The deets:
Name: Faith Storey (she/her)
Business Name: Storey Studios
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Describe your business:
I manage paid ads on social media and search primarily for tech companies or early-stage startups.
Tell us about your self-employment journey.
I started on Upwork – a marketplace where freelancers can find work – while in college. After working a few full-time jobs and side hustles, I made the transition to full-time self-employment in November 2020. I decided to become full-time self-employed so I could work on multiple projects and have more control over my time.
What’s the most valuable thing you learned early in your career that has contributed to your success?
In the beginning, it’s very much who you know to get great clients. Then it becomes what you know as you become an expert in your space. Take risks early on in your journey. It’s always better to get a “no” than to wonder “what if I had asked.”
How are you pivoting your business during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Covid actually made me want to freelance full-time. I knew I could do my business entirely online already.
What’s a recent project that you’ve worked on that you’re really excited about?
I’m actually in the process of starting my own dropshipping business. Since I know how to do ads, it made sense for me to try my hand at managing ads for my own brand.
What advice would you give other self-employed people?
Take the risk. Ask for a higher hourly rate or higher retainer. You’ll never know if you don’t try.
Are you a part of any freelancer communities? Which ones? And how do they support you?
Yes, I’m in a Slack group called “Marketing Consultants”. They help with lead gen. I also get to ask questions about problems I face with ad accounts. I’m also a part of Demand Curve, which is not just for freelancers. It’s a cool way to learn from other people who work in tech.
How has forming an S Corp helped you level up your business?
Saving on taxes. But also, for legal purposes, I know it’s safer for me to be an LLC than a sole proprietor. For me, becoming an S Corp is when I knew I was really “doing this” self employment thing!