Episode Overview
Learn the powerful mindset shift that took Jolleen from underpaid to unstoppable in fashion freelancing!
Tired of feeling stuck, underpaid, or invisible in the fashion world? Jolleen Gabriel’s story will seriously light a fire under you. She went from earning just $18 a day in the Philippines to making over $4,000 a month as a freelance fashion designer—working only 20 hours a week. No massive audience. No secret connections. Just a smart strategy, a mindset shift, and some intentional Instagram magic.
In this episode, Jolleen shares how she built a thriving niche in swimwear, turned Instagram into a client-generating machine (without needing a huge following), and overcame self-doubt to confidently charge her worth. Her journey is packed with practical insights and inspiring mindset shifts that any freelancer can learn from.
If you’re new to freelancing or have been at it a while, click play now to discover how to land better clients, build a business you’re proud of, and finally charge what you’re worth.
Resources
197: How to Sell Yourself As A Freelance Fashion Designer (without feeling gross)
Bonus: The $200K Reality Check: Why Starting a Fashion Brand Costs More Than You Think
Episode Highlights
Event and Collaboration Discussion
- Conversation about the upcoming “FAST Track” event focused on social media and content strategy, with an invitation extended to Jolleen to present alongside other speakers.
Insights on Freelancing and Discipline
- Jolleen Gabriel shares her views on the importance of perseverance, discipline, and self-accountability in the freelancing industry, emphasizing the need for consistency.
Jolleen’s Social Media Approach
- Discussion on Jolleen’s involvement and strategies with Instagram, including posts, content lifespan comparison with LinkedIn, and using reels and other features.
Effective Use of Boosted Posts
- Jolleen talks about selectively boosting posts to engage the right audience for swimwear brands and how it has led to successful client acquisition.
Strategies for Engagement and Relationships
- Focus on building relationships with followers through genuine interactions and maintaining records of prospects, contributing to her long-term success.
Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance
- Jolleen reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome and talks about embracing opportunities to share her journey, further reinforcing confidence in her career choices.
Career Journey and Financial Improvement
- Comparison of Jolleen’s previous earnings and workload with her current success as a freelance fashion designer, highlighting the benefits of her strategic focus on Instagram.
Key Questions and Responses
1. What is the theme of the upcoming event, and how does it relate to your expertise?
- Jolleen was invited to present at the “Fast Track” event, which focuses on social media and content strategy. This aligns with her expertise in using Instagram strategically to grow her business and engage with her audience effectively.
2. How do consistency and discipline play a role in your freelancing success?
- Jolleen emphasizes that staying consistent and disciplined is crucial in freelancing. She highlights the need for self-accountability and perseverance, which have been key to her growth and success.
3. How have you approached using Instagram compared to LinkedIn?
- Jolleen shifted her focus from LinkedIn to Instagram, where she posts more frequently and engages with her audience through features like reels. She notes the difference in content lifespan and adapts her strategy to maximize engagement on each platform.
4. What is your strategy for boosting posts on Instagram?
- Jolleen is strategic with boosting posts, focusing on attracting potential swimwear brand entrepreneurs. She customizes audience settings rather than relying on Instagram’s recommendations to ensure her content reaches the right demographics.
5. How do you maintain relationships with your followers, especially those who don’t convert immediately into clients?
- Jolleen emphasizes building genuine relationships through consistent engagement and follow-ups. She keeps detailed records of prospects, ensuring long-term relationship building which can eventually lead to client conversions.
6. Can you share your experiences with dealing with imposter syndrome on your journey?
- Jolleen discusses overcoming imposter syndrome by embracing opportunities to share her journey and successes. This acceptance has strengthened her confidence in her business trajectory.
7. How has your career journey evolved financially, and what factors contributed to this change?
- Jolleen details her transformation from lower-paying, high-hour roles to earning significantly more as a freelancer. This change is attributed to strategic use of social media, particularly Instagram, and efficiently converting her followers into clients.
About Jolleen:
Jolleen Gabriel is a swimwear designer who loves helping people bring their brand visions to life. For her, it’s about more than just creating beautiful designs; it’s about empowering entrepreneurs to launch successful swimwear lines. She guides her clients through every step, from sketching concepts and developing tech packs to finding the perfect manufacturer. Her goal is to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible, so her clients feel confident and excited about building their dream brands.
Connect with Jolleen:
Email her at jolleengabriel@gmail.com
Check out her website
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn