We’re continuing to share a different story each week of how a past student has been able to significantly grow their freelance business by applying the concepts they learned from Double Your Freelancing (check out last week’s with Joe Martin).

And today we’re following up with a former student success work-in-progress story. You may have remembered seeing Jennah Lear on the blog earlier this year. Recently we reached out to follow-up with Jennah, see if she accomplished her 2015 goals and get a sneak peak into what she has planned for 2016. 

Hey Jennah, tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do for fun?

A little bit about myself… hmmm.

Well, I love adventure, so anything adrenaline or travel-related, I’m pretty much there.

I truly believe that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one of the best shows ever made. (Yes, I binge – no shame in my game!)

As far as what I do for fun, it varies on my mood. I love to play basketball and love to go to the movies. Kinda opposite ends of the spectrum, haha!

Remind us about your work. What’s your industry and your niche?

I’m a designer and entrepreneur, and I own Blue Loui Studio. I typically work with small businesses and entrepreneurs on visual communication needs.

Lately, I’ve been working with women head honchos, mostly in the branding realm. It’s definitely been exciting!

What was your biggest takeaway from Brennan’s material in 2015?

I think my biggest takeaway from his material has been mindset.

I don’t typically call myself a freelancer anymore, and I’ve taken steps to change how I carry and present myself. It’s all about the confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect potential clients to?

When we profiled you last time, you said “legitimacy” was what was holding you back. How has that changed? 

Oh, I’m totally legit, haha!

I’ve stepped into my own over the last year. I set up shop with my own design studio (small, but mighty I like to say), Blue Loui Studio and I’m continuing to grow and take on new challenges with clients.

Being completely honest, I still struggle with legitimacy, as I don’t have any fancy design or business awards to brag about. But, these things take time and I’m aware of that.

“Plus, awards don’t equal happy clients.”

You can quote that because it’s so true!

We’re itching to know… did you accomplish these two goals for 2015?

1. I’d like to leave a trail of happiness and confidence with my clients.

2. I’d really like to find and close a couple of higher priced projects.

Well… sort of. I’m still a “work in progress,” shall we say?

1. I’d like to say I definitely have worked with clients who are more confident and happy with their business as a result of our collaboration! I’m grateful for the testimonials on my site – they work as social proof for potential clients, as a reminder of how badass I am and that I can totally do this. (Because let’s face it, sometimes we need a reminder!)
2. I’m still working on this. I know that my journey as an entrepreneur is not a race – I’m in it for the long haul. So, if it takes more time to accomplish this goal, I’m okay with that. Hell, I’m happy to have set such an ambitious challenge for myself, and I know if I continue to work hard (and smart for that matter) on this every day, these opportunities will present themselves.

What are you planning to accomplish in 2016?

I’ll continue working with clients one-on-one, I’m working on setting up my own Facebook community (for a different target group, stay tuned), as well as products (stay tuned), affiliate opportunities and collaborations.

Lots of big things happening this next year! I’m excited for the unknown opportunities that will come along as well!

I feel like 2015 was the year of change for me – really making the shift in who I am and what I want. 2016 is about implementing all of those great things and making relationships and money honey!

Because who doesn’t want to be rewarded for their hard work?

Jennah Lear is the Owner and Chief Creative for Blue Loui Studio. BLS works with small business owners and solopreneur’s to fulfill graphic needs for both digital and print. Jennah has worked with a variety of companies over the last half a decade, most of her experience stemming from in-house opportunities. She has continued on to work with clients one on one and has loved every bit of the journey. Located in the beautiful rust belt that is Cleveland, OH, she enjoys all the city has to offer; from the tasty foodie scene, to the innovative professionals that Blue Loui Studio has been honored to have worked with.