As someone from a family of self-employed entrepreneurs, I thought I had the blueprint for success. But when I had my first baby at 29, the corporate grind no longer fit the life I envisioned. Determined to build something for myself, I set up shop in my bedroom, balancing my work as a marketing freelancer with the chaos of a 9-month-old in tow.

It was a bold step—but not an easy one.

Lesson 1: It’s Easy to Get in Over Your Head

I landed my first big project: £5,000 to build three websites. At the time, it felt like I’d made it! But the reality was different. The project dragged on for six months, was grossly underpriced, and left me feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

What I learned: Success isn’t just about getting clients—it’s about having clear pricing, effective systems, and knowing your worth.

Lesson 2: Solo Work Can Be Isolating

Working alone gave me freedom, but it also came with challenges I hadn’t anticipated. I lacked guidance, templates, and systems to streamline my work. I had no one to brainstorm ideas with or troubleshoot problems.

Worse yet, I was charging a day rate, which meant I quickly ran out of billable hours. Every moment I wasn’t working, I wasn’t earning—something that became painfully clear when my unreliable freelance network added more stress than relief.

What I learned: Freedom without structure can feel like a trap. Success comes from scaling smartly, not from trying to do everything yourself.

Lesson 3: Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back

There were moments when I doubted everything—my abilities, my decisions, even my choice to leave corporate life. I felt like I was just “winging it,” and without clear systems or support, I worried I’d made a mistake.

What I learned: Imposter syndrome is normal, but it’s a sign that you need the right tools, training, and community to feel confident in your work.

The Turning Point: Finding activ Marketing

I loved the freedom of self-employment, but I knew there had to be a better way to build a business without constant burnout. After a lot of searching, I discovered the activ Marketing franchise—and it changed everything.

activ provided exactly what I was missing:

• A clear structure and pricing model.
• Training to expand my marketing services.
• Templates, tools, and support that eliminated inefficiencies.
• A community of like-minded professionals to brainstorm with.

With activ, I was finally able to scale beyond the limits of billable hours. Instead of feeling stuck in a cycle of freelancing chaos, I could offer my clients a comprehensive suite of marketing services—while still maintaining a better work-life balance.

What I’d Tell My Past Self

If I could go back, I’d remind myself that no one succeeds alone. The most important investments you make as an entrepreneur aren’t just in your business—but in the systems and support that allow your business to thrive.

Now, as part of the activ Marketing family, I’m able to enjoy the freedom of running my own business—with the confidence that I’m not doing it alone.

To anyone feeling isolated or stuck: there’s always a way forward. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right structure to turn your passion into a sustainable, scalable success.

Are you ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey? Discover how activ Marketing can help you scale smarter, not harder.