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Anna Sagan: From Marketing to Woodwork

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Sometimes, our big breaks come when we least expect them. You could be going through the worst time in your life and still find a way back to life and happiness. Anna Sagan is an example of how people can rise beyond their unpleasant situations to become happier with their lives.

Sagan’s Rediscovery Journey

In 2020, when the Covid 19 pandemic was at its worst, many people lost their jobs and livelihoods and had to figure out ways to survive through life. 33-year-old Anna Sagan from Los Angeles was not spared either. The then marketing consultant lost her job and had to make the difficult decision to move home from Chicago to Fayetteville in Arkansas. While living in her parent’s house, Sagan discovered her late grandpa’s tools in the garage. She decided that since she did not have a job, she would keep her mind busy fixing things around the house. Sagan started refurbishing old furniture at home and making wine racks for her friends and family. In her effort to stay busy, Sagan discovered wood art, which has been her passion since then.

She hopes that she can encourage and inspire people with her work. Sagan says that wood art has healing stories and life lessons that she would love to share with the world. She also wants to honor her late grandpa Bill Barta, who she says is a man who left behind his tools and not his spirit.

How Does Sagan Work Around a Project?

Sagan says that she is extremely ADHD, but nothing can stop her once she sets her mind to work on a project. When she is in the woodshop creating something, time passes, and she becomes tunnel-focused. Her mind works tirelessly to finish a project, and she never stops until she has created a masterpiece. When working on larger projects, Sagan likes to use mood boards so that her end goal or vision is always in sight in front of her. She says she does this because she needs that visual reminder to stay aligned and focused. Otherwise, her mind can get distracted.

Sagan says that she has no problem waking up at 4.30 am to start a project, as long as she creates something beautiful. She is deeply motivated by comments from her friends and clients about her work. She says that the looks and sounds of admiration push her to become better at her career.

Does Sagan Have Any Life Outside Woodwork?

When asked this question, Sagan had this to say, “I’m a big fan of wine. I geek out on trying new varietals and discovering new regions and wine-making methods. It’s truly an art form that I feel people find intimidating because of the industry and false perceptions that our culture has taught us about it.”

Sagan says that while the woodwork is a great experience for her, almost like a rebirth, getting involved in other arts such as wine tasting is a great way to unwind. It also helps to keep her artistic instincts alive.

Common Myths About the Wood Work Career

Sagan says she has also suffered from the misconception that woodwork is a simple skill that doesn’t require hard work. She says she only realized how challenging the career was until she got into it. Woodwork requires the same amount of patience and persistence that not everyone has the mental capacity to do. She says that even though she has become accustomed to the career, there are times she doubts herself and her ability to complete a project.

Source of Inspiration

Sagan’s most significant source of inspiration is Marie Forleo, the author of “Everything is Figuratable.” The book helped her breakthrough a mindset limiting her from pursuing her dreams. She says that the biggest lesson she has learned in her career is that it is never about how much money a person brings home or what other people think you should be doing. The most important thing is for a person to be doing the one thing that brings them happiness, peace, and fulfillment.

Biggest Challenge At Work

Sagan says that it is very disappointing to say that her femininity is the biggest challenge around her career. Being a woman somehow limits her from achieving career achievements for herself. She says that at one time, when she was working with a woodwork company, one of the men asked her if she was the cleaning lady because he could not envision a woman doing woodwork.

Sagan has missed out on numerous opportunities because people think that a woman is not good enough to be working in the industry. She recalls a time when she lost her job because she was a distraction to her colleagues. This was not because she did anything intentionally or was indecently dressed. It was just because she was a woman.

If you would like to get in touch with Sagan for inspiration or buy from her, reach her on her blogwebsiteInstagramTikTok, and YouTube.

This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.

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Business

Twin Influencers Transform Modeling Fame Into Thriving Business Empire

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Credit @instagram

Few success stories capture the essence of modern entrepreneurship quite like that of Lauren and Katie Hamden. The twin sisters have transformed their modeling career into a thriving online empire, with industry insiders suggesting their monthly earnings from social media and business ventures place them among the top-earning influencers in the industry.

The 23-year-old identical twins have carved out their own corner of the internet with a substantial following across multiple platforms. Their growing digital footprint spans both Snapchat and Instagram, where they’ve built their brand through a mix of modeling content and lifestyle updates. Industry experts point to their combined follower count of over a million across platforms as evidence of their significant online presence.

Many industry analysts following influencer success stories point to the Hamden sisters as standouts in their field. Their income streams are diversified across content creation, modeling work, and various business endeavors. The twins have opted for a collaborative approach to their business, sharing revenue while maintaining their separate social media identities.

“If we didn’t have each other, our success wouldn’t be as profitable or fun,” the sisters noted in a recent public statement. “We usually decide together what work to take on, which gets us both excited for the project.”

While their professional lives are deeply intertwined, the twins have recently begun charting their own unique paths forward. Lauren has been developing a fashion line, while Katie has been focusing on music production. “We really want our fans online to see what we’re capable of,” they shared through their social platforms. “We love modeling and excel at it, but we have even more passions and can’t wait to share more about what we’re doing.”

Many followers have noted the twins’ striking appearance, particularly their piercing blue eyes, drawing natural comparisons to British supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne. Their social media posts consistently generate substantial engagement, with their comment sections often overflowing with observations about their distinctive features.

As they look to the future, the Hamden twins aren’t content to rest on their laurels. They’ve set their sights on expanding their influence well beyond the bounds of modeling and social media. Given their track record so far, industry experts suggest they might have the potential for broader mainstream recognition as they continue developing their individual creative projects while nurturing their successful partnership.

Their journey shows how influencers can transform online popularity into lasting business success. Through strategic brand building and consistent engagement with their audience, the Hamden twins continue to expand beyond traditional modeling work into broader business ventures.

“The Hamden twins exemplify a new generation of entrepreneurs,” says social media analyst Maria Rosen. “They’ve shown that authentic connection combined with business sense can create something truly sustainable in the social media space.”

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Business

Mindset, Nutrition, Fitness: The 40/40/20 Method Changing Women’s Lives

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Tonyael Miller

Coach T, a certified master trainer and dedicated fitness advocate from Chicago, IL, is the powerhouse behind Tonyael Miller Fitness—a brand committed to helping women reclaim their confidence, health, and strength. As a single “Momtrepreneur” to her 12-year-old daughter, Janael (affectionately known as Nelly), Tonyael’s personal journey has fueled her passion for fitness and mental wellness.

Her transformation began after battling postpartum depression from 2012 to 2015, a period that left her searching for holistic healing. When therapy introduced her to the idea of using fitness as a form of self-care, she discovered a newfound love for strength training. From 2013 to 2019, she immersed herself in the world of fitness, training with professionals and learning about nutrition, movement, and mindset. Determined to help other women regain control over their bodies and lives, she became a certified personal trainer in 2019 and officially launched Tonyael Miller Fitness.

Her innovative 40/40/20 method—which balances Mindset (40%), Nutrition (40%), and Fitness (20%)—has transformed hundreds of women worldwide. Unlike traditional programs that focus only on physical transformation, Tonyael emphasizes mental wellness and sustainable lifestyle habits, ensuring long-term success for her clients.

Beyond coaching, she has made waves in the fitness modeling industry, serving as a brand ambassador and collaborating with major brands such as Women’s Health Magazine and Fabletics. Her influence extends far beyond the gym—she is a mental health advocate, a symbol of resilience, and an inspiration to women striving to prioritize their well-being despite life’s challenges.

With her unwavering commitment to empowerment and self-love, Coach T continues to redefine what it means to be strong—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.


A Prestigious Honor: Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine Recognition

One of the most exciting developments in my journey happened recently—I was selected to be part of the Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine Strength and Diversity program, Class of 2024. This is an incredible honor, as it recognizes individuals who are breaking barriers in the fitness industry and advocating for inclusivity.

This opportunity means so much to me because I’ve always wanted to represent real women—moms, entrepreneurs, and those who have overcome mental health struggles—in the fitness space. Fitness is not just about aesthetics; it’s about mental clarity, self-love, and empowerment. Being chosen for this program validates my mission to inspire women of all backgrounds to take control of their health in a way that works for them.

As part of this program, I’ll have the chance to connect with other influential trainers, industry leaders, and wellness advocates, expanding my reach and learning from some of the best minds in the field. It’s a stepping stone toward even greater impact, and I’m beyond grateful to continue making fitness more accessible, diverse, and empowering for all women.


Contact Information

  • Email: info@fitbytm.com
  • Website: www.fitbytm.com
  • Facebook: facebook.com/tonyaelm/
  • Instagram: @tonyaelm
  • LinkedIn: Tonyael Miller

Coach T’s journey is proof that strength isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting yourself and others. Through her brand, advocacy, and inspiring story, she continues to help women everywhere embrace their power, both inside and out.

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Business

“Don’t Do This” Author Furkat Kasimov Shares Critical Business Lessons

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Don't Do This: A Guide to Business Survival

Success stories fill the business section of every bookstore, but what entrepreneurs really need is a guide to what not to do. That’s exactly what “Don’t Do This: A Guide to Business Survival” delivers – a refreshingly practical examination of the critical mistakes that can derail even the most promising ventures, backed by over 150 real-world examples that readers can learn from.

I recently sat down with the book’s author, Furkat Kasimov, to explore why this reverse-engineered approach to business guidance might be exactly what entrepreneurs need right now.

What makes this business guide different from others on the market?

Most business books focus on success stories, but ‘Don’t Do This’ takes the opposite approach. We examine the pitfalls that have sunk promising ventures and provide actionable strategies to avoid them. Each chapter tackles specific areas where businesses commonly falter – from pricing strategies to hiring practices – and offers concrete solutions.

The book emphasizes practical application. Can you elaborate on its structure?

Every example in the book comes with a practical checklist and implementation guide. We cover financial blunders, leadership failures, and marketing missteps, but we don’t just identify these issues – we provide specific steps to prevent them. Whether you’re dealing with cash flow crunches or strategic planning, there’s a framework to help you navigate these challenges.

How does the book address the role of AI in modern business?

A significant portion of the guide focuses on technological adaptation. We explore how AI is creating new opportunities while making certain traditional business approaches obsolete. The book includes specific examples of businesses that failed to adapt and contrasts them with those that successfully integrated new technologies.

Who is the ideal reader for this guide?

The book serves multiple audiences. First-time business owners will find fundamental pitfall-avoidance strategies. Seasoned entrepreneurs can use it to refine their approach and avoid advanced-stage mistakes. Managers will find practical tools for team leadership and strategic decision-making. The common thread is actionable advice that can be implemented immediately.

What are some key takeaways readers can expect?

Readers will learn to identify early warning signs of common business problems. The guide provides specific metrics to monitor, decision-making frameworks, and practical tools for various business scenarios. Each chapter includes real-world case studies showing both what went wrong and how similar situations could be handled successfully.


The book’s strength lies in its practical, no-nonsense approach to business survival. Rather than offering vague motivational advice, it provides specific, actionable strategies for avoiding common business pitfalls. The inclusion of over 150 real-world examples makes the guidance concrete and relatable, while the focus on emerging technologies like AI helps prepare businesses for future challenges.

“Don’t Do This: A Guide to Business Survival” is particularly timely given the current business environment, where both opportunities and risks are amplified by rapid technological change. The guide’s systematic approach to identifying and avoiding business pitfalls could prove invaluable for entrepreneurs navigating these challenging waters.

Available on Amazon and Google Play, the guide includes additional resources for readers who want to dive deeper into specific examples. Those interested in learning more can visit the book’s website at dontdothis.ai or follow on LinkedIn.


This article has been edited for clarity and length. The guide mentioned is currently available on major online platforms.

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