I was looking for change and more responsibility.. and I got more than I bargained for

Meet Taylor, a communications professional with a passion for working with clients focused on women’s wellbeing. Taylor left her full time role to join the gig economy in February this year for more responsibility and admits she got more than she bargained for. We spoke with Taylor to talk about all things freelance, and how she’s been able to grow her team in 5 short months.

When and why did you ditch the 9-5 and go out on your own?

I left my full time job in February of this year because I was looking for change and more responsibility. I got more than I bargained for in establishing Canopy Media with my Business Partner but the experience has re-energised me. It feels like there are no limits to what I can achieve with my clients. We make the rules together and we can be as creative and out of the box as we want to be!

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone who is waiting to take the leap to work for themselves?

Aside from ‘do it’, build up some savings if you can, join Freelancing Gems and utilise your network! The people in my existing network were my biggest supporters when I started out and some of them became my very first clients. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Best tips for winning new business?

Do your research, be genuinely enthusiastic about your work and your prospective client, and have amazing offers ready to go!

What has been your favourite client/project you’ve done to date?

It’s impossible to choose. I’m grateful for all our clients and love the work we do on social media, blogs, web copy, email marketing and more. I am especially passionate about helping our clients in the domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) sector reach as many people as possible. I’ve also been enjoying supporting the Queensland Coercive Control Networking Meetings. Each meeting creates space for people from diverse backgrounds to discuss the criminalisation of coercive control in QLD so I am happy to be a part of something so important.

What is a business win you’re currently celebrating?

We’ve brought on some new clients recently that come from fascinating fields including medicine, transport and DFSV. With this growth, we’ve been able to hire someone to help out so we are now a team of 3!

Taylor has five years experience working with non-profits in communications, events and training.

She has worked in gender-based violence prevention at multiple NGOs. Taylor’s career goal is to provide innovative, effective and low cost marketing solutions to organisations most in need.

Outside of work, Taylor is an avid reader, athlete, and enjoys spending time with Team Culture Manager, Atticus (Taylor’s rescue cat).

You can connect with Taylor on the Gem Directory. Not a member? Join now.