Freelance for Life was created to share my experience of building a lifestyle business, experimenting with the creative process, and exploring intentional living and beyond.
I'm Sarah Jutras. Thanks for stopping by my little nook on Substack, I'm really glad you're here. After 15 years in design and 8 years and counting as a solopreneur, I not only have a passion for running my own business, I love helping others explore new ways of designing their businesses too.
How I arrived here
In 2016, I made a decision that reshaped everything in my life: I left an in-house design director role to start my own freelance practice, Huzzah Studio.
I’ve spent my entire career focused on designing thoughtful and meaningful experiences for others, so it was only a matter of time before I realized I could apply this same intention and creativity to all areas of my life, and redesign my experience of work and life.
I'm still figuring things out (aren't we all?), because when you’re walking a path unknown you sure learn a lot along the way. That's what this newsletter is all about — sharing all the lesser known moments of the freelance journey.
Thank you so much for choosing to connect with me in this way. It truly means a lot, and I can't wait to get to know you better. Here's to finding each other and creating a freelance life that feels right for each of us.
May only the best come to you,
Sarah
You’ll enjoy subscribing if you are curious about…
Exploring frameworks for a creative practice
Real stories from my 15+ years in design and 8 years of freelancing (including the not-so-glamorous parts)
Looking for inspiration while also, you know, running a business
Tools that have saved my sanity (there's been a lot of trial and error)
Flexible work days and more time out-of-office
You're looking for your people (because freelancing can get lonely sometimes)
Seeing behind the desk of someone who is experimenting with a lifestyle business — because we all wonder "Am I even doing this right?"
Finding your freelance community here
Just because you have an awesome home office with lots of plant friends, freelancing doesn't have to mean being alone all the time. Join a caring collective of people who share a passion for living creatively and forging their own paths.
Share a conversation in our Substack chat — your questions, your wins — whatever you need. Or connect with fellow freelancers in our Freelance for Life Slack group (contact me to apply).
Beyond the newsletter
If you’re looking for even more support on the freelance path you might be interested in these additional Freelance for Life offerings:
👩🏻🏫 The course, "Designing Your Freelance Business,"- A live 3-week course covering the logistics of how to start a business and create sustainable freelance practices — from client onboarding to setting up efficient systems.
💰 Free freelance resources like Designing Your Freelance Pricing (because money talk shouldn't be taboo) and ✅ Your Biz Setup Checklist (designed to help you manage all the to dos for a successful launch).
🤝 One-on-one business coaching for freelancers ready to take their practice to the next level.
📚 The Freelance for Life Bookshop — if you enjoy reading Substack newsletters you might also delight in my recommended list of reads that have really shaped how I think about work and life.
Where to begin
Whether you're just dipping your toes into freelancing or you've been at it for a while, I'm excited to share this journey with you.
Here are some favorite posts to get you started:
