Interview - Sarah Garner
An entrepreneur at heart, Sarah wanted to run before she could walk when it came to building her own business. But after a serious injury, her corporate world was turned upside down. Saying sayonara to the 9-5 lead this dynamite creative to create her own branding business. This is her journey.
Tell us how you ended up here as a freelancer? Where did it all begin?
I’ve been entrepreneurial from the moment I could walk. My parents were constantly listening to ideas of how I could help change the world, feed the hungry, tend to the sick and bring peace.
What was your last ‘real’ job?
I was in a high-flying corporate role selling ergonomic workstations to all those high-rise tower peeps. I loved the company (they were a Dutch manufacturer and really made an environmental difference in the world), yet I wasn’t down for the 9-5 and limited creativity anymore.
What inspired you to start freelancing? Was there a ‘moment’ that made you realise it was time?
I guess I knew all along that I would end up working for myself, but the universe punched me square in the face back in 2015 when I tore my ACL, snapped my ligament clean off, fractured my bones and did a number on my knee in a thrilling netty (Netball) grand final. The CEO of our company was super compassionate and allowed me to start working from home, 2 months in he was so impressed with the output he tasked me to close down our Australian office and set up our team members in a remote-based role, and to this day it’s still how it is currently running.
How did you prepare to start working for yourself?
I had no real plan, I just leaped into it - as soon as people find out you are a graphic designer projects crawl out of the wood works left, right and centre.
What was your biggest fear before you started freelancing? Any tips to overcome these fears?
What happens if I run out of work? How do I pay my bills? Don’t downplay your brilliance, remain humble, but accomplished.
In three emojis, describe your life as a freelancer…
🌻✨🌍
Walk us through a typical work day?
Morning: Coffee, walk, dive into jaw-dropping, head-turning creative projects
Afternoon: Lunch, second sesh of diving into creative projects, contemplate an early knock off beverage (because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere right 😉), walk or run before dinner
Evening: Catch up on work missed out on when daydreaming, dinner, tea, yoga, meditate to sleep
How as COVID-19 impacted your everyday life?
It hasn’t really had an impact on my life as such, if anything it’s been the busiest time in my entire freelancing career.
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Discipline
Determination
Motivation
I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but can you share a favourite client project of yours?
YES! Beaute Industrie’s Rebrand, Dermhealthco’s Brand Tweak, Blow Dry Bar's Glow Up and Salon Pay's Digital Blossoming... Ok, I admit - all my client’s are rad! They’re all my favourite.
Best thing about freelancing?
Finding like-minded fellow freelancing tribes.
Suckiest thing about freelancing?
When clients don’t pay you on time (or at all 🤯😳).
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their freelancer journey?
Charge what you are worth from the get go, invest in a lawyer drawing you up an agreement specific to YOU, make every.single.client sign said agreement before working with them, chase up payments consistently and don’t be afraid to break up with a client if they aren’t vibing with you/don’t align.
What’s next for you in business?
We’re about to shake up the startup branding scene for business in the Hair, Beauty and Wellness industries - shhhh. *watch this space*
This or that
Tea or coffee? Both
Introvert or extrovert? Both - depending on my feels, Extrovert 80% of the time
Earlybird or night owl? Both - ebbs and flows baby, ebbs and flows
Home office or coworking space? Coworking
Emails or calls? Calls, because I could talk under water
Paper or digital to-do list? Paper, and a good ole handwriting sesh
Books or podcasts? Books - is it weird i like the smell?