I hate writing that very first blog post... It's even more intimidating than writing your first entry in a brand new journal with crisp, white pages. But let's start with me answering some FAQs.
What exactly do you do, Carly?
Well. I created this business so that I could help people. I graduated from college at the worst possible moment for a creative. Despite doing very well in school, when I reached the proverbial "real world," I was hit hard with the reality that getting a job in my chosen industry was a lot more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I worked for several companies, hoping that I would find my meaningful place in our world. I didn't want to just be a drone. I wanted to help. I wanted to do something that made my heart feel like it was in the right place.
It was a hard road, but an interesting one. I worked in retail-corporate-mind-numbing-9-dollars-an-hour-the-commute-cost-me-more-than-I-was-getting-paid HELL. I learned a lot. I took a risk and moved to Wyoming and worked as a seasonal photographer. That was a blast, but far away from everyone I love. I learned a lot. Then I moved back to the Southeast and felt more at home. I worked hard. I had to work 2 or 3 jobs to stay afloat. I learned a lot. I found steady work in the insurance business and I really, really tried to fit into that world, but it just wasn't for me, but I definitely learned a lot. I was completely burned out, and feeling more hopeless by the day. Then little opportunities started knocking on my door. I realized there were a lot of people like me that were branching off to work for themselves because they had talent and they were venturing into the world of free lance. The magical and scary world of 10-99s and invoices. I realized that I had what was needed to help them with all their creative needs to market their new ventures.
This turned into a long story... Sorry about that. Since I quit my job in insurance, I finally feel like I'm working at my dream job every day. I help small business owners just like myself market themselves so they can continue using their talents and passions to support themselves. I'm extremely proud of the work that I'm doing.
Do I need to commit long term to working with you?
The short answer is "No."
The long answer is that I work with my clients on a project-by-project basis. Some people need my help weekly, and others only need me once in a while. I am very flexible on this. I will offer my advice on what steps you should take to achieve your long term goals. While most of my clients do find things they need help with on a regular basis, I have no long term contracts. That's just not how I work!
My Brother's wife's cousin just got a new camera, can't she do it?
You know what? I support people learning something new. Give her a try. But if you feel like you want to use someone who has lots of experience, then you may want to let me handle it! I'll take great care of you!
I will be using my blog to share news and what I'm working on with you all and I will also be posting relevant things that I think my clients will find interesting or useful. Thank you for taking the time to read this and check back soon for updates!