Going Full-Time with my Brand Design Biz
Well, folks. I did it. I made it a month.
I’ve been running Melody Fulone Design since early 2019, but didn’t seriously consider diving in full-time until Fall 2021. It seemed risky even still – what if I couldn’t get consistent work? What if brand design was just a waste of services? What if I didn’t have enough saved up as a cushion in case things didn’t pan out?
Finally, in April 2022, things began to happen that pushed me to go full-time. My day job as a graphic designer/social media manager/all-around media person was enjoyable & reliable, but it was for a NH company 35 miles away that was not pro-remote work. That along with a few other internal staff changes, more client work happening for Melody Fulone Design, etc., brought me to the point of realizing that this would be the perfect time to quit and go full-time with my brand design business. God opened the door, and I hesitantly stepped through.
The first few weeks were absolutely amazing. I’m naturally a project-based person, always keeping busy, and so being home and having the freedom to work on client projects, bake bread, start a garden, go for a walk, has been wonderful. My mental and physical health has gone back up to the levels they were at when I was allowed to work from home part-time during 2020/2021. I can create my own schedule, switch gears when I need to, and not worry about office politics or drama.
That’s not to say it’s all been sunshine and roses.
Knowing that I am 100% responsible for my own income and taxes has been a little bit of a stressor, as I plan ahead and set financial goals for myself. I also miss some of the creative team camaraderie that I had at the office. However, overall, the pros have FAR outweighed the cons!
Something that surprised me:
How connected I have been able to remain! One of my worries about going full-time with my business was that I would be too isolated and not have enough human interaction in my life as I worked freelance from home. Thankfully, I am surrounded by a strong church community, family close by, and dear friends (some of whom have small businesses of their own), and I’ve been able to maintain social and community connections that help me keep a healthy perspective on life. (Me + isolation = not the healthiest combo! We were made for community).
Something I was most looking forward to:
Having time to garden and be outside, without having to work around 10 hours a day spent driving/working in an office behind a screen. With my new schedule, my mom & I started a few vegetable gardens and I’ve been having fun experimenting with growing sweet potato slips, new potatoes, and even starting a pot of chamomile flowers! It’s also been nice to know I have the freedom to get up and go for a walk without feeling guilty or neglectful of work duties.
Something that challenged me:
Rethinking my money mindset. My business and work is extremely project-based. This means that some months will be more lucrative than others, and I have needed to make peace with that and learn not to stress. This is why it’s so important to build up savings/financial cushion before going full-time, especially if you are in a business that will not necessarily provide consistent income. With a day job, I knew I had a paycheck to count on every two weeks even though that work was also very project-based. With my business, I am thinking about ways to generate more client leads, create passive income, and expanding my service offerings – all while cultivating a mindset that I don’t need to stress and work 24/7. There are some things you can control, and some things you can’t! I have definitely needed to take a step back and talk to God about this mindset, and ask Him for the strength to trust Him with provision. He always comes through!
A fellow small business owner reminded me of the verse in Matthew where Jesus tells us not to store up treasures for ourselves here on earth, but to store up treasure in heaven, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Basically, keeping an eternal perspective while remaining a good steward of my resources here on earth. I will work hard because that is what I love to do, but I will not kill myself to make as much money as possible, or stress when my paycheck is not as big as it was last month.
Something I would tell my younger self:
Keep saving up! Let go of that fear/love of money. Trust God to lead. Keep investing in and honing your skills. Don’t forget to count your blessings and look at how far you’ve come, and how far you’ve yet to go – good things are coming.
So one month has passed! I told myself I would give this venture 6 months. If by the end of those 6 months I have not met my goals (consistently making enough to pay my bills, pay off debt, and save for retirement), I will begin job hunting again with the Lord’s help. I am excited to see what comes!
I hope this was an interesting read for you! My advice is to trust God and be wise in your decision making. Make that list of pros & cons, surround yourself with friends who give good advice, and take time to step back and think.
And of course, if you’ve been thinking about hiring a brand designer, I would be honored to work with you! Take a look at all of my service offerings, and when you’re ready, reach out to chat!
