We were lucky to catch up with Julie Cortés recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
When I was just five years into my freelancing career, I recognized a void: a void in education, community, and even respect for the self-employed. I’ve since made it my mission to do something about it.
See, many solopreneurs went to school to study their craft (i.e., writing, design) yet didn’t take business classes because either they weren’t required or we never dreamt we’d need them. Then, lo and behold, we end up out on our own—whether by choice or by default—perhaps really good at our craft yet not having a clue as to how to run a business.
I looked around at the professional organizations in my industry and not one of them shed light on this glaringly obvious issue.
That was just one part of the equation. Looking big picture (both inside and outside of these organizations), there was no camaraderie fostered for freelancers. And people treated us like second-class citizens. Why??
In 2003, I set out to do something about it. With the help of several volunteers, I founded The Freelance Exchange of Kansas City—a not-for-profit professional trade organization that caters specifically to those who are self-employed in the advertising / marketing industry, offering continuing education, community, social activities, networking, and promotional opportunities. It also serves as the city’s go-to resource to find freelance talent easily, quickly, and for free.
Serving the community as a volunteer in this capacity launched my career into places I would’ve never imagined. I began speaking at local colleges and was getting interviewed by the local media. Today, I live, breathe, teach, speak, and coach on all things freelancing and self-employment. Over the last 25+ years, I’ve gone from freelance copywriter to founder, course creator to adjunct professor, and business coach to international speaker.
I’m nowhere where I thought I’d be yet 110% everywhere I’m supposed to be.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi! I’m Julie Cortés. Copywriter by day. Freelance Rockstar by night. I’ve run my own business for over 25 years.
As a copywriter, I partner with ad agencies, design studios, large corporations, and small businesses, offering brand strategy, high-level concepts, creative solutions, and promotional copywriting. I’ve written for most mediums and a variety of industries.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the professional organization I founded, The Freelance Exchange of KC. Seeing the success of the organization locally and now getting requests from other cities, we’re prepping to expand the not-for-profit nationally.
I’m continuing to teach as an adjunct professor at the KC Art Institute, where I’ve taught since 2017. I developed a much-needed, college-level course, Freelancing 101, and enjoy sharing tips and tricks of the trade with both commercial and fine artists alike.
The coaching arm of my business is rapidly growing, and I’m honored to be able to help freelancers and solopreneurs not just locally, yet around the world. While I offer 1:1 coaching now, I’ll soon also be offering group coaching for those seeking a more affordable option.
Being a public speaker was never on my Bingo card. Yet, here I am … and absolutely loving it. Whether I’m presenting on freelancing and self-employment, branding and promotions, or mindset and badassery, being able to share my energy and ideas on stages near and far has been incredibly rewarding.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) Be open to opportunities: This isn’t to say don’t chase your dreams. Absolutely do that. However, if something happens that is hindering that, OR if an opportunity presents itself that seems like a good fit, try it out! You never know. You may realize that you like that path and it suits your natural abilities even better.
2) If you see a problem, do what you can to fix it: The world needs more problem-solvers. Instead of complaining about something that’s missing or something that’s unjust, do something about it! Be the one to step up and take action. Your efforts will be noticed and it can be greatly rewarding.
3) Embrace a healthy mindset: Mindset plays a huge role in your success and livelihood. Yet it’s easy to get distracted or derailed. Get out of your own way. Do what you can to develop healthy habits, find ways to get—and stay!—motivated, and focus on your goals.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal business coaching client is someone who is self-employed and works in a creative industry. They may call themself a freelancer, creative, solopreneur, independent artist, contractor, or consultant.
This could be a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, videographer, animator, web developer, web designer, SEO consultant, copywriter, content writer, marketing strategist, PR pro, social media manager and more.
They want to get ahead, they just need to get out of their own way. And they know, with the right help, they can get there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliecortes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancerockstar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreelanceRockstar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freelancerockstar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZJDmm0BC_quqP9mWNjecA
Image Credits
The professional brand shots were taken by Alison Barnes Martin.
