Starting My Freelance Journey

I fought the idea of starting a freelance business the way a cat fights getting wet. I was adamant that owning a business was not the right fit for me, convinced I didn’t have the tenacity or the gusto to do the work. 

I was intimidated by the idea of starting something new. I’d built a successful career through full-time employment and felt that was where my professional future would remain. But the universe had other plans for me.

The truth is, I was pushed into this journey. Like many of us, I faced an unexpected career shakeup: a layoff from my corporate role. The path forward felt uncertain, and I was scared. 

The original plan was to freelance for a short period until I found the right role. I was able to find a client who kept me financially afloat while I applied for jobs. But I couldn’t get an interview. Perhaps it was the volatile job market, or maybe my inauthentic eagerness to apply for jobs that didn’t excite me, bleeding through my applications.

This wasn’t working out. 

So I expanded my timeline. I told myself I would continue to freelance up to a year until the right company with the right projects gave me the right type of excitement. 

From the moment I was laid off, I fought the blunt force from the universe that pressed against my psyche, telling me to do what scared me. 

So what changed my mind? 

Alignment. I have never felt the kind of alignment–where experiences show you that you’re doing the right thing–until I decided to start my own freelance business. Every conversation, lesson, and challenge these last few months has shown that I am on the right path. I not only know I can do this, I want to.

In a short time, I built a support system that fuels my desire. I have found opportunities that align with my values. I’ve cultivated a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. I’ve developed a support system. Women have been the core of my supportive community, providing hours of advice, coaching, mentoring, and encouragement.

I’m beyond grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey. 

It’s not easy, but that tenacity and gusto I thought evaded me fills me now as I write this email. I hope you’ll continue to follow my journey as I learn and grow in this next chapter.