Episode #12: Our Freelancing Journey

In this episode of forank marketing, we take you behind the scenes for a candid conversation on Our Freelancing Journey, the real story of how Zoe Ashbridge and Leigh Buttrey built their careers outside the traditional 9–5.Zoe and Leigh share the unexpected wins, the tough lessons, and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths as freelancers and, eventually, agency founders. From finding those first clients and pricing early projects to navigating imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, and learning what not to do — this is a transparent look at the realities of freelancing in the marketing world.We break down what makes freelancing both challenging and incredibly rewarding, the misconceptions many new freelancers face, and the practical steps to build a sustainable, confident freelance career.Ideal for: New or aspiring freelancers, marketers looking to go solo, and agency professionals curious about the journey that happens before agency life begins.Topics covered:• How Zoe and Leigh got started in freelancing• The biggest challenges in the first year — and how they overcame them• Finding clients and building a reputation from scratch• Mistakes made along the way (and what they taught us)• Tips for building confidence, clarity, and long-term stability as a freelancerIf you’re thinking about going freelance — or want to feel less alone in your own journey — this episode offers honesty, encouragement, and plenty of hard-won insights.📍Find us here:Website: https://www.forank.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forank-marketing Zoe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeashbridge/ Leigh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighbuttrey/ 🎙 Enjoying this episode? Show some love — like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes! Interested in sponsoring an episode? Get in touch at [email protected]