Steady Steps Freelancing

 There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of birds instead of a phone alarm. I’m out on a week-long camping trip with a bunch of teens (which basically means I’ve got the whole quiet morning to myself while they hibernate). And with a cup of coffee in hand and the forest as my backdrop, I’ve realized this trip is more productive than I expected. It’s not about grinding away—it’s about intentional time. Between roasting marshmallows and reminding teens to reapply sunscreen, I’ve been: Working on mock projects that stretch my workflow muscles Drafting permission-based ads for my growing portfolio Exploring new corners of the virtual assistant world I hadn’t considered before There’s no pressure out here—just possibilities. And as someone who's building a freelancing life on curiosity, creativity, and coffee (lots of coffee), I’m learning that rest and research can absolutely co-exist. So, here’s to chasing dreams from picnic tables, making space for imaginatio...

 Today didn’t just feel productive—it felt affirming. I finally took a big step forward and published my first Fiverr portfolio project: a mock campaign for Freshwater Tavern. What began as a personal creative challenge turned into a beautiful blend of strategy, storytelling, and design—all thanks to a local business that graciously gave me permission to practice with their brand. That permission? It meant more than just using photos. It meant trust . And that trust gave me the confidence to create something thoughtful, tone-matched, and truly aligned with their lakeside charm. I also realized something important: this so-called “practice” I’ve been doing? It’s real work. Real effort. Real skill development. And seeing that campaign live on my Fiverr profile—backed with intention, not perfection—makes me feel like I’ve finally crossed the line from “dreaming” into “doing.” I wrapped the day by brainstorming a new gig focused solely on social media marketing. Because this isn’t ...

The past couple of weeks didn’t come with big breakthroughs—but they delivered plenty in their own chaotic, charming way. Take Wilma, for example—one of our ducklings who had what I now call her “spa night fiasco.” After a muddy brawl (duck drama is real), Wilma ended up waddling through our house, freshly scrubbed and passionately quacking like she had something important to say. Maybe she did—maybe she was encouraging me to keep going. Because here’s the thing: progress doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it tiptoes in after midnight, muddy-footed and unexpected. During this quiet stretch, I didn’t land a new client or hit a big milestone. But I: Revised my resume for a marketing role I’m genuinely excited about Followed up proactively—even without hearing back yet Created mock projects that sharpened my skills and reminded me what I’m capable of Drafted content (like this post!) to stay connected with my voice And in between it all—driver’s ed drop-offs, insomnia nights, groce...

 Freelancing is often painted as the dream career—flexibility, independence, and the ability to work from anywhere. And while that’s true, finding balance is key. Right now, I’m camping with my family, enjoying the fresh air and quiet moments. But even in the middle of nature, I make time to check in—whether it’s a quick message to a client, reviewing LinkedIn analytics, or refining my blog strategy. Some campsites have no service, and that’s okay. It’s about prioritizing what needs attention while also knowing when to step back and be present. So, how do I manage all of it? ✅ Structured workflows —keeping my processes clean and efficient so I’m not scrambling. ✅ Client communication strategies —setting clear expectations so I don’t feel tied to my inbox 24/7. ✅ Smart task management —using spreadsheets, handwritten boards, and time-blocking to keep everything moving. ✅ Knowing when to pause —embracing personal time without guilt, because stepping away improves productivity....