How to Write Your Freelance Success Story with Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni of The Content Byte

How to Hit Reset on Your Freelance Business with Melanie Padgett Powers

Are you running your freelance business with intention—or just reacting to deadlines? It’s easy to stay in motion as a freelancer. Between client work, content marketing, invoicing, and trying to keep up with everything else, we often skip the most important work: thinking strategically about what we want from this business and how we’re actually doing. On this episode, Ashley is joined by Melanie Padgett Powers, a longtime freelancer, managing editor, writer, and host of The Deliberate Freelancer podcast. She shares why stepping back to plan is essential, how she created the idea of a “solo business retreat,” and what creative freelancers can do to build in reflection time—even if they’re short on capacity.  ABOUT MELANIE Melanie Padgett Powers is the owner of MelEdits [https://meledits.com/] in the Washington, DC, area, where she is a magazine managing editor, writer and proofreader for membership associations, primarily in the health care and science space. Melanie has a journalism degree and was previously a newspaper reporter in her home state of Indiana. She is also the creator and host of the Deliberate Freelancer [https://meledits.com/category/podcast/] and Association Station podcasts. Melanie lives with her husband and two entertaining cats, Maxy and Daisy. She loves all things books and reading, Washington Nationals baseball and solo travel adventures. Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniepadgettpowers/].  Full show notes here. [https://talkfreelancetome.com/freelance-solo-business-retreat-melanie-padgett-powers/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2150154/open_sms] Support the show [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar] Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here. [https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/bc84f93c21] BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here! [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/big-money-freelance-writing-guide] 1:1 BUSINESS COACHING Click here! [https://talkfreelancetome.com/hire-us/] LET'S BE SOCIAL! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/talkfreelancetome] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyannecisneros] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@talkfreelancetome] Facebook [https://facebook.com/talkfreelancetome] Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/talk_freelance] Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/talkfreelancetome] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/talkfreelancetome] Website [https://www.talkfreelancetome.com] ... [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar]

Writing, Boundaries, and How to Be a Feisty Freelancer with Dr. Sue Bowness

What does it really take to build a freelance business that feels steady, fulfilling, and true to who you are?  Every freelancer faces moments of doubt, especially when the industry shifts, competition rises, or motivation fades. But there are practical ways to stay grounded and keep moving forward. In this conversation, Ashley Cisneros Mejia talks with Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness, writer, editor, teacher, consultant, and author of The Feisty Freelancer. Sue has been freelancing independently since 2002, and she’s built a business around long-form writing, teaching, and helping creative freelancers develop their voice, workflow, and confidence. They cover the full scope of freelance life: how to start before you feel ready, how to find clients, what to do when fear affects your decisions, and ways to build a healthier rhythm when you work from home. Sue also shares insights from her book and offers realistic, encouraging advice that freelancers at any stage can use. ABOUT SUE  Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness is a writer/editor/consultant and principal of CodeWord Communications [https://codeword.ca/]. She has been working independently since 2002 and published her guide to freelancing The Feisty Freelancer [https://feistyfreelancer.com/] with Dundurn Press in 2025 after teaching writing courses for 15+ years. Read more about her and her work at SuzanneBowness.com [https://suzannebowness.com/]. Full show notes here.  [https://talkfreelancetome.com/the-feisty-freelancer-suzanne-bowness/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2150154/open_sms] Support the show [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar] Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here. [https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/bc84f93c21] BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here! [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/big-money-freelance-writing-guide] 1:1 BUSINESS COACHING Click here! [https://talkfreelancetome.com/hire-us/] LET'S BE SOCIAL! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/talkfreelancetome] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyannecisneros] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@talkfreelancetome] Facebook [https://facebook.com/talkfreelancetome] Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/talk_freelance] Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/talkfreelancetome] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/talkfreelancetome] Website [https://www.talkfreelancetome.com] ... [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar]

How to Protect Your Energy as a Freelancer with Arlene Ambrose

Are you creating a business that supports your well-being, or one that silently drains it? In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with registered nurse, wellness educator, and creative entrepreneur Arlene Ambrose to talk about the intersection of health, creativity, and freelance sustainability. Arlene brings her deep clinical background from emergency rooms and rural healthcare into an eye-opening conversation about stress, seasonal work rhythms, and the importance of building a business that doesn’t ignore your body. This conversation is a must-listen for any freelancer feeling the pressure to keep pushing, producing, and overdelivering. Arlene’s perspective is a reminder that rest isn’t a reward … it’s an essential part of the work.  ABOUT ARLENE AMBROSE Arlene Ambrose is a Canadian-based health writer, registered nurse, and well-being educator. She has expertise in emergency room nursing, post-anaesthetic recovery room care, and travel nursing. She's knowledgeable in several fields of health but is particularly passionate about slow living, self-care, stress management, and lifestyle medicine. She views these as powerful strategies for preventing and treating chronic illness while promoting overall well-being. Follow Arlene on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thearleneambrose/]and sign up for her newsletter, A Moment of Pause [https://arleneambrose.myflodesk.com/gpsns3e1qm].  Full show notes here. [https://talkfreelancetome.com/freelance-stress-management-arlene-ambrose/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2150154/open_sms] Support the show [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar] Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here. [https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/bc84f93c21] BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here! [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/big-money-freelance-writing-guide] 1:1 BUSINESS COACHING Click here! [https://talkfreelancetome.com/hire-us/] LET'S BE SOCIAL! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/talkfreelancetome] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyannecisneros] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@talkfreelancetome] Facebook [https://facebook.com/talkfreelancetome] Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/talk_freelance] Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/talkfreelancetome] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/talkfreelancetome] Website [https://www.talkfreelancetome.com] ... [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar]

How to Write Your Freelance Success Story with Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni of The Content Byte

Two powerhouse Australian creatives. Seven years of podcasting wisdom. One honest conversation about building something that lasts. In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with Rachel Smith and Lynne Testoni, co-hosts of The Content Byte and long-time champions of Australia’s freelance community. What started as a simple idea has grown into a seven-year journey filled with collaboration, community building, and a ripple effect that has touched writers around the world.  ABOUT OUR GUESTS Rachel Smith [https://rachelsmith.com.au/] is an Australian journalist, copywriter, and community builder who founded Rachel's List [https://www.rachelslist.com.au/joblist], a long-running hub for paid freelance opportunities. Rachel co-hosts The Content Byte [https://thecontentbyte.com/] with fellow Sydney journalist Lynne Testoni [https://www.lynnetestoni.com/], a writer–editor with 20+ years covering interiors, design, building, and food and a sought-after speaker on pricing and sustainable careers. The Content Byte is a weekly interview show for people who use words to make a living, sharing practical tips and honest stories from inside the industry. Special thanks to Rounded [https://rounded.com.au/], official sponsor of The Content Byte. Rounded is an Australian accounting platform built for freelancers. Full show notes and transcript here. [https://talkfreelancetome.com/freelance-podcast-the-content-byte-rachel-smith-lynne-testoni/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2150154/open_sms] Support the show [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar] Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here. [https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/bc84f93c21] BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here! [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/big-money-freelance-writing-guide] 1:1 BUSINESS COACHING Click here! [https://talkfreelancetome.com/hire-us/] LET'S BE SOCIAL! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/talkfreelancetome] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyannecisneros] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@talkfreelancetome] Facebook [https://facebook.com/talkfreelancetome] Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/talk_freelance] Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/talkfreelancetome] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/talkfreelancetome] Website [https://www.talkfreelancetome.com] ... [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar]

How to Start Ugly with Freelancer Turned Founder Alex “Nemo” Hanse

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with creator, designer, entrepreneur, and all-around inspiration Alex “Nemo” Hanse, the mind behind the Foolies movement and one of the most refreshingly honest voices in the creative world. Nemo shares how rap became his gateway into entrepreneurship, why honoring his late mother fuels everything he builds, and what it truly looks like to serve the people who have stood by you. He talks candidly about self-doubt, imposter feelings, layoffs, creative courage, and the emotional truth behind his popular clothing line.  ABOUT ALEX "NEMO" HANSE Alex Hanse (Nemo) is a senior graphic designer at Jobs for the Future, specializing in graphic design, branding, and marketing strategy. He has collaborated with industry leaders like Arlan Hamilton and Raymond James Investment Management. As the founder of Foolies Limited Clothing, Nemo's designs and socially conscious messaging advocate for Black women and women of color in entertainment. Recognized by Essence, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and Gary Vaynerchuk's bestseller "Crushing It!", Nemo's work reflects his commitment to using design for social good. He holds degrees from the University of Florida and Full Sail University. Connect with Nemo on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhanse/] and click here [http://thefoolies.com] to learn more about Foolies. Full show notes here. [https://talkfreelancetome.com/freelance-mindset-overcoming-imposter-syndrome/] Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2150154/open_sms] Support the show [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar] Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here. [https://talkfreelancetome.kit.com/bc84f93c21] BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here! [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/big-money-freelance-writing-guide] 1:1 BUSINESS COACHING Click here! [https://talkfreelancetome.com/hire-us/] LET'S BE SOCIAL! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/talkfreelancetome] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyannecisneros] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@talkfreelancetome] Facebook [https://facebook.com/talkfreelancetome] Twitter/X [https://twitter.com/talk_freelance] Pinterest [https://pinterest.com/talkfreelancetome] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/talkfreelancetome] Website [https://www.talkfreelancetome.com] ... [https://pages.talkfreelancetome.com/products/ashleys-tip-jar]