The goal of Hardly Hustle is to provide inspiration, drive and motivation in a 10 minute read or less. What you see is what you get. This is hot off the press without an editing team. Due to my success with clients from all over the world, I started my own media company where I offered brands and solopreneurs content strategy, marketing, branding, editorial management, and consulting services. Charlene Lazewski is up.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Charlene Lazewski, and I am a Media Strategy and Entrepreneur Lifestyle Expert. I began my career working in publishing, but quickly felt immense limitations towards my creativity in corporate America. So, a few years later I began freelancing in writing, content strategy, and branding. I quickly gained clients within the fashion, beauty, wellness, and travel industries.
Due to my success with clients from all over the world, I started my own media company where I offered brands and solopreneurs content strategy, marketing, branding, editorial management, and consulting services. I also run a bi-weekly magazine-style newsletter called, Bloom Zine which focuses on Entrepreneur Lifestyle. It's free to everyone, and truly comes packed with game changing and valuable content.
What did it take/how did you get started?
I started my media company because I was in high-demand for my services. I knew I had to expand. There are so many brands and entrepreneurs that go into business, but are suddenly floating without direction when it comes to creative strategy and structure. That's where I come in. I develop the content strategy, and marketing that turns all the pages in your business. And, I also run editorial teams to consistently produce high-quality workflow, and products.
What does the future look like for you and your business?
I just gave birth to my newsletter, which I am very in love with right now. It doesn't compare to anything else in this niche. I love the magazine-style concept of it, and gold nuggets of value I provide in it. I know for sure the content I provide in these newsletters is going to change the lives of so many entrepreneurs. With time, my goal is turn Bloom Zine into its own media company.
What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?
Knowing that I am helping and inspiring others daily. There is no better reward than that. I also take a lot of pride in seeing the clients I have helped grow and succeed.
What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?
Always keep learning. You may think you know everything there is to know in this industry, but you don't. The media and marketing industries change by the day. So you must always stay up-to-date by consistently learning from new podcasts, Youtube videos, books, networking communities, etc. Don't stay behind by not learning.
What has been the hardest part of your business journey?
Since I am mother of two children, there have been times when it has been challenging to balance the start of my business, while also being fully present for my kids. But, I've pushed through and I have been able to equally nurture both.
How have you managed burnout thus far?
I make sure to close my computer by a set time daily. I also schedule fun things to do with my family, and for myself every month. This way, I block those days for life, and not work. This prevents burn out from showing its ugly face.
What are a few resources that you'd recommend?
Follow Justin Welsh on Twitter @thejustinwelsh - he is the hands down go-to if you're a solopreneur. Creator Science podcast hosted by Jay Clouse Work Like A Woman by Mary Portas
The STATS
List the founders
Charlene Lazewski
How many hours a week do you work on this hustle?
30 hours
# of Employees?
Just me at this time
When did you start?
I started my solopreneur career in 2012. And I started my own media company (Charlene & Co.) in 2021.
How much did it cost to launch?
In all honesty, I don't have a specific number, but it certainly didn't break the bank. Because I already had so many clients to bring over to the media company, I didn't have to invest in getting discovered.
What were your funding methods and ballpark amount raised?
I used my savings, and revenue from client work.
Annual revenue?
Not provided.
Projected revenue?
Not provided.
What's the #1 thing you need right now?
In search of interns at the moment.
Social:
My media company: https://www.charleneandco.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BloomZineCo