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This is a show for burnt-out fashion designers (and TDs, PDs, patternmakers and beyond) who want more flexibility while still doing work they love. As a freelance fashion designer, you can build your fashion career on your own terms. Freelancing in fashion is the only way to get freedom in your day (instead of being tied to a desk). Whether you want to earn extra money on the side, fund your fashion brand, or replace your salary, the FDGP podcast will help you get there. Listen in for actionable tips and strategies to kickstart or grow your career as a freelance fashion designer, build your confidence, and create the life you want. Hosted by $100k+ fashion freelancer Sew Heidi, the show features interviews and strategy sessions with successful freelance fashion designers from around the world who've ditched toxic fashion jobs and taken control of their own destinies. This is the only place to get REAL insights from REAL freelancers who have built REAL careers on their own terms. (Formerly the Successful Fashion Freelancer podcast.)
Heidi [00:00:00]:
Imagine being in a position where you're turning down job offers for a $120,000 a year. It's exactly where Rachael Kranick found herself. Rachael is a student of mine and a fast grad, and she had been wanting to turn her freelance side hustle into a full time business, but was a little bit scared to quit her full time job. But then she was laid off in December 2023, and it looked like the universe had decided for her. In January of 24, she leaned full time into freelancing. Despite the ups and downs, the uncertainties, and the learning curves, she loves this path so much that she is really turning down great job opportunities for well over a $100,000 a year. In our conversation, Rachael talks about how she's pricing her services, where she's getting her clients, and all the hard lessons she's learned in her 1st year of business as a full time freelancer. You're gonna love this episode.
Heidi [00:00:48]:
Let's get to it. Alright. You and I had a strategy session almost a year ago to the day. Today's July 22nd. We did it July 11, 2023. And in that strategy call, we specifically talked through in-depth, we'll link to this in the show notes, of whether or not you should quit your full time and go on in freelancing. And, we mapped out a little bit of a plan.
Rachael Kranick [00:01:14]:
Mhmm.
Heidi [00:01:16]:
So I want you to take it from here. I don't how well do you remember that rough plan? And then you could tell everybody what wound up happening and where you're at today. Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:01:26]:
I think we talked about, like, putting together timelines. So my plan was to give my notice in February and quit at the end of the February. So it kinda gave me, like, 6 months, a little bit longer. Mhmm. Get me through the holidays and, like, you know, Chinese New Year, all the shutdowns and stuff. And so that was kind of the plan, and I was just kinda, you know, working, still freelancing on the side for those next 6 months, like, collecting clients and troubleshooting, but, you know, so hard to balance the two things. And then in the beginning of December, I actually got laid off from my job. Mhmm.
Rachael Kranick [00:02:01]:
So, yeah, I've been there for 3 years. And, like, they didn't know that I was planning on quitting. It just kinda happened. But when they told me, I was kinda like, oh, that's too bad. Like, you know, bummed about the relationship, whatever. But I think in the moment, I was also secretly like, oh my god. Thank god. I don't have to.
Rachael Kranick [00:02:24]:
I don't have to tell them that I wanna quit. So it kinda worked out great, and then December was, like, you know, kind of a whirlwind. Like, I had a few clients. I think I got, like, a couple new ones then, but I was kinda just like, you know, it's December. It's holidays. I already had a bunch of trips planned, and I was, like, I'm just gonna take it easy. December's vacation. Like, no big deal.
Rachael Kranick [00:02:45]:
But I was kinda working on stuff in the background, you know, like, networking with a few people, like, sending some, you know, happy holiday notes and stuff. And, yeah, come January is kinda when I jumped in. So I've been doing this full time for the past, I guess, almost 7 months now. Yeah. It's worth the end end of July. And, yeah, it's been crazy. Like, good doing it full time versus part time on the side, so much better. And I kinda knew that in the back of my head.
Rachael Kranick [00:03:14]:
I was like, as soon as I have full time to put into this, it's gonna be so much easier to bring things together. And there has been down there's been a lot of downtime. I think my biggest learning was, like, the amount of unbillable hours that I'm working. Like, I'm putting so many hours into this business, you know, and I'm working at, like, random times. Like, I'll wake up in the morning and, like, check my phone and start doing something, or, like, it'll be 10 o'clock at night, and I'll be messaging a vendor or something, you know, or, like, reading an article or whatever. But there's so many hours that I'm putting into this that aren't billable, but it doesn't feel like work. It just feels like a connection to my life most of the time. So Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:03:57]:
It's kind of, like, different balance. But, yeah, it's been good. Do you want me to, like, keep going? I could keep telling stories or do you have specific questions?
Heidi [00:04:09]:
Yeah. Let me ask you a couple of specific questions. 1st, talk a little bit about the balance, like, when you were doing it with your full time job. And and like you said, it's been so much easier having the opportunity to work full time in your freelance business, which I is a great place to be, but also I think it's exactly where you were at when you were in your full time job. It can also feel like a little bit of pressure and scary of, like, oh, well, now it's I'm I'm relying on this solely and I'm completely responsible for for making this happen versus in a full time job, you've got that comfort and that safety net of your full time job. But then also, like, the time investment is very hard to make the freelance thing happen. So I'd love to hear you and I think this is a this this is a common place for people to be. Right? Between this, like, it's hard to do on the side of my full time job, but I don't know if I'm, like, quite comfortable relying solely on freelance.
Heidi [00:05:05]:
So I don't know if I have a specific question other than, like, now that you've experienced both, like, where you were very consciously, like, building on the side of your free of your full time job and now you've had 7 months to build full time, build your freelance business. I'd love for you to just talk a little bit about some of the the things you've gone through. Maybe, like, even emotionally, like, just where you've been at with your head and all of that. And and, like, I don't know. Expand on that. Totally. Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:05:40]:
I mean, when I was working full time, it was, like, the goal was always to turn the freelance into the full time job. Right? So and the struggle with that was if I got a good client, it was it was so exciting to get that new client because I was like, oh, I'm making progress toward this goal. Like, sign this new person. But then I'd have this big project, and then it's the stress would send in. I was like, when do I have time to do this big project on top of my full time job? And, you know, my full time job at the time was full time in office. Like, it wasn't flexible at all. Like, I couldn't there was no way I could kind of, you know, multitask or in any way. Like, it was I was commuting an hour each way, so I wasn't getting home till 6 o'clock.
Rachael Kranick [00:06:21]:
And then, you know, by the time you make dinner, it's, like, 8 o'clock, and then you have to start work again.
Heidi [00:06:26]:
Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:06:27]:
So or you have to work on the weekends. You know? And then it's, like, do I really have to compromise, you know, all of my social life? That's what I was really struggling with was, you know, I have a pretty like, my social life is pretty important to me. I have a really solid friend group, and I really, like, love and appreciate them and, like, put a lot of time and energy into that. And it's, like, so hard for me to be, like, sorry, guys. Like, I can't I can't hang out with you. I worked my other job. And, like, financially, I didn't need 2 jobs. So it's, like, it seems silly.
Rachael Kranick [00:06:54]:
You know, it was really just me trying to build a business. So, yeah, now it's like, I get a client, and I can actually be excited about it. And I can know that I have the time and energy to put into it. And, you know, that's during the day, like, where everyone else is at work too. And, like, you know, I think just having that dedicated time and space to work on those projects is is such a game changer. You know? And now it's like, oh, I can't I don't have to worry about just getting one client. Like, I can get a handful and be fine with that. And, like, not that it's just been, like, raining clients on me.
Rachael Kranick [00:07:31]:
You know? It definitely hasn't been. So I don't want it to sound like that or anything. Like, it's still like you were saying, there's kind of the unknown. Right? Like, I don't have that steady salary coming in anymore. Right? So that's scary. I think we talked last time that I'd saved up, you know, enough money for a year. So I still have that, you know, as my safety net, and that's been so helpful because, like, it's still stressful. Like, you don't wanna, you know, reach into your savings if you don't have to.
Rachael Kranick [00:08:00]:
But, like, just having that, I think, just, like, helps my peace of mind. And then knowing in my head, like, I've always had kind of a weird relationship with money where, like, it makes me super insecure to not be stable. But knowing in my head that, like, the first couple years of this are gonna be inconsistent. They're gonna be up and down, and that's okay. So, you know, I think I just, like, mentally prepared myself so much because I waited so long to kind of rip the band aid off and jump in. Mhmm. They're like, I know I'm gonna have slow months. I know I'm gonna have busier months.
Rachael Kranick [00:08:35]:
And there was definitely a few times where, like, I think at the beginning, I was doing pretty well, like, consistently with clients, and then I was really busy. And I was like, oh, I'm busy, but I'm still broke. So something's wrong. Like, I'm not charging enough. And so I started rethinking my financial strategy and how much I'm charging. And then there was, like, a phase where everyone was saying no to me because I changed my pricing so much. Mhmm. And I was like, oh, you clients or, like, ongoing clients? Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:09:05]:
New clients. Yeah. With ongoing clients, I kind of kept the pricing the same because we haven't really signed any new projects. I, like, made the mistake of giving them, like, a stupid good deal for, like, the whole chunk of development or whatever. So I'm still working on their development right now for, like, $600 or whatever, you know, dumb price I gave them. It's, like, stretched 6 months. But, you know, like, at the end of the project, I am gonna have that conversation with them. Like, hey.
Rachael Kranick [00:09:30]:
You guys got a crazy good deal. Like, you're super and they know they kinda know too. They're like, I feel like you should be paying you more. Like, you're doing so much work for me. So they're really chill about it. But, yeah, any new clients, I've I've been, like, changing up my pricing and trying to be more strategic about it, like, educating myself on, like, what I actually need to live off of and how to work backwards and, you know, how that's gonna work for my day to day. So I'm still I'm still figuring it out. Like, I I don't know what I'm doing yet.
Rachael Kranick [00:10:01]:
I'm still figuring it out. I'm changing my pricing every time I send a proposal. So, but yeah. And then I kinda hit that sweet spot. I think, like, last month or a couple of months ago where I, like, started getting guesses at the new price point. And that's when I was, like, okay. This this is good. Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:10:20]:
We're doing this right.
Heidi [00:10:21]:
Would you be willing to, like, share any numbers? Like, how are you even pricing? Like, what does this actually look like? Because I I think these experiments are so interesting. And and pricing is it you do have to kind of test it. Like, what will the market bear? And, like, going up and going down or positioning it like this way versus this way. So I'd love to hear some more insights into exactly what you've done and and maybe where the sweet spot is you landed. Would you be willing to share some
Rachael Kranick [00:10:46]:
of those numbers? Yeah. Like I said, I'm still kinda tweaking it. So it's always, like, kind of a work in progress, I think. But, generally, like, what I did is I when I first started, I was doing $75 an hour was kind of my hourly rate on, like, Upwork, and I get a lot of clients through Upwork. I try not to do I do. Yes. Surprisingly. And, like, people just find me on there and just message me.
Rachael Kranick [00:11:09]:
I don't even do jobs. I just get people messaging me on there. So I don't know what it is about, like, my profile or my niche, but I get, like, I get a lot of just, like, whole people reaching out to me, and I don't even have to put any work in. So
Heidi [00:11:22]:
That's amazing.
Rachael Kranick [00:11:24]:
Yeah. Okay. We'll talk about that portion of it.
Heidi [00:11:25]:
Second. But okay, talk keep talking about the pricing, and I wanna go back to Upwork thing. I'm I'm looking you up in there right now. Okay. Perfect.
Rachael Kranick [00:11:34]:
Yeah. So I was at $75 an hour because I felt like that was kind of a good, like, safe it made me feel safe starting out. Like, it wasn't crazy low, but it wasn't crazy high while I was still kinda learning because I've been in the industry for, like, 15 years now, but working corporate and working corporate work versus working freelance, like, there's it's the same, but it's different. There's just, like, a lot of nuances. So kind of my learning curve rate was 75. And then when I got to that point where I was like, oh, I'm busy but broke. Like, let's crank this up. I remembered I think it was you that said, like, the drop 3 zeros technique or whatever.
Rachael Kranick [00:12:08]:
And at my last job, I was making, like, 95 ish, and I probably should've been making, like, 120 ish. But, you know, in my head, I was like, okay. 95 ish feels like a reasonable jump from 75. Let's do 95 an hour. And still like the idea of, like, keeping it under a 100 just, like, feel more attainable for people, especially through Upwork. Mhmm. And, again, I don't do a lot of hourly projects. I try and do always project rates.
Rachael Kranick [00:12:35]:
I just have, like, have to have that number through Upwork. So, you know and it is kind of my default number if, like, you know, I have hourly anything hourly outside the scope of a proposal. Right? And I kind of at first, I was trying to do when I first tried to change my pricing, I was trying to do more, like, value based where I was like, oh, what is this worth? And I did a lot of research, like, on what other people were charging. I think you sent some helpful information. I was asking people just, like, talking to the community, you know, kinda seeing what's going on. And, yeah, I kind of I kind of tried to do, like, a value based, and I feel like that's where I was going in too high. And that's where I was getting all those no's. And then I kinda dialed it back, and I was like, okay.
Rachael Kranick [00:13:18]:
Well, what if I still take my hourly rate, look at my notes on my previous projects, and kinda see how many hours these projects are taking me? Because I I have spreadsheets everywhere. I detail out everything. Mhmm. And kind of estimate based on that how long am I hourly rate these new contracts are gonna take me. So I kinda started doing that, and that was when things started falling into place. So at that new 95 an hour estimated time for projects. And, like, that estimation time is always changing because I feel like I do one project, and, like, that took way longer. And then I have another one.
Rachael Kranick [00:13:56]:
I'm like, this one, I did in, like, 2 minutes. So it's it's so it's so hard because you just never know, and I have to remind myself in the back of my head, like, it's gonna even out. Like, some projects, I'm gonna get rimmed, and I'm gonna end up making, like, you know, $50 an hour. And some projects, I'm gonna make a $150 an hour. So Mhmm. Like, some clients are gonna be more hands on. Some are gonna be more hands you just never know. Sometimes the project's gonna fall apart when you're almost ready for production and you to start over again.
Rachael Kranick [00:14:22]:
And sometimes that's in the contract, sometimes it's not. So, you know, just kinda reminding myself of those things. But yeah. So that was kinda where it went. So, initially, I guess, to give you, like, a ballpark, that's not hourly, Like, 2 of my clients that I still have now that I started with back in, like, January, we're on, like, their final development now. We're almost ready to order production. Okay. And I think I charged them, like, 5, $600 for, like, 1 or 2 styles to do the design and tech pack, like, 5 or $600.
Rachael Kranick [00:14:56]:
And then I charged them another, like, 5 or $600 to do the full development and sourcing. Okay. So that I'm learning is
Heidi [00:15:04]:
Carry on for, like, 7 months.
Rachael Kranick [00:15:06]:
Yeah. That I'm learning is much too low. That is not a livable wage for anybody. Please don't do that. Yeah. And, yeah. Yeah. I've I've made some interesting learning mistakes, but it's fine.
Rachael Kranick [00:15:24]:
Yeah. And now I'm breaking down my proposals much more thoroughly. I kinda break it down into 4 phases. So I do, phase 1 is design, 2 is tech packs, 3 is sourcing, and 4 is development. And then it's, like, it kinda depends on the client. Like, if they need all of those, like, a lot of clients don't need sourcing. They already have that stacked up. Some people just need design and tech packs.
Rachael Kranick [00:15:47]:
And I think the last time we talked to it was only doing design and tech packs, and you encouraged me to get into sourcing. And I was like, I don't wanna do that. And I still kinda hate it, but, like, I'm learning so much, and, like, it's so nice just to work with my clients from beginning to end because I really love being able to be a part of it. Okay. The process. It's like before I was just kinda handing it off and, like, I never you know, you never know what happens or, like, maybe you see a sample or something on Instagram. It's like, that's nice, but, like, I'm such a control freak that I love to, like, be a part of the process from beginning to end. And, like, I know how to do it.
Rachael Kranick [00:16:25]:
It's just, like, there's definitely a learning curve in the sourcing that I'm still figuring out as far as, slick small business, low quantities, MOQs working that way instead of large corporations, but we're figuring it out. Yeah. But, yeah, I'm breaking those down. And now each of those pieces is, like, I mean, a minimum of $300 per each phase. And that's only if I know I think that's only if I know they're gonna order, like, 5 or 6 styles. Right? So if I know they're gonna order, like, 10 styles, then maybe I'll do 300 per design. If they're only gonna order 2 styles, it's probably gonna be, like, 500 per design.
Heidi [00:17:06]:
Because just the client handling
Rachael Kranick [00:17:09]:
and stuff. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. So I kind of at the end of my contract, I add a note, like, 2 style minimum or 5 style minimum, you know, 5
Heidi [00:17:16]:
to 10 styles required.
Rachael Kranick [00:17:19]:
Because, like, those prices are it's kinda based on, like, a lump sum. Yeah. And I was really troubled over this the other day. I was putting together a proposal, and I was like, I wish I could just do, like, a flat price, like, you know, regardless of how many styles they do, because this feels so confusing. But I was thinking about especially the the development, and I was like, I'm gonna put, like, 15 hours into this development. And if it's one style, it's gonna be 15 hours. If it's 2 styles, it's probably gonna be, like, 18 hours. Right.
Rachael Kranick [00:17:46]:
And that's a double. It's not it's not gonna double. So Yeah. It's just it's so tricky, and I haven't fully figured it out yet. I think, like, give me a few years. I'll get back to you. But yeah, and so but then it's like, well, sometimes the clients are like, oh, actually, I only wanna do one style. And so it's like, I have to make sure that notice in that contract because if they come back and say, I only want I wanna do one I can't just charge you, you know, $700 for the development then if it's just what style.
Rachael Kranick [00:18:13]:
Like, that's not that's not reasonable. So Yeah. It's kinda tricky, and I wanna make sure, like, I'm being transparent to the client too. And, like, they understand where I'm coming from, that I'm not just, you know, making these numbers up out of my ass. Like, there's there's logic there and, you know, there's a whole process to it. And, yeah, it's always, you know, evolving and changing, but, like, it's super complicated. So yeah. And, like, the highest I've charged, I think, like, I did sourcing projects for, like, near shore sourcing, which is super complicated because you have to find the cut and sew factory.
Rachael Kranick [00:18:47]:
You have to find the material supplier, the trim supply like, all these different I'm still working on this project. It's not done yet. Yeah. The past is where What
Heidi [00:18:54]:
sourcing I I it cut out when you said that. What kind of sourcing is it?
Rachael Kranick [00:18:57]:
What project would work? Nearshore. Nearshore.
Heidi [00:19:00]:
Okay. Gotcha.
Rachael Kranick [00:19:01]:
Yeah. Yeah. So, like, nearshore domestic sourcing, I always kinda put, like, like, a little flag, and I charge an extra $1,000, like, on top of my base sourcing fee, which is, like, 4.50 or 5.50, whatever. Right.
Heidi [00:19:15]:
As opposed to going offshore, like, going overseas.
Rachael Kranick [00:19:17]:
Yeah. Yeah. Because nearshore is so much more complicated. There's so many more components in it. So I charge a really big premium for that because it's just it's so much work. There's so many components and, you know, it's like, I encourage my clients to always go overseas. I that's just my preference. And if they wanna go near shore, like, I'm happy to help them with that, but I do charge a premium because it's just it's so much more involved.
Heidi [00:19:42]:
Yeah. I thank you for sharing all these details because I think it's really valuable for people to hear this. And I always talk about pricing is like learning how to sew. Like, you just have to start putting the fabric through the machine and every fabric requires a different thread, requires a different tension, requires a different presser foot. Like, there's so many variables and nuances to all these things. Like you just said, offshore versus near shore and, you know, one style versus 5. Like, it's not that much more work to do the development for 5 than it is for 1. And it's it's sometimes depending on your niche and depending on the types of brands you're working with, you know, whether they're small, whether they're more established, like, all these little variables change, you know, whether they're coming off of Upwork, I think is different versus depending on how your funnel is set up.
Heidi [00:20:33]:
There can be differences in terms of the types of clients that you start attracting. So thank you for sharing all of that super transparently. Where what was the high price point that you got to where people were saying no? Was that did you try 1:20 an hour? Because I know you said that 120 felt like should have been your rate, your salary. Or like where were you getting the nose?
Rachael Kranick [00:20:59]:
I didn't really try a specific hourly. I think when I was getting the nose was when I was trying not when I was trying
Heidi [00:21:06]:
to value price it. Value price pricing.
Rachael Kranick [00:21:09]:
Yeah. Yeah. Because I I, like, saw other people are charging, like, you know, 850 for a tech pack. Like, not even a complicated tech pack. Like, a basic tech pack. Mhmm. Which I think is totally reasonable because, like, the amount of time and energy and work and detail that goes into it, but that just didn't quite fly for me yet. So I don't know.
Rachael Kranick [00:21:27]:
Like, you know, I'm still a few $100 less than that. I hope to get there eventually. Mhmm. But, you know, it just it it wasn't hitting. So Okay. Yeah. I think there's, like, a happy medium. And, you know, for me, it was, like, at the prices I'm at right now or kind of in that ballpark, if I work backwards and, like, get the amount of clients that I'd like to get, which I'm not there yet, but I feel like it's a manageable number of clients.
Rachael Kranick [00:21:59]:
I feel like it is. We'll see once I get there, but actually, then I feel like I can meet my goals financially. So for me, that felt good. Like, I don't need to be at 8.50 per tech pack if Mhmm. Financially, I can make my ends meet and be comfortable being at this a slightly lower price point, at least for now. I I think, like, once I get in there, I'll probably have to adjust and, like, you know, maybe there's kind of a, you know, in between sort of thing or, like, I think I'm I'm always learning and gaining more experience and able to improve my skills too and, like, tweaking my tech packs, making them better, more efficient. So it's, like, maybe my tech packs aren't valued that high right now, but maybe in a year or 2, they will be. So it's a process.
Heidi [00:22:51]:
Yeah. It is very much a process. Okay. Talk to me about Upwork. I found you. You are the I gotta tell you a funny story, too.
Rachael Kranick [00:23:01]:
Okay.
Heidi [00:23:01]:
You're the activewear designer specializing in outdoor apparel. I kid you not, last week, Paula, who's our writer, she writes all of our content for the blog. She's also a technical designer. So she's very knowledgeable in the industry. And she's writing an article, and there was a part of it that was talking about niche. Mhmm. And she pulled some screenshot examples from Upwork of, like, here's how you can market yourself. 1 said, freelance fashion designer, and the other was a screenshot of activewear designer specializing in outdoor apparel.
Heidi [00:23:38]:
I'm quite sure it was you that she randomly pulled a screenshot off of Upwork to highlight how being a specialized freelancer
Rachael Kranick [00:23:48]:
Wow. Is
Heidi [00:23:49]:
totally attractive and valuable. I'll, like, email you the thing after we got this call. I swear this happened. She blacked out the names and the photos just to, like, privatize it. But, it was your exact headline. I was like, oh, that's a great not just active, but, like, specializing in outdoor. So I would argue that you're attracting people on Upwork solely because you're really specialized and that's very attractive for brands. Right? Mhmm.
Heidi [00:24:21]:
I mean, do you ever when you when you start working with these brands, do you ever talk to them, like, oh, why did you hire me or what made me stand out? Or have you ever had any of those kinds of conversations? Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:24:34]:
Not as often as I probably should, but I feel like a lot of people find me on Upwork and or occasionally on LinkedIn at beginning, those 2. But Mhmm. I think what they usually see is, yeah, they think they like the outdoor. But I like to put activewear in there too because it is, like, I have such an active background. And the outdoor space is, like, where I want to niche into, but, like, all of the active like, I you know, I've done so much athleisure too. So it's like I kinda like the idea of, like, it's saying activewear but specializing in outdoor because then it kinda merges those 2. And then I think also I have some good names on my resume. So, like, I worked at Nike for 3 years, and that's in my profile.
Rachael Kranick [00:25:21]:
I think people really resonate with that. And I did a freelance project with TravisMathew, which is a pretty big golf brand down here. Yeah.
Heidi [00:25:29]:
I'm very familiar with them. Yeah. Yeah. So I
Rachael Kranick [00:25:32]:
think just having a couple of name drops, like, is really helpful. And then, yeah, that tied into, like, the specific niche where they kinda feel, like, somewhat cohesive. I think those are kind of my, like, winning features. That would be my guess. I don't know. Yeah.
Heidi [00:25:48]:
It would be interesting to, like, over the next 6 months to start just organically integrating that conversation into, like, your onboarding process with your clients. And you can start figuring out, like, oh, interesting. Like, you grab me because this or something. Just looking your most recent job was fashion designer for National Park Clothing Staple Redesign.
Rachael Kranick [00:26:17]:
Yep, that's, that's a fun little Yeah. There's some working on projects.
Heidi [00:26:24]:
They're all they're all like in your niche, essentially. There's one for sleepwear.
Rachael Kranick [00:26:30]:
Yeah. I did some sleep because that kinda feels like lounge, kinda cleaner. You know? Like, I did a lot of, lounge in my last corporate job. So Okay. I think it kinda blends over. But, yeah, I think, like, things are pretty accurate to my niche that I'm working on, or maybe they're more in the performance space. I'm doing, like, a pickleball line right now. So, you know, it's kinda That's fun.
Rachael Kranick [00:26:52]:
Yeah. It's kinda random. But Yeah. Yeah. It's all been, like, very performance based. And anytime someone reach out to me for, like, ready to wear, I I'm super honest. I'm, like, that's not you know, I've done that. It's been years since I've done ready to wear.
Rachael Kranick [00:27:06]:
I'm happy to help if it feels aligned, but it's not really my background. Here's my portfolio. Yeah.
Heidi [00:27:13]:
When did you first set up your Upwork and get started?
Rachael Kranick [00:27:19]:
Oh, I think I've had Upwork for a couple years now. Okay. I yeah. I mean, I tell people I've been freelancing for 3 years on the side, and I think that's somewhat accurate. Okay. Your first review
Heidi [00:27:34]:
is only from June 2023, so just 13 months ago.
Rachael Kranick [00:27:38]:
Yeah. I have you know, I had a few clients early on on there, and I recently circled back with them because I got a I got a not great great review on Upwork. I got, like, 4.5 stars, and it, like, took me down from, like, my lead status or whatever. And I was so annoyed. And so I, like, went through, like, pinging everybody that I ever worked with, but never left me a review. And I was like, hey, do you have any feedback? Hey. Did you know that project? I did. I know.
Rachael Kranick [00:28:04]:
I know. I was like, don't you remember? Hey. Could you close this out? Because people just forget to close it out and, like, leave
Heidi [00:28:09]:
a review. They don't close their contracts. I know Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:28:12]:
Friends ask me
Heidi [00:28:12]:
all the time. Hey, can you close this and give me a review?
Rachael Kranick [00:28:14]:
Yeah. Yeah. So I just went back. Most of them were like super receptive. So a lot of the reviews that are recent are actually from projects. They did like a couple years ago. And it did boost my score back up a little bit, so that helped. But Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:28:30]:
Yeah. You know, it happens. So you can't have everyone a 100% happy all the time. It was just we were just slightly misaligned on what we were looking for. And yeah. Yeah. It was fine. I totally understand where she's coming from.
Heidi [00:28:42]:
Yeah. Okay. So Upwork is clients are coming to you. You're just sitting there and they're arriving in your lap. I'm applying for stuff on there too. For some stuff. Okay.
Rachael Kranick [00:28:53]:
Yeah. Yeah. It's kind of a mixed bag. So if, like, I'm having slow times or, like, you know, just curious what's going on. Like, I'll go through and browse. And I only ever look at, like, the recently posted because I just I feel like if you're not, like, on top of it, like, people don't they've already seen 10 they've already interviewed somebody. You know? So I kind of try and be, like, you know, one of the first few to respond, and I think that's been a helpful tactic. And, yeah, a lot of the time, like like, my people ball client I'm working with right now, and they're from Upwork.
Rachael Kranick [00:29:25]:
And we managed to take it offline, which was great. And, you know, some people wanna stay on Upwork. I have one client. They hired me through Upwork. And I think he just found me. I don't think I applied for this one. And they have, like, an established brand, and they just needed a new technical designer because they're freelance. Their freelancer took a full time job.
Rachael Kranick [00:29:45]:
And we just, like, started chatting on there, and, yeah, he hired me hourly. So I just do, like, projects for them every month or so whenever they have little things come in. So, yeah, it's kind of all over the place, but definitely definitely still applying for stuff. You know, I probably get, like, 1 or 2 or 3 just like ghost people on there reaching out to me month per month, though. It's it's wild.
Heidi [00:30:10]:
That's awesome. And are you getting some of the gigs that you're applying to? Because I was literally just this morning reading something on LinkedIn about Upwork and how much it people are kind of really frustrated with it with the whole connects and how they've, like, gamified the whole application process. And I've I've heard some commentary and conversation about people not loving it and feeling like they're not getting the gigs like they used to be able to get the gigs when they're applying. What's been your experience?
Rachael Kranick [00:30:38]:
I haven't been applying as much in, like, the most recent couple months. But, yeah, like I said, that I got that, pickleball gig on there. That's my most most recent one, and that was probably, like, 3 or 4 months ago, when we first connected. And, yeah, I think, like, Upwork has evolved a lot. Like, you actually, if you're posting as a client or if yeah. If you're posting as a client, you have to pay now. So that's not free anymore. They have to pay You have to
Heidi [00:31:05]:
pay to post the original post?
Rachael Kranick [00:31:07]:
Yep. Oh, that's new. Anyone hiring has to pay because I actually did, like, a little subcontract recently. And, like, I had someone through Upwork. But it's really good to be on the other side and, like, to see that process. So, yeah, I had to pay $10 to post and, yeah. But it's like, at the end of the day, it's a business expense, and sometimes you have to invest a little bit. And, yeah, like, you have to buy the connects.
Rachael Kranick [00:31:33]:
They're like, I think, 1.50 each or some I just buy, like, you know, $15 worth at a time, and it buys you, like, a 100 or something. And I you know, it's just it's a business expense. I don't think about it.
Heidi [00:31:44]:
Okay. I, you
Rachael Kranick [00:31:45]:
know, I try not to apply for just anything. I try and be strategic about what I apply for. And, it is it's annoying because it didn't used to be that way. But at the end of the day, like, if it's connecting me to people who are looking for, you know, a product that I can create for them and, you know, they're Yeah. They're on my level. They're giving me good business. Like, the our pricing is aligned. And I definitely have people on there that are not aligned to my pricing.
Rachael Kranick [00:32:10]:
I had one guy on there. He, like I think he reached out to me and asked me to bid on his project, and I gave him a proposal. And he was, like, you're literally 5 times more expensive than anyone else I've talked to on here. And I was like, great. Go with them. I good luck.
Heidi [00:32:29]:
I'll talk to
Rachael Kranick [00:32:29]:
you in 6 months. Good luck, sir. Why are you still talking to me? Do you want me to come down on my pricing? Because that's not gonna happen.
Heidi [00:32:35]:
Because I'm not coming down at $20 an hour.
Rachael Kranick [00:32:38]:
Yeah. Please go work with them. Yeah. I'm happy you found pricing that feels aligned here and it gets like Yeah. Go nuts. Yeah.
Heidi [00:32:47]:
No. You're not the cheap I mean, an upward $95 is not inexpensive for the fashion industry.
Rachael Kranick [00:32:53]:
Yeah. Yeah. I know I'm not the I'm not the cheapest. I'm not the most expensive. I'm kinda somewhere in between. Yeah. So yeah. I don't know.
Rachael Kranick [00:33:04]:
I'm just I'm just trying to pay my bills.
Heidi [00:33:07]:
Yeah. Talk to me a little bit about LinkedIn. You mentioned that. And that was actually where I I saw your post because you said, I'll link to it in the show notes, but you, you took your 2nd trip to Hawaii this year. That's not really talking about LinkedIn, but you happen to have posted on LinkedIn. So I guess I guess first thing, well, let's first talk about LinkedIn more strategically from, like, a business and a freelance perspective. And then I would love to talk about your life and the freedom you've and your two trips to Hawaii, like, how this has changed your life. So so first, LinkedIn from a strategic finance perspective.
Heidi [00:33:47]:
Where are you at with
Rachael Kranick [00:33:48]:
that? Yeah. I think, like, you really helped me there because I think you said at one point, you're like and I'd heard this from other people too. You know? Like, Instagram is not it. And I had a professional Instagram when I first started, and, like, I posted a handful of things on there. But it was just, like, not cute. Like, it just wasn't cohesive. It didn't feel on brand, and I didn't know what I wanted to do with it. I couldn't figure out what content I wanted to post on there or how I wanted to use it strategically and just like you know, I eventually just deleted it because I was like, this is Exhausting and it doesn't look good It doesn't reflect me or my brand in a way that I want to be reflected.
Rachael Kranick [00:34:27]:
And I spent a lot of time, like, working through my website and portfolio and updating that. And, like, you know, eventually, I was like, oh, well, maybe I'll get to my Instagram and update that to be aligned to that when I have time. Right now, I don't have capacity for it. So I'm just gonna take it offline until I'm and and until I know what to do with it. I just didn't I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't know how to use it as a tool. And maybe that's something I still need to just figure out. But meanwhile, I was like, I'm just gonna get rid of it.
Rachael Kranick [00:34:52]:
So I did that, and then I started, like I think you said something about how LinkedIn had been serving you better, and I noticed, like, you were posting on there more. And I started following a couple other freelancers who were also posting on there more and, like, other copywriters and stuff. And kinda noticing just, like, you know, the format of the post and the frequency. And, yeah, it just it just made more sense to me, I think. And so I started posting a little bit more on LinkedIn. I kinda went through and reworked my profile a few times. Like, at first, I had more of a headline that said something like, how I was passionate about, like, getting women outdoors and, like, wanted to make product that made them feel comfortable about that. But then I was like, no.
Rachael Kranick [00:35:38]:
I think I need a headline that feels more directed to my specific customer rather than the end user, because that felt more directed to, like, my client's customers. You know? Mhmm. So I kinda went back and was like, okay. Let me redo that. And I think now my headline says something about, like, how I help brands, you know, build. I I can't my life I'll read it. I have it then. Okay.
Heidi [00:36:00]:
Fashion designer and consultant for activewear specializing in outdoor apparel. Helping brands save time and build customer loyalty by providing trend forward functional designs. It's very clear who you are and who you help. That's why
Rachael Kranick [00:36:14]:
it's working. Yeah. I'm much better at writing things than I'm at saying things. So still working on that.
Heidi [00:36:21]:
Don't worry. I got it all up, but I can just read it for you.
Rachael Kranick [00:36:24]:
My brain just, like, shuts down.
Heidi [00:36:26]:
Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:36:28]:
But yeah. Yeah. So I reworked that and, like, you know, I think I put my freelancing as, like, my, you know, most recent job description or whatever. So Mhmm. Yeah. And I've just been posting on there a little bit more. So I think, I think it helps. And I think I'm learning that, like, you know, because I tried cold pitching for a while and, like, it just it wasn't working great for me.
Rachael Kranick [00:36:51]:
I don't know. Like, I'll still go back to it and do it again when I'm, like, needing it. But I, like it's so funny. When I first started cold pitching, I my second cold pitch, I, like, got a job from it. And it was like, this is so easy. I got this. I'm so good at this. When was that? This was like while I was still like 2,001.
Rachael Kranick [00:37:11]:
It was when I was still working full time, but not it was probably after our call. It was probably like shortly after our call last year.
Heidi [00:37:17]:
Okay. So it was Yeah. Second half of 2023. Yeah. Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:37:22]:
So it wasn't like it was maybe last August or September or something. Yeah. Yeah. And I was so excited. I was like, oh, I got this. But then, like, after that, I swear I've sent, like, a 100 more emails and just, like, you know, maybe a few things few responses here and there, but it's like, oh, you know, we're not looking for anyone right now. Like, you know, this isn't your experience is great, but, like, we don't need this right now. We're we're going in a different direction or, you know, which which is totally fine.
Rachael Kranick [00:37:47]:
Like, I get it. Like, these businesses are busy and, you know, that doesn't mean, like, you know, no. Doesn't mean never. It means not right now. So, like, still good to circle back with those people, of course. But I know. It just wasn't working great. So I was like, okay.
Rachael Kranick [00:37:59]:
There's gotta be a better way. Like Mhmm. You know, Upwork has been good for me, but that can't be the only avenue. And I was kinda feeling like Upwork maybe, like, the pricing wasn't as aligned all of the time, which I think is still true. I think there are people on there that are totally willing to pay your worth, but there's also a lot of people who aren't. So, but there's also people like that on LinkedIn. So I actually just recently got turned down, from someone for being out of their budget, and they found me on LinkedIn. So Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:38:27]:
You know, you never know. It happens. Everyone's gonna be You never know. Yeah. Yeah. Not everyone's gonna be your client, so that's fine. Yeah. But, yeah, I kind of just trying to be more mindful of, like, how can I show my knowledge and expertise? How can I demonstrate that in a public way that is accessible in a space where my clients are going to be? Right? And so, like, that's why, like, you know, some some freelancers, like, they have podcasts or they have blogs or they have news like, any way to demonstrate, like, your expertise, that's just gonna bring people in.
Rachael Kranick [00:39:03]:
So, like, you know, eventually, I'd love to start doing some more of those things. But for now, I'm on LinkedIn. That's where I'm at. That's my capacity. Yeah. Yeah. And it's been good. And, like, I haven't been getting great engagement from my post, but, you know, I'm always, like, tweaking them and changing them.
Rachael Kranick [00:39:20]:
And I know I need to be better about, like, putting pictures on there, like, pictures of myself or something. But still always wanna put my face on the Internet. So, yeah. But, like, when I shared my success and, like, my Hawaii trip, I, like, put a picture of myself just, like, in Hawaii. And, like, I think that's nice because then people have something to relate to. And Yeah. You know, they like to see, like, your smiling face, whatever. So Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:39:43]:
You know, it sounds silly, but, yeah, I got a lot of, like, likes on that. And actually, I think that was where, like, it was it was someone who saw that post that messaged me, and they were like, hey. I saw your post. Congratulations. Glad things are going so well. I need help with my business. You wanna chat. You know? Okay.
Rachael Kranick [00:40:01]:
And then I
Heidi [00:40:01]:
would have that would be aligned on pricing with that one? Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:40:04]:
We weren't aligned on
Heidi [00:40:04]:
pricing, which I totally understand. You know?
Rachael Kranick [00:40:05]:
It's not yeah. It's not always gonna be a match. Hopefully, not always gonna be a match. Hopefully, they find someone that works better for them. But yeah. And then I had another client who I think found me via search, and he was looking for someone in the outdoor space because he wants to do he wants to start a line that's a little more, like, functional, technical Yeah. Kind of outdoorsy. So, yeah, I think just via search, people find me.
Heidi [00:40:34]:
Alright. So are you working with him? Did that turn into
Rachael Kranick [00:40:36]:
a project? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We, we signed a contract a few weeks ago Awesome. And sent me the deposit already. And actually met him in person because he's local. And I, like, kinda kinda hate the in person.
Rachael Kranick [00:40:51]:
I had so much anxiety over it. I was like, what am I doing? This is not it.
Heidi [00:40:57]:
I don't know how to do this, not on a Zoom call. I know.
Rachael Kranick [00:40:59]:
I know. But, like, he was local, and, like, it's so funny because it's in the neighborhood I used to work in. So I had, like, PTSD, like, driving back there, and I was like, ugh. But it was fine. Like, he's super nice and, like, you know, it was nice to be on-site and, like, feel the fabrics and, like, because he's a fabric manufacturer, so he showed me a lot of materials and stuff. And, you know, I kinda worked it into the contract. Like, okay, we can have 3 or 4 on-site meetings. You know, like, the first one to meet and greet and, like, you can hand me some fabrics.
Rachael Kranick [00:41:31]:
And then, like, later on, once we get to, like, fittings and sample reviews, like, I'll come back in and check-in. Yeah. And I definitely felt him, like, pushing a little bit. Like, he was like, oh, yeah. Once you send designs, like, we can just have coffee and we can chat about it. And I was like, you're like, that's that's not in the contract. I need
Heidi [00:41:46]:
to have some boundaries on these images. I mean, they take a lot more time. They take so
Rachael Kranick [00:41:50]:
much time. And, like, I do Yeah. I do bill for, like, my commute time. Like Totally. You know, if you you could have mailed me those swatches. Like, I know the in person is nice, but, like, it's not essential, you know, for the, like, the fitting, I get a little I get it a little more. That makes a little more sense to me. But it's like even that you can do you'd be as if, like, I've done it before.
Rachael Kranick [00:42:12]:
So Yeah. And the whole idea of being remote is, like, if I wanna go work from Bali next week, like, I wanna be able to do that. I don't want a client that's expecting me to, like, come in to the office, you know, all the time. So it's like, occasionally, I can do it. I'm okay with that. But it's not my ideal situation and, like, you know but I'll be flexible Yeah. Sometimes.
Heidi [00:42:35]:
Within reason. I'm still pulling the shots though.
Rachael Kranick [00:42:38]:
Yeah. Exactly.
Heidi [00:42:38]:
I wanna talk about Bali in a second, but I wanna I just wanna clarify and and make a couple comments on the LinkedIn thing. Because I just I had another student on, well, I interviewed her last week. I'm not sure when it's gonna go live. Anyways, somewhere around your episode. But, she had a post, air quote, go viral on LinkedIn. It got, like, I don't know, a 150 likes and, like, 30 comments, which was, like, a lot for her. She has, like, 600 followers, which is right about where you're at. And she got 3 inquiries from it of, like, hey, we love and so it's kind of, like, your even your post about which your post was literally, like, the headline is I was y'all I was laid off from my job in December, and then it just talks a little bit about I turned 34 last week.
Heidi [00:43:22]:
I took my second trip to Hawaii. Da da da da da da. I signed new 2 new clients recently. And and it was really like this post just kind of updating on you and your life and this nice picture of you in front of a waterfall. And and yet you and I know the client didn't line on price, but, like, you got an inquiry off of that kind of a post, which I think is really interesting for people to think about. Like, your posts on LinkedIn are are not should not all be like, hey, I'm a freelancer. I can do this. Hey, I'm a freelancer.
Heidi [00:43:54]:
I can do this. Right? I think sometimes he's like and and the post that, Fernanda, who was on the other episode, got so much traction from was she had taken she took, like, a fashion flat and then she did, like, a 3 d render and then she also did a, a photo realistic mock up in Newark, and she had them all in the image and she was kind of comparing. She goes, I wanna talk about the difference between the fashion flat versus the 3 d versus the photo realistic render from New York. And it was just this really interesting post on something that she found, very interesting, and and she was curious to to talk a little bit more about and get some conversation going. And and so and it had nothing to do with, like, I'm trying to get freelance work. Right? And so I think those posts are so interesting. We're, like, people don't always just wanna read about you and and what you have to offer. They like interesting things about the fashion industry.
Heidi [00:44:46]:
They like they like they we're all humans. We love human stories. Right? And I think your post was such, like, a great human story. I was laid off, then I turned 24, and I've been in Hawaii 2 times, and clients are coming in. And you said something like, I'm super humbled and privileged, and I'm overwhelmed by the abundance the universe has been providing me. Like, just this really honest post about where you're at in life and and felt very relatable. And so I think there's a lot of value in thinking about a LinkedIn strategy on that level. And then the other thing I wanna mention is you also said the guy found you on search on LinkedIn.
Heidi [00:45:21]:
And LinkedIn is a search engine, dear listener. And here's the thing, a lot of brands or people who need to hire freelancers are not always hanging out on LinkedIn. But when they need to hire someone, they go to LinkedIn and they search. And there's massive, massive value in that. I believe in this platform so much. We I just started hanging out in there less than a year ago. We're building out a whole module inside FAST to specifically teach LinkedIn because I'm like, this is this is it. I really believe in it.
Heidi [00:45:56]:
I'm glad you took the the initiative to say I'm gonna jump in here. And you started looking at other freelancers and started feeling like, okay, what is the climate like here? Like, what's the vibe? What are people posting? And it sounds like you're feeling comfortable. More than you're feeling on Instagram.
Rachael Kranick [00:46:13]:
Yeah. It's way better than Instagram. I like I I don't always know what to post. I go through phases where, like, I can't think of anything for, like, a few weeks. But Mhmm. You know, I start every day, like, going through my emails, and I sign up for a lot of, like, newsletters, just like industry news and insights and trends and whatnot. So, like, my day always kinda starts with, like, that information feed just so I can stay current. And a lot of the time, like, there's something in there that kind of is topical and, like, kind of prompts and it's or whatever LinkedIn post for me.
Rachael Kranick [00:46:47]:
So, like, this morning, I was reading through my emails, and I follow, what are they called? It's like well, they're, like, they're for, like, sustainable fashion. I can't remember what they're called, but we can send them a plug later. And they were talking about, like, you know, the benefits of sourcing domestically versus other options. And, like, if that is truly more sustainable and how, like, you know, apparel is super complicated. And it's like there's so many components that go into each garment that, like, chances are even if you're manufacturing domestically, like, your yarn is still from China, and your trims are still from Vietnam. You know? So it's, like, in theory, yeah, it's great to do it local, but, like, at the end of the day, the stuff's too complicated to be black and white. And, like, you know, so, like, that they kinda wrote that in the email, and I was like, oh, yeah. That's really good content.
Rachael Kranick [00:47:40]:
Like, that really made me think. And so I kinda just translate translated that into a LinkedIn post and kinda wrote my own, like, just a short little blurb about it. Like, nothing in-depth. And sometimes I'll link the original inspiration, or if I feel like I'm kinda off on a tangent, I won't. But Yeah. You know, I think, like, just little things like that that just kinda, like, get your brain going. Like, if I think it's interesting, maybe someone else would think it's interesting. Or sometimes even if it's not, though, like, I try and remind myself that, like, things that aren't interesting to me because they're just so, like, obvious.
Rachael Kranick [00:48:09]:
Other people might think they're interesting because, like, you know, not everyone's from this background. And, like so sometimes if it's even, like, the dumbest thing, I have to be like, oh, yeah. Like, someone might might actually be intrigued by that. So maybe I should share, you know, something that feels, like, common sense to me.
Heidi [00:48:23]:
Yeah. Like, if you are you working with a lot of startups ish? Like, smaller independent brands?
Rachael Kranick [00:48:28]:
Yeah. Definitely, like, small brands and startups. Yeah. Yeah. So like things that
Heidi [00:48:32]:
are really second nature to you, and you're like, oh, I've been doing this for 15 years. Like, that's so obvious. But like, they might not know. And so I think it's you always want to think about, like, who's your potential client and how do you meet them where they're at? And sometimes it's like, you gotta really step back to the things that are so basic and fundamental to you, and think like, well, they don't know that. And that's super easy for me to communicate. And it might not feel it doesn't always have to be this, like, interesting thought provoking thing. It can just be this, like, simple thing. Yeah.
Rachael Kranick [00:49:04]:
And when I'm on calls too, I've started, like, prefacing it with, like, hey, if I'm getting, like, too technical or if I'm using, like, too many, like, nerdy industry terms, like, just stop me. Because sometimes they just, like, spout it off and I don't even think about it. And, like, you know, some people don't know what a tech pack is or what a spec is or, you know, and that's like, okay. Or sometimes I break it down too much. Like, sometimes I'm like, oh, a tech pack does this? And they're like, we know. And I'm like, oh, okay. Well, sorry. I don't know
Heidi [00:49:32]:
Yeah, but no and every one of those conversations you like learn how to navigate each one a little bit better a little bit better It's a constant learning curve Oh, totally. Yeah, and
Rachael Kranick [00:49:40]:
I still say dumb stuff all the time So but I'm a pretty, like, real person. Like, I'm never, like, super stiff professional. I'm, like, even on my discovery calls, I'm always, like, you know, there's, like, a dog in my lap or, like, whatever. Like, just Which, spoiler alert, if anyone's heard the tiny
Heidi [00:49:57]:
bit of panting in the background, it is the dog. It's like He's a little cutie. Okay. Real quickly, because I know we've already gone a little over time. Do you have, like, 5 more minutes? Mhmm. Okay. Talk to us about life. Because you've been to Hawaii twice, and then you're, like, I don't know.
Heidi [00:50:16]:
I might be in Bali next week. Like, how is it feeling in your life, this new schedule, this new structure? I know at the beginning you said you're like working at random times, but sometimes, I think you said I won't put words in your mouth, but I think you said like, but it doesn't always feel like work or something. So tell us, how's it feeling?
Rachael Kranick [00:50:36]:
Where are
Heidi [00:50:36]:
you at with all that?
Rachael Kranick [00:50:38]:
Yeah. I mean, I think, like, at first, I was like, wow. I have all this free time. I'm so excited. Like, my schedule is flexible. I can sleep in if I want. And I'm a morning person, but, like, sleeping into me is, like, 7 o'clock, and that's exciting. I feel like that's late.
Rachael Kranick [00:50:53]:
I feel like I should be getting up earlier. I still have weird guilt about that, but we're working on it. But, yeah, it's just, like, it's so nice, and I was so excited at first. And then I think I had a moment where I was, like, feeling guilty about not being busier or, like, trying to, like, fill my day with, like, busy work, like, on the computer, like, working on, like, little things and, like and then I finally had a moment of even just a few months ago where I was like, you know what? This is the whole point. This is literally the point of working for myself, of freelancing, is there's gonna be downtime, and I need to go play with that. Like, I'm a creative person. I wanna go do a painting. I wanna go sew something just for fun.
Rachael Kranick [00:51:32]:
I don't sew professionally, but I sew for fun. You know? Like, I wanna go sit on the beach. I wanna go for a hike. I wanna go walk the dog. You know? Like, and those are all things that I didn't have time for before because I was in a full time job. I was working 9 to 5. I was commuting an hour each way every day, 2 hours every day. And so I just kinda had, like, a little pep talk with myself, and I was like, you know what? Like, it's okay to feel stressed, but, like, don't spend all your time feeling stressed, and don't just be sitting on the computer, like, diddly daddling this time away.
Rachael Kranick [00:52:06]:
Like, when you have downtime in your business, like, yes, do a certain amount of outreach that feels good. But after that, like, computer down, like, go do something creative. Go do something fun. Like, that's the whole point. And I think I had a moment where I was, like, yes. This is the point. I'm gonna go play. And that was good.
Rachael Kranick [00:52:22]:
And then everyone started, like, reaching out to me, and I got super busy. And now I'm, like, okay. No more playtime? Yeah. I gotta work right now. Yeah. But, yeah, it's been so great. And, yeah, Hawaii Hawaii happened on accident twice, actually, but it's fine. I'm I'm grateful.
Rachael Kranick [00:52:41]:
Yeah. The first trip was planned. We went back in April. We went to Kauai and, like, backpacked and camped the whole island. That was amazing. And then last month, I ended up going back. It was my birthday and my friend's birthday, and we were supposed to be in Tulum, but, there was, like, a hurricane or something last minute. So, like, 2 days before, we had to replan the entire trip and, like, got to get to Hawaii.
Rachael Kranick [00:53:07]:
It was like, Hawaii just ended up being, like, the most affordable kind of beachy destination, you know, that felt, like, aligned to our vacation goals. So Yeah. I was like, I guess I'm going back to Hawaii. Poor me. So, yeah, like, totally aware of the privilege and, like, you know, it does take money to travel, and it takes time and space. And I think just mentally, like, I'm in a place. And even before I quit my job, like, kinda just preparing myself and, like, just checking in and reminding myself too that, like, yes, money is nice, money is important, but time is so much more valuable to me right now. And I'm just in a place in my life where I don't need that much money.
Rachael Kranick [00:53:54]:
I I spend money on vacations and adventures. That's where I wanna spend my money. But, like, my day to day, I'm pretty cheap. Like, I'm shopping at grocery outlet. Like, you know, I'm a very like, I have a spreadsheet with a detailed budget in it. Like, I'm very, like I'm not, like, you know, skimping on things super badly, but, like, I don't spend a lot of extra money. I thrift most of my clothes. You know, like, I'm not I don't spend a ton of money on my lifestyle.
Rachael Kranick [00:54:21]:
So I don't and I don't need a ton of money to be happy. Most of my hobbies are, like, going to the beach, hiking, camping, you know, like Yeah. Pretty inexpensive. Like, yes trips and plane tickets do end up costing money, and I like to do those a few times a year. But that's where I wanna spend my money. And so Mhmm. At the end of the day, having the time freedom feels so much more valuable than any salary. And sometimes I have to remind myself that.
Rachael Kranick [00:54:44]:
Right? Like, I'll have a job interview or something and, know, for, like, a full time job. Because when I first got laid off, I was interviewing for full time jobs because I had to, like, apply to certain amount for, unemployment or whatever. Mhmm. And so I got a few job interviews every now and then, and they would offer me, like, you know, it was, like, a 120. I think I had one of those, like, 130, and it's like there's a moment where I was like, that sounds nice. That's a lot of money. Paychecks. I could I could handle that.
Rachael Kranick [00:55:13]:
But then it's like, no. They want me in the office full time. It's an hour commute, like an hour and a half commute. Like, I can't it's not the money is not worth it. It's the amount of compromises and sacrifices I'd have to make in my quality of life. It what am I what am I gonna do with that extra money? I don't need that extra money for my life goals. It's not it doesn't matter that much. So I think, like, just those little, like, mental check ins every now and then.
Rachael Kranick [00:55:38]:
What do I actually need to be happy? And just kind of trying to organize my life in a line aligned to those goals.
Heidi [00:55:47]:
Yeah. I forgot about that, but you you emailed me and you were like, Heidi, I'm turning down a $120,000 jobs. I was
Rachael Kranick [00:55:56]:
like, oh,
Heidi [00:55:57]:
go. Go, you. That's a great update. Yeah. But Definitely scary in the moment. Sure. But also, like, you have to, I'm a big believer in, like, you have to lean into that fear. Otherwise, you're not gonna, you're not gonna reap those benefits and those big wins.
Heidi [00:56:19]:
And those wins don't always, it doesn't have to be financial. It could be the freedom of like, oh, I get to do this, and I get to do this, and I get to do this. And, yeah. Well, congratulations. Happy late birthday. Congratulations on everything. It is amazing what you've built. I'm so impressed.
Heidi [00:56:34]:
And, yeah, it's, it's just the beginning.
Rachael Kranick [00:56:38]:
It is just the beginning. It is it is a journey, but you know what? I'm enjoying it. Like, I think I think I I like to be stimulated in lots of different ways and, like, being in a regular job is often tricky for me because I'm just like, I don't know if it's my ADHD or what, but, like, I like to do, like, all these different things at all times. And so being able to have multiple clients working on multiple products, like, in different parts in the design development process at all points in time. Like, I can kinda bounce around, and it just kinda satisfies, like, my shiny, distracted brain a lot. So it's really nice. It's it's hard, but I like the challenge.
Heidi [00:57:14]:
Yeah. That sounds really fulfilling. I'm so I'm so happy for you. Where can everybody find you and connect with you online?
Rachael Kranick [00:57:22]:
Probably LinkedIn is the best spot, or you can always email me. It's just design at rachaelcranick.com. So
Heidi [00:57:28]:
Okay. Awesome. We'll put both of those in the show notes. And, I'll end the interview with what I ask everybody at the very end, which is, what is one thing people never ask you about being a freelance fashion designer that you wish they would?
Rachael Kranick [00:57:40]:
Man, I knew you're gonna ask this question, and I still forgot to prepare for it.
Heidi [00:57:44]:
You've heard it before. I've heard it so many times.
Rachael Kranick [00:57:50]:
Okay. I think I had an answer to this, but I don't know if I remember it. I think, like, I feel like I had a lot of people kind of doubting me in the beginning. Like, people don't understand that, like, this is a legitimate career choice. Mhmm. Like, there were so many people who were, like, oh, have you found a job yet? Like, are you, like, you know, like, how are you how's unemployment going? Like, you know, are you are you working yet? And it's like, yeah. I've I've been working this whole time. Like, what? So I don't know.
Rachael Kranick [00:58:30]:
I feel like I don't know if that directly answers that question, but it's like just kind of asking, like, or understanding freelancing as something that can be a career move. You know? And maybe, like, freelancing just, like, is a word that has a bad leaves a bad taste in people's mouth or whatever. But
Heidi [00:58:50]:
Mhmm.
Rachael Kranick [00:58:52]:
Yeah. I think it's, like and it's kind of nice, like, to prove them wrong a little bit. To be, like, oh, yeah. Like, I'm good. But, you know, just like having that doubt in the beginning, it's like, no. Like, this is legitimate. Like, I can, you know, I can hustle and, like, you know, make money and figure it out. And, like, that's okay.
Rachael Kranick [00:59:13]:
That's a real, it's a real way to spin your career. And I've had people I've had people that I, like, went to school with or used to work with previously reach out to me since I started freelancing too and be like, hey, like, this is cool that you're freelancing. I want to do that. Can you tell me more? And, like, it's been cool to share Oh, good. Like, my experience with them and be like, hey. Like, this is what I do. I don't know if it's right, but this is
Heidi [00:59:34]:
what I'm doing. Possible.
Rachael Kranick [00:59:36]:
Yeah. Yeah.
Heidi [00:59:36]:
Yeah. And it's legit.
Rachael Kranick [00:59:38]:
Yeah. Yeah. So yeah. I don't know. I just wish people were a little more, like, open minded about, ways to build financial stability. And, like, it doesn't have to be so cookie cutter because I think that if more like, the more I think, like, as an entrepreneur and the more I build this, the more my brain works that way. And I have friends who are, like, complaining about their jobs. And I'm like, well, why don't you go to your own thing? Like, you know, I'm like, it's not easy, but, like, you could you could do you don't have to work in a corporate environment.
Rachael Kranick [01:00:09]:
Like, there's you can anyone can build something from any experience. You just have to figure out that niche and that need and, like, go for it. And, like, there's so much freedom and, like, happiness in it once you figure it out. And, like, it's not for everyone for sure. Some people are just workers. That's totally fine. But, like, if you if you have the mindset, like, I would love if that was a little more normalized for people to just go after creating their own thing and having that freedom and flexibility. Yeah.
Heidi [01:00:34]:
Awesome. I agree. I think it's becoming more and more normalized, like every year, but it still does have that stigma. Depending on the generation too. Of who you're
Rachael Kranick [01:00:45]:
talking to. Totally. Yeah. Everyone's different.
Heidi [01:00:49]:
Yeah. Awesome, Rachael. Thank you so much for coming on and sharing your story. It's been lovely to hear about all your success, and I'm super, super excited for you. Congrats. It's very well deserved. Thanks, Heidi. I appreciate
Rachael Kranick [01:01:00]:
all your help along the way.