Interview - Anna Grundy
Anna is passionate, virtuous and creative beyond measure. By immersing herself wholeheartedly into each client’s brand story, she creates thought provoking designs that resonate - designs that make brands blossom.
Tell us how you ended up here as a freelancer? Where did it all begin?
Discontented with working for some big-name companies (not to name names) I felt like I was using my hybrid skills (pr, marketing, graphic design, creative directing, producing, studio managing - these were all of the hats I wore every day in my job) to create content and design for the sake of it, it just felt soulless.
My transition to freelance life began with designing logos for friends for free. I then ended up, through word of mouth, helping a friend of a friend with their yoga studio brand. I began spending my commutes and evenings designing and got such tremendous feedback.
It truly lit me up to see how I was using my passions and skills to help the purpose-led small businesses succeed. It then took a lot of encouragement from the people around me to go out on my own but the day came when I just couldn’t ignore the signs any longer - I knew helping small businesses grow their brand was why I was put on this world.
So, I took the leap and it has been the best thing I have ever done. Don’t get me wrong, its a wild ride but it is a beautiful one - full to the brim with purpose and growth.
What was your last “real” job?
I was a Creative Services Lead - meaning that I was creative director, producer, stylist, graphic designer, pr & marketing manager and studio manager all rolled into one. Whilst the PR side didn’t light me up, everything else truly did.
I worked on some amazing big name brands, all that were making great strides in the sustainability space but it still didn’t feel 100% right. I managed lots of creative campaigns for the large lifestyle brands - food & drink, fashion and beauty.
All of this has given me everything I need running my studio.
What inspired you to start freelancing? Was there a ‘moment’ that made you realise it was time?
I always knew deep down that I wasn’t someone that suited the corporate world. I was always told how creative I was but also that I was different.
I was working at a multinational conglomerate and was honestly feeling overworked, underpaid and working for people that didn’t really align with my values. From the teary conversations with my partner to the conversations with my friend and colleagues I finally decided it was time to leave.
The next day, I went through a freelancing agency and got offered a gig with a creative agency that day - as soon as I was told I just knew in my gut that this wasn’t the right move and all of the signs were pointing to taking the leap. So I did!
How did you prepare to start working for yourself?
I guess I didn’t really prepare, it just suddenly happened one day. That being said though, I had been working for this yoga studio on the side - so I knew I had a paying client and that everyone around me believed in me. I had some savings that weren’t intended for freelancing but I was able to use as a buffer when first starting out. Honestly, if I had known I was going to take the leap, I would have planned and saved beforehand.
What was your biggest fear before you started freelancing? Any tips to overcome these fears?
When stepping out on your own, one of the biggest things you will experience is the limiting beliefs. That being said, it is a sure-fire way to accelerate your personal growth. My biggest fear throughout this process would have to be not being worthy of the success and the success itself (because I had been so burnt out in my ‘real job’).
I would say that whilst the external work is important, the internal work is as, if not more for the growth and sustainability of your business.
Tips from what I have done:
Meditating every day - being mindful and able to catch the limiting beliefs before they manifest
Read all of the self-development books - ones that inspire and speak to you (and if you are not much of a reader - podcasts are incredible too)
Discipline equals freedom - the more of a holistic routine you have, the better your mind will be - personally I like to go for a walk amongst nature whilst listening to a podcast, meditate on the beach and light palo santo before I start work
Journal - be aware of your thoughts by writing them down - this way you can pinpoint your fears and focus on rewiring yourself to know that it is simply a story you have been telling yourself finding out what works for you to work through them
Every morning before I get out of bed, I write a quick paragraph about my day as if it has already happened. This small activity has been so powerful for me and has created a mini manifestation for the day before any negative thoughts crop up
In three emojis, describe your life as a freelancer…
🌱 🙌🏼 🌊
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Purposeful (a desire to help), Passionate, Intuitive, Curious
Best thing about freelancing?
The ability to create a life by design and help people that align with your values and vision.
Suckiest thing about freelancing?
Sales, working on your own.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their freelancer journey?
Be patient with yourself, everyone is on their own journey and will experience everything uniquely at the time that is right for them.
You may compare yourself and look over your shoulder but try your best to stay in your lane and create something uniquely you - as that is your USP to the world.
Only you can create it and authenticity is what gets into the hearts, minds and wallets of your audience.
What’s next for you in business?
Going through a serious uplevel to make the Puraest experience extra special for my clients. Creating some exciting free brand blossoming goodness in the form of workbook, blogs and much more.
I am also launching a huge passion project and brand of my own - an ethical and sustainable clothing label - so stay tuned for that in the new year!
This or that
Tea or coffee? Coffee, always Coffee.
Introvert or extrovert? I like to think a little bit of both!
Earlybird or night owl? Neither, I love my sleep.
Home office or coworking space? Mainly home office and one day a week at a co-working space to break the week up.
Emails or calls? I love both - I enjoy writing so emails are nice but sometimes connecting via phone is so much nicer.
Paper or digital to-do list? Always paper - I handwrite my list out at the end of every day ready for the next (another tip!).
Books or podcasts? Morning stroll with a podcast and curled up with a book in the evening.