The Women Who Made Me Want to Work for Myself

For me, working for myself has always been the end goal. Even though I’ve always had slightly different ideas about how I’d get there, whether that’s being a bestselling author, in-demand content writer or jet-setting journalist (I’m not choosy — any will do), the independent vibe underpinned it all  – and writing, of course. But there’ve been some women along the way who’ve guided me and inspired me without even knowing (or knowing I even exist). So here’s some of them — and why.

Jordan McCabe (Entrepreneur & clothing designer) 

I remember when I first heard about Jordan McCabe  22-year-old CEO of an at-the-time up-and-coming equestrian brand. I mean, it was all about those leggings. I must’ve been uni-leaving age, and I remember thinking, 22-year-olds can do that? How though?

I wasn’t convinced I could at the time, because I didn’t have the knowledge or experience to really follow it through. But I do remember brainstorming names for a sustainable equestrian clothing brand with my bestie at the time, convinced that if Jordan could do it, so could we.

It may be three full-time jobs and a decade of writing experience later, but I found my way to freelancing in the end.

Rhea Freeman (Brand strategist & business coach)

I love listening to Rhea’s podcast, and she’s always been a prominent figure in the equestrian industry. I remember first seeing her and not really understanding what she did (this was before I discovered that marketing and PR is the main way to make money in the industry with writing skills). But now, she’s a total inspiration.

She comments on radio shows, has two books out and runs a popular podcast interviewing fellow small business owners – particularly equestrian and rural brands. Love it. Inspirational, inspiring and I even once considered reaching out to ask her to be my mentor (and still might, to be honest). So Rhea, if you’re reading (fan girl moment), please feel free to hit me up.

Lucy Claire (Freelance Illustrator)

Speaking of Rhea Freeman – it was Lucy Claire’s episode that I first listened to. I remember I was in need of some inspo and easy listening while poo-picking (at my newly moved-to DIY grass livery yard), and I had this episode on. The poo-picking flew by as Lucy’s story captivated me – and then came that familiar shame-feeling of “she’s done this and I haven’t.”

The episode totally worked on me, and I instantly gave her a follow. Her illustrations are genius, and I heard a lot of myself in her story. I thought God, I need to get off my arse and chase my dreams for real now. It was shortly after that I picked up my novel again, after several years of burnout and denial (and now I’m sending it to agents).

Beth O’Leary (Bestselling Author)

I was hooked on Beth’s novels after reading The Flatshare, her 2019 debut. Her characters are full of colour and truth, and her concepts? Like nothing else out there. When I found out she’s based in the New Forest — in the same county as me — I had a full-on wait… people from Hampshire can actually become bestselling, full-time romance authors? moment. New motivation: unlocked.

I actually went to see Beth speak in Winchester recently as part of her promo tour for Swept Away. Safe to say, the motivation only continued. Maybe one day I’ll be joining you on the shelves of Waterstones, Beth.

Carrie Bradshaw (Sex & The City)

Fictional, yes. Cliché? Maybe. But come on – Carrie Bradshaw is iconic, and in the late ‘90s/early 2000s she was the IT girl. And before you ask – yes, I did only just start watching it; in the early noughties, CBeebies was more my vibe.

Whether or not her career could actually sustain a glamorous social life and solo-renting a Manhattan apartment in today’s era is beside the point. All Carrie seemed to do was write one blog post a week, and there you have it – NYC celeb. If only that was the case nowadays… I’d be laughing.

But realistic or not, binge-watching this totally nostalgic show definitely fuelled my desire to pursue my dream of living the freelance life – and the inevitable fame and fortune that follows (jokes… kinda).

Tilly Berendt (Freelance Journalist & Content Creator)

Now this is the only person on my list I’ve actually met (and worked with). When I was full-time at Horse & Rider mag, I first heard of – and later encountered – the wonder that is Tilly Berendt. She’s a kickass journalist, writer, and photographer, and I just love her vibe.

Her job involves travelling to different events, photographing riders, posting witty Instagram captions and writing editorial features for all sorts of mags. I remember she got to shoot and write up a Pippa Funnell piece while I was at H&R – she was freelancing and I was just a tiny bit jealous (though to be fair, she had more experience). So yes, I’m still waiting on my chance to interview Pippa. But Tilly’s job and lifestyle? Goals. Travelling the world, writing about horses. Who wouldn’t? And Tilly – I’m inevitably going to be audacious and send you this blog, even though you probably don’t even remember me.

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The common theme between all these women is that they’re proof it can be done. You need that. You need to see people out there, already doing the thing you deep down always knew you were meant to do. (I mean, my tarot readings speak for themselves.)

But more than that, seeing others live your dream lights a fire under you. It gives you that ugh-I’m-tired-but-still-gonna-show-up motivation. That sense of if they can do it, why not me?

There are so many other inspiring women who’ve crossed my path and chipped away at my self-doubt – gently nudging me closer to leaping off the ledge and into the freelance pool. Maybe one day I’ll do a follow-up. (Working title: The Sequel You Didn’t Ask For But Are Getting Anyway.)

This is me, hi.

So the gist is, I'm a freelance writer and marketer now and... I have client-slots available. So,

let’s chat – I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

TTYL,

Kiera x