It’s my birthday week

Another year around the sun. On Tuesday, I turned the corner into my 36th year.

Instead of sharing 36 things I've learned over the years, I want to focus in on 6 things I've been reflecting on — lessons that have shaped how I work and live:

1. Stop waiting for permission. The right time doesn't exist. The biggest leaps happen when you put yourself out there before you feel ready. Start the conversation, share the idea, make the ask. In work and in life, the moments that matter most happen when you decide you're ready enough. The vulnerability is the point. Start messy.

2. Pivot without guilt. What worked six months ago doesn't have to work now. I'll shift and restructure and change my business as many times as I want or need. Whether it's your career, your relationships, or how you spend your time, you get to change direction when something stops serving you. Give yourself permission to let go of decisions you've outgrown.

3. Ask for help early. Struggling alone isn't noble. It's just slower and harder than it needs to be. I used to think asking for help meant I wasn't capable. Now I know it means I'm serious about getting results. Whether you're building a business or navigating a personal challenge, an extra set of eyes, someone to strategize with, a person who's been where you're trying to go can collapse months of trial and error into a single conversation.

4. Ignore the boxes. Society will always have opinions about how you should build, what success should look like, who you should be. None of those people are living your life. The path forward gets clearer when you stop trying to fit into someone else's definition of what works, whether that's in your business model or how you structure your days. Trust that your version of success and happiness and security is valid.

5. Trust yourself more than any framework. Your instincts matter. Strategies are helpful. Frameworks give you structure. Routines keep you consistent. But your intuition tells you which ones to use and when. The more you lean into what feels right, the clearer your path becomes. I've made my best decisions when I stopped second-guessing myself and started listening to what my body and brain were really communicating to me.

6. Build real relationships. The strongest foundation you can create is being genuinely yourself with the people around you. Not networking. Not transactional connections. Real relationships where you show up as a whole person. Community is everything. These connections fuel your business and your life outside of it.

What resonates most with you here?

What lessons are you reflecting on in this season? Reply to this email and let me know.

Speaking of reflections… a few years ago, I built an annual reflection, goal-setting, and accountability framework designed to help me live the life I wanted, and I've been using it ever since.

And It’s changed everything.

It’s kept me more motivated, grounded, and excited for three years running. And each time I share the template publicly, the feedback is incredible. So this year I'm doing something bigger — inviting you all to join me as we lay the foundation for an abundant 2026.

In January, I'm launching a big goal-setting and planning event, followed by a hands-on coaching cohort that combines 1-on-1 support with group accountability. It’s designed to help us all hit our goals — together.

The big event is free and open to everyone, but the cohort will likely sell out fast.

Want more info?

Just reply to this email and I'll send you a personal invitation, and make sure you’re top of the list for the cohort.

And now, an invite to next week’s free event with Lisa Dini & Jenni Gritters where we chat about small strategic decisions that could save you thousands, followed by this week’s hottest jobs! 

Hot Jobs

Xavier Creative House is seeking a Healthcare Promotional Sr. Copywriter to craft compelling marketing messages, promotional training materials, and digital content to engage and influence sales teams, healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. Pays up to $110/hour.

Sia is looking for an Email Marketing Manager for a temporary position that will run from 1/1/2026 - 3/31/2026, with the potential for renewal. You’ll build, test, deploy, and optimize email marketing campaigns using Adobe Journey Optimizer (AJO). Pays up to $92/hour.

Akraya is searching for a Visual Presentation Designer with a specialization in executive-level visual storytelling through PowerPoints, infographics, and other visual media. Apply today if you have a keen ability to translate complex and strategic information into visually compelling content. Pays up to $85/hour.

Moira Studio is seeking a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Marketing and Communications Strategist to help brands build long-lasting connections with their audiences. As a marketing strategist, you’ll develop, plan, and execute campaigns that resonate with multicultural audiences. Pays up to $60/hour.

Scaled Agile is seeking a Virtual Events Coordinator to join their fast-paced marketing team. This role is essential for driving lead-generation efforts through the successful execution of online events, while also providing critical support for marketing operations and internal communications. Pays up to $50/hour.

Headliners Dance Championships is seeking a Freelance Web Developer and Designer who can manage and enhance their online presence. This role involves developing engaging website design, coordinating with our registration and media team, and maintaining/updating ever-changing event info. Pays $50/hour.

Hilton is looking for a Social Media Manager for their Lifestyle brands portfolio. Working within a dynamic marketing team, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and executing social strategies that enhance brand reputation and drive meaningful engagement. EST candidates only. Pays up to $42/hour.

Cella is seeking a Freelance Graphic Designer to support their corporate marketing and events team. The ideal candidate has strong experience in corporate branding, a high level of proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, and the ability to balance creativity with brand adherence. Pays up to $38/hour.

People Inc. is seeking a temporary Home Editor to support digital content production and operations for BHG. You should have a strong foundation as a writer and editor, and a passion for lifestyle home content (decor and design, cleaning and organizing, home improvement, etc.). Pays $35/hour.

Apply Digital is looking for a Freelance Solutions Architect with a particular strength in integrating Customer Data Platforms and marketing automation tools. You’ll guide an implementation for a CRM, CDP, and/or Marketing Automation system from beginning to end. Pay isn’t listed. Pitch your rate.

Harlow is your home for all things freelance. We’re here to help you build sustainable freelance careers, so you can thrive in and out of work. Whether you’re just getting your business off the ground or you’re far along in your journey, we have tools to help you stay inspired and resourced.

Here’s how to get started:

Sign up for our growth accelerator where we’ll help tackle your biggest freelance challenges through one-on-one strategy sessions. 

Bookmark our freelance job board. It’s updated daily and has tons of open gigs.

Try our all-in-one tool that helps you manage your freelance business (invoicing, proposals, project management & more).

Check out our resource center. It's chockfull of actionable advice to help you build a sustainable business.

Cheers - 

Samantha & Andrea