From $0 to $1,000: How This Broke Social Worker Bossed Up and Built Her Bag
Let me go ahead and grab you a seat at the table, boo, because today I’m spilling all the tea—hot, sweet, and served in a Black girl magic mug—about how I turned absolutely nothing (yes, I said zero dollars) into my first $1,000 as a social work entrepreneur. That’s right. I started with pocket lint and prayer, and now I’m out here getting paid for my passion. And you? You can do it too.
But let me be real with you from the jump: it wasn’t all cute Canva graphics and easy wins. My first two businesses? Flopped. Like sandals in winter, baby—out of place and just not working. But those failures taught me more than any webinar or overpriced coaching package ever could. So let’s talk about what I really learned on my way to securing that first thousand.
Lesson 1: Mindset Is Your Million-Dollar Muscle 💪🏾
Before I ever saw a dime, I had to do some serious mindset work. Chile, the imposter syndrome had me in a chokehold. I was over here doubting myself, wondering, “Who’s gonna pay me for this?” when really, the question was, “Why not me?”
Let’s make this plain: if you don’t believe in your skills, your knowledge, your magic, how in the world is anybody else supposed to? People can smell hesitation. It’s like spraying perfume on funk—it don’t cover up what’s underneath. Once I started believing that what I had to offer was valuable, the game changed. When I showed up confident and convicted, people noticed. Clients didn’t just find me—they trusted me.
Lesson 2: Strategy Over Struggle 📈
You know that whole “if you build it, they will come” nonsense? Yeah, that’s a lie. A cute lie. A fairytale wrapped in a vision board. But it’s still a lie.
I built the website. I made the social media pages. And then I sat there like, “Where they at though?” Baby, if you don’t put your business in front of people, nobody’s coming. You need a strategy. Visibility is everything. I started learning how to market myself, use content to teach and attract, and show up consistently. I didn’t just wait for people to find me—I made it easy for them to see me.
Lesson 3: Get Cozy With Discomfort 😵💫
Entrepreneurship is like wearing heels all day. Cute, but uncomfortable—and if you’re doing it right, you’re always stretching. I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Because everything is always changing. The market. The tech. Me. And if you’re not evolving, you’re evaporating. Simple as that.
I realized early on that growth doesn’t feel good. But it’s necessary. Every version of me had to level up and leave the old version behind. And baby, sometimes I mourned her. But she couldn’t come with me.
The Real Tea: What Actually Got Me That First $1K 💸
Alright now, let’s talk cash. After the mindset shift, strategy realignment, and finally getting okay with being stretched like a lace front during a windy day—I did a few key things that brought in that first $1,000:
I Monetized What I Already Knew.
I stopped looking for some secret sauce and used the skills I already had. As a social worker, I had knowledge about mental health, trauma, advocacy, and systems. I turned that into coaching sessions, digital guides, and workshops.I Kept It Simple.
I didn’t go out trying to build an app or create a 15-module course. Nah, I kept it light and low-lift. I created one service that I knew folks needed and priced it fairly.I Marketed Consistently.
Not daily, not obsessively—but consistently. I showed up even when nobody liked, commented, or booked. And eventually? They did.I Leaned Into Community.
I stopped isolating myself thinking I had to do it all alone. I asked questions. I joined groups. I connected with other boss babes building their own thing. Iron sharpens iron, sis.
The Challenges Nobody Warned Me About 😮💨
Let me tell you—starting a business as a social worker is a whole different beast. And if you’re thinking about walking this path, let me prepare you better than I was prepared:
1. Money Is Tight AF at First
Yes, I said it. Broke broke. Ramen noodle broke. It’s cute to say “bootstrap it,” but let’s be honest—most of us don’t have boots or straps. That’s why making that first $1,000 is crucial. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the momentum. That first win makes everything feel possible.
2. The Emotional Rollercoaster Is Real
Baby, I was up, then down, then sideways. One day I felt like the next Oprah, the next day I was ready to quit and become a professional napper. I doubted everything. “Am I good enough?” “Will this even work?” “Why would someone pay me?”
But those thoughts are just noise. You have to learn to ride the wave and not let it drown you. Emotional resilience is just as important as financial planning.
3. It’s a Process—Respect It
Listen: this ain’t Amazon Prime. Success ain’t coming overnight. There’s no “add to cart” button on building a business. You have to respect the process. That means showing up even when it’s slow. Even when it’s quiet. Even when the only person clapping for you is your mama—and she don’t even know what you do.
So, Can You Do It Too? YES MA’AM. 💁🏾♀️
If you’re a social worker with a big heart, a whole lot of knowledge, and a dream of not being broke while making a difference—yes, you can do this. But it’s gonna take some real work. Work on your mind, your plan, your confidence. You’ll need patience, strategy, and a little bit of delusion. (Because sometimes believing in yourself feels like a fantasy until it’s a reality.)
But I promise you—if a broke, tired, doubting, overworked sis like me could boss up and hit that first $1K, you absolutely can too.
Final Word From Your Favorite Sassy Social Worker ✨
Let’s be clear—I didn’t write this blog to flex. I wrote it to show you that starting from nothing doesn’t mean staying at nothing. You don’t need a rich uncle, a fancy degree, or a viral moment. What you do need is faith, fire, and a foolproof plan.
So go ahead, boo. Take that first step. Make that thing. Sell that offer. Share your brilliance. And when you get that first payment notification?
Do a little dance. You earned it. 💃🏾💼
Let’s keep getting this money with purpose. Because we’re not just building businesses—we’re building legacies.
Need help figuring out your first offer, or want to talk social work and strategy over coffee? Hit me up. You know where to find your favorite sassy entrepreneur. 💋
