The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
I was born and raised in Pinellas County. I moved away for about 10 or 11 years after high school. I’ve been back for two.
Hustle (job)
Freelancer
What do you do?
I’m currently a contributing writer for Playboy, teach at USF (and SPC in the fall), and work part-time at a community center.
Why do you do it?
I freelance because it allows me freedom to work on creative projects on the side.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
I started freelancing about eight years ago because, at the time, I wanted to work as a full-time writer/editor at a magazine. I recently signed on as a contributing writer to make things a little more contained.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
Freelance writers do a lot of legwork: We find stories/sources, pitch to publications, and work to get the story as best we can. Then after publication, we often have to hunt down our payments from publishers. It can be a lot.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Keeping track of my schedule. Affording health care.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Know your worth. Negotiate. Ask for what you want. Respect people’s time. Always hit deadlines.
