Celebrating Client Wins & Managing Career Ups & Downs

Building My Brand

I am a proud multihyphenate freelancer with a background primarily in PR, podcasting and social media with an emphasis on brands in the health and wellness industry. I've worked with clients on all parts of their businesses; from operations to team management to marketing. I am well versed in supporting the client journey and connecting with them through strategic marketing. I am sort of an organizational processes nerd. I know what it takes to build a brand with meaning and longevity, that the why behind what you do is the key to success, and that the secret sauce to having a team that thrives is a shared goal and mission.

I'm proud to have helped unload some of the backend business operational tasks from creative entrepreneurs so they can focus on what they do best. I am proud to have coordinated interviews with top experts (like Jay Shetty, Mel Robbins, Glennon Doyle, Gabby Bernstein, Mari Llewelyn, Barbara Corcoran, Dr. Zach Bush, Sophia Amoruso, Kelly Leveque, & more) and topics that have expanded thousands of people's personal growth journeys. I am proud to have shared the messaging of efficacious brands aiming to make the world a healthier place through emerging mediums. I'm proud to have connected with hard working, heart-centered individuals who care about making a positive impact in the world. 

Celebrating Client Wins & Risks Taken

One client experience that stands out is with my first and longest client, Britt Piper, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Through consistency and strategic content creation I helped her grow her social media presence on Instagram from 19k to 202k in 3 years, leading to a 7 figure book deal. I've helped her streamline her program and bring in 4x the revenue to her business and aligned her with opportunities to spread her powerful story and make a real difference in people's lives. 

I also had the opportunity to take on the full production process for one of my long term podcast clients, Confident Collective. While I started out as the podcast manager with my role including booking guests, making edits, choosing social media clips, writing the titles and show notes, I pitched myself to take on the full scope of production. I was able to manage the entire process from start to finish, bringing on an audio engineer and using emerging AI tools to optimize social media choices and creating video content for social media. It was a big bet on myself and responsibility to make sure everything was executed flawlessly, but allowed me to prove to myself – and my clients – that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Embracing Career Ups & Downs

As a freelancer, you never know when you’ll gain or lose a client. Full time work is a rare and fleeting feat. I’ve had periods where I could barely handle my workload, and periods when partnerships seemed to end one right after the other. I’ve learned that both experiences are fleeting, for better or worse.

I've grown and adapted my business as often as needed, especially during slow periods. I fine-tuned my own invoice system, I made my own website, started a blog, committed to a monthly newsletter and even created my first free podcast downloadable. I started sharing my knowledge on TikTok as I looked for ways to expand my own impact and reach to help others. I am not afraid to say yes even when I may not always know the how (yet), and continue to provide timely, thorough and well-executed work for anyone I work with. I stay in the know on the latest trends and news in my industry, and am always looking to learn more.

Some days I am confidently taking steps forward, and some days I don’t know how to keep managing the uncertainty and stress of not having a consistent income. I am lucky to have a partner with a more stable job to allow me to be able to take this risk, but sometimes it feels unsettling to not have a solid plan for the future.

I’d be lying if I said I had it all figured out, I don’t. I trust in the timing of my life. I trust my intuition. I believe in myself, and do something to put myself out there and improve myself every day.

I am proud of my journey, but I also know it's only the beginning. I'm excited to see where my skills and passions take me next!

How I Landed My First Freelance Client

From Full Time to Freelancer

After building up my career for a few years working in the marketing and fitness industry, in 2018 I began working full time at a nutrition supplement company, Ancient Nutrition as the Influencer Marketing Specialist. At the time, proving your ROI as an Influencer was still a bit of the wild west, and my team had the incredible opportunity to pioneer what success looked like in the space.

I met and worked with so many creative, passionate and hard working individuals. The role allowed me to connect with people I never could have imagined I would meet. I was so inspired and motivated by what I was doing, and wanted to break the stigma around the new space in advertising and social media, that I even started my own podcast about the influencer industry called Added Value. I interviewed Influencer Specialists on the brand side and influencer talent to get their take on the new, innovative industry. 

At this time, I was also exploring my personal growth path and diving into wellness and spirituality. Podcasts were the new thing, and I quickly found and fell in love with a podcast called Almost 30. As part of one of our influencer activations and podcast advertising strategy, we partnered with the hosts for a live community event. After meeting them in person and seeing their impact firsthand, I knew I had to be a part of what they were doing!

A Cold Email Changed My Life

It was the perfect opportunity to shoot my shot to learn from and work for women I admired in a field I was extremely passionate about. So, I sent them a cold email explaining I had no official experience in podcast management, but I had learned a lot by starting my own podcast, expressed how listening to their show impacted me and how I could contribute to their mission. I offered up my relevant experience working with talent, my organizational skills and familiarity with the backend of podcasting based on starting my own. To my surprise, they actually replied to my email and the rest is history! 

One call led to one meeting at Erewhon in LA (while I was there on a work trip that magically aligned with the timing!) and I was hired as their part time podcast manager! It was the most exciting opportunity I had received professionally and I couldn't believe I landed a dream job with one part manifestation, one part being at the right place at the right time, and one part cold emailing! It really showed me the power of putting yourself out there and going for what you want.

The Reality of the Freelance Hustle

I kept my full time job for the first six months I worked with them. I am really glad I decided to take it on as a side hustle, but it wasn't easy! I ended up driving from San Diego (where I moved at the same time I started the job) to LA and back on my birthday, worked weekends, and did not have great boundaries with work at the time. However, it allowed me to prove myself and pitch myself for another role in the company, taking my position with them full time. This allowed me to slowly become a freelancer with the security of working full time in two positions for one client. I also learned more than I ever could have in school or in a traditional job setting.

I am so unbelievably grateful for this experience and opportunity, as it has led to me creating my dream life and job working as a freelancer. I didn't know it then, but taking the chance and pitching myself for this side gig ended up being the turning point for my career, and introduced me to almost every client I've had the pleasure of working with since.

Above all else, my journey is a testament to the popular saying, "what's meant for you will always find you." I couldn't have dreamed or planned my path would unfold the way it has, but I have taken the lessons I've learned and opportunities I've been given to heart, and never for granted. If you work hard, aren't afraid to try new things and put yourself out there, your biggest dreams (ones you might not have even known you had), just might come true!

Building My Freelance Confidence

From there, I was able to continue leveraging my connections and continued receiving interest by people I had worked with directly and indirectly along the way. I was contacted by a previous guest on the show I had worked for who was impressed by my organization and communication style while coordinating her interview, and she offered me a role as her Director of Operations.

I was referred clients in the podcast space and landed opportunities working with small business owners, influencers and people doing really cool things in the health and wellness space. Over the last 3 years, I have continued to say yes, even if I knew it would push me out of my comfort zone and force me to learn something new.

10 Tips for Freelancers (From A 3-Year Vet)

Being a freelancer means constantly evolving, staying on top of the latest trends, pushing boundaries and believing in yourself. It means being the HR manager, CFO, social media manager, email marketing specialist, sales team and everything in between. It’s been liberating and terrifying, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

If you’re considering becoming a freelancer, here are some tips to help you step into the role with confidence:

1. Walk before you run: Start taking on clients while you have a full time job. This allows flexibility to gain your footing while still having the security of consistent income.

2. Allow yourself to learn as you go: You don’t have to have it all figured out at once. When I got my first client, I didn’t have a website, an invoicing process or agreement template ready to go. I had to learn as I went, as I gained clients and opportunities, refined my process. Freelancing Females is a great resource for setting up the processes and systems of your freelance business! That being said, it’s so important to…

3. Give free consultation calls: This is your shot to “woo” your potential client. Do your research: listen to one of their podcast episodes, scour their website, read their blog, study their social media. Wherever you plan to jump in and add value, come to the call with tips, ideas and helpful guidance on how you can help them achieve their goals. Plus, it’s just as important for you to know if you’re a good fit for your client as it is for them to know you can do the job. Creating long lasting partnerships is incredibly value as a freelancer, since technically you don’t have much job security. You want to make sure your skills, and personalities, are aligned to make sure it’s a great experience for both of you! Make sure to follow up with notes and what was discussed in a timely manner.

4. Protect yourself: Draft an agreement with every client you have that specifically outlines your role, responsibilities, deliverables and the rate you’ve agreed upon. I have used Honeybook to create and send agreements, but you can also ask ChatGPT to draft one for you! I recommend adding terms for termination, like requiring a 30-day notice.

5. Organize your invoicing system: I use Wavve to set up invoices, recurring invoices, and track my payments. This makes doing my taxes at the end of the year much easier, and makes sure I get paid on time!

6. Keep track of your client wins: As a freelancer, it’s important to be able to show your value to potential and current clients. Setting up a portfolio, blog post, posting on LinkedIn, social media account, etc to show how you’ve brought value to your clients is a great way to showcase your talents and remind yourself how badass you are!

7. Connect and collaborate with other freelancers: We know how hard it can be out here, and referrals are the best way for freelancers to get clients! I love recommending people for roles when I’m not a great fit, or think someone else could do a better job. Sometimes it’s important to know your limits and spread the love, especially since there’s really just one of you. Plus, I strongly believe in karma!

8. Do monthly check ins: Whether it’s part of your agreement or not, I recommend reaching out to clients for a minimum of monthly check ins. Provide insight on the progress you’ve made, share tips or advice, and create space to ask how you can continue to provide value and support to them.

9. Ask for testimonials: After you’ve worked with a client for a substantial amount of time, don’t be shy to ask for a testimonial for your website or LinkedIn! You’ll be surprised at what a confidence boost hearing how you’ve impacted your clients is, and it helps to show prospective clients browsing your site what they can expect from working with you.

10. Always stay curious: Part of the freelance life is filling some dead space in your schedule with productive ways to expand your skillsets or interests. Subscribing to newsletters like the Morning Brew, Freelancing Females, and Go-to Millions are great ways to stay up to date on the latest news, marketing and business trends. Also, listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos and researching new tools and platforms can help you elevate your offerings to clients or simply your confidence knowing you are in the know of the latest news, trends and technology.

If you have any other questions about becoming a freelancer, please send me an email — I’d love to connect and chat with you! If you have any more advice or best practices, feel free to share in the comments. WE’VE GOT THIS!

Lessons from a Multihyphenate: Building A Career & Life in Alignment

This blog post was taken from my feature in Shoutout LA! Read it here.

Reflecting on Work-Life Balance

I spent my twenties exploring careers that excited me, and I felt like I was really making a difference in people’s lives. That motivation, while pure in its intention, led me to sacrifice my own well-being in many ways. When you’re inspired, rewarded for your work ethic and focused on growing your career, it’s easy to overlook the signs of impending burnout. I’ve been extremely lucky in my career to have opportunities and mentors that believed in me, and let me take on more than I could handle. I was willing to reach my limits to make people proud, to feel successful. But I don’t think I knew what success meant for me, truly. I was chasing the version of success we see in highlight reels, but the reality felt different. I was deeply disconnected from my intuition. I was second-guessing every decision. I was reacting instead of responding. And ultimately, I pushed my limits so far that I had to completely step away from my dream job to heal and recover.

In the few weeks after, I realized that the version of success I was chasing was not sustainable, and maybe not even the type of life I wanted. I learned that the more ease and self-compassion I let into my life, not only did I feel more connected to my internal compass, but incredible opportunities came my way.

It’s been a long journey of keeping my inner overachiever in check and trusting myself. I’ve had to get used to the ebbs and flows of being a solopreneur. In the slow periods, I remind myself that business always ebbs and flows. I am not afraid of a cold email to people I admire to pitch myself, and stay curious about what else I can do to provide value to potential clients. When I start to get overwhelmed and take on more projects, I focus on staying grateful for the opportunities, knowing they don’t come often. I ask for advice when I need it from friends and other freelancers I know. I make sure to find time for my interests and hobbies, and because I work with clients who trust and respect me (because I now trust and respect myself), I don’t have to sacrifice my well-being for being great at my job.

Working for myself has been more rewarding and peaceful than any other job before, despite the uncertainty and lack of control I feel sometimes. I had to learn painful lessons in order to have the balance I’ve cultivated today, but now I know that who I am is more important than what I do, and that shift has had ripple effects throughout my life and career.

Tips for Finding Work-Life Balance as a Solopreneur

1. Listen to Your Intuition
   Notice when something feels off or when you’re pushing yourself too hard. Trusting your gut can help you make decisions that align with your well-being.

2. Accept the Ebbs and Flows
   Business has its natural rhythms. During slower times, stay curious and look for new ways to add value. Trust that the busy seasons will return.

3. Practice Gratitude Amidst Opportunity
   When things get overwhelming, take a moment to appreciate the opportunities. This mindset shift keeps stress in check and helps you stay grounded.

4. Ask for Support
   Don’t hesitate to seek advice from friends or peers. Building a supportive network can be a game-changer for your mental health and professional growth.

5. Honor Your Hobbies and Interests
   Finding time for personal passions not only recharges you but also strengthens your self-worth and self-respect. Working with clients who respect your boundaries allows you to be your best without compromising well-being.

Crafting a Career that Aligns with My Passions

Growing up I never knew what I wanted to be, and I thought there was something wrong with me. Looking back now, it’s because the siloed boxes everyone was put in weren’t resonating with who I truly am. I have carved a career path I never saw growing up in a family of teachers and nurses (professions I deeply respect and admire.) I believe I was attracted to a career in marketing because it combines storytelling, creativity, writing and collaboration. I’ve tried on many hats based on my many interests; from planning large scale events in my hometown of Nashville, TN to being an award willing kickboxing coach and general manager to working in influencer and social media marketing to specializing in podcast growth and operations, I feel lucky to have been able to explore and experience many roles and lifestyles, with the through-line of health and wellness.

I believe because I followed my heart and pursued interests early on, I’ve been able to land in a career that truly reflects my talents, interests, and vision for my most aligned life. I have embraced the fact that I’m a multi-hyphenate and proud that I’ve created a career that utilizes all of my skills and experience. I’ve shown my younger self I don’t have to pick one thing, and it’s okay to explore new avenues and change directions.

I have been able to grow and expand personally and in my career by saying yes even when I was unsure, putting my name in the ring, aligning myself with people who inspire me, and valuing my own worth. I didn’t have confidence that everything would work out when I started freelancing, but I did it anyway. Confidence came over time as I proved to myself, first and foremost, that I was worthy of the opportunities that came my way and the freedom that came with it. To me, success is about living in alignment with your values and goals. The more work I’ve done on myself (through therapy, books, podcasts and nervous system regulation), and the better I have prioritized what truly matters to me, the more at peace and successful I feel.

That being said, I’ve had to learn and take on a lot in working for myself, and confront limiting beliefs and insecurities along the way. I’m constantly evolving, changing, and growing my business. I’ve also learned that you have to stay curious, creative and out of your comfort zone in order to not get stagnant or complacent. When you don’t have a boss to give you feedback or push you to the next level, YOU have to be your own encouraging, driving force. You have to believe in yourself, and keep a clear vision for how you want to grow in mind. That might mean starting a newsletter to hone in your voice, providing digital products or posting on TikTok. It feels more like endless possibilities than a long to-do list. There’s a lot of trial and error involved, but to me, that’s what makes this path so exciting! I try to think of it as I GET to learn new things and wear different hats, versus I HAVE to. This is the gift of betting on myself, and I wouldn’t change the path to get here for anything!

Tips for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs

1. Stay Curious and Creative
   Being your own boss means you have to constantly push yourself to grow. Embrace trial and error, and see it as an opportunity to learn and wear different hats.

2. Invest in Self-Growth
   The more you work on yourself, the more aligned your career will feel. Personal growth through therapy, reading, and self-reflection can lead to profound changes in your professional life.

3. Be Your Own Motivator
   Without a boss, you’re in charge of pushing yourself. Whether it’s creating content, launching a newsletter, or taking on a new skill, believe in your potential and take charge of your growth.

A Shoutout to My Inspirations

I want to thank my friend and soul sister Zamaria Thompson, who nominated me for the Shoutout LA feature, and constantly inspires me to be my most authentic, creative, vulnerable self. I want to thank Britt Piper who was my first solo client, and has changed my life on a personal and professional level through her belief in me and unwavering trust. She has built a business based on genuine passion and service of others, and is a testament to what can happen when you turn your pain into purpose. All of my clients have given me incredible opportunities to learn, grow and expand my business. I’m forever grateful for their trust in me!

I also have to mention my grandmother, my Vovo, who taught me life is not measured in how much money you make, but in how many lives you touch.

Resources for Personal Growth

Throughout my journey, certain resources have provided grounding and guidance:

• Podcasts: Almost 30, What’s the Juice, Pursuit of Wellness, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Diary of A CEO.

• Books: 101 Essays to Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest, Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff, Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers, The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein, Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee.