Starting a freelance business is never a straight path—it’s often full of pivots, pauses, and restarts. And Jackie’s story is such a perfect example of what it looks like to try, step back when life is too full, and then return when the timing is right.
Today, I’m so excited to share Jackie’s journey with you. She’s a mom of five (yes, FIVE!) living on a mini farm in Wisconsin, managing a blended crew of kids, chickens, goats, ducks—you name it—and now she’s also running a thriving online business as an Online Business Manager (OBM) for interior designers.
From Daycare to Freelancing
Like many moms, Jackie first dipped her toe into freelancing while running an in-home daycare. She loved the kids and families, but quickly realized that running daycare felt like having six bosses. It wasn’t the freedom-filled, flexible life she was looking for.
After moving away from friends and family while also navigating postpartum, Jackie knew she needed something new. She decided to give freelancing another try—and this time, everything clicked. Within weeks of diving back into my program, she landed her first client. Not long after, she signed her second, and her business has been growing ever since.
Finding Her Niche in Interior Design
At first, Jackie wasn’t sure what kind of clients she wanted to serve. But as she started working with her first two clients—both interior designers—she realized she’d found her sweet spot.
With a personal love for the design world (she and her husband even took on a couple of home remodels themselves!), Jackie had the unique background and passion to truly understand the needs of her clients. That shared connection made her the perfect fit, and it’s why her business has grown so quickly.
Today, Jackie supports her interior design clients with everything from scheduling projects, ordering and procurement, inbox management, social media, and even floor plans. She’s moved from Virtual Assistant tasks into the role of an OBM—taking the lead, making executive decisions, and helping businesses run smoothly.
Learn how to earn $3K a month+ as a freelancer working less than 25 hours a week even if you think you have no experience.
This FREE crash course will teach you all about the freelance industry, so you can finally end the family vs. finances battle.
Harnessing ADHD as Her Superpower
Jackie also opened up about building her business as a mom with ADHD. Instead of letting it hold her back, she’s learned how to use her energy cycles to her advantage.
When her focus is strong, that’s when she tackles creative, strategic work like blogs and newsletters. On lower-energy days, she saves the repetitive or admin tasks. She also relies heavily on her task management system (MeisterTask is her go-to!) to stay on track.
This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons freelancing has been such a good fit for her.
A Webinar That Changed Everything
One of the most exciting things Jackie has done recently was hosting a webinar through Design Files, a platform many interior designers use.
Now, here’s the thing—Jackie admits she used to be the student who would rather take an F than present in front of the class. But she pushed through her nerves and pitched the idea anyway. And guess what? It paid off.
From that single webinar, she collected leads, reconnected with a past client, and has multiple discovery calls lined up. One brave step out of her comfort zone opened the door to new opportunities and major growth.
Building for the Future
Even though she’s just wrapped up her first full year in business, Jackie has already hired her own assistant and is taking steps toward building a small, boutique-style agency. She’s also working on launching a mini-course for interior designers.
Her story is such a powerful reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. Start where you are, take the opportunities that come your way, and trust that things will grow over time.
If you’re dreaming of freelancing but worried it’s “not the right time,” Jackie’s journey shows that it’s okay to pause and come back when you’re ready. And when you do? You might just build something bigger than you imagined.
If you loved hearing Jackie’s story, you’ll want to tune in to the full podcast episode where we dive even deeper into her journey, her strategies, and how she’s making freelancing work for her family.
The Live Free Academy
If you have read Jackie’s story and feel inspired to learn more about freelancing and how it can help you make a flexible, stable income from home. Please reach out, and ask me any questions about getting started or what it could look like for you to become a freelancer!
Send me a message on Instagram @micala.quinn, I’m happy to chat through that with you!
As always, if you want to become a freelancer and are ready to get started, the most hands-on way I can help you is through my program, The Live Free Academy!
LFA will walk you through the exact steps to build your business and land clients. There are templates and tools to help you implement every step of the process. Plus, it comes with my trifecta of support–weekly coaching calls with me, monthly challenges to help you land clients, and the student community to connect with and build relationships with other women building their businesses!
There are job leads and skills training in the top freelance services businesses are hiring for as well. Sign up for The Live Free Academy course here!
