If I had to start from scratch today and wanted to make $1M in 5 years, here’s what I’d actually do. Not theory. Not trends. Just realistic paths. Most people I know are not talking about starting or scaling businesses because it is trendy. They are doing it because layoffs, inflation, and uncertainty have changed what security looks like. This is me thinking out loud about what works right now and why. 1️⃣ AI Services: Selling Time Back ⏱️ AI is not the product. Time is. People want less chaos, not more tools. Examples• Inbox and calendar management• Automated follow-ups for service businesses• Faster customer support• Personal assistants for execs and founders Cost to start$500 to $3,000 Why this worksMonthly retainers + specialization. Revenue range$40k to $100k solo$150k to $300k with focus$500k+ scaled 2️⃣ Hybrid Wellness + Community 🧘🏽‍♀️🤝 Generic wellness is crowded. Specific wellness is not. Examples• PCOS or postpartum communities• Surgery recovery programs• Menopause and hormone health groups Cost to start$1,000 to $5,000 Why this worksMemberships + trust + community. Revenue range$30k to $75k early$150k to $300k established$500k+ with events and premium programs 3️⃣ Home Services: Boring but Profitable 🏠🔧 Homes always need maintenance. You build the system, not the labor. Examples• Cleaning• Pest control• Plumbing• Roofing• Home health Cost to start$2,000 to $10,000 Why this worksRepeat customers and service plans. Revenue range$75k to $150k owner-led$250k to $500k small team$1M+ multi-city 4️⃣ Niche Social Media Strategy Shops 📱🎯 Not an agency. One niche. One platform. Examples• TikTok for real estate• Instagram for med spas• LinkedIn for consultants Cost to start$500 to $2,000 Why this worksRetainers and focused delivery. Revenue range$50k to $120k solo$200k to $400k small shop$500k+ productized 5️⃣ Pet Care: Built for Recurring Revenue 🐾 Pet spending is steady, even in tight times. Examples• Pet wellness subscriptions• Monitoring and check-ins• Mobile grooming coordination

Today we celebrate the dreamers, builders, and side hustlers who keep our communities strong. And today is extra special for us because it is the official launch of the Community Business Accelerator (CBX)- Empowering Entrepreneurs for the Future of Work. Please share your links, even if it's your social media page, so we can show support during the holidays.

Hey all! here is my calendar link if you're interested in scheduling a tech talk hour with me. we can walk through your business needs, clean up the backend, make content, etc. https://calendar.app.google/NVU86dJmoK9ccafL7

We will be working on our lead generators, business presentations while also discussing AI ethics! Bring a jacket because y'all know how cold it gets in there :)