Episode Overview
In Part 2 of Caroline Kuhlman’s story, we go deep into what happens *after* you quit your job—and how the real growth begins when you start setting boundaries, raising your rates, and trusting yourself. Caroline shares how she went from charging $14/hour to quoting $65/hour as a freelance sample maker—*even though she was scared AF to say it out loud.* She walks us through the pricing mistake that nearly lost her a client, how she fixed it, and the mindset shifts that now have dream clients reaching out to *her* on LinkedIn. If you’ve ever struggled to own your worth, say no, or charge more, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources
020: The Step by Step Guide to Fabric Sourcing for Your Fashion Brand (with low minimums) with Jay Arbetman
266: From Self-Doubt and a Factory Job to Freelance Biz Owner: Caroline’s One-Year Transformation
Episode Highlights
- The $65/hour Leap: What happened when Caroline raised her rate—and why it scared her
- Fixing a Pricing Mistake: How she nearly lost a client and saved the deal with a smart pivot
- Finding Her Niche: Why sample making became her sweet spot
- Getting Clients from LinkedIn: The simple steps she took to attract leads without pitching
- Red Flags and Saying No: How she learned to walk away from misaligned clients
- Structuring Her Services: What she offers now and how she frames her value
- Protecting Her Time: Why she no longer says yes to everything
- Mental Health + Momentum: The emotional side of growing a freelance biz
- What She’d Do Differently: Her advice to past-Caroline (and any freelancer starting out)
Key Questions & Guest Answers
Q: What was going through your head when you quoted $65/hour for the first time?
A: Caroline says she was trembling—literally. It was one of the scariest moments in her freelance journey, but she knew she had to own her value.
Q: Did the client accept that rate right away?
A: Not exactly—Caroline shares how she made a mistake in her original proposal, but was able to recover it by adjusting the offer and clearly explaining her value.
Q: Why did you choose to niche into sample making?
A: It’s where she felt most confident and could bring the most value—plus, it’s in high demand. Focusing there gave her clarity and confidence.
Q: How are clients finding you now?
A: Mostly through LinkedIn. Caroline walks through how she optimized her profile and started posting to attract the right clients—without constant pitching.
Q: How has your mindset shifted since quitting your job?
A: She now sees boundaries as non-negotiable. She’s more confident in saying no and more focused on doing work that aligns with her energy and goals.
Q: What’s one thing you wish you’d known sooner?
A: That fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready. Caroline wishes she had trusted herself earlier and not waited for “perfect” to get started.
About Caroline
Caroline Kuhlman is a sample maker who specializes in collaborating with pattern makers to bring designs from 2D concepts to real-life garments—faster than factories can. Through her hands-on process, clients gain valuable insights that help prevent costly production mistakes. Caroline loves bringing the tech pack, pattern, and materials together for the first time—and proudly calls herself a sewing nerd at your service.
Connect with Caroline
Email her at raconteur@caroinekuhlman.com
Check out her website
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn