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 Chelsey Walker, Founder and CEO of Strategically Chic! Originally from Ontario, Canada, Chelsey 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 and CEO of Strategically Chic, a one-stop shop for everything digital marketing! We help small businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations with social media management and strategy, graphic and website design, email marketing, copywriting, public relations, as well as photography and videography content creation.
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?
I grew tired of sitting in my office at my old job doing the same thing day in and day out. Then, one day while scrolling through Facebook (when I should’ve been working), I saw an ad for the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy. It felt like a sign…the push I needed to know that my dreams were possible! So, I enrolled in their courses right away!
“I craved the flexibility to live and work on my own terms.”
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
Honestly, what hasn’t the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy helped me with?!
I went to college and university for public relations and communications where I learned a lot of the content the Bucketlist Bombshells courses taught but just not nearly as in-depth!
The Design Skills Course and The Tech Skills Course taught me graphic design skills and the tech side of running an online business in a way my college professors never did. The Work Online and Travel the World Course taught me how to actually run my own business step-by-step!
Plus, through the private student Facebook groups, I gained an entire network of like-minded online boss babes!
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Previously, I was a social media manager, public relations specialist, and communications coordinator for a big corporate company.
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 went through the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy courses within a solid month. For the next year, I began building my business. It took me a year to get everything in line and ready to go, and then I launched Strategically Chic in the spring!
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
Due to having a strong network from my previous job to leverage, thankfully, it didn’t take long to build up my client base.
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback was actually launching my business. I had everything ready to go two or three months prior to going public, but I kept putting it off because I was afraid of judgement.
When I finally realized my business was ready to go but that I was letting fear and judgement hold me back, I decided to throw a launch party with my friends so they would hold me accountable!
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. So, I knew that I could make it on my own, but I just didn’t know how to make it happen in my particular field.
When I came across that Bucketlist Bombshells Academy Facebook advertisement, I had my “aha” moment. I discovered that it was possible to become an online entrepreneur in the public relations, communications, and digital marketing spaces!
“From then on, I knew my entrepreneurial dream was possible!”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
My year is broken into two sections! I’m from Canada, and I’m not a fan of winter. So, April through December, I live in my hometown and spend my time competitively horseback riding, being with friends and family, and spending as much time outside as possible! I do most of my work sitting by our swimming pond!
January through April, I travel full-time. This gives me a chance to get the travel bug out of my system and gives my horses a break from their intensive training!
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
For me, accounting is definitely the most challenging part! It stresses me out, but I’m learning!
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
Deadlines motivate me! When there are constant deadlines, I don’t have a chance to get uninspired because I know that there’s a deadline I have to meet!
“I need hard deadlines in my life so that I constantly push myself to get things done on time!”
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
At first, I leveraged the network I had created from previously working in the communications field. Most of my clients are referrals, but I have also landed a few clients from networking on social media and responding to job postings. Clients have also sought me out through my Instagram and my website!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love being both creative and strategic, hence my business being called Strategically Chic!
“I love that my clients trust me and always have a vision to better themselves, their business, and serve their clients better!”
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The best part about being my own boss is that I get to live life on my own terms!
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I haven’t had too much experience working and traveling since I just launched my business this past spring. However, I plan to do a lot more traveling while working this winter, and I feel Bali is calling my name!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
I highly recommend The School of Greatness Podcast with Lewis Howes! It is SO powerful!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
There is an abundance of opportunities out there!
