Sometimes, the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who never set out to be. Utilizing a set of core skills such as writing or public speaking can open up many doors of opportunity, which, over time, leads to the formation of a thriving business and self-employment.

Allow me to introduce Maria Popova, a freelance writer turned brand equity developer…

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So, who are you and what’s your business?

I am a freelance writer turned brand equity developer. My entrepreneurial path and marketing career started 10 years ago as a side hustle from my student dorm room after I accidentally landed my first gig scaling into a digital agency in consecutive years.

In my free time, I do boxing and golf and serve as Vice President of Public Relations and Board Member of a Toastmasters club in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

What is your backstory and what inspired you to come up with / pursue this idea?

I had no intention of becoming an entrepreneur. As a linguistics student, I was bored with the theoretical studies in academia and started exploring less conventional career paths. I had some initial luck monetizing my skills through writing and speaking, which inspired me to scale the business further into an agency.

Take us through the process of designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product or service- what was that like?

We started with providing content writing only. As our customers’ needs changed, we started collaborating with graphic designers, web developers, and other professionals.

Currently, we do all of the above in-house and add new services as the demand increases, e.g., social media growth, PR, video, etc. With time, we switched from general full-service digital marketing offers to a more focused brand equity development approach.

Describe launching the company… Where did you start?

From my student dorm room in Austria.

I was on an exchange semester abroad. The scholarships I was awarded ran out faster than anticipated. I had challenges seeking conventional employment because of the lack of a work permit, so I started exploring opportunities for making money online.

Landed my first gig as a freelance writer for crypto publications.

By the time I graduated, I was making a full-time income from my laptop, so I decided not to go the 9-to-5 route.

What has worked to attract & retain customers so far?

To attract: Upwork, Instagram, ads, LinkedIn, cold outreach, networking
To retain: regular calls with customers, flexibility, intentionality

What books, podcasts, or people have been the most influential on your journey?

EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey podcast + book.

How are things going today and what does the future look like?

We’re growing rapidly and extending our sales team.

Any advice for others who are just starting out?

• Start where you are
• Use what you already have, e.g., monetize your existing skills
• Become genuinely interested in helping other people solve a common problem, instead of trying to come up with an idea that’s unique or original

What’s the best way for people to connect and follow you? Website, Social Profiles, Etc…

https://mariapopova.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/realmariapopova
https://www.linkedin.com/in/realmariapopova
https://www.facebook.com/realmariapopova
https://www.tiktok.com/@realmariapopova
https://twitter.com/RealMariaPopova
https://muckrack.com/mariapopova/portfolio
https://www.quora.com/profile/RealMariaPopova