When I started my first blog back in 2014, I didn’t realise I was setting myself up for an entirely new career path. I just loved writing. Putting thoughts on paper (or, more accurately, a laptop) felt cathartic. I’ll be the first to admit — my early blog posts were hardly highbrow or grammatically perfect — but they were me, and that was enough.
About three years into my blogging journey, I was approached by a high-end fashion retailer who wanted help writing website content and blog copy. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. I jumped at the chance, poured everything I had into the project, and discovered that freelance writing could be something I truly loved — and earned from.
Now, almost five years later, freelancing has become a core part of my career. It’s allowed me to work with incredible fashion and beauty brands, develop new skills, and create a steady side income that I’m proud of.
How I Started Out
My move into freelance writing was entirely organic. Many brands work with freelance writers on a rolling basis because it’s often more cost-effective than hiring full-time staff. Once I began sharing snippets of my work online, more opportunities naturally followed.
These days, I regularly work with three high-end fashion and beauty retailers, while also taking on projects for well-known high-street names like Paperchase and WHSmith. Freelancing really is one of those careers where you get out what you put in — so I keep my client list small and focused. That way, I can give every project the time and care it deserves, ensuring brands come back to me again and again.
How I Get Work
Most of my freelance work comes through direct contact. A brand or agency will reach out, outline their brief, and we’ll discuss what’s needed — anything from SEO-rich product listings and blog posts to social media captions or email campaigns.
Each client has their own tone, goals, and audience, so adaptability is key. Writing for Net-A-Porter, for instance, is a world away from writing for Paperchase — but that’s what makes it interesting. Once the draft is approved, I send over the final version along with an invoice (the least glamorous part of freelancing, but an essential one nonetheless).
How I Charge for My Work
When I first started freelancing, I had no idea how to price my services. I’d gone from blogging as a hobby to being paid for my words, and I had to learn fast. After a lot of research (and some trial and error), I created a tiered pricing structure that accounted for my time, research, and expertise — rather than just word count.
As my client list grew and my experience deepened, I made sure to adjust my rates accordingly. Thankfully, I’ve never had pushback from clients — which either means my pricing is fair or possibly still too low! Either way, I’m comfortable with what I charge, and I value the balance of creativity and financial freedom freelancing gives me.
Why I Do It
The most common question I get — especially from friends and family — is why I keep doing it. Why spend evenings working when I already have a demanding full-time job? The answer is simple: I love it. Writing never feels like a chore. I’m lucky that most of the subjects I write about — fashion, beauty, marketing, and lifestyle — genuinely interest me. Freelancing gives me an outlet for creativity outside my day job, while also building a financial cushion for the future.
Of course, it’s not easy. Balancing a career, a side business, and a personal life is a lot. But as long as I can handle it, I’ll keep doing it — because this “extra work” has given me opportunities, connections, and confidence that I never expected.
For Anyone Thinking About Freelancing
If you’re considering dipping your toe into the world of freelance writing — do it. Reach out to brands you love, show them what you can offer, and start small. The worst they can do is say no.
Freelancing has genuinely changed my life. It’s taught me discipline, adaptability, and the value of saying yes to the things that scare you a little. If you’re passionate, dedicated, and willing to learn, the rewards — both creative and financial — are endless.
