Freelancing looks very different from the outside than it does on the inside. Some days feel like success-getting a new client, finishing a project you’re proud of, or receiving positive feedback. Those moments remind us why we chose this path. Other days feel like failure-projects getting delayed, clients disappearing, or not getting replies after sending many proposals. These moments can be frustrating and make us question ourselves. But in freelancing, success and failure are not opposites. They exist together. Every rejection teaches us how to improve our communication. Every difficult client helps us set better boundaries. Every slow month pushes us to learn new skills or rethink our strategy. Success in freelancing is not about never failing. It’s about staying consistent, learning from mistakes, and showing up again even when things don’t go as planned. If you’re freelancing and experiencing ups and downs, you’re not doing it wrong-you’re doing it for real.

Royalty Rugs is my dream. I create custom rugs for people and also teach kids how to make their own. I do private events too, like for birthdays, girls’ nights, or company retreats, where people can come and make their own rugs. Every rug is one-of-a-kind, and I want people to feel something special when they see it. It’s more than just making rugs—it’s about giving people an experience, teaching them something new, and creating art they can connect with. My goal is to grow this so more people, especially kids and families, can enjoy it and learn from it, and so my clients can get a personal piece of art made just for them.”

Ya'll ‼️‼️ I met an amazing Skooler @Nina Kilbride Sheehan today!!! The Chicago Skool community is very lucky to have her. She's a wellspring of knowledge and inspiration. If anyone wants to meet in Naperville at Sparrow Coffee for a very early co-working or hangout, let us know. We are the Naperville coffee committee! 😁☕️ Weekdays and weekends... we are earlybirds 😚 Anyone else close by? Touch base!