Background: From Public Service to Entrepreneurship

Marisa Risden, a 32-year-old from Denver, Colorado, spent nearly a decade as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. This role honed her problem-solving and communication skills under pressure. However, after years in public service, Risden sought a new challenge that offered greater flexibility and the chance to apply her skills diversely.

Inception of the Side Hustle

Risden moved to Colorado in 2020 and discovered Taskrabbit in 2022, leveraging the platform to take charge of her work schedule. Inspired by her family background in construction and her mother’s DIY approach, Risden learned early on that women could master traditionally male-dominated tasks. This background motivated her to start offering specialized services in advanced mounting and minor electrical work.

Initial Steps to Success

To kick off her side hustle, Risden focused on tasks that aligned with her existing skills. As she gained experience, she expanded her service offerings to include more complex jobs typically seen as male-centric. Taskrabbit provided a platform through which she established a reputable business that has garnered trust and consistently high ratings from clients.

Lessons Learned on the Journey

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Risden identified two critical areas for improvement:

1. Optimizing scheduling: Initially, Risden struggled with inefficient travel between multiple job sites, which she has now streamlined by coordinating task timings with clients.
2. Health precautions: Early on, she was unaware of the health risks associated with drilling into older plaster walls that may contain asbestos. She now prioritizes safety by using protective gear when working in such environments.

Anticipating Challenges

One key challenge Risden emphasizes is the importance of asking the right questions before beginning a task. Gaining thorough information about wall types, client expectations, and possible obstacles is essential for smooth execution and helps avoid mid-task trips to the hardware store for unexpected supplies.

Overcoming Obstacles in Real Time

In hands-on work, surprises are inevitable. Risden credits her ability to adapt and solve problems on the fly, asserting that attention to detail and thorough preparation are essential in delivering high-quality results, ultimately ensuring client satisfaction.

Financial Growth and Revenue

Initial revenue was modest as Risden worked to establish her business. In the early months, she earned approximately $2,000 per month, which increased significantly as she built her reputation. Currently, she averages $3,500 to $4,500 monthly when operating full-time, highlighting the scalability Taskrabbit offers based on personal goals.

Work-Life Structure

The nature of her business allows Risden to adapt her working hours based on booking requests, providing flexibility uncommon in traditional jobs. This adaptability enables her to enjoy leisure time while fulfilling client demands, particularly during peak periods such as holidays.

Client Relations and Satisfaction

Risden values the opportunity to witness projects’ transformations while interacting with clients. The satisfaction of making clients’ lives easier drives her passion for the business, particularly when referrals follow a job well done.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering a similar path, particularly women, Risden shared practical advice:

• Start with comfort but strive for growth; learning new skills can enhance job value.
• Invest in quality tools for efficiency.
• Project professionalism to differentiate yourself; reliability and communication matter to clients.
• Don’t hesitate—begin your journey. Confidence builds with experience, and every job offers a learning opportunity.