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From 9-5 to Freedom: My Conversation on Crabtree Coaching Collaborative


I recently joined Alissa Crabtree on her Live with Crabtree Coaching Collaborative series to discuss one of my favorite topics—creating freedom beyond the 9–5. We not only unpacked my personal journey from corporate to online business owner but also dove into my program, Your Freelance Future, and how I guide women ready to step into entrepreneurship with clarity, confidence, and control over their income, impact, and schedule.


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If you are curious what it really takes to step out of the 9–5 grind and start building a business that lights you up instead of draining you, this episode is packed with real talk on burnout, balance, and practical strategies you can start using today.


Here’s a glimpse of what we covered:


✅ The biggest mistakes new freelancers make (and how to avoid them) 

✅ Why community and mentorship are your best investments 

✅ Simple strategies for quick income without a website 

✅ Networking secrets that actually build clients, not cringe


This is your sign if you’ve been sitting on the edge of your next career chapter.



You’ll find a summary below, but don’t skip the entire interview; you’ll miss the opportunity to meet Speaker Coach Alissa Crabtree and experience her remarkable approach to guiding conversations and teaching the art of speaking with confidence.


7 Secrets to Build Your Freelance Future


1. Don’t go it alone.

Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but you’ll move faster and feel more supported when you surround yourself with community, mentors, and like-minded peers. Getting in rooms with other entrepreneurs earlier is a game-changer.


2. Build a business that lights you up.

You don’t want to leave a draining job just to recreate the same stress. Focus on services and opportunities that energize you, and allow yourself to explore, evolve, and show others what’s possible.


3. Start before you’re “ready.”

Skip the endless Googling and DIY overwhelm. All you need to get started is a booking link, a way to collect payments, and a contract. Instead of giving away free work, charge a founding member price—it builds confidence, credibility, and cash flow.


4. Your 9–5 as your best loan.

Think of your full-time job as the best business loan you’ll ever have. Use that stability to test ideas, build a runway, and start your business before making the career transition


5. Visibility matters.

No one can buy from you if they don’t know you exist. Networking, speaking, and referrals are some of the fastest ways to land clients. Go in with the mindset of building genuine connections and a service mindset, not just collecting business cards. Try to meet 1 - 2 new people and ask memorable, engaging questions, such as - What’s exciting in your world?


"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou

6. Invest in yourself, not just tools.

The real difference-makers aren’t fancy websites, social media pages, or business cards; they are mentors, coaches, and a community that helps you grow personally and professionally.


7. Give yourself permission to evolve.

Shifting careers or directions is not selfish; it is growth, and you are allowed to evolve. You, your voice, and your ideas matter. The people who need your work are out there waiting for you to show up.


Find this YouTube episode, titled “From 9-5 to Freedom: Build Your Freelance Future with Kirstin Brenders” on YouTube.


Want to hear move from Alissa Crabtree, who is on a mission to help business owners turn their voices into their #1 sales tool? 



Inspired by what you heard? Let’s explore how I can help you build a online business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Check out my 12-week mentorship program, Your Freelance Future.



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