Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Brown.
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Tale of Two Businesses: How Side Hustle Saturday & Studio 951 Were Born
I’ve always believed entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money — it’s about creating opportunities, telling stories, and building community. My journey with Studio 951 and Side Hustle Saturday began as two separate ideas but grew into complementary platforms that fuel my passion for business, creativity, and empowerment.
The Spark: Studio 951
Back in [year you launched], I founded Studio 951 LLC with one goal: to help small businesses and entrepreneurs shine online. From day one, I wanted to be more than a “website designer” or “marketer.” Studio 951 was my way of combining my love of digital strategy, design, and community impact into a one-stop creative agency.
I started small — building websites for local entrepreneurs, creating logos, managing social media — but I always kept my focus on elevating brands and helping owners feel seen. Over time, Studio 951 grew into a trusted marketing partner for businesses across Ohio and beyond.
The Pivot: Side Hustle Saturday
While Studio 951 was taking off, I realized I was meeting so many incredible hustlers — people with big ideas but no platform to share them. That’s when Side Hustle Saturday was born. What started as a simple podcast/video series has evolved into a vibrant show featuring entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers.
The mission? To give side hustlers and small-business owners a voice, to inspire others to start or scale their own ventures, and to show that there’s no one “right” way to build a dream.
Two Brands, One Vision
At first glance, Studio 951 and Side Hustle Saturday look like two different businesses. In reality, they’re two sides of the same coin. Studio 951 is about building the digital and strategic foundation; Side Hustle Saturday is about amplifying the stories. Together, they reflect my belief that entrepreneurship is a movement — and everyone deserves the tools and inspiration to succeed.
Where We’re Headed
Today, Studio 951 continues to expand its services, and Side Hustle Saturday is reaching wider audiences through streaming platforms and social media. Both are fueled by the same mission: to empower entrepreneurs, build community, and create opportunities where none existed before.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. When I launched Studio 951 and later Side Hustle Saturday, I was building two businesses from the ground up, often juggling client work, new projects, and my personal life all at once. I’ve hired contractors rather than interns to help with the workload, but even with support I’m still learning, growing, and putting systems in place so both brands can scale sustainably.
The beauty of it all is that the process has forced me to look within and discover things about myself I never knew — my resilience, my creativity under pressure, and my ability to lead and build something from scratch. Every challenge has been a lesson, and every lesson has made me a better entrepreneur and a stronger advocate for other business owners.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Studio 951 and Side Hustle Saturday?
Studio 951 is my full-service digital marketing and creative agency. We specialize in website design and development, brand strategy, social media management, and content creation for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organizations. What sets us apart is how hands-on and collaborative we are — we don’t just “build a website,” we help clients clarify their story, craft their messaging, and position their brand for growth. Many of the people we work with are first-time business owners, so we make the process approachable, structured, and empowering. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Studio 951 has become known locally as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs who want big-agency results but also value personal care, creativity, and community impact.
Side Hustle Saturday grew out of that same spirit. It’s a multimedia platform — podcast, video series, and social hub — dedicated to spotlighting side hustlers, small business owners, and creatives. Through interviews, educational content, and behind-the-scenes stories, we give everyday entrepreneurs a stage and inspire others to start or scale their own ventures. What sets Side Hustle Saturday apart is its authenticity; it’s not just a business show, it’s a movement that makes entrepreneurship relatable, inclusive, and exciting.
Together, the two brands form a full ecosystem: Studio 951 helps entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses; Side Hustle Saturday amplifies their stories and connects them to a larger audience. Both are grounded in my belief that entrepreneurship changes lives, and both are fueled by my passion for seeing others win.
For readers, the biggest takeaway is that whether you’re looking for a creative partner to build your brand (Studio 951) or a platform to share your journey and get inspired (Side Hustle Saturday), we’re here to help you stand out, grow, and feel supported every step of the way.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice is to be intentional and proactive. Don’t wait for a mentor to “find” you — identify people whose work you admire, study what they’re doing, and then reach out with a clear, respectful ask. Most mentors are more open to sharing their time than you think, especially if you show you’ve done your homework.
When it comes to networking, I’ve learned to focus on building genuine relationships instead of just collecting business cards. I go to local events, small business expos, and community programs, but I don’t just show up — I engage. I volunteer to help at booths, speak on panels, or create social content at events. Those small acts of service have led to long-term relationships and collaborations for both Studio 951 and Side Hustle Saturday.
What’s worked best for me is combining online and offline networking. I connect with people on LinkedIn and Instagram, but I also make sure to follow up with a coffee meeting or a Zoom call. That personal touch makes a huge difference. Over time, mentors and peers have become friends, clients, and collaborators — and that’s the kind of network that sustains you as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: studio-951.com and sidehustlesaturday.co
- Instagram: @studio951columbus and @sidehustle_saturday
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-brown-15456842/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SideHustleSaturday
