Background and Transition to Taskrabbit

Meet Marisa Risden, a 32-year-old entrepreneur from Denver, Colorado. Before embarking on her journey with Taskrabbit, Risden dedicated nearly a decade to public service as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. This role honed her skills in problem-solving and communication, particularly in high-stress environments. Seeking a fresh challenge that offered flexibility, she turned to Taskrabbit, inspired by her upbringing in a family of builders.

“My parents owned a construction company, and my mom taught me that I could learn and accomplish anything,” Risden says. This foundation sparked her interest in applying her practical skills effectively.

Launching the Side Hustle

Risden’s journey with Taskrabbit began in 2022 after relocating to the West. Initially driven by the desire to regain control over her schedule, she tapped into her skills by offering services such as advanced mounting and minor electrical work. “What started as a simple side gig evolved into a specialized service business,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of competence and precision.

Early Steps and Lessons Learned

Starting her side hustle, Risden focused on familiar tasks, gradually branching into more technical areas. This strategic approach allowed her to build a trustworthy and highly-rated service. However, she recalls her early struggles with scheduling: “Initially, I spent too much time traveling between different locations.” Over time, she learned to optimize her schedule by coordinating appointments, a change that significantly improved her efficiency.

Additionally, she became aware of health risks associated with certain materials, such as plaster. “I always wear an N99 drywall mask now, as safety is paramount,” she emphasizes.

Challenges and Surprises

One key challenge that Risden identified is the importance of gathering comprehensive information from clients before starting a project. “Asking the right questions upfront is essential for a smooth workflow,” she advises, noting that this proactive approach helps avoid unnecessary interruptions during tasks.

She shares an experience of adapting to unforeseen complications: “Preparation can only take you so far; surprises are inevitable. My ability to pivot and resolve issues on the fly sets me apart.”

Revenue Growth and Business Scalability

In her first months, Risden worked long hours to build her reputation on Taskrabbit. “Initially, I earned about $2,000 per month, working nearly around the clock,” she recalls. This effort paid off, as she quickly established a solid client base and strengthened her expertise.

Today, her monthly income ranges from $3,500 to $4,500, depending on her workload, which can fluctuate between 60 and 80 hours. “The flexibility of Taskrabbit allows me to scale my work according to my personal goals,” she explains.

Daily Operations and Client Relationships

Risden manages her availability based on client requests, structuring her downtime around appointments. Her success in marketing her services has been primarily through word-of-mouth and client referrals. “Asking for reviews at the end of each task has been crucial for growth,” she notes.

What brings her the most satisfaction is witnessing the positive impact her work has on clients. “Seeing a project through and making my clients happy is what drives me,” she concludes.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For women considering similar ventures, Risden offers several pieces of tailored advice:

• Begin within your comfort zone but challenge yourself to learn and grow.
• Invest in high-quality tools to enhance efficiency and professionalism.
• Prioritize professionalism and communication; clients appreciate reliability.
• Don’t hesitate; start taking action. Each task is an opportunity to learn and grow.