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 Linsey Marchant, Founder of LJ Media House! Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Linsey 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 LJ Media House, where I design gorgeous brands and show-stopping Squarespace websites for heart-centered, female-owned businesses!
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells courses?
I enrolled in The Tech Skills Course and The Design Skills Course because I wanted freedom from the constrictions of working a 9-5 desk job.
I knew that I would grow and learn so much more by seeing the world rather than just sitting in an office. Plus, I figured an alternate lifestyle would be better for my mental health and ADHD!
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
More than anything else, The Tech Skills Course and The Design Skills Course gave me the confidence I needed.
“I never thought I’d be running my own business with an LLC, business bank account, and clients who trust me to bring their businesses to life!”
The courses taught me so many things I didn’t know about building a business! They gave me the confidence to say I had experience in platforms that I never would have touched otherwise. That confidence and knowledge then landed me clients!
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Prior to owning my own business, I worked hard to earn a master’s degree in Sport Management. This then landed me my first full-time gig in my “dream” industry, making $9.50 an hour with no benefits. The next position paid $11.50 an hour with some pretty excellent benefits…but benefits don’t pay the bills.
When I was unexpectedly fired from that job, I started working temp jobs wherever I could get them.
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 created a website on GoDaddy, didn’t touch the courses, and just mingled around in Facebook groups for a few months.
Somehow, I happened to land my first client during that time! That confirmation of $200 a month was enough to tell me that owning my own business was possible!
Afterwards, when my temp job contract was officially over, I moved to Japan with my partner and dedicated three jam-packed weeks to the courses and building a new website!
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
I landed my first client before taking the courses with the help of Bucketlist Bombshells’ free information and resources, their Facebook groups, as well as following other entrepreneurs’ advice.
“By the end of my three weeks working on the courses, I landed my second client!”
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
Validation has definitely been my biggest setback. So many people are business owners and entrepreneurs, but for some reason, many individuals doubt the success that can come from being a business owner.
My family and friends gave me no validation for the longest time, and it hurt. I knew that I didn’t need their approval to run my business, but their support and confidence in me was invaluable. I craved it!
Once I finally got to a point where I said I no longer cared about their approval, I decided that it was my job to show my family what I was doing and that it was the real deal.
So, when I was home for a visit, I moved into my grandparents’ house for two months. I made a point to show them every day that I was working on something legit with people who trusted me.
Everything changed after that! Now, I get so many “you go girl” comments from my family and friends. Honestly, it feels so good to hear!
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
I was fired from my 9-5. Not because I wasn’t doing my job well or because I broke a rule, I was fired because they could tell I was unhappy with my job.
Every day, I was trying to convince myself that I loved the job, the company, and the benefits. I told myself that if I just stuck it out, I’d eventually be moved to my dream job in the marketing department. Honestly, I was lying to myself.
I went to work every day, came home, put sweats on, and watched Netflix alone in my studio apartment with my dog. I definitely wasn’t happy and my employer noticed, so they let me go.
I had a car, an apartment in the city, and a dog to care for — I needed a job! After three or so crying sessions, a few long talks with my dad, and some comfort food, I realized it was a blessing in disguise.
“Being fired was a chance for me to change my life.”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
My daily routine is constantly changing, but it works for me! I have ADHD, so I absolutely hated the monotony of a 9-5. I now have the freedom to go for a walk whenever I want, take the afternoon off to go grocery shopping, or work through the night when I’m inspired.
My partner plays professional baseball, so our life is pretty crazy. There are so many unexpected changes and we never really know where we will be and when. But, it works for me, and my business works for this lifestyle.
Also, I like to switch my workweeks up. I like to do a 4-day workweek where I work all day, but take more days of the week off. Or, I work a 4-hour workday where I work for four hours, five to six days a week, taking the morning or afternoon off! I love that I get to choose!
“However I feel at the time, whatever my project load looks like, and whatever chapter of life I’m in for the year, I adjust.”
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
Honestly, staying on task is such a challenge for me because no one is holding me accountable. If I want to start an online shop or create an online course, I’m the only one who can make it happen. There’s no boss telling me to get it done.
For example, I told myself for a year that I was going to launch an online shop, but I just kept putting it off. Once I finally got down to it, I sorted everything out so quickly and was smacking myself for dragging my feet for so long!
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
Money is a pretty big motivator for me. I don’t believe in charging an arm and a leg just because I can. So, I charge fair prices that allow me to work with the types of clients I enjoy working with. However, this also means that there is a limit to how much money I can make since my business is entirely client-facing.
This keeps me motivated to do the back-end necessities of my business and stay on top of marketing since that is how I get clients!
“The desire to travel the world and be debt free is what motivates me!”
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
In the beginning, I stalked entrepreneur Facebook groups. Now that I have been in business a bit, I get a lot of clients from referrals.
I think the easiest way to land clients is to be visible online! Get on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Share value and expertise and show your personality. Clients want to work with you just because they recall your name or face and know you are an expert in your field!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
The “ah-ha” moments my clients have at different stages of my client process is exciting. I love how their faces light up when we have our first call and begin talking about their business. They ooze passion and excitement!
“There is nothing better than watching my clients use their new branding in real life.”
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
In past jobs, I always became anxious at work when it came to bosses because I never felt good enough. Now, I know that the things I do will shape my future, and that future is mine alone.
“I love knowing that my future is in my own hands. I get to make choices for myself, and that is so powerful.”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
Australia is my favorite for sure!
“We have many plans to travel in the future, and I can’t wait to take this business with me and see how far it goes!”
Q: What is one travel item you can’t live without when you’re working and traveling?
I love my new gadget, AirFly. It is a total game changer!
Airfly is a bluetooth adaptor that connects to the headphone jack on an airplane TV and makes your wireless headphones work. So, when I’m on long-haul flights, I don’t have to worry about having to pause my movie and unplug my headphones every time someone next to me needs to get up!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
I love how inspirational the Chasing the Freedom podcast with Lynn Hulver is! Plus, I was featured in a Chasing the Freedom episode!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Just go for it!
A few hundred dollars, a few months, or even a few years… they’re all just a small blip in the grand scheme of life. If you’re unhappy, dream of adventure, or want a challenge, go for it!
Maybe you fail, so what! You can always get another 9-5 job…
But, what if you succeed?!
