313. From Teacher to Freelance Creative Business Strategist: Why Kerry Komarov Didn't Hesitate to Go All In with Freelancing

On today’s episode of the Live Free Podcast, I’m chatting with Rachel — a former teacher who said enough is enough and took the leap into freelancing.Rachel taught for 14 years, but like so many of us, she hit a point where her career no longer aligned with the mom she wanted to be. She shares what finally pushed her to explore a different path, how she found the Live Free Academy during a scroll session over Christmas break, and what gave her the confidence to invest in herself — even on her 40th birthday while vacationing in Mexico! Rachel went all in and left her teaching job before she landed a client. She knew she had to tools to be successful and she hasn't looked back.If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start, or if you can really do something different after years in one career... this episode is for you.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/322***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Hey there, and welcome back to the Live Free Podcast! I'm your host, Micala Quinn, and I’m so excited you're tuning in today.In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Liz, an incredible Live Free Academy alum. Liz shares her inspiring journey of how she's been supplementing her corporate income through freelancing over the past ten months. She’s made incredible progress paying off debt, creating financial stability for her family, and laying the groundwork for an amazing future.We also dive into Liz’s big vision for her freelance business and the exciting dreams she’s working toward.If you're looking for motivation to start your own side hustle, pay down debt, or take bold steps toward a better future — this episode is for you!Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/321***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Welcome back to the Live Free Podcast!In this episode, we are joined by Brittany Long, an award-winning educator turned freelancer, who shares her inspiring journey of pivoting through various phases of her career and embracing AI to revolutionize her business.Brittany is now an AI trainer who works with ambitious entrepreneurs to automate and scale their business with AI for a regret-free life. Brittany walks us through how AI, especially ChatGPT, transformed her perspective on copywriting and freelancing, and how freelancers can leverage AI to enhance their business and client work.If you’re a freelancer looking to tap into the power of AI or simply want to hear an inspiring story about embracing change and overcoming challenges, this episode is for you.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/320***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Welcome to the Live Free Podcast! So happy you are here!In this episode, we welcome our very own Staci Mink, a talented copywriter and freelancer, who shares her journey from corporate marketing and PR to running a thriving six-figure freelance business. With over six years of experience, Staci reveals how she transitioned from a traditional 9-to-5 job into a career that offers her both financial security and the flexibility to be present for her girls.Staci chats about her early days in freelancing—how she landed her first client (me!), why direct outreach worked for her, and how she was able to replace her corporate income within just a few months. As a single mom and the sole provider for her family, Staci shares her insights on building a sustainable business while working part-time hours, setting income goals, and handling the challenges of self-employment.For anyone considering a leap into freelancing—whether you're a corporate employee looking for more freedom, a mom seeking work-life balance, or simply someone who wants to turn their skills into a profitable business—this episode is packed with valuable insights, real-life experiences, and actionable advice.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/319***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Welcome back to the Live Free Podcast!I am so excited for this short and sweet episode that will walk you through how to help potential clients who want/need to hire a freelancer but aren’t sure what to delegate.In the last couple of years, I have noticed the growth of traditional businesses and local brick-and-mortar businesses hiring freelancers. This demographic of business owners are generally smaller operations and they are overwhelmed with all of the things. They need to hire help but don’t have the budget or the workload to necessitate hiring someone full-time and that is where a freelancer can step in!In this episode, I will be taking you through a quick exercise that you can use with potential clients that will help them see what you can take off of their plate.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/318

So happy to have you here at the Live Free Podcast!I am thrilled to bring to you another student success story! Today, I am chatting with Jenna Dee. Jenna is a former teacher turned freelancer who has found a way to have it all.Jenna transitioned from the classroom to freelancing in less than six months. After signing up for The Live Free Academy in July, she took action and landed her first client by the end of August.Jenna is now a thriving social media manager/virtual assistant who helps businesses with the backend operations and social media strategy. You won't want to miss this episode if you are a teacher (or anyone!) who is ready for a change.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/317***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Happy Monday and welcome back to the Live Free Podcast!I am so excited to have this week’s guest, Kara Charron. Kara is a growth expert who has over two decades of experience helping businesses grow as a service provider.Now, she has started another business where she is using her expertise to empower women to create intentional, joy-filled lives and businesses.She is also the creator of the Monday Motivation newsletter and the host of The Design Your Dream Life podcast.Don’t miss this episode if you are ready to break through barriers and step into the life you have always dreamed of.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/316***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Happy to have you back to The Live Free Podcast!Today we have another student success story! Maggie joins me to talk about her start as a Tech VA turned web designer. After moving across the country and needing a career change, Maggie knew there had to be a way to be home with her girls while also earning a reliable income using skills she acquired in her previous job. She landed a client on her own before joining The Live Free Academy but she knew she wanted the added support that came with LFA. She landed 3 more clients in her first month joining the monthly challenge hosted each month for those in LFA. She did that all while having 3 little ones at home! Maggie then decided to pivot to web design and has utilized in-person networking events to make connections and land clients.Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn more about the tech VA and web designer roles! Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/315Check out Maggie's FREE website roadmapThanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram: @micala.quinn***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Welcome back to The Live Free Podcast!  I am so honored to have you here.Today, I wanted to talk about something I experienced when I first became a mom and something I have been hearing a lot more in emails.What happens when the job you love(d) no longer fits with your lifestyle as a mom?There is a better option through freelancing. You can use your skills, talents, and strengths while having a healthy balance between work and family life.Listen to today’s episode if you are ready to find a way to have it all.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/314Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram: @micala.quinn***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***

Hi Everyone! I am so excited to bring back the Student Success Story Series!Today, you are going to get to meet Kerry Komarov. Kerry is a former middle school teacher of 10 years turned entrepreneur and Creative Business Strategist.Kerry was able to resign from teaching by exceeding her income goals, working 20-25 hours a week. She made this shift while taking care of a toddler and a newborn.If you are looking for a way to be the “never miss a moment” mom while exceeding your current income working less than 25 hours a week, you won’t want to miss this episode.Check out the show notes for more information and any links or resources mentioned in today’s episode!SHOW NOTES: www.micalaquinn.com/313Thanks for listening! Connect with me on Instagram: @micala.quinn***There is now a 12 month payment plan for the Live Free Academy! You can get started today for just $147! Head over to go.micalaquinn.com for more details and to sign up!***