Career Exploration Series: Milica Dodic on her nail art business, Rhymes with Pizza.
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In this interview we chat with Milica Dodic, a career professional and the owner of Rhymes with Pizza. Milica was a speaker for our January 2021 Side Hustle 101 event, where she shared her story and tips for others considering a side hustle launch.
Can you tell us about you and your side hustle, Rhymes with Pizza?
Hi! I’m Milica (which rhymes with “pizza”). I live in Toronto, I’m 30, and I am an immigrant from Serbia. My strong academic background pushed me towards admin and business-related jobs in the film and television industry.
My business, Rhymes with Pizza, allows me to express my creative side through nail art. I make hand-painted, custom press-on nails and nail care products.
I am also a mental health advocate, a baker, painter, film buff, and dog mom.
Were there any specific events or experiences that led you to start this side hustle?
I have been practicing nail art since I was about 12 years old. It was always a hobby. About six years ago, I decided to open it up as a small business, after having several friends suggest that I should start charging for the service. What was once a hobby turned into painting nails for friends, and then doing small “nail parties.” And it grew from there.
In your opinion, how does one's mindset impact their side hustle success?
I always talk about the ebb and flow of things. You have to adapt to whatever is thrown at you. Be like water; not like a rock! If you adopt a beginner’s mindset (what is called “shoshin” in Zen Buddhism, something I was introduced to by my partner), it will help you see things anew, and allow you to change where needed. It’s really about having a growth mindset, and having compassion for yourself (and clients) when things go not-according-to-plan.
Can you give us a quick recap on the '6 Cs' you shared with our Side Hustle 101 event audience?
The 6 C’s help me in my own business, though they can be used for really any aspect of life. You may find other tools that help you, or a combination of these.
Curiosity - Be willing to learn and explore what it is you’re doing, including your strengths and weaknesses. Curiosity helps you change where needed. i.e “What can I do differently to make my products more attractive to consumers?”, OR, “Is there a course I can take to help me improve my skills?”
Courage - Have the strength to do something that scares you. i.e. get rid of something that’s not working in your business, OR, press go on a new business idea you have researched.
Compassion - Give yourself time and space. If you have a day that you don’t feel energized or are just feeling down in the dumps, then just rest. Give yourself a break. Same goes for any clients you work with. We all have lives outside of work.
Community - Find a space with like-minded people and those that can offer you advice and support. There are plenty of social media groups, or virtual events created for connection. Reach out to others in your industry - they are your community, not your competition
Creativity - Use your imagination. Get inspired by those around you. Listen to music, look at images that spark your creativity.
Contracts - I cannot stress enough the importance of contracts. Whether it is a collaboration/partnership or work for a client. Protect yourself and your service/product, even if it’s with someone you already know.
Missed our Side Hustle 101 event? Read the Recap here.
What were some of the 'transferable skills' from your education and career (to date) that came in handy when setting up and running your side hustle?
I have a background of working in business affairs - so everything from contracts, legal jargon, creating sales deals, and administrative work. Those skills help keep me protected and organized.
I also have experience working as a programmer in film (basically the person who evaluates films) and an event coordinator. So the skills I gained from these jobs help me discern and analyze visuals, and also keep me mindful of budgeting and timelines.
Point being: whatever job or education you have, there are definitely some skills you can transfer over into business.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your side hustle?
I was laid off from my last job working in business affairs and recruiting at a major animation studio in May 2019. This allowed me the opportunity to take my business into a full-time schedule. Because I do not see clients in person due to the pandemic (I also operate from home), I made the switch to offering press-on nails. They are reusable, easy-to-use, and do not damage your nails. Because I have friends that are immuno-compromised, it was important to me to have a product that keeps everyone safe.
While the financial stress is very much there, I feel more fulfilled now that I am able to finally use my skills for my own benefit. Autonomy is so important to me.
Do you have any advice for other women looking to start a side hustle?
Do your research, because you want to provide the best service/product. The easiest thing to sell is the thing you know a lot about, and are also passionate about. For example, I could talk about nails and art all day long!
Don’t forget to make time for rest. You need to have a life outside of work, whether that’s your full-time job, or a part-time business. Find the style of work that fits you. Another example: I know I can’t “hustle,” otherwise I burn out quickly. I have to make time for rest, especially as a creative - I can’t force the creative mojo if it’s not there, otherwise I just stress myself out.
Read More: Maria Curtosi on mother-daughter business ownership and advice for other women entrepreneurs
Similarly, any advice for women who are transitioning their side hustle to a 'full-time hustle'?
Create a schedule or routine for yourself, and find a community. I was fortunate to find a community as soon as I made my switch, so the change from having coworkers and having a set 10am-6pm workday schedule to not having either didn’t feel so bad. I had people that would hold me accountable and that supported me.
Also: be adaptable. Have that compassion for yourself in knowing when your schedule is getting disorganized or it’s not working for you, and change things up.
What is next for you and Rhymes with Pizza?
I just launched some nail care products. Especially with the cold winter months and the pandemic, it’s important to keep our nails and hands healthy. I am always adding new collections to my shop, and creating custom designs. While working on my business, I am also doing some job hunting and hoping to find some work to supplement my business. That may come in the form of a new business I’m working on, to help creatives with their legal admin and business affairs.
It’s tough especially now, because things are constantly changing. While that can be stressful, I try to look at it as an opportunity to do something new.