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 Kate Baker, Founder of Gold Dust Design Co. Originally from Bend, Oregon, Kate 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 Gold Dust Design Co., where I provide graphic design and social media strategy services to female business owners!
From graphic design and branding to social media strategy and management, I help business owners save time, increase sales, and gain confidence in their business!
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells courses?
So deeply, I desired to quit my 8-5 as a dental hygienist and travel full-time. I wanted to travel the world, and I didn’t want a job to stop me from doing so!
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
I had absolutely zero online skills before I started the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy. The Work Online and Travel the World Course taught me everything I needed to know about setting up my own online business: from how to find clients to setting up contracts.
The Design Skills Course and the Tech Skills Course taught me all of the graphic design and tech skills that I needed to start offering as services!
“Because of the Bucketlist Bombshells courses step-by-step guidance, I have finally turned my dreams into a reality.”
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 8-5 and how much time did you dedicate a week in order to make it happen?
For me, it was a long journey to try and start a business while still working full-time. I ended up taking an eight month break halfway through the first course because I felt like I needed to slow down a bit.
“Afterwards, I made a commitment to myself and my future self that I would do WHATEVER it took to make my dream happen!”
I made that commitment in January of 2019, and I finished all three Bucketlist Bombshells Academy courses and launched my business by May 1, 2019! I dedicated about 16+ hours a week, spending 80% of my free time learning and practicing the skills I learned in the courses!
“It’s not a fast road, but it’s worth every minute.”
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client?
I landed my first client about one month after I launched my business!
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
Feeling like I wasn’t good enough was my biggest setback. Often, I felt like I didn’t deserve this life and all the hard work I had put into it.
The hardest part of starting my business was designing and building my website. During that process, there were quite a few moments where I really questioned it all.
“I overcame my self-doubt by picking myself up, dusting off my shoulder, and pushing forward another day.”
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 8-5 job?
I realized that if I really wanted to make my business work and be successful, I had to take the risk of quitting my job and work on building my own dream business full-time.
“I knew it would take a risk to push me forward to where I wanted to be.”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
My days are beautiful and chaotic all at the same time! When I wake up (without an alarm!), I do a simple morning gratitude routine and enjoy some coffee.
I’ll usually start working on client work and then take a break, go outside, have a beer on the patio while I eat lunch, and run errands.
Then, I’ll usually spend another four hours working, taking breaks, and living life as needed. At the moment, I don’t work or live by a schedule.
“I just work when I want and play when I want!”
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
Staying motivated and focused has definitely been a challenge! While working from home is super great, there are also some downsides. Staying motivated when I don’t have to be anywhere can be tough for me! I love lazy mornings, but sometimes I have to force myself to put clothes on for the day.
I also find myself having a hard time staying focused. It’s so easy to get distracted while working from home all day. So, two days a week, I try to work from a coffee shop and switch up my work vibe!
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
I stay inspired when I think about traveling and visiting my family whenever I want! That is what kept me motivated the entire time I went through the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy.
I’m also inspired by all of the other online girl bosses! The amount of support and drive the ladies provide me with is palpable.
“My eye was on the prize of full-time freedom to travel!”
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
I use Instagram as my main marketing platform for finding clients! I have a great social media strategy for my business that is designed to attract and convert “lookers” into buyers.
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love my clients! The thing I love most about them is that they are just like me. We’re all out here to work hard, be there for one another, grow a community, and be successful!
I love the work I do because it’s my job to connect my clients to their audience through social media. I’m the person helping them blossom and grow new relationships daily!
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
I absolutely love coffee and PJs all morning! Doing whatever I want is also a plus. Also, it feels pretty dang sweet to be able to say I own a business!
Q: What is your favorite place to work remotely from?
Currently, my favorite place to work remotely from has been my desk in my house. My new cozy desk chair is too legit!
I’ll be leaving on a five-month trip soon, so I’m sure I’ll find some awesome places to work from while traveling!
Q: What is one travel item you can’t live without when you’re working and traveling?
I obviously can’t live without my laptop but also my neck pillow! It’s my lifesaver on planes. My AirPods are pretty dang slick, too!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcasts that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
I love The Angie Lee Show Podcast, the She Did It Her Way Podcast, and The Goal Digger Podcast! They have encouraged and helped me so much along this journey of building my business!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Girl, I was so you one year and eight months ago, and I’m so happy I never gave up when I wanted to! Now that I’m over the hardest obstacle (starting), I’m so glad I took the risk and pushed through!
It sounded so unreal to me to hear girls saying “I quit my 9-5, travel full-time, AND make money.” It seemed so far away for me, but I am here to tell you, it is so much closer than you think!
There are a million people out in this online business world that are there to help you along the way, me included! You are not alone in this journey!
