Are you running your freelance business with intention—or just reacting to deadlines?

It’s easy to stay in motion as a freelancer. Between client work, content marketing, invoicing, and trying to keep up with everything else, we often skip the most important work: thinking strategically about what we want from this business and how we’re actually doing.

On this episode, Ashley is joined by Melanie Padgett Powers, a longtime freelancer, managing editor, writer, and host of The Deliberate Freelancer podcast. She shares why stepping back to plan is essential, how she created the idea of a “solo business retreat,” and what creative freelancers can do to build in reflection time—even if they’re short on capacity.

ABOUT MELANIE

Melanie Padgett Powers is the owner of MelEdits in the Washington, DC, area, where she is a magazine managing editor, writer and proofreader for membership associations, primarily in the health care and science space. Melanie has a journalism degree and was previously a newspaper reporter in her home state of Indiana. She is also the creator and host of the Deliberate Freelancer and Association Station podcasts. Melanie lives with her husband and two entertaining cats, Maxy and Daisy. She loves all things books and reading, Washington Nationals baseball and solo travel adventures. Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn.

Full show notes here.

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Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

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What does it really take to build a freelance business that feels steady, fulfilling, and true to who you are?

Every freelancer faces moments of doubt, especially when the industry shifts, competition rises, or motivation fades. But there are practical ways to stay grounded and keep moving forward.

In this conversation, Ashley Cisneros Mejia talks with Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness, writer, editor, teacher, consultant, and author of The Feisty Freelancer. Sue has been freelancing independently since 2002, and she’s built a business around long-form writing, teaching, and helping creative freelancers develop their voice, workflow, and confidence.

They cover the full scope of freelance life: how to start before you feel ready, how to find clients, what to do when fear affects your decisions, and ways to build a healthier rhythm when you work from home. Sue also shares insights from her book and offers realistic, encouraging advice that freelancers at any stage can use.

ABOUT SUE

Dr. Suzanne (Sue) Bowness is a writer/editor/consultant and principal of CodeWord Communications. She has been working independently since 2002 and published her guide to freelancing The Feisty Freelancer with Dundurn Press in 2025 after teaching writing courses for 15+ years. Read more about her and her work at SuzanneBowness.com.

Full show notes here.

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Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter/X
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

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Are you creating a business that supports your well-being, or one that silently drains it?

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me® Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with registered nurse, wellness educator, and creative entrepreneur Arlene Ambrose to talk about the intersection of health, creativity, and freelance sustainability. Arlene brings her deep clinical background from emergency rooms and rural healthcare into an eye-opening conversation about stress, seasonal work rhythms, and the importance of building a business that doesn’t ignore your body.

This conversation is a must-listen for any freelancer feeling the pressure to keep pushing, producing, and overdelivering. Arlene’s perspective is a reminder that rest isn’t a reward … it’s an essential part of the work.

ABOUT ARLENE AMBROSE

Arlene Ambrose is a Canadian-based health writer, registered nurse, and well-being educator. She has expertise in emergency room nursing, post-anaesthetic recovery room care, and travel nursing. She's knowledgeable in several fields of health but is particularly passionate about slow living, self-care, stress management, and lifestyle medicine. She views these as powerful strategies for preventing and treating chronic illness while promoting overall well-being. Follow Arlene on Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, A Moment of Pause.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
Discover 220+ freelance service ideas to diversify your income using the skills you already have. This free guide helps writers and creatives expand into new offers, niches, and formats—without starting from scratch. Get your diversification guide here.

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter/X
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

...