The Alchemy of Art: Luisa Padro AKA Artysta LuLu

“We work hard for the money, so hard for it, honey!”

In this episode we chat about Equal Pay Day and uncover the staggering truths behind the gender and race pay gap, with hard-hitting statistics that illustrate how women, particularly women of color, lose over hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their careers compared to men. 

Join us as we explore how freelancing can serve as a powerful tool to combat these inequalities, putting you in control of your rates, your work, and your worth. We explore strategies for understanding market rates, effectively communicating your value, and mastering the art of negotiation.

Don't miss this empowering journey towards financial control and equality. Listen, learn, and let's bridge the pay gap together! 

About Ashley Cisneros Mejia and Talk Freelance To Me

Talk Freelance to Me™ is a multimedia company that helps women writers monetize their gifts to live life on their own terms. Led by 20-year freelance writer, journalist, and entrepreneur Ashley Cisneros Mejia, the company achieves this through the Talk Freelance To Me™ Podcast featuring interviews with freelance writers and freelance creatives, online programs like the Freelance Success S.Y.S.T.E.M.™ Course, and other digital products.

The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast helps busy moms and caregivers start freelance writing and other freelance creative businesses, so they make money on their own terms in a way that accommodates their lives.


Resources Mentioned

Equal Pay Day Info & Wage Disparity Rates

Editorial Freelancers Association

All Things Freelance Writing Freelance Writers Survey Results

The Content Marketing Writer’s State of Freelance Writing Survey Results

Who Pays Writers

Real Media Salaries Google Sheet

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

How do you balance a thriving freelance writing career with the challenges of parenting young children? 

On this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with B2B writing expert and fellow mom Sarah Greesonbach to discuss the highs and lows of juggling creative work with raising a family. 

Sarah shares her raw and candid journey of motherhood, from feeling unprepared for the loss of control and dignity that comes with parenting, to learning the importance of balance through trial and error. Listen in as we chat about setting boundaries, coping with comparison, and cultivating satisfaction in both work and family life. 

Plus, get an insider's look at trends shaping the future of B2B content, from original research to leveraging subject matter experts. This episode provides invaluable insights for any freelancer parenting young kids and striving for both success and sanity!

About Sarah;
Sarah Greesonbach is the founder of B2B Writing Institute, a rigorous training program that prepares writers for a vibrant career in B2B. Since 2013, Sarah has operated B2B Content Studio and invoiced more than $1 million as a freelance writer. Writing for agencies and Fortune 500 technology companies in the HR, retail/e-com, and higher education space, Sarah develops B2B content marketing assets like original research, white papers, and more. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

Are you ready to meet our very first intern? 

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia introduces Lauren Cordero, an ambitious freshman at the University of Central Florida who is already pursuing opportunities to gain professional experience. Lauren shares her background and passion for communication through various mediums like writing, photography and design. She also offers her perspective on the evolving state of journalism, social media and content as a student entering these fields. Tune in to learn more about Lauren and how she plans to apply her creativity and skills to serve our Talk Freelance To Me community!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• More about our new intern Lauren Cordero
• About a Gen-Z student’s perspective on the current state of journalism, social media and content as she learns about these fields in 2024
• More takeaways from Ashley and Lauren’s experience at PodFest Expo

ABOUT LAUREN
Lauren Cordero is our very first intern here at Talk Freelance To Me! A current undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida here in Orlando, Lauren is charting a path toward a dynamic career in advertising and public relations. A native of Miami, Florida, Lauren has a passion for travel, cultural exploration, and fashion. She actively participates in the Quotes and Fashion Societies at UCF, and embraces every opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

In this episode we kick off the second season of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast! Listen in as host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares what you can look forward to in the season ahead. Hear some of the key insights from PodFest Expo including content creation and monetization strategies. You'll hear about practical tips for networking with fellow guests, making collaborations easy, and starting beneficial brand relationships. Plus, hear about Talk Freelance To Me’s new intern and gain insight into upcoming episodes focused on the nuts and bolts of business. Tune in to hear about the next chapter of Talk Freelance To Me!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Strategies for networking with other podcast guests to build your network 
• Tips for making it easy for collaborators to share your content on social media 
• Approaches for starting relationships with brands

About Ashley and Talk Freelance To Me
Talk Freelance to Me™ is a multimedia company that helps women writers monetize their gifts to live life on their own terms. Led by 20-year freelance writer, journalist, and entrepreneur Ashley Cisneros Mejia, the company achieves this through the Talk Freelance To Me™ Podcast featuring interviews with freelance writers and freelance creatives, online programs like the Freelance Success S.Y.S.T.E.M.™ Course, and other digital products.

The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast helps busy moms and caregivers start freelance writing and other freelance creative businesses, so they make money on their own terms in a way that accommodates their lives.

Ashley’s mission is to give women the tools they need to take massive action in monetizing their talents through the power of freelance. Ashley teaches about freelance and entrepreneurship, sharing her own lessons learned, and interviewing amazing freelance professionals.

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

Ready to reflect and recharge for 2024?

In this end-of-year recap episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia shares key lessons she's learned from nearly a year of producing the show.

You'll discover the two major truths that have emerged for Ashley around taking action and stopping comparisons. Plus, get insights into how AI tools like Otter.ai have helped her workflow.

Ashley also recaps impactful takeaways from influential early guests like Laura Figueroa Hernandez, Lola Bovell, Lindsay Diven and Marielou Mandl. 

This reflective episode is sure to inspire and equip you to start 2024 off right. Listen now to reflect on your own wins and look ahead with renewed focus and motivation!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Two key truths Ashley has learned from creating her podcast for almost a year
•  How AI tools like Otter.ai and ChatGPT can help streamline your workflow
• Tips for fact checking your content from early guest Laura Figueroa
• The importance of focusing on your "one big thing" each day from Lola Bovell
• Ways to make the client experience easy from Lindsay Diven’s perspective
• How to streamline your creative workflow like Marielou Mandel
• Exciting plans for a new season of the Talk Freelance to Me Podcast

About Ashley and Talk Freelance To Me

Talk Freelance to Me™ is a multimedia company that helps women writers monetize their gifts to live life on their own terms. Led by 20-year freelance writer, journalist, and entrepreneur Ashley Cisneros Mejia, the company achieves this through the Talk Freelance To Me™ Podcast featuring interviews with freelance writers and freelance creatives, online programs like the Freelance Success S.Y.S.T.E.M.™ Course, and other digital products.

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

In this episode we sit down with one of the pioneer business coaches focused on helping freelance writers, the one and only Ed Gandia! 

Ed sheds light on the holy grail of freelancing -- achieving freedom and flexibility without compromising income. In a world where advisory services are becoming increasingly valuable, Ed emphasizes the importance of offering more than just content writing. Learn how to leverage AI for ideation, messaging, and even streamline your services to enhance quality and value.

Don’t miss this episode!

Ed Gandia is a business-building coach and strategist who helps freelance writers and copywriters earn more in less time doing work they love for better clients.

Connect with Ed
Website: https://b2blauncher.com/
Podcast: https://b2blauncher.com/category/podcast/

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

Over 700,000 fans follow her on social media, and this is your chance to get to know her personally! Turn up this episode as we get one-on-one time with mega music influencer Maria Ferrer AKA Your '90s Homegirl and Maria Bone!

In this episode, Maria, a vocal coach turned social media sensation, talks about reimagining social media and carving out a unique niche that resonates across generations. From viral TikTok fame to impactful collaborations with music legends, Maria's story is a masterclass in pursuing dreams and creating a brand that truly speaks to the heart.

Learn the secrets behind her success as an in-demand influencer and how she balances her thriving online business with motherhood. This episode is a treasure trove of motivation for anyone looking to blend creativity with practical business savvy, all while staying true to themselves. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by the queen of '90s nostalgia herself!

About Our Guest
Maria Ferrer is a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and content creator based in Los Angeles, Calif. She began her career as singer and songwriter. Later she transitioned into a professional vocal coach and artist developer. In 2021, Maria went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms under the handle @MariaFerrerCurves, for her nostalgia, comedy, and skit videos celebrating 1990s/ early 2000s R&B and hip hip music and culture.

She’s known as “Your 90s Homegirl” and, due to her lifelong passion for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “Maria Bone.” With over 700,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other channels, Maria has established herself as the premier online personality bridging generations through music.

Connect with Maria
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
The 90s Homegirl Podcast

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

During the pandemic's peak, outsourced CFO and wealth manager Christina Gamache had a front-row seat to the tough decisions small business owners faced with keeping the lights on. She watched many decide to close up shop only to realize they had nothing substantial saved for retirement. Christina knew she could help them and opened Audax Wealth Management in response. In this episode, Christina talks to us all about the many facets of freelance finance and how we can set ourselves up for a strong financial future. 

In our chat, we tackle the nuts and bolts of financial management for the solopreneur, from essential budgeting to savvy banking. This conversation is sprinkled with actionable advice, emotional intelligence, and insider knowledge that any freelancer or business owner will find invaluable. Don't miss it!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Essential principles of financial planning and management specifically tailored for business owners and how these practices can weather economic disruptions.
• Strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a working parent.
• How to navigate personal finance and money trauma to foster a healthier relationship with money, both personally and in business contexts.
•  And MORE!

About Our Guest
Christina Gamache is an investment manager and outsourced CFO for small businesses. She is passionate about helping business owners increase profitability, pay themselves, and plan their exit strategy!  Christina knows that work is just a vehicle for people to take care of the things that really matter the most. She helps owners tell their stories through their numbers and take care of their employees, families, and futures.  Her new book PROFIT, Not Loss: The Financial Guide For Women Business Owners is available on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/bY8s1yc

Connect with Christina
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

Driven by a yearning to spend more time with her husband and expose their young son to the wonders of the world, Jessica Walrack transitioned from B2B sales into launching a freelance writing business over a decade ago.

This was a move that would not only re-define her career but also her life. Jessica lived out dreams many only fantasize about – like residing in scenic locales like Costa Rica and Mexico, wandering the breadth of Europe, and imparting a world-class, multicultural upbringing to her son.

This episode underscores the potential of the freelance life, not just as a career but as an enabler of dreams. Listen now!

About Jessica:
Jessica Walrack is a seasoned freelance writer/journalist with over a decade of experience. She has extensively covered personal finance topics for prominent national outlets, including CBS News, US News and World, USA Today, and Investopedia.
Jessica is also the visionary founder of All Things Freelance Writing (ATFW).

Connect with Jessica:
LinkedIn
Instagram

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE

Explore the world of freelancing, technology, and fatherhood with Damon Brown in the latest episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast. A champion for side hustlers, solopreneurs, and non-traditional creatives, Damon has a knack for helping creative minds flourish.

As an influential voice in the entrepreneurial space, Damon regularly shares his wisdom through his Inc.com column, public speaking engagements, including platforms like TED, and his consulting services. He's also the author of several books, with his latest being The Complete #BringYourWorth Collection that’s coming October 20th! This full volume includes the original Bite-Sized Entrepreneur series, the critically-acclaimed Bring Your Worth book, and the groundbreaking Build From Now book.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

About Our Guest
Damon Brown (damonbrown.net) helps side hustlers, solopreneurs, and other non-traditional creatives bloom. A best-selling author, 4-time TED Speaker, and a long-time freelance writer for Playboy, New York Post, and others, Damon co-founded the popular platonic connection app Cuddlr and led it to acquisition within a year, all while being the primary caretaker of his infant first son.

He now guides others through his private consulting/coaching business, free weekly newsletter at www.JoinDamon.me and popular #BringYourWorth show every Wednesday and Sunday at:  BringYourWorth.tv

His new book, The Complete Bring Your Worth Collection, will be available on October 20th. Take his free creative resource quiz at: www.buildfromnowquiz.com

Noteworthy Quote from this Episode
“You have to define what your metrics of success are. If I used somebody else's metrics or the metrics of my old life, then I wouldn't have made it this far. I would have gotten frustrated. Ambitious people with kids have to stretch their timelines.”

Connect with Damon
YouTube
LinkedIn
TikTok

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.

Grab your copy here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Join our freelancer communities! We're where you love to hang out!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
Our original show music was composed by the one and only Donna O. Raphael of World Instrumentals. Please visit her website and support her!

BUY ME A COFFEE