What happens when creativity, community, and hustle collide?
In this episode of The Diary of a Side Hustler, we meet Ja’Mya Giles — a cybersecurity analyst by day, entrepreneur by night, and community builder always.
Originally from River Rouge, Michigan, Ja'Mya's story is proof that your passion projects can become purpose-driven businesses and that side hustling can be about way more than just making money.
From almost joining the Marines to landing a cybersecurity career after attending a STEM camp, Ja'Mya’s path has been anything but traditional. But one thing has stayed the same — her commitment to giving back.
Today, she’s the founder of Village to Village Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth mentorship and scholarship, and the owner of Mya Made Customs, a growing custom apparel and gifting business. Both are built from a heart for community and a love for creativity.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
How Ja'Mya discovered cybersecurity (spoiler: ROTC & summer camp played a role)
How word-of-mouth grew her side hustle into 60+ orders a month (with no website!)
The story behind her nonprofit Village to Village and its impact on first-gen students
How she manages working full-time while running two passion projects
What being a side hustler really looks like beyond social media glam
The importance of mentorship, community, and believing in what’s possible for you
This episode is for anyone trying to balance a 9-5, a side hustle, and a mission bigger than themselves.
Listen now and get inspired to lead with heart, build with purpose, and bet on yourself — even when the path isn’t perfect.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review! Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration to take their own side hustle to the next level.
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