She found success in a side-hustle; now a New York Times best-selling author is telling her story.
Carolyn Phillips, owner of Alchemy Pops, is being featured in a book by author Chris Guillebeau. His new book, 100 Side Hustles: Unexpected Ideas for Making Extra Money Without Quitting Your Day Job, comes out June 4.
In 2014, Carolyn and her husband created a list of 30 things they wanted to do before they turned 30. One of those things was to create a side-hustle. Inspiration took shape when Carolyn created a tasty alcoholic pop for friends at a dinner party. They were a hit.
Phillips began frequenting local farmers markets, experimenting with seasonal ingredients and crafting flavors with local appeal like watermelon basil, cantaloupe mint and blackberry lemonade.
She started peddling her wares with her Alchemy Pops Pop Cart and the business took off. It eventually replaced her day job altogether. Phillips opened Alchemy Pops' first brick-and-mortar location almost a year ago in the Near Southside, in the shopping and wedding venue called The 4 Eleven located at 411 South Main St.
The story about how Carolyn Phillips got her business started is also featured on Guillebeau's website called Side Hustle School. The start-up story of Alchemy Pops, titled "Nonprofit employee sells 25,000 gourmet ice pops," is now available on his podcast. It is episode No. 341.