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 Sienny Thio, Founder of The Mood Lab Creative Branding! Originally from Indonesia, Sienny 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 The Mood Lab Creative Branding, a remote design studio that supports creative entrepreneurs and visionaries in their visual branding journey! I offer branding and custom graphic services such as visual brand identity, logo design, and custom illustrations.

Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells courses?

I found the Bucketlist Bombshell Academy courses by accident while scrolling through Facebook. At the time, I was writing my master’s thesis while working full-time at a leading global human rights organization. I always knew that I didn’t want to be bound by geographical location while working. 

I enrolled myself in the Bucketlist Bombshell Academy courses with the intention to purely learn, but fell in love with the idea of working wherever I wanted!

Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?

Before taking The Design Skills Course, The Tech Skills Course, and The Work Online and Travel The World Course, I was focused on just getting a job, one with a set amount of hours and in a location where I had to be physically present from 9-5. 

The courses opened my eyes to the many possibilities in this world and taught me practical skills to launch my very own lucrative online business in a simple, step-by-step process!

“I realized that I CAN have it all … the professional life I always wanted while working from anywhere in the world!”

Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?

I was working as a communications person in a non-profit, non-governmental organization. Before that, I was a full-time chef working more than 50 hours a week, including weekends and public holidays. I was injured due to overworking, so I had to steer away from physically demanding jobs.

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?

I powered through The Design Skills Course and The Tech Skills Course within three weeks while I was writing my master’s thesis. I dedicated about three hours a day, four days a week, and launched my business a week after finishing the courses. At the time, I had already quit my job with the intention of pursuing remote work. There was no going back!

Q: How long was it until you landed your first client?

I had already been working on my Instagram portfolio a few weeks before I officially launched, and my first client discovered me there!

“I landed my first client two weeks after I launched my business!” 

Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?

I didn’t expect to be onboarding a client so soon after I launched! Although I did have an onboarding process in place, it wasn’t fully fledged out. I struggled to streamline my process and it took many hours to really fine-tune my processes from beginning to end on every project I brought on board. 

“It took practice and a couple of trials and errors, but I eventually found a system that worked for me!”

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 at 8 a.m., have breakfast, and go through the day’s to-do list. 

“My office can be in my living room, a charming cafe in Copenhagen, or a hip co-working space in Bali!” 

It’s just depends on how I’m feeling that day. 

I usually work four to five hours daily, sometimes even less. Now, I do short bursts of intensive, effective work followed by a couple of breaks. 

“I no longer focus on how many hours I have to work every day. When you deliver quality work, that’s all that matters.”

Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?

I can easily get stuck in my own head, not developing and not knowing what’s going on in the world. Sometimes, I just feel like I’m trapped. 

“It’s so important to build our own supportive community to help keep you sane and less lonely.” 

Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?

I travel quite often and the most recent place I’ve settled is Gothenburg, Sweden. I’ve been productive beyond belief! Frequently witnessing new environments, different landscapes, nature, people, and cultures helps make me more creative! 

“Reaching out to different people and having coffee dates (virtually and in real life) inspires me!”

Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?

I continuously build my portfolio on social media, focusing especially on Instagram. I like that the platform is visual and allows me to showcase my work to potential clients!

I’m also a part of various Facebook groups. Whenever I see someone in need of branding and graphic work, I reach out to them. 

No matter the platform, I always try to bring value through recommendations and suggestions!

“I never try to sell. Instead, I tell my prospective clients my process, what it entails, and how each deliverable is relevant to their projects.”

Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?

I love the freedom it gives me! I can be wherever I want while still being very productive with my time. 

“Working with clients from different countries and continents keeps me on my toes and challenges me to be creative!”

Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?

I love doing something for myself and making meaningful decisions that have a direct impact on not just me, but other people as well. 

“I’m growing my own little empire and it feels empowering!”

Q: What is your favorite place to work remotely from?

I love working in a co-working space. It’s always a productive, collective place to work! Not to mention, the networks and connections you build through workshops and seminars are amazing!!

Q: What is one travel item you can’t live without when you’re working and traveling?

I am bound to my iPad! I never travel or work without it. It’s one of the main tools that I use every day, for both recreational and professional purposes.

Design by The Mood Lab Creative Branding

Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcasts that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?

I listen to The Futur Podcast! It is hands down the best podcast for creative business owners!

Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?

I know it’s scary, but do it anyway. Otherwise, you’ll be forever wondering! No matter where the journey takes you, it’s going to be a good one!