Student Maya

Today’s student success spotlight is with Maya Elious. It’s our hope that we’re able 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 Bart Mroz). If you feel your story would be a good fit, share why

Last year, Maya Elious brought in just over $38, 000. After taking Double Your Freelancing Rate and implementing what she learned, she’s on track to earn between $80-100k in 2015. Did I mention she’s only 24? Let’s learn how!

Tell us about yourself, Maya.

I’m a personal branding consultant, that also offers web design and branding services through my company, BRNDWWCH. BRNDWCH is a creative agency dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and non-profits develop valuable brands.

What got you into freelancing? Was it what you expected?

One day someone I knew offered me money to do something I enjoyed doing – making graphics online. I thought it was cool that I could get paid doing what I liked.

I didn’t think to myself, “I can be an entrepreneur!” I thought, “Wow, I can make extra money doing fun stuff.” I was 18 at the time, but it’s now what I’ve been doing for the past 6+ years.

Did you ever want to quit or give up?

No – I really love what I do. I’ve never had an exit strategy. I just kept working and finding new ways to grow. If there was a part of the business I didn’t like, I would remove it and focus on the things I enjoyed doing more.

“The most challenging part has been trying to build a team whose work ethic matches mine.”

What were you struggling with the most when you ran into DYFR?

When I began Brennan’s course, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of raising my prices although I knew I needed to.

Once he shared with me how to explain my value, I became way more comfortable creating proposals that would quote clients $2, 000+ (rather than $700 or $800 at the most before that).

What are some big successes you’ve had recently?

January was my best month bringing in about $6, 900. Doing proposals made a huge difference (which I got the verbiage for through the DYFR book/course). I learned how to explain value, rather than just sharing cost.