“I love being my own boss, and the challenges and rewards that come with that. I also enjoy the fact that everything is always changing. But for those exact reasons, it’s not for everyone.”

“Go for it! You truly have nothing to lose. Ask questions. Meet people. Read. Travel. Try new things. Take risks. Don’t worry about other people—focus on yourself. Don’t think long-term—focus on now.” 

“I start with no. It’s usually a no. I’m in a field where there’s a lot of New Agey advice about being a yes. This is the death knell of a solo business, especially for women because we are too often conditioned to people please.”

“I try more and more to go with my gut. If a project seems like it will be a nightmare, it probably will be—so I’ve gotten better at respectfully declining.”

“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to know my value and what I’m willing to do for it. It takes awhile to figure that out. That being said, one of the best negotiating tools is the ability to say ‘no.’ You’ve got to establish your moral/ethical code.”

“I was determined to find a way to retain my freedom. I did not want an obligation to staff to prevent me from doing what I felt like doing—like going to the beach for a walk, or working in a café all day.”

“People don’t believe I’m an introvert. I am. I have to have a ton of time alone. I do think introversion and soloing dovetail nicely.”

“Soloing has given me the joy of self-mastery and self-discovery. I am free to bring meaning and purpose to each day. I am free to forge that path. It’s exhilarating!”

I only get paid when I work. I haven’t figured out my health insurance. And I’m working twice as many hours. But I’ve never felt more alive. I’ve never felt more passionate. I’ve never felt more ... me.

“Despite the occasional anxiety, I find myself with this overwhelming exhilaration that everything in my life thus far has led to this point.”

“Formal education trains us to obey too much. Ultimately, you’re the only one who can decide what to work on, who to work with, and how to do it.”

“When I get going my tendency is to dig deep, leave no stone unturned, and ask a lot of questions. To my mind that is all part of one best habit: caring.”

“What keeps me up at night is the fear of failure and figuring out a game plan for success. I’m always looking for ways to make my process more efficient so I can make more product.”