Creative Freelancer Success: From Dyslexia to Times Square - Photographer Lily West

Episode SummaryThis week, Jess sits down with someone truly special - her sister Lily West, a creative entrepreneur and freelance photographer who's built her dream creative business through determination and creative confidence. From struggling with dyslexia in school to shooting single covers displayed on Times Square billboards, Lily's creative career journey is a masterclass in creative resilience and never giving up on your artistic vision.Perfect for creative professionals seeking freelance business tips, creative career advice, and entrepreneurship motivation.What We CoverThe Creative Entrepreneur JourneyHow Lily transitioned from hating academia to building a successful creative businessThe reality of freelance photography: years of financial struggle, knockbacks, and self-doubtWhy technical skills matter less than creative confidence (spoiler: you can hire an assistant!)Creative Business ResilienceLily's incredible creative resilience through years of unpaid work and rejectionsHow she manifested her creative career by literally writing "I'm gonna get paid from my art" in her diaryThe importance of having support when building your creative businessRedefining Creative SuccessWhy traditional education doesn't predict creative entrepreneur successHow learning differences became strengths in her creative careerThe breakthrough moment: from iPhone videos to Times Square billboardsMental Health for CreativesManaging creative professional anxiety and maintaining mental wellnessThe life-changing power of morning journaling for creativesWhy creative self-care and self-awareness are crucial for sustainable successCreative Confidence & AuthenticityUniversity alter ego "Ducky the Diva" and terrible Whitney Houston coversThe legendary pickled pigeon bingo nightWhy embracing your uniqueness is actually your creative superpowerKey Takeaways for Creative SuccessTransform challenges into strengths - Learning differences can lead to unique creative perspectivesCreative persistence pays off - Sometimes you need to show up for years before the breakthrough happensCollaboration over competition - Partner with people whose strengths complement your creative business needsMaintain creative playfulness - The most successful creative entrepreneurs never lose their sense of wonderPrioritise creative wellness - Creative career success means nothing without mental healthResources MentionedThe Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - The creativity bible for creative professionals --> https://dauntbooks.co.uk/shop/books/the-artists-way/Morning Pages - Three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing for creative confidenceMegan Rose Lane - Manifestation workshop for creative entrepreneursYou can find Lily on Instagram @lilz_w or check out her business account @squish.agencyLove this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature.Connect with Jess:Instagram: @kalicoaching.coWebsite: www.kalicoaching.co.uk