Episode Overview
In this inspiring follow-up, Candice Stokes returns to share how she officially quit her job in less than a year and is now earning more money freelancing in fashion than she ever did in her full-time role. From her first clients on Upwork to landing values-aligned projects through Instagram and the FAST community, Candice breaks down the real strategies that helped her scale fast without burning out.
Resources
250: The $6K Freelancer: How She Replaced Her Salary in 30 Days
Episode Highlights
- Under a Year to Quit: How Candice built enough momentum to leave her job
- Financial Freedom in Fashion: Replacing (and surpassing) her full-time income
- Instagram Client Strategy: Turning content into consistent inquiries
- The “Technically, A Fit Check” Series: How her reel format gained traction
- Why Values Matter: Building a client base rooted in ethics and integrity
- Finding Clients Through Community: How the FAST network led to key projects
- Using HoneyBook for Systems: The CRM tool that keeps her organized and stress-free
- Batch Filming & Editing Tips: How Candice uses ChatGPT and CapCut to stay consistent
- Planning for Growth: Why she’s planting seeds for a future agency
- Lessons from the First Year: Navigating the freelance roller coaster with confidence
Key Questions & Guest Answers
Q: What made you decide it was time to quit your job?
A: Candice had booked so many freelance projects that her schedule was overflowing—she was forced to go part-time and then full-time freelance within months.
Q: How did you find your first few clients?
A: She started on Upwork, then quickly shifted to Instagram and word-of-mouth referrals from the FAST community.
Q: What’s working best on Instagram?
A: Her “Technically, A Fit Check” video series breaks down fashion trends with technical insight and has become her signature format.
Q: How does she stay organized with multiple projects?
A: Candice uses HoneyBook to manage client pipelines, automate follow-ups, and send contracts and invoices.
Q: What was the biggest mindset shift?
A: Realizing that she’s solving problems—not selling herself—and showing up online with confidence.
Q: How is she planning to scale next?
A: She’s exploring the idea of building an agency model by collaborating with trusted freelancers.
About Candice
Candice Stokes is a technical fashion designer who transforms creative ideas into expertly crafted garments, thanks to her hands-on skills and years of sewing experience. She’s passionate about how clothes tell stories—both cultural and personal—and loves geeking out over why fabric matters as much as fit. Whether she’s sketching, sewing, or decoding a tricky pattern, Candice brings humor and heart to her work (and plenty of coffee).
Connect with Louise
Visit her website
Email her at hello@candicestokes.com
Follow on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn