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 Naomi Dzunic, Founder of Wild + Free Services! Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Naomi 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 an Executive Virtual Assistant and the Founder of Wild + Free Services. I work with business coaches and speakers to help them reach their full potential and stay in their zone of genius, so they can scale their business to the next level!
I offer services such as social media management, client management, podcast management, and Pinterest management.
Q: How did you discover the Bucketlist Bombshells?
I discovered the Bucketlist Bombshells in one of Jordan Lee Dooley’s SHE Podcast episodes. It inspired me to enroll in the Tech Skills Course because it aligned with exactly what I wanted to do!
“I longed to travel more and create my own work schedule.”
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
The Tech Skills Course helped me build the foundation of my business and get familiarized with Virtual Assistant platforms.
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?
Initially, I planned to leave my job as a receptionist in six months.
I went through the Tech Skills Course in a month and then hired a coach shortly after. She helped me quit my receptionist job in three months!
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
After working as a receptionist for four years, I wanted more than counting my paid vacation and pinning bucket list locations on Pinterest.
“When I discovered I could use my skills in the online business world, I immediately took up the challenge!”
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
Currently, I’m networking with potential clients on Instagram. I’m at the point where people are reaching out and asking about my services. So thankfully, I haven’t had to pitch very much!
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
My mindset has been my biggest setback! I grew up believing that business owners and entrepreneurs were stingy and worked too hard only to get more money. So, I’ve found myself being afraid of success and wanting more money!
Q: Looking back on your online business journey, what is something that you’re most proud of?
Looking back, I’m most proud of taking the leap of investing in a coach and the Tech Skills Course. Without them both and the support of my husband, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
Q: If you could speak to your past self, what piece of advice would you give her?
I would tell my past self not to listen to what other people say.
“If you want it, go and get it!”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
I wake up around 8 am and immediately head to my coffee station. During this time, I typically check my emails, DMs, and anything I may have missed from my clients.
Monday through Wednesday, I work on client projects and have meetings. This is also when I have discovery calls with potential clients.
Thursdays are CEO days where I focus on my business. This is when I work on my business’ projects, schedule content, and do administrative work.
On Fridays, I try to finish my work around noon so I have the rest of the day to clean my apartment, have some “me” time, get groceries, or run errands!
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The best part of being my own boss is being able to travel wherever and whenever I want!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love knowing that I’m able to lighten my clients’ workload. That way, they’re able to stop putting some of their goals and ideas on the back-burner.
“I love celebrating with my clients as they hit milestones!”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I absolutely love working from coffee shops!
Q: What’s your favorite business tool that you’d recommend to other girl bosses? Why do you love it?
I love my Google Calendar! It keeps me sane and organized.
At the start of each week, I plan out the upcoming week. First, I start off with my personal schedule, including when I’m eating lunch, walking the dog, and finishing work. Then, I plan out my client hours and what I need to do each day!
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss and why do you love it?
I highly recommend The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss! I love that it teaches how to run a business without having to work too much!
Q: What’re your go-to favorite podcasts that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
I love The Fearless Chase with Madison Anaya, The Jo Show with Joelle Elizabeth, and She Podcast with Jordan Lee Dooley. They’re all run by amazing female entrepreneurs and have great resources and tips!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
My best advice is to network every single day. Connecting and creating friendships will really help you and your business grow!
