Fifteen plus years ago, I started freelancing with a borrowed laptop, a sketchpad full of ideas, and a deep desire to create things that mattered. My first clients were MySpace friends (yeah, if you know MySpace & Friendster, that’s how old I am). But it wasn’t long before I was working with people from New York, Oregon, California, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Florida, Australia, the UK, Singapore, and the Philippines. I picked up side gigs on Etsy, Fiverr, Odesk (now Upwork), Freelancer.com, and 99designs—learning the ropes one project at a time.
Over the years, I’ve worked with health coaches, medical practitioners, B2B brands, designers, and agencies. Lately, I’ve been honored to bring that same creativity and strategy to local clients right here in Waco.
And through it all, I’ve collected lessons that continue to guide me today.
If you are starting—or if you’ve been in this game for a while—maybe something here will resonate.
1. People First, Always
No matter how “digital” our world becomes, business is still deeply human. Relationships matter more than any algorithm. I’ve learned that showing up with empathy, listening well, and making room for the client’s story is what builds trust—and trust builds everything else.
Tip: Your process is important, but your posture matters more. Approach each project like a partnership, not a transaction.
2. Start Simple, Then Build
Early on, I’d overcomplicate things trying to “wow” a client. But what most people really need is clarity and momentum. Whether I’m designing a website or planning a campaign, I always start with the simplest path to results. Once that’s in place, we can scale and polish.
Tip: Launch fast, test often, and refine as you grow. Done is better than perfect—especially when perfect never launches.
3. Make Room for Margin
Freelancing can easily become a hamster wheel—especially when you wear all the hats. I’ve burned out, hit walls, and learned (the hard way) that creativity needs margin to breathe. I build buffer time into projects now and give myself permission to pause when needed.
Tip: Schedule rest before your body or mind forces it. Your best ideas often come when you’re not staring at a screen.
4. Systems Are Your Silent Team
I didn’t always love systems. I’m a creative, after all. But let me tell you—having a clean onboarding workflow, client portal, and consistent communication templates has saved my sanity more times than I can count.
Tip: Automate the repetitive stuff so you can stay present for the meaningful parts.
5. Your Voice Is Part of the Brand
For a long time, I downplayed my story. I kept things strictly “professional.” But people connect with people, not polished perfection. When I started sharing a bit more of the real-life behind the work—homeschooling, ministry trips, motherhood, my creative process—I started attracting the kind of clients who get me.
Tip: You don’t need to overshare. Just don’t hide. The right clients will connect with the real you.
6. Stay a Student
This world moves fast. Algorithms shift, tools evolve, and design trends come and go. What’s constant? A teachable spirit. I still invest in learning, stay curious about what’s changing, and never assume I’ve “arrived.” (Let’s be honest—no one really has.)
Tip: Learn enough to stay sharp, but don’t let it paralyze you. Action + growth is the sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
Running a creative business is both wild and wonderful. It stretches you in ways you never expected, but it also brings incredible freedom and fulfillment. If you’re in the thick of it—growing your business, finding your rhythm, navigating client work with grace—you’re not alone.
I’m still learning, still showing up, and still holding onto these lessons like a compass.
Thanks for being part of the journey.
— Chie
As a Web Producer, I possess a diverse skill set that includes web design, graphics, marketing, software integration, and SEO. What I find fulfilling about my role is collaborating with fellow innovative marketers and assisting business owners and organizations in optimizing their digital footprint.
