The Freelance Hustle

Just imagine,  you're a freelancer and you feel stuck? Sound familiar? Carli Gribov (my sister!) joins me on this episode to break down how to find your inner leader, recognizing and controlling your inner critic so it doesn't control you, and identifying and putting a name to your inner leader and how to channel it when you need it most. It's an episode full of golden nuggets....now quick, go listen. 

IM BACK!!! With a very, very special episode. I sit down with my associate, Momoko Fritz, who has been working under me since August. We talk about why Momoko came to associate for me, how it's going, our road blocks and successes, and how to approach an associate mindset if you do decide to expand your team. This episode is so beneficial for anyone looking to grow their business and relinquish trust to another person working under your brand. Momoko, what would I do without you!

I sat down with Daily Crunch Snacks, a family owned business based in Michigan and Nashville run by Diane and Laurel. They are both smart business owners who happen to run a business together AND be related! We talk about their roles in the company, how Diane originally got started and when Laurel came into the picture, and how to maintain a healthy and balanced working relationship between two people going after the same mission. 

Right now they are offering listeners 15% off their product by using code thefreelancehustle at checkout! 

https://dailycrunchsnacks.com

https://www.instagram.com/dailycrunch_snacks/

I am back with a solo episode this week! I thought it would be nice to check in with you all and see how you were doing and also inform you on ways in which I've pivoted my business to stay afloat for 2020. A lot of this has to do around productivity and thinking big picture, two things that are my weakness. I hope you find this one humbling and motivating! 

Today I am joined with attorney Ian Roven and we talk through contracts, and how it's so important, especially in these times. We break down some of my contract, what I could improve on, and tips for freelancers on. how to protect themselves in the time of the pandemic. 

You can get in touch with Ian from his website, http://themalibulawyer.com

Today I wanted to check in with some of my fellow Chicago photographers and see how they were holding up both personally and professionally throughout this time. As freelancers, we don’t really have the luxury of having co-workers to zoom with on a daily basis or talk strategies for the upcoming quarter. It can be a pretty lonely and individual journey as freelancers. So this was my way of checking in on my colleagues and seeing how they were doing and what the highs and lows are for each of them individually.

Hello, we are LIVE from The Hoxton Hotel in Chicago IL! This was a pre-recorded speaking event I gave a few months back and I thought a LOT of what I talk about would be helpful for those of you reassessing your websites and portfolio. 

If you'd like to receive the slideshow that goes along with this episode, it's $10 and you can Venmo @alisha-siegel with your email in the subject line along with 'Hoxton episode' and I will send it on over! 

ENJOY! 

Hi guys! Sorry for the wonky sound in the beginning, but I promise it gets better! I'm here with my photography MUSE today, Chellise Michael, and we talk all about her business. In this episode we break down:

• What is it about your work that you think has made you successful
• How do you mentally prepare before shoots, and wind down
• Do you enjoy the creativity side or business side more?
•  Growing a team - I think it's what everyone wants but no one knows how to get. What do you think made it work for you?
• How did you figure out how to incorporate film into  your wedding packages, and what value do you think it brings to you and your brand?
• What do you think is a boring part of the business that is also the most important
• From the outside world, it just seems like you have MADE it. Was there ever a time that you felt genuinely nervous about your business and everything that you were building?

We dive into a lot of important topics in this episode and I am just so thankful that Chellise was able to join me on this one! You can find her work using the links below:

https://www.chellisemichaelphotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/chellisemichaelphotography/

Eric Floberg offers us a dose of practical advise about growing your platform, whether that be on Instagram or Youtube. He's built a successful career out of being vulnerable to his audience, putting out content that is uniquely his, and sticking to his voice. Here is where you can check out more of Eric's work:

https://www.instagram.com/eric.floberg/

https://www.youtube.com/user/edflobe

https://www.patreon.com/ericfloberg

Thanks for listening! 

This week, we're LIVE from Ipsento 606 in Bucktown with make-up artist Shannon O’Brien and hair stylist Emily Katz!

I sat down with Shannon and Emily to talk about their personal stories of how they hustle and get real with how they started out on their own. Emily shared some BIG news about her next move and the process of deciding on this step. Shannon spilled her major business tips and how she is THE pro in make-up and all things glam for weddings. Shannon's husband Matt (@mattroan) joined us to talk about time management as a family and how they balance it all. At the end of the night we took some great questions from the audience about branding, knowing when to take the leap, pricing your services and more.

What. A. Blast. If you didn't catch us live, don't worry we've got it all here for you on this episode.

Check out @alishatova for photos and videos of #thefreelancehustle LIVE night.

Follow Shannon's and Emily's hustle:
@shannicat
shannonobrienmua.com
@emmykatzhair
@goldustwoman
goldustwoman.com

Please say hi at hello@alishatova.com and I will answer on the show. Friendly reminder to please review, rate and share with your friends.

This week we have a VERY special guest on today, Ellen Rutt! I sat down with Ellen on a recent trip to Detroit and we chatted about her life as an artist, how she got her start with murals, what's been the most challenging part about pricing yourself, and how to incorporate activism into her business and brand. We unpack a ton of stuff in this short 28 minute episode and I hope you enjoy listening! 

Ellen Rutt makes bold mixed-media paintings, murals, installations and wearables. Her abstract vocabulary of layered shapes and primary colors is applied to a variety of media to facilitate a conversation between materials and movement, places and process. As a multidisciplinary artist, her distinct style is recognized internationally through public murals and her studio work. Rutt has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Michigan School of Art & Design. She has exhibited work at MOCAD, PLAYGROUND DETROIT, Red Bull Arts Detroit, Heron Arts. and painted murals in Detroit, New York, Chicago, Canada and France.

Remember that we are having a LIVE show on Thursday October 17th at Ipsento 606 in Chicago IL. We hope to see you all there!! 

Here is a short breakdown of what we cover in this episode:

1:25 We talk about our roots and how Ellen discovered her passion for art

4:44 Ellens touches on when her skills caught up with her drive 

5:30 We break down how to get started with Mural painting 

11:40 We learn more about how Ellen broke away from smaller jobs and started to see her full time career take storm 

14:45 I ask Ellen about money and how it affects her stress and fear within her work 

16:25 Ellen offers advice to people who want to get started with murals

19:19 Ellen opens up about how she prices herself as an Artist 

22:00 We touch on climate change and how it's deeply rooted in Ellen's work and brand

Thanks for listening everyone! You can find Ellen Rutt on instagram at @Ellenrutt, and see her recent work at www.ellenrutt.com

This week, I sit down with Wade McElroy of Chicago hospitality group, Leisure Activities. He is one of the guys behind this city's most awesome bars Sportsmans Club, Estereo, Young American and more. In our conversation, we learn about how Wade got into the world of hospitality, how he hustles today...and I may confess my love for his bars. Wade shares a path that many of us freelancers have in common - going from corporate job to what we really love and finding a home in this creative community. Together, we dive into what brought him from NYC to Chicago, how he landed his first job in hospitality, why balance matters, value in building a lean strong team and his secret sauce to creating great neighborhood bars. Enjoy listening in on our chat and I hope you leave feeling just as inspired as I did.

If you have questions, comments, want to just say hello, please email me at hello@alishatova.com - I will be answering on the show soon! And a friendly reminder to please review, rate and share with your friends.

Follow Wade's hustle:
@leisurelyexplorer
@leisureactivies
http://leisure-activities.com/

Show Notes:
9:00: Wade talks about how he had nothing to lose in starting a bar and how they got fortunate with their first bar situation.

11:25: Wade gets into the real hard part of starting a bar, cultivating an identity and what their identity was.

13:36: Wade shares more about when he and his partner officially went off into their independent projects.

14:40: We discuss how emotional value opens doors to financial successes.

17:30: Wade talks about his team and why he chooses to stay lean at the top and not go beyond their means.

18:30: Wade harps on his importance of balance, getting comfortable saying no and finding what gives you happiness.

25:00: Wade gives Chicago some love and shares why he believes there is so much opportunity for creative expression in this city.

28:00: We discuss going outside of your box and how New York left a serious impression on both of us and why we're appreciative.

30:00: We talk new projects for Wade and what's brewing.

I'm baaack! Welcome to The Freelance Season two where we dive right into it. On this episode, I break down how I've built my business centered around client experience and explain as to why it's been such a sustainable business model for me. This episodes breaks down into three parts: how I treat my clients before, during, and after the photo experience, starting with emails and ending with wrap up gifts. You'll get a whole lot of tips and tricks as to how to come across more professional and in control of your business, all while treating your clients like kings and queens. I promise. you, it will keep 'em coming back for more...and more...and more!

5:53 I go into email etiquette and tips for sounding more confident and professional with your clients

16:25 we talk about details and how it can value your own portfolio and in turn your work will be better and your clients will be better

24:40 we go into how I work on the actual wedding/work day 

28:30 I explain why it's important not to be on your phone when you're on the job

32:41 lean into whatever YOUR style is

I am officially wrapping up SEASON 1!! For my final episode of the season, I decided to talk about something that is very real for anyone hoping to start something new or make a pivot in their career; and that is doubt. I talk about the doubt I've had along the way in my career, some pivots I'm going through currently, and getting advice and inspiration from the positivity queen, Ariel Upton. Ariel is the founder of an approach and writing journal called Today I Did It Right. The focus of Ariel's approach is designed to help you prioritize your energy and create and live the life that’s right for you. I left Ariel feeling inspired and a renewed sense of energy. I hope you do too after listening! To learn more about Ariels company, check out her website: https://www.todayididitright.com

Founder, Alyssa Wasko, began making scarves in 2009 to cope with the death of her father Donald. Her friends began asking for them, and soon enough her fellow peers were selling the scarves on campuses across the country. The creative outlet grew into a full-fledged business, and she named it DONNI after her father, who always called her his lucky charm. DONNI scarves & accessories are made in Los Angeles by women who are like family to the brand. In Donald's name, the brand seeks to create pieces with soul: this begins by supporting the women who produce them, and concludes with a donation to a different charity every season. Listen in to learn more about Alyssa's inspiration, her road blocks, and successes along the way. 

Todays episode I am joined with none other than the man who taught me...well...pretty much everything. My dad! He has been a guiding light for me in the early days of my business, and still helps me with decision making today. He comes on to talk about why you need to get rid of credit card debt, saving for your future, and the benefits of putting away a small lump sum each month. 

Today I have Liz Grant, my graphic design artist on and OMG do I love her. She has taken my brand, look and feel to a whole new level and I wanted to have her on since dreaming up this podcast because I know she has so much knowledge to give. You can see more work and hire Liz from her website http://lizdesignsthings.com

In this episode I am touching on five questions that a fellow freelance artist wrote in about. The five questions involve social media, pricing yourself appropriately, when to phase out of friends/family discounts, work-life balance, and marketing your business properly. I get into each of these topics and what has worked for me personally within my own business. I hope you all find this episode insanely helpful and insightful! 

In today's episode I'm joined with Karla Harrington, my trusted accountant! We go over different entity structures, picking the right advisor for your needs and how much it costs, if you really need a formal accounting system or not, what records you need to keep and why, and taxes other than income to be aware of. If you or someone you know is in need of an amazing accountant, feel free to reach out to Karla directly! Her email is KHarrington@shindelrock.com. Enjoy listening! 

In 2009 Krystal Bick was just your average girl working at Google in San Francisco while juggling a blog on the side not knowing if it would go anywhere. Fast forward to 2019 and Krystal is one of the leading influencers in the game. With 131k instagram followers, she talks about why she loves burning the midnight oil, what got her start, and why she continues to be the best in the game. 

On today's episode I'm joined by Albany Katz, a newbie in the photography industry who is trying to break out on her own and get her business off the ground. I walk her through some of my tips and tricks I had in those first two years of growth, as well as some advice for things you can do in the meantime even when you aren't getting those dream clients yet. You can follow Albany along on instagram at @albanykatz. Her work is sooooo dreamy you guys!!! 

In today's episode, Alisha talks through one of her biggest shifts in her freelance career: the time Amy Schumber photobombed her engagement session and it went viral. She walks you through her transition into freelance life, what eventually got things off the ground, and where she is now with her career. She also chats about future guests she's excited to have on the show. That's right folks, she's just getting started...