping so many by keeping her prices low. I remember being in college and not being able to afford certain hairstyles but once she graduates she should raise the prices.

[@shiwan45]

No she should charge more

[@Samahsings]

@@shiwan45 She can if she wants.

[@shiwan45]

@@Samahsings yes whatever she wants

[@nicoleiradukunda5569]

Well girl, great job to you too! This is also my side hustle as well and I am graduating in 2 weeks have been doing this for 2years when in college.

[@Sagwafu]

Awesome! Save that money or invest it! You got this.

[@nicoleiradukunda5569]

@@Sagwafu thanks for your advice that’s what I am planning to do. Have a great day.

[@khadijahmasseni99]

Black girl magic 💕

[@ToddBaldwin]

Wow!! Carmella you are killing it! Such an inspiration and role model!

[@hettyj8335]

You go Girl 👏 👧 🙌

[@HP-rp5nn]

Way to go sis

[@isaiahproctorone]

Keep pushing!

[@FinancialBeanstalk]

Love seeing people find unique ways to make side income!

[@dertythegrower]

unique? you know like 1 in 4 girls does this same career path.

[@FinancialBeanstalk]

@@dertythegrower but if you have another job and can make a few hundred extra on the side with a skill like this, it’s a win win!

[@saraineurope1357]

It's so inspiring, I am just like her I used to make purses made out of paper filled with sweets and sell them for $1 when I was in grade 2

[@miriamstrauss]

That’s cool. What do you do now?

[@TheAlfredPlatform]

congrats Carmella!!!

[@jeffdorris5321]

Nice work 🎆

[@EvitasBudgetingLife]

#blackgirlmagic yesssss!!!

[@alona724]

It’s clear she’s doing just family and friends’ hair at a steep discount. Great braiders can make that in a day. Best of luck to her!

[@ugochukwuharbor5519]

You inspired me to go out and start a side hustle gig in 2021!

[@ikobo_]

Braiding in the bedroom is my nightmare.... Picking up random hair fibers for next 6months after you took the hair out. I always go to my stylists, I hate the cleanup.

[@AshleyObasi]

Raise your prices sis! In Chicago box braids start at $180, and $260 for the popular knotless

[@justicejoycetv]

Wait. Outside the shop?.

[@neykamarie6181]

FOR SURE. def the prices for braids she can make 3x what she makes even part time.

[@myderonem1d395]

She probably charges more." but for Tax reasons"

[@niafaith]

so why be like everyone else.

[@trinaija]

Up those prices girl. You seriously could be making at least 1500/month

[@arain764niara]

My sister did hair in college twice. It's time consuming and college students are broke

[@vickeybell]

So happy to have produced this video! Thank you so much to CNBC Make It for the opportunity to showcase my work and Carmella’s story!

[@thenation2093]

Yassss Girl! She needs to charge more!

[@BlackExcellenceProductions]

Do yo thang sista girl ✊🏿✊🏿

[@fashionablylate9020]

Ill tell you what, there’s a lot of money to be made in this business. You go girl! Wish I knew how to braid

[@camaya9065]

Wwweeerrrkkk!!!! Go sis so proud ❤️

[@biyuwang9952]

Who else has stock trading as a side hustle?

[@kathleenstoner.n7499]

Here. Though presently the market isn't so favorable unlike the previous year, i made an Average of $3700-$4000 weekly and still worked full time.

[@sakhalittle9206]

@@kathleenstoner.n7499 That's more than a side hustle. Why still work full-time? How possible? A bot traded for you or what?

[@kathleenstoner.n7499]

@@sakhalittle9206 😂 passion. Found one Sandra Yvonne webster on the internet in all honesty she's an angel.

[@buryatiaduckyBIiIy8143]

@@kathleenstoner.n7499 Martha Elizabeth Linsley of Morgan Stanley & Co?

[@Je.rone_]

Keep it up, I'm sure after this you'll find yourself with more clients!! Hey maybe even me

[@miriamstrauss]

Yep! Definitely impressive for a college student

[@mayataylor5743]

You go girl , nothing wrong with offering good prices for college students .

[@ConnieBTV]

I think she charges too little. But some money is better than no money 💰

[@deeptikushwah11th47]

Really inspiring..🤞

[@miriamstrauss]

Agreed. Yep! Definitely impressive for a college student

[@oreally88]

Thats awwsome, im happy she found a great side hustle.

[@nigelmrodgers]

Realistic, straight forward, achievable. Awesome!

[@miriamstrauss]

Totally agree. Definitely impressive for a college student

[@miluzamara]

shoo i want to book her for marley twist...i would even tip. She does a good job

[@dollybands9500]

Girl charge at least $150 for braids

[@naldis253]

I'm so proud of her! The sliding scale and student discount shows a level of compassion that encourages customers loyalty. I wish her well!

[@ggnics8578]

I'm 20 had my first $100k few months ago. Working towards another $100k! Just being smart and frugal with my money. Thanks to my Dad for putting me forward to personal finance and Investing earlier

[@jamestownkevin9459]

Congrats 🎉 I celebrate your Dad too! He did great. I'm currently at $5k (age43) hoping to hit the $100k mark too. Though it seems far

[@ggnics8578]

@@jamestownkevin9459 Thanks means alot ❣️

[@jashhem7029]

Hey 👋 Can you share tips for someone trying to start out working on my finances

[@ggnics8578]

@@jashhem7029 I've got few 1. Save 2. Invest: this two can definitely get you out of most poverty situations

[@jashhem7029]

@@ggnics8578 Thanks for replying to my questions, I'll work with that

[@shadiaahmed4762]

Ugh you are such a sweetheart! I wish I wasn't so tender headed because I would fly down to the US to just give you all my money and support your business!

[@maryokwara8985]

Well done. Keep it up.

[@miriamstrauss]

Cool! Good to have side income, no matter how small. She’s developing healthy money management skills 👍🏻

[@asapmonkey2393]

if you can make 300 you can make 3000 and 30,000

[@zoran3771]

Go George Mason University! Patriots woohooo!

[@arandomkenyan]

Great start. Follow through with a company, employees and maybe franchise...why not. Either way, Black Excellence always a joy to see 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯

[@miriamstrauss]

Agreed! Definitely impressive for a college student

[@ivenv3212]

Is there a way to invest in her business?

[@Tolu1994]

Get your coin sis

[@chanicec3023]

LOVE that they’re bringing light to this. As a black woman, this is nothing new to me. I’ve supported local hairstylists for years to get my hair done, and I will continue to do so. Nonetheless, I’m sooo happy that this was featured.

[@chanicec3023]

@CNBC Make It hmmm what are we discussing?

[@themagicman6965]

I had no interest in this videos content and did not listen, but I think I am in love.

[@quelquun2018]

I'm a black young woman, 21, hair is not important to me AT ALL!!😂😂😂😂 I prefer my hair super short, with a fade and waves. I cut it every 3 months To each their own

[@itsxandyy]

You’re the minority of black women

[@dertythegrower]

Less time and less chemicals, and your hair will last way longer.

[@stephanieokolo5101]

Uhh ok lol

[@Sagwafu]

Loving the content featuring women of color! :) Keep up the great work Carmella. Charge more, you are worth it!

[@chlero_eyes]

I hope she's filing a 1099 after this, I herd the irs likes to watch youtube

[@maryamelia2645]

My 17 year old son just made his first 20k investing in cryptocurrency, I love to see our youth actually starting to earn real income at a young age.

[@jerrywalker2183]

his just 17? he most be a genius

[@lutherstorms2168]

that's really impressive

[@jorgeyepes4830]

my daughter wouldn't stop bugging me about investing, kids theses days are so different.

[@brittanymyers780]

I'll would say you let her invent, it's gonna be a good experience for her. you only need to get her a professional to help guide her properly.

[@maggiecole3630]

Cryptocurrencies are really opening doors for new investors, it's practically success made easy

[@MegaMijit]

300 a month is not a lot

[@nightron3839]

Only the poor would classify investing in FOREX as a waste of time. Without having the knowledge that the ones who invest their money in FOREX than spend it are the ones making millions.

[@PamelaMRoche]

You are absolutely right, People who invest in FOREX are practically known as Millionaires.

[@keithr.bostrom4053]

I have little or no idea on trading FOREX, But I have a professional account manager that sends me my profit every 7days.

[@debrak.miller9176]

I have invested so much on FOREX, All turned out to yield nothing.

[@PamelaMRoche]

@@debrak.miller9176 Oh no! I have been there making investment that turns out to yield nothing, Mrs Meyer changed those empty investments to a profitable one.

[@KellyAHunt]

@@PamelaMRoche So relaxed seeing someone else who trade with Mrs Julie R. Meyer. I can now go ahead with my second trade with her without any doubts.

[@tanisha2761]

Great job and keep up the work. Please raise your price

[@danielled108]

33rd!!!

[@miriamstrauss]

Hello ✌🏻

[@danielled108]

@@miriamstrauss hi❤✝️

[@miriamstrauss]

@@danielled108 how are you

[@danielled108]

@@miriamstrauss I'm good! How are you?

[@duanefranklin8796]

lnvesting in crypto now shouId be in every wise individuaIs list, in some months time you'Il be ecstatic with the decision you made today.

[@anderben5521]

Most inteIligent words I've heard.

[@raulcecil9425]

Crypto is the new goId

[@miltonchester5815]

I wanted to trade Crypto but got discouraged by the fUuctuations in price

[@raulcecil9425]

@@miltonchester5815 That won't bother you if you trade with a professionaI Iike Mr Anthony Steven

[@miltonchester5815]

I heard that his strategies are reaIIy good

[@Lukesky2525]

300 a month? props to her but so many more people hustling and making more out there

[@miriamstrauss]

Ya but she’s just a college student and she’s ahead of her peers in learning the value of developing alternate income streams and healthy money management skills 👍🏻

[@zeAristotle]

@@miriamstrauss tbh a regular part time job would pay more lol

[@connieb.4071]

Every black girl has a cousin that did this for her growing up

[@billbandoh5818]

Watch this right now ?: Comment a 1 Watch Graham possibly react to this: Comment 2

[@dertythegrower]

No, ebeggar you get downvoted for doing this. stop begging for likes

[@billbandoh5818]

@@dertythegrower aye yo... who’s mans is this

[@alexanderphilip1809]

Dont understand why people are obsessed with labelling their hardwork as "hustle" the definition for which seems to be as follows hustler= "a person who employs fraudulent or unscrupulous methods to obtain money; swindler". Glorifying unethical behaviour may be i am misaing something.

[@adamknight5089]

In this case, I'd say doing hair braiding is cash in hand work and undocumented, it's actually illegal. They need to register a business name, pay taxes etc if they want to do it legally

[@sunshinexoxo6107]

@@adamknight5089 make sure that if you cut your neighbour's lawn, it's free or that'll be unscrupulous. Don't pay your niece to babysit, it's unscrupulous. Why does a college kid using her talents in between studies, in her dorm room bother you?

[@adamknight5089]

What exactly makes black people's hair more versatile that others?

[@shanicemarrow2363]

Because we have a ton of different textures that allows us to try pretty much any hairstyle and be able to sustain it. Pretty difficult for other textures especially with braids

[@Glamchic01]

Google it