How Poetry Me, Please Founder Built a Creative Six-Figure Side Hustle in 2025

In a standout story from CNBC’s Make It side hustle series, a 30-year-old entrepreneur turned his love of poetry into a profitable business, showing how passion and community can translate into meaningful income. The founder of Poetry Me, Please — a spoken-word poetry showcase based in New York City — has transformed a creative hobby into a six-figure side hustle while working a full-time job. Facebook

Here’s how he built this business from the ground up and what other creative side hustlers can learn from his journey.

Turning Passion into Profit: The Beginnings

• A Creative Spark: Founder Rashan Brown, an ESPN product manager by day, launched Poetry Me, Please in 2020 as a way to celebrate and elevate spoken-word poetry. LinkedIn

• First Shows: His first events were low-budget community poetry nights, giving local poets a platform to perform without paying entry fees — unlike many poetry slams that charge artists. LinkedIn

• Low Start-Up Costs: He said the venture started with roughly $3,000 out of pocket, proving that many creative businesses can begin with modest capital. Facebook

Rather than chasing fast money, Rashan focused on community and culture, creating safe, energetic spaces for creative expression.

Sustainable Growth and Community Building

Regular Events With a Mission

• Monthly Showcases: Poetry Me, Please regularly hosts spoken-word events, primarily in NYC, featuring about 10 poets per show at no cost to the performers. LinkedIn

• Supportive Model: Poets receive professional photography and videography from each performance — a key differentiator that helps artists grow their portfolios and audiences. hucapital.co

• Connective Culture: The business also developed a community platform supporting 1,200+ poets with networking and paid opportunities. hucapital.co

These elements helped turn Poetry Me, Please from a one-off experiment into a recurring cultural experience that attracts audiences and performers alike.

Earning Six Figures While Working Full Time

• Monthly Revenue: As of late 2025, Poetry Me, Please was generating around $12,000 per month through ticket sales, merchandise and sponsorships tied to events. X (formerly Twitter)

• Annual Income: That pace equates to roughly $148,000 a year from the side hustle alone — a noteworthy achievement given Brown’s full-time career. Instagram

• Diversified Income Streams: Beyond ticket revenue, the business monetizes merchandise and branded experiences, further strengthening its financial base. poetrymeplease

The model illustrates that creative side hustles can generate serious income when built on multiple revenue streams and authentic value for both creators and audiences.

Strategic Positioning and Visibility

• Big Moments: A pivotal step in the brand’s growth came when Brown opened for bestselling poet Rupi Kaur at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn — a milestone that boosted both visibility and credibility. LinkedIn

• Online Presence: While Poetry Me, Please is rooted in live events, its online footprint (including social media and streaming content) helps it connect with broader audiences and attract collaborators. poetrymeplease

• Cultural Resonance: By emphasizing community, storytelling and cultural expression, Poetry Me, Please built a loyal audience that supports both its mission and its financial sustainability.

Lessons for Creative Side Hustlers

Here are key takeaways from the Poetry Me, Please story for anyone looking to turn a passion into profit:

1. Start Small With Purpose

It’s possible to begin with a low budget if you focus on delivering authentic value and creating community around your work.

2. Build Multiple Income Streams

Revenue doesn’t have to come from one source. Ticket sales, branded merch, sponsorships and event partnerships can all contribute meaningfully.

3. Leverage Your Day Job

A full-time job can provide security while you experiment and grow your side hustle — especially in creative fields where momentum builds over time.

4. Create Community, Not Just Content

Poetry Me, Please succeeded because it served a real community need, giving performers exposure and audiences meaningful experiences.

What’s Next for Poetry Me, Please

Looking ahead, several growth paths could amplify the brand’s impact:

• More Cities: Expanding beyond NYC to other arts hubs could bring spoken-word culture to new audiences and revenue streams.

• Digital Programming: Virtual showcases and recorded content can engage global fans and open up licensing or streaming partnerships.

• Brand Extensions: Collaborations with festivals, schools and cultural institutions may build visibility while supporting broader arts initiatives.

As creative markets continue to evolve, side hustles like Poetry Me, Please show that entrepreneurial success doesn’t require abandoning passion for practicality — when both are aligned, they can fuel lasting success.