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 Marion Pigeot, Founder of Modali Branding! Originally from Osny, France, Marion gives us a glimpse into her online business journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the Founder of Modali Branding, helping creative entrepreneurs establish their identity through brand creation and website design! I’ve been working with various clients, from emerging artists to successful business owners.
“I launched Modali Branding on July 31, 2020!”
Q: How did you discover the Bucketlist Bombshells?
After graduating from college during the pandemic, I was struggling to find a job I loved. While scrolling through Facebook, I landed on a Bucketlist Bombshells Facebook ad. It gave me the clarity I needed to kickstart my journey as an entrepreneur!
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells courses?
The freedom and happiness both Cassie and Shay projected were the biggest inspiration for me. There are so many cultural experiences to discover and people to learn from. They made me realize I could have that freedom too!
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
The Bucketlist Bombshells Academy gave me the confidence and skills I needed to build my online business. It shaped me as an emerging business owner and helped me determine what direction I should take.
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Prior to Modali Branding, I was a full-time Interior Architecture student in Florida. Coming out of school, I knew I wanted to continue exploring the design world, but I didn’t know what direction to take.
“The Bucketlist Bombshells Academy gave me the freedom and skills to become my own boss!”
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?
The pandemic made it hard for me to find a job. While many of my friends took some time off, I decided to make the most out of the situation.
“I completed the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy, built my portfolio, and launched my business in only two months.”
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
I was eager to find a life that would fulfill my creativity and give me the freedom I wanted. After moving to the United States from France at the age of 16, I knew I needed a job that would allow me to travel to my home country and let me enjoy life.
Seeing many people lose their jobs during the pandemic was the “aha” moment for me. I knew I didn’t want to depend on anyone else but myself.
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
Crazy enough, a few minutes after I announced Modali Branding’s launch in the Bucketlist Bombshells Community, four people reached out to me. I ended up booking all of them the following week! I was amazed by the support I received from the community from start to finish.
The best part was having clients I could relate to and who were from all over the world: Portugal, Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, and more!
“Being born and raised in France, it gave me the international connections I was thriving for!”
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
I mainly use social media and Facebook groups to create connections with others and land clients. It gives me control over who I want to work with. Most recently, client referrals have been my main client stream!
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback was myself. I learned early on that I was my only limitation.
“When it comes to building a happy and successful life, there are no limits to what we can do unless we tell ourselves otherwise.”
People we surround ourselves with play a huge role in our story too. I was lucky to have the right people and community at the right time.
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
The most challenging part is having to wear all the hats. You’re the brand and web designer, social media manager, marketer, online business manager, and more. When you start your business, you have to do it all. There is so much that goes into running your business, but the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy made me feel prepared to face it all.
Q: Looking back on your online business journey, what is something that you’re most proud of?
Looking back, I am proud of just taking the leap and doing it! There is nothing more satisfying than helping others and being rewarded for what I love doing.
Q: If you could speak to your past self, what piece of advice would you give her?
JUST GO FOR IT! The worst answer you can get is no.
“Mistakes will happen. Apologize once, learn from them, and move on.”
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
People and the environment are my main source of inspiration. I can 100% say that I am a design freak!
“I use anything and everything to fuel my inspiration and generate positivity through Modali Branding.”
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 8:30am, enjoy simple life pleasures like a long shower and a great breakfast while catching up with the design world on my phone.
Once I sit down at my desk and start working, it can be tough for me to disconnect and stop working. I get in my creative bubble and usually work many hours in a row. I do enjoy taking breaks to go to my local French Bakery and probably eat four to five croissants a week!
Every day is different, depending on my clients’ needs. That’s what gets me going – and the fact that I live in a little paradise in South Florida!
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
Two words: freedom and happiness!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
Meeting and connecting with people from all over the world is AMAZING. I love that I get to choose who I want to work with and get to watch my clients make an impact in their industry.
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
Florida is my happy place for now. I live five minutes away from the beach, am surrounded by palm trees, and have summer all year long. In the future, I would love to explore other places and cultures. There are so many things to see and people to meet.
“My business will allow me to go wherever I choose.”
Q: What’re your favorite business tools that you’d recommend to other girl bosses? Why do you love them?
I love And.Co for contracts, invoices, time-tracking, and client on-boarding. It helps me stay organized.
Calendly is amazing to schedule meetings with clients and have that first professional connection.
There are many more, but my final recommendation would be the Adobe Creative Suite. If you are a creative and want to invest in your career, I would 100% make the investment.
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss and why do you love it?
The most valuable book I have read is How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie. It taught me the secret to success, how to be a leader, and understand others’ points of view. Basically, all the tools you need to become a successful girl boss!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
The best reward in your career is when you find your passion. After that, you just have to keep loving what you do until you reach your goal.
Great businesses start with an idea. Small steps can lead to great changes. So, take that first step, work hard, and take it one day at a time.
