How Chisom Okwulehie Balances a Lucrative Side Hustle and Full-Time Architecture Job
The Journey from Architect to Entrepreneur
Chisom Okwulehie, a senior architect at Port Authority, has successfully managed to balance a thriving side hustle with her full-time job in architecture. Despite her demanding career, Okwulehie has created a successful consulting firm called Juntero, along with her husband, which offers architectural and interior design services for residential projects. Okwulehie’s entrepreneurial journey highlights her ability to multitask and generate additional income to cover mortgage costs while pursuing her passion for design.
The Importance of a Side Hustle for Financial Security
Even with a six-figure salary, Okwulehie, inspired by her parents, believed it was crucial to have a side hustle to ensure financial stability. The idea of being capable of covering mortgage costs even in unforeseen circumstances, such as the death of a spouse, played a significant role in her decision to pursue a side business.
Building Juntero: The Birth of a Successful Consulting Firm
Though Okwulehie’s main role lies in overseeing infrastructure projects at Port Authority, she was determined to delve deeper into the design realm. Okwulehie and her husband founded Juntero, a consulting firm that specializes in architectural and interior design for residential projects. The business experienced significant growth, generating $206,000 in revenue in 2022.
Okwulehie found a unique niche by offering photorealistic 3D renderings, quickly gaining the attention of real estate developers. The accuracy and immersive experience provided by Juntero’s renderings helped developers market and sell properties effectively.
Managing Juntero Alongside a Full-Time Job
Okwulehie soon realized the need for an efficient team to handle the increasing client demand. As Juntero expanded, she began delegating work to a team of contract designers, effectively transforming the company into an agency. Okwulehie’s role at Juntero primarily involves client management, marketing, and overseeing her team’s work.
To ensure a proper work-life balance, Okwulehie spends approximately five to ten hours a week on Juntero. The work is primarily assigned and organized through digital platforms like Slack and WhatsApp, enabling her to remotely manage projects and deliver exceptional results.
Financial Success and Future Plans
Okwulehie’s dedication and strategic approach to her side hustle and career have paid off. In 2023 alone, Juntero generated $414,000 in revenue, with nearly $173,000 in profits. While Okwulehie maintains her full-time architect role at Port Authority, she is ambitious about Juntero’s growth and forming partnerships with developers across the United States.
Prioritizing the creation of generational wealth for her children, Okwulehie aims to invest more in accounts like the 529 college savings plan. Additionally, she plans to utilize her savings to build a family home on a plot of land they acquired in Upper Nyack, New York, in 2017.
Financial Breakdown
- Housing: $3,493 (mortgages on primary home and land for second home)
- Child care: $2,333
- Debt repayment: $1,969 (student loans and credit card payments)
- Pension and savings: $663
- Discretionary: $655 (Christmas gifts, beauty products, church donations, and indoor playground admission)
- Utilities: $298 (Wi-Fi, gas, electricity, water)
- Car lease: $255
- Food: $243
- Health care: $220 (family co-pays)
- Insurance: $176 (car and home insurance)
- Subscriptions and memberships: $52 (Amazon Prime and home security)
Okwulehie and her husband split most expenses, with Ikenna managing investments and Okwulehie managing the child-care costs. The family is focused on creating a home that can be passed down through the generations, as well as building a solid financial foundation with investments and savings.
Conclusion
Chisom Okwulehie’s journey as an architect and entrepreneur showcases her ability to excel in both her full-time job and her side hustle. By embracing the opportunities presented by her own consulting firm, Juntero, Okwulehie has been able to boost her income, support her family, and pursue her passion for design. With a commitment to both financial stability and the creation of generational wealth, Okwulehie is redefining success in the architectural industry.
