Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs!
From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, go-to morning routine, advice to aspiring girl bosses, and so much more!
Today, we’re sitting down with our student Faria Qayyum, Founder of Creations by Faria! Originally from London, UK, Faria gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the Founder of Creations by Faria, a boutique Squarespace design studio for creative entrepreneurs looking to start and scale their business with a knockout website!
As the online business world continues to grow, it’s so important that businesses have a legit-looking website to send their ideal clients to. I found that so many small business owners get stuck on the tech side of things and aren’t able to create a website that truly reflects their business. This inspired me to create custom Squarespace website design and branding packages!
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?
I love the Bucketlist Bombshells’ outlook on living creatively and designing a life you love. I was so inspired by Cassie and Shay’s success that after being in a 9-5 for a number of years, I was ready to take the chance. It felt long overdue!
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
At the time of discovering the Bucketlist Bombshells, I had never heard of an online freelancing business, the term digital nomad, or that someone could pack up their things, fly to Bali, and work online.
The Tech Skills Course, Design Skills Course, and the Work Online and Travel the World Course were the perfect introduction. They gave me the opportunity to explore different skill sets and figure out what energizes and lights me up.
“The courses helped me discover my potential and taught me that I can figure out and learn just about anything.”
The Design Skills Course had the biggest impact on me and made me fall completely in love with design.
“Coming from a finance background, I had never even considered branding or graphic design as an option.”
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Prior to running Creations by Faria, I worked in Finance and Investment Banking in various roles including middle office support for structured products, trade support, and fraud investigation.
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5, and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?
Within six months, I ditched my 9-5 and decided to just go for it! Most of my anxiety came from making the decision, but once I made it, it just felt right.
“I spent almost every evening and weekend working on the courses.”
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
I landed my first client within a month! A friend of mine needed a website and asked if I wanted to build it.
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
Giving myself permission to fail was really difficult! It was important that I explore different avenues and change paths as I needed.
There was a lot of trial and error in choosing an online business that was the perfect fit for me. Originally, I started a travel blog and became a content writer. For a while, I built and designed WordPress sites.
“Now, I’ve discovered my passion and am absolutely in love with Squarespace website design!”
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
What really gave me the push to ditch my 9-5 was looking at the coming year and realizing that it looked just like the previous.
“It was time to walk my own path.”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
I spend the first hour of my day getting ready, journaling, and meditating.
I love being inspired by different locations and will sometimes work at a cute cafe or coworking space. If I’m working from home, I often go for an afternoon hike.
“I love that I have the flexibility to work later in the evening if I want to!”
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
Running an online business can be quite isolating at times and gets tricky when you don’t have someone to bounce ideas off. Not everyone “gets” what you’re doing, so having a community is super important.
“I’m so thankful I’ve gotten to meet such amazing women through the Bucketlist Bombshells courses!”
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
I have a mini-mastermind group that holds me accountable. Connecting with like-minded women is what keeps me inspired.
Throughout the online business journey, you’ll likely face quite a lot of rejection, which can be really hard and discouraging. Reading mindset books has really helped me stay focused and encouraged!
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
I’ve found most of my clients through Facebook groups! I’m also blogging and using Pinterest to generate leads.
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I absolutely love the fulfilment and joy I get from serving kick-ass women who are running their own online businesses. It’s something I never would have achieved in my regular 9-5.
“I love that I get to connect with like-minded women around the world and root for each other’s success!”
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
I love the freedom and flexibility that being my own boss provides. If something isn’t working one day, I can change it the next. It’s amazing to feel aligned with what I’m doing and the direction I’m going in.
“If I feel blocked, I don’t have to force myself to keep working and get through it. I’ll take a break, go for a walk, and then come back with fresh ideas.”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I absolutely loved working from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss and why do you love it?
I LOVE Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert! It’s definitely a must-read for anyone embarking on a creative adventure. It kept me so inspired and motivated.
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
Marie Forleo’s MarieTV and The Tim Ferriss Show are awesome!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Not everyone is going to understand your vision or fully support you… and that’s okay. Keep going. Your heart knows what’s true for you.
Experiment and be prepared to try a few different things before you find what you love.
