This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Sam Lewkowict, co-founder and CEO of the men’s grooming brand Black Wolf Nation. At the age of twenty-two, Lewkowict founded the Black Wolf Nation with his brother Alex Lewkowict; Since then, the company has grown to greater than $50 million in revenue and established a presence in Rite Aid retail stores, CVS, Best Buy and more.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Black Wolf Nation. Lewkowita herself.
What were your other sources of income when you began your side hustle and began building Black Wolf Nation?
At that point we lived with virtually no income. It was a difficult place where there was no real financial security. That’s when we realized we needed to get creative and find a method to make some extra money – fast.
We took to the streets, knocked on doors, handed out leaflets and talked sweetly to anyone who would listen. Offering this first detail at half price was our secret weapon, and boy did it work like a charm.
What do you enjoy most about running Black Wolf Nation?
There is something truly magical about connecting with your customers on a personal level. Listening to their stories, opinions and enthusiasm about our products is what motivates us every day. Knowing that something we created with our own hands exists in the world and changes people’s lives is intoxicating.
What is your advice for others trying to start a successful side hustle or their very own business?
When it involves side hustles, it should be low risk and high reward – something that may be achieved without high investment costs and burnout. That’s the fantastic thing about a good side hustle – it’s like having your cake and eating it too, without sacrificing your major job.