From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business: Michiel's Pizza Story

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-05-05

### When Is It Time to Go All-In? You've got a side hustle that's growing. It's bringing in cash, making you happy, and maybe even keeping you up at night with ideas. But how do you know when it's time to quit your day job and dive in headfirst? That's exactly the question Michiel Aerts faced, and his journey from hobbyist to full-time pizza entrepreneur is packed with lessons for any professional wrestling with that same decision. Michiel started with a simple passion: making wood-fired pizza. What began as a weekend project turned into a mobile pizza oven built from scratch with his brother. They converted a trailer into a wood-fired oven, and soon, friends and neighbors were asking for more. For years, Michiel balanced his 9-to-5 with weekend events, learning everything from dough recipes to marketing on the fly. ### The Big Leap: From Passion Project to Full-Time Gig Eventually, the demand outgrew the side hustle. Michiel was booking dozens of events per month, hiring a small team, and even installing 24/7 pizza vending machines. He also started supplying local restaurants with his pizzas. The numbers made it clear: this was no longer just a hobby. But the decision wasn't easy. Michiel had a stable job, a steady paycheck, and the security that comes with it. What finally pushed him over the edge? A combination of factors: - **Revenue growth:** His pizza business was consistently earning more than his salary. - **Client demand:** He was turning down event requests because he couldn't juggle both. - **Personal fulfillment:** The passion project brought him more joy than his day job ever did.  ### Key Lessons from Michiel's Journey Michiel's story isn't just about pizza. It's about the mindset shift required to go from side hustler to full-time entrepreneur. Here are the top takeaways: **Embrace social media.** Michiel credits much of his early growth to being active on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. He shared behind-the-scenes videos of his oven build, pizza-making process, and event setups. That organic content built a loyal following before he ever spent a dime on ads. **Learn to delegate.** As the business grew, Michiel realized he couldn't do everything himself. He hired part-time staff for events and delivery, freeing himself to focus on strategy and growth. It's a hard lesson for many entrepreneurs, but letting go of control is essential. **Make bold choices.** Staying in the comfort zone feels safe, but it can keep you stuck. Michiel chose to take the risk, and it paid off. He advises other side hustlers to trust their gut when the numbers and passion align. ### What's Next for Michiels Pizza? Today, Michiels Pizza operates a fleet of mobile ovens, vending machines, and a growing restaurant supply line. The team services dozens of events each month, and the brand is becoming a local staple. But Michiel isn't stopping there. He's exploring new locations, expanding his menu, and looking for ways to scale without losing the quality that made him successful. For anyone considering the leap from side hustle to full-time business, Michiel's advice is simple: start small, test your market, and don't be afraid to pivot. The path isn't linear, but if you're willing to learn and adapt, the reward can be huge. > "The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better." - Michiel Aerts Ready to take your own side hustle to the next level? Listen to the full episode of the podcast for more insights from Michiel's journey.