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

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-05-05

When do you know it's time to leave your day job and go all-in on your side business? That's the big question Michiel Aerts faced. What started as a weekend hobby turned into Michiels Pizza, a thriving mobile pizza concept with a wood-fired oven, a focus on local ingredients, and a knack for creating unforgettable experiences at events. Michiel built everything from scratch. He learned the craft himself, converted a trailer into a custom pizza oven with his brother, and spent years juggling his passion with a steady job. It wasn't easy, but today, Michiels Pizza is a growing business handling dozens of events each month, with a flexible team, 24/7 pizza vending machines, and wholesale deliveries to restaurants. ### The Moment of Truth So, how do you know when it's time to make the leap? For Michiel, it came down to demand. When his side gig started generating more income than his full-time job, the choice became clear. He realized that playing it safe was actually riskier than taking a calculated chance on his dream. - **Trust the numbers:** Track your side income. If it consistently covers your basic expenses, you're closer than you think. - **Listen to your gut:** Passion can't be measured in dollars. If you dread your day job but love your side work, that's a sign. - **Test the waters:** Michiel didn't quit overnight. He slowly built his client base until the risk felt manageable. ### Lessons from the Pizza Oven Michiel's journey is packed with lessons for anyone thinking about entrepreneurship. Here are the biggest takeaways: **1. Social media is your best friend.** Michiel used platforms like Instagram to showcase his unique wood-fired oven and the experience of his pizzas. It didn't cost much, but it built a loyal following that kept events booked. **2. Learn to delegate.** Running a business alone is exhausting. Michiel brought on a team of flexible workers to handle events, freeing him up to focus on growth and quality. **3. Embrace technology.** His 24/7 pizza vending machines are a game-changer. They let customers grab a hot, wood-fired pizza anytime, without needing staff on site. It's a smart way to scale without adding overhead. ### Why Quality Matters In a world of fast food, Michiel bet on quality. He uses fresh, local ingredients and a traditional wood-fired oven that cooks pizzas in under two minutes. That commitment to taste and experience sets him apart. Customers don't just buy a pizza; they buy into a story of craftsmanship and care. > "When you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. But you still have to treat it like a business." – Michiel Aerts ### Making the Jump If you're stuck in a side hustle rut, Michiel's story offers a roadmap. Start small, document your journey, and build momentum. Use social media to tell your story authentically. And when the numbers line up, take that leap. This podcast episode is a raw, honest look at the transition from hobbyist to full-time entrepreneur. It's for anyone who's ever wondered if their side project could become their main act. Spoiler: it can, but only if you're willing to learn, adapt, and bet on yourself. *This podcast is brought to you by Creatic, a digital agency that helps small businesses build strong brands, smart marketing, and high-performing websites. From brand strategy to web design that drives results, they focus on making your business visible and recognizable online.*