Risk: Moderate

Starting a brand storytelling side hustle from scratch can be risky, especially for someone who can't afford to lose money. Potential losses include money invested in marketing materials, time spent on developing brand stories, energy devoted to client acquisition, and confidence if the business doesn't take off. Beginners have been known to spend money on branding tools and courses without seeing a return on investment. There are startup costs for branding software, courses, and marketing materials that may not pay off immediately. Online discussions mention instances of failing to attract clients or generate income from brand storytelling ventures. I'd rate the risk a 2 out of 5 because there is a significant chance of losing money and time, especially if proper research and planning are not undertaken.