Mermaid tails, sustainable hair extensions and upbeat sticky notes exemplify side hustling

Runner-up Jolene Oldham – who’s from Ringwood, New Jersey – is art director for a small hobby tools and supply company. She’s also the creator of Pearlie Mae’s Beautiful Nonsense, which makes costume prosthetics for mermaid and merman professionals and recreationalists. “I’m a grown woman swimming around in a homemade rubber fish suit, and I can make one for you!” she enthuses. Photograph: Tom Nolz

Tiffany Yu won the Guardian’s My Side Hustle Wins contest, but there were many other strong entrants as well.

This photo gallery presents the three runners-up, who all juggle full-time jobs with unique passion-projects that make the world a little bit happier. Above is Jolene Oldham and below are Azah Awasum and Michael Russo.

Michael Russo, a runner-up who hails from East Islip, New York, is a student at Molloy College and intern at the technology company Nomorobo. He’s also the founder of Sticky Quotes, which are notepads that feature inspirational or funny messages. He says: “It’s a simple yet effective way to inspire people when they least expect it but need it most.” Photograph: Isabella Russo

Contest runner-up Azah Awasum, of Washington, works in the guest services division of Remington Hospitality. She’s also the founder of Mambaz Beauty, which makes environmentally friendly hair extensions and beauty products. She says: “Mambaz Beauty enables me to pursue my passions of entrepreneurship, social change and empowering women.” Photograph: Azah Awasum

This content is paid for by Squarespace. Receive 10% off your new Squarespace signup with offer code SIDEHUSTLE