Jaye is an Operations Specialist and Online Business Manager based in Melbourne’s Inner West. She loves the flexibility of running her own business and calls on her experience across all kinds of industries to get your digital universe working in harmony. In this interview, we learn how she came to run her own business, the essential qualities she thinks every freelancer should have, and her favourite tools to stay on track.

To kick things off, tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up working for yourself?

I really wanted to feel in control of my career again. I was tired of being made redundant from roles (that I didn't even enjoy) and I really wanted to get back to a place where I liked what I was doing.

I was so over micromanaging bosses who didn't trust their employees to do their work. So one afternoon sitting in my lounge room, I convinced my cousin that we needed to start a business (she had also been made redundant at a similar time). This first business, The Little Collective, was a fun side project for us both and we continued to work part-time alongside running it. After 6 years of managing this business we agreed, it was time to move on to other things - but I knew going back to work for someone wasn't on the cards for me - so I started making other plans.

Was there a defining moment when you knew it was time to make the leap and do your own thing?

During a very long Melbourne Covid lockdown, I was made redundant (yet) again and things start to shift for me. I didn't want a side project anymore, I wanted to try this business thing full-time. So rather than looking for another part-time gig, I set about laying the foundations for my new project, Stitch.

What was your biggest fear before you started working for yourself?

Missing the connections with other people. Being in your own little bubble takes away from good vibes of a workplace. I now try to find these connections in other ways. Networking events, co-working, body doubling or lunching with other business peeps. There are so many wonderful people running their own business you don't have to feel lonely. You just have to find a way to connect with them.

What advice would you give to others to help them overcome fear and make the leap to self employment?

I worked part time in my business for 6 years before making it my solo gig. I felt there was a tipping point where I wanted to do more in the business and wasn't able to because of my other commitments. You'll know, because you’re pretty sure that you aren't doing either of your roles justice and something has to give. Or in my case, the universe could just send you a massive sign — redundancy — and make the choice really simple for you. Ha!

What is the best and worst part of working for yourself?

The best part is the flexibility. I can work when is best for me, my vibes and my life. I don't have to fit into an employer's expectation of when I should be performing at my best. I don't want to live my life feeling stretched and being stuck in traffic jams.

Let's talk morning routines, what do you do to set your day up for success?

Lately, it's kids out the door to school - exercise, breaky, shower and then start the list-making process of what needs to be done.

On Fridays, I like to put the client work aside and time some time to work on my business then take the afternoon off.

Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?

You need the "how hard can it be gene". I certainly have it and approach most things with a level of confidence that is not supported by my skill level for that task. But I'm pretty damn good at figuring it out! I think this is a great quality to take into a small business - because you literally have to give everything a crack at some point in time.

I also think you need to feel confident in your offer and your target market. If you're not convinced you can make your clients' world better by working with them, then they will feel those vibes and get wonky. Back yourself!

What habit(s) or tools help you to be your most focused self?

I'm fan of the pomodoro technique, as it helps me to wrangle my focus. My fav tools is pomofocus.io which you can build you list in and it helps to estimate the total time required to get these tasks done. I can adjust the mix, depending on what my commitments are for the day and make sure I'm finished on time. In my airpods, I'm usually playing a podcast or some instrumental beats to get the vibe right.

What role has community played in your success as a freelancer?

Community has given me a place to feel connected to a team. I love that I get to meet other rad business owners who complement the work that I do. We all work to support each other - and ensure that our clients get the right person for their job.

Do you have any stand out books, podcasts or spaces that are inspiring you in business right now?

Business-wise, I like The Brand Builders Lab by Suz Chadwick. She's a real straight talker and she hits you in the feels. My fav podcast to work to is The Imperfects, I hang for those episodes to drop on a Monday!

Finally, tell us a little about your business and where people can find you?

My business is called Stitch Strategy. I help business owners to wrangle their digital universe and get it back in working order. I do this through digital strategies that work with you, your business and your vibe. So that you can work through them and feel like you're taking back control of your digital space. I also help business owners to work create processes that help them to improve their workflows. You can find me at www.stitchstrategy.com.au, @stitchstratgy on Insta and Threads, and Stitch Strategy on the book of faces.
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View Jaye's profile on Cool Wow Collective here >

Visit www.stitchstrategy.com.au to explore Jaye’s offerings.

Member Moment — Jaye Heraud