This Q&A spotlights Maxine Williams on Side Hustle. She is the founder We met IRLa relationship-building organization that hosts speed dating, socializing, and social gatherings for 25-35-year-olds in New York, Washington, D.C., and other cities.
Photo credit: Courtesy of We Met IRL. Maxine Williams.
What was your day job (or other sources of income) when you began working on the side?
When I began We Met IRL, I used to be an information video producer!
When did you begin your side business and where did you discover the inspiration for it?
I began my side business in 2022, although the idea got here to me at the end of 2021. I used to be inspired to create We met IRL because I felt an alternative to dating apps was needed. As a Gen Z woman, dating apps and social media have all the time been the norm in how we communicate and connect with each other. However, during the pandemic, many of us have realized the true value of face-to-face contact.
What were the first steps you took to break away from the game?
I ran it through my family and a few trusted close friends who I knew could be honest with me. Their opinions and comments are very necessary to me and I’m grateful that I have a community of individuals I can rely on. After receiving so much support, I knew I had to make a move. My next steps were to select a catchy name and create a cool logo. I leaned on my brother Oscar Bowdry and my best friend LaNia Roberts for this! From there, I arrange our Instagram account, secured a venue, and handed out flyers to anyone who would listen. Additionally, from the starting, my events have been published exclusively on Eventand I made this decision because it is the most trusted platform for organizing events. Eventbrite was particularly necessary in promoting my events, reaching a wider audience and efficiently managing ticket sales. The rest is history! I have come such a great distance and I’m grateful to find a way to take this journey.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in building your side team and how did you overcome them?
Since starting my company in February 2022, I have overcome many obstacles on my entrepreneurial journey. I drained my savings to reserve the first few spots and worked tirelessly, handing out flyers, going to businesses to announce my singles events. No one took me seriously, and at first there was little or no attendance. Through trial and error, I learned how to make changes and promote myself using social media. In the starting, I struggled to get enough views and likes for the algorithms to pick up my content. Eventbrite also played a significant role here, providing a platform to promote my events and track attendance trends, which helped me refine my strategies. Now, with many viral posts under my belt, I’m consistently considering about how to increase my following and brand loyalty so that I can organize my events in other cities and create latest products that can provide additional income.
Photo credit: Courtesy of We Met IRL
How long did it take for you to achieve stable monthly income? How much did the side hustle earn?
It took me about a yr to get a regular monthly income. When I began, I made about $800 a month.
What does growth and revenue seem like today?
During the two years of our activity, we have developed in many respects. I manage a team of 4 event producers. We’ve done events in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and in fact, tons of events in New York. We organize three to 4 events monthly; When we began, I did one event a month. We make between $2,000 and $4,000 a month, depending on the variety of events we host and attendance.
What do you enjoy most about running this business?
I feel like I’m really changing the way my generation connects with each other. Since 2022, there have been several other series of events very similar to mine, which began in other cities. I think we definitely began the “IRL” dating event trend and I’m glad I paved the way for others!
Photo credit: Courtesy of We Met IRL
What is your advice for others who want to start successful businesses or their very own side hustle?
My advice is to try it. If you have a great idea, pursue it. Even if you think you are not perfect or experienced enough to do it, and even if you think you will not make it, all the experiences are price it. I’d reasonably try and fail than years later saying “what if” – or worse, seeing another person fulfill your dreams because you never achieved them.