How can you turn your creative passion into a thriving freelance business and still give back?

In this episode host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with long-time friend and expert consultant Mara Shorr to explore the intersection of journalism, business, and advocacy. Mara shares tactical tips for freelancers ready to expand their business, including how to hire your first virtual assistant or contractor and why documenting systems is key to scaling.

But it’s not all business—Mara opens up about her inspiring advocacy work as a foster mom, guardian ad litem, and foster dog caretaker. Learn how her journalism roots shaped her success and discover actionable strategies to grow your freelance career while staying true to your values.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to create systems to streamline your freelance business.
• The first steps to take when hiring your first team member or virtual assistant.
• Why documenting your processes can make or break your business growth.
• How to use writing and communication skills to create impactful client content.
• Insights into incorporating your professional skills into meaningful advocacy work.

ABOUT MARA SHORR
Mara Shorr is an expert consultant and international speaker with nearly 15 years of experience helping businesses in the aesthetic and healthcare industries achieve operational and financial success. A passionate advocate for people and animals, Mara combines her background in journalism, communications, and systems management with her dedication to fostering, mentoring, and driving meaningful change. Follow Mara on Instagram at @MaraShorr and @MaraAdvocates.

TOOLS MARA MENTIONS

ChatGPT

Loom

Calendly

Canva

Full Show Notes Here

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Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
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BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

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How can staying true to your story unlock your biggest creative breakthrough?

In this episode Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with award-winning author and illustrator Jerry Craft, creator of New Kid—the first graphic novel to ever win the prestigious Newbery Medal. Jerry opens up about his inspiring journey from a reluctant reader to a New York Times bestselling author, sharing how his personal experiences of feeling like an outsider became the foundation for a story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Tune in to hear Jerry's candid insights on the power of perseverance, navigating countless rejections, and staying true to your creative vision even when the odds are stacked against you. Whether you're a freelance writer seeking to get published or a creative professional in search of inspiration, this episode offers invaluable wisdom on storytelling, tenacity, and building a successful career as a writer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The challenges Jerry overcame before breaking through with a traditional publisher.
• How to transform personal experiences into universal stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• The importance of perseverance and resilience in pursuing a creative career, even after facing repeated rejection.
• Why staying true to your vision and avoiding limiting labels can be key to long-term creative success.

ABOUT JERRY CRAFT

Jerry Craft is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading. Buy the books at: https://jerrycraft.com/

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
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Website

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How can Medium’s unique platform help you reach new audiences and maximize your freelance potential?

In this episode we sit down with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, to explore how the platform is impacting the world of writing.

With over 1 million paid subscribers and recent profitability, Medium is becoming a powerful space where writers can thrive without the hustle and connect with new audiences.

Tune in to hear Tony’s take on how to maximize earnings through Medium’s partner program and the unique opportunities it presents to freelance writers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Medium’s new focus on authenticity is helping writers stand out in a crowded digital market

• What profitability at Medium means for writers using the platform
• Key changes in Medium’s Partner Program and how they affect writer compensation
• Strategies for freelance writers to maximize their success and earnings on Medium
• Why community and connection with readers are more important than views or clicks
• How Medium’s distribution engine gives writers an edge

ABOUT TONY STUBBLEBINE

Tony Stubblebine is the CEO of Medium. Previously, he was the owner of some of Medium’s largest publications, including Better Humans, and is the co-founder and former CEO of Coach.me. He lives in New York.

Read Tony’s writing.

ABOUT MEDIUM

Medium is an online publishing platform where writers from all backgrounds can share their stories, insights, and ideas with a global audience. Known for its clean design and user-friendly interface, Medium offers a space for thoughtful, high-quality writing on a wide range of topics. With a unique focus on authenticity, Medium connects readers to content that prioritizes depth and meaning over clickbait, while offering writers the opportunity to get paid for their work through its membership model.

Learn about Medium’s Partner Program.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE