I am always on the lookout for extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. I love showing my readers pieces of proof that anything is possible and you can live the life you want.
Today’s interview is with Alexandra Fasulo. She’s a 25-year-old freelancer who turned her side hustle into a mega money machine.
She made $150,000 in just 6 months with Fiverr and she’s even been featured in CNBC! WOW, you go girl!
She has embraced the entrepreneur lifestyle by ditching the 9 to 5 work schedule and being able to work on her own business and travel as much as she wants.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
- What she does and how it all started;
- How she is able to travel;
- What a day in her life looks like;
- What she does when she’s not working on her business;
- Advice for starting your own side hustle;
And more! This interview has lots of valuable information to share!
Tell me your story. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m in every essence a regular 25-year-old girl, living in Brooklyn, New York, scheming up my next travel excursion. But, my story began in a small town outside of Albany, New York, where I was born and raised until I went to school at SUNY Geneseo.
Upon graduating, I took a job at the NYS Assembly for 2 years, and quit to pursue a PR job in the city. After just 1-month at the job, I hated it so much that I quit with no advanced warning or premeditation. It just had to be done. That day, I went to 3 museums in the city as I had a mini panic attack over what I was going to do for my finances.
That night, I went home and opened up 5 gigs on Fiverr. In just a few days, I discovered I was going to be able to make it as a full-time freelancer!
Today, I consider myself a professional copywriter and copyeditor, brand specialist, and marketing consultant, also providing my services to my mom’s paint n’ sip business and my sister’s clothing line.
Did you always want to travel or become a digital nomad?
Yes, I definitely did. I couldn’t do the 9 to 5 schedule. It felt like so much of my time was wasted when we can essentially do everything from our laptops today. I constantly want to travel and see what’s out there, beyond just the Instagram photos. There’s nothing quite as enchanting as standing at the base of the mountain yourself. I believe in investing in experiences more so than investing in materials.
What is an average day like for you?
An average day for me starts at 7am, in which I wake up and check all of my messages and e-mails. I feed my fat Siamese cat, eat breakfast with my roommate/best friend, and start working on Fiverr by 8am. I usually put 8-10 hours in on Fiverr per day, taking a break to go to the gym. Physical exercise is very important to me as someone who does a lot of sitting to earn my money.
By 5pm, I make some type of dinner or entertainment plan, as after spending a day alone in solitude, I’m ready to talk to some people. By dinner, I either go explore a new restaurant, hang out at the Soho House, or maybe even go to a fun bar or party. I’m a classic extrovert.
What plans do you have for the future with your side hustle on Fiverr?
I plan to keep refining my skills on there as much as possible so I can handle the largest amount of work without it controlling my life. Having my own team writing for me would be something I am considering; trying to figure out the logistics on that one. I definitely plan to be with the platform for many, many more years. It has obviously served me well!
What is your favourite part about being your own boss? What do you love/don’t love about the entrepreneur lifestyle?
I love making my own schedule. I am such a planner. I love to plan trips, weekly plans, events, parties, you name it. I love being able to have a say in what I do, when I do it. That being said, it can be pretty lonely being a writer from home. I miss having coworkers and people to joke with while I’m at my desk. I do call my mom a lot and just catch up each morning for some fun conversation, as well as schedule lunches when possible to keep things upbeat.
It can be easy to fall into secluded monotony when you work alone from your laptop.
What are you doing when you’re not working on your business?
I’m definitely obsessed with business and helping people with their businesses. I help my mom and my sister all day long with marketing and copy material, which I consider as a side hobby. But, when I’m not doing any of that, I love to walk around and explore Brooklyn and Manhattan with my roommate, find hole-in-the-wall restaurants and shops, catch up with my close family members that mean the world to me, hang out with my fat cat, Lily, look up my next travel excursions, and take pictures. I really love taking photos.
I also like to make a meaningful difference in the world, so I work with charities/donate and go to my local church here in Brooklyn Heights: The Brooklyn Tabernacle.
Lastly, what piece of advice do you have for someone who wants to reach the same success as you?
Great question! Ok so I would first say: It’s going to be a lot of work. I know the CNBC article makes it seem all good today, but that required some serious grinding for 3-years before I witnessed the returns I now enjoy today. I worked really, really hard (and still do), but back then, for no money. I kept my head down and just chugged through, always being grateful for whichever orders were coming my way.
I’d also say be careful with your customer service. People are going to be rude from time to time and even if you want to snap back at them, always keep that smile on your face. Keeping a good attitude and feeling appreciative for everything you get will definitely lay a groundwork for your future success. That’s what I’ve found to be true!
What questions do you have for Alexandra? Are you interested in starting your own side hustle?
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