Featured Freelance Writers — Amaka Chukwuma

One of the main reasons I started No Hustle Freelancer is to create a community. I am excited to continue this Featured Freelance Writer series. :) Today, I want to introduce you to Amaka Chukwuma. Amaka writes in the sexual health, personal finance, and tech niche. She talks about navigating motherhood and freelancing. We also discuss the discrimination non-native speaker and BIPOC writers may face. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Tell us about yourself. What kind of freelance writing do you do/what's your niche?

My name is Amaka Chukwuma. I have been a freelance writer for 2 years with a focus on sexual health, personal finance, and tech. 

Where do you write? On your couch? A nice home office? Cafes? Coworking spaces?

On my couch most times and a make shift home workspace. 

When and why did you decide to start freelancing? How long have you been freelancing?

I have been freelancing for 2 years during the shelter-in-place period. After Covid struck I was forced to stop work (was an elementary teacher). After spending time with my baby, the thought of commuting to work again wasn't appealing anymore. Also realized during those stay-at-home periods that I had missed my baby's growing up. Most times I had to leave the house as early as 5:30 am and got home at 6 – 7 PM. I spent more time commuting than on the actual job. I began to weigh my options. Took a course in digital marketing, chose content marketing, and began to develop skills in copy and content writing. After I got my first client, then my second, I was convinced I could afford to freelance and still be there for my daughter.

How did you find your first clients? How do you find your clients now?

My first client was actually a referral job. My brother told someone about me. He needed a web copy for his new site. Subsequently, it's been pitching and sending applications on job sites, commenting on LinkedIn job posts, and other online communities and forums. It's about casting a wide net because it's a number game to find a job as a freelancer.

What is your favorite thing about freelancing? Anything you don't like?

My favorite thing about freelancing is surely the independence I enjoy. How I can decide to take several breaks without being guilt-tripped (well, sometimes I do guilt-trip myself when I get rather unproductive and there's a lot to be done. This is valid right. lol. ). However, it can get lonely sometimes. There are times I want to give up. Everything depends on you. you have to put yourself out there or lose relevance. Sometimes, that can be a lot to handle. Succeeding at freelancing is definitely not a five-finger exercise.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned so far?

Never give up on a closed door. When you face rejection, it's easy to just shut those potential clients out. But I advise checking back from time to time. Time can do alot. You have continued to grow. You just might be a great fit in the near future.

Let's keep it real, there is always something to work on. Is there anything you are currently struggling with or working to improve on as a freelance writer?

Yes, I know I  am good at what I do. But I struggle with being very thorough and sticking with my process. I am being alot more deliberate about always getting the best results on my first try.

BIPOC writers, writers from marginalized communities, and non-native speaker writer face certain challenges that others do not. Are you part of any of these groups? If yes, can you tell a bit about the challenges you are facing, how you are dealing with them, and any tips you have. 

My biggest challenge is location-based payment. there's also the problem of native speakers not trusting non-native speakers to write for them even though there are shreds of evidence to show otherwise. For me, I just think that these ones are also not the best fit for me. And that's the good thing about being a freelancer. You have a right to choose who to work with just as much as the client has the right to choose. I only wish that there is more equality amongst all capable freelancers and that people look beyond race, location, and color.

A lot of parents choose the freelancing path so they can stay at home with their kids or spend more time with their families. Are you a parent that choose freelancing for these reasons? If yes, how are you navigating your role as a parent and do you have any tips for other parents. Did you choose freelancing even before become a parent? How did parenting change your freelancing journey? Eg. maternity/paternity leave, working less hours, budget etc. 

Yes chose to freelance because of my daughter. It is overwhelming sometimes. I always say I have a daughter who doubles as my work disruptor. but with good planning, you all can get along well. I make use of my morning hours when she has gone to school. Pause work when she is back and resume when she has retired for the night. Sometimes, if I must work when she's around, I engage her with videos she loves to watch. Doesn't work all the time though.

What advice would you give freelance writers that are just starting out?

I can't over emphasize joining a writing and freelance community. It has helped me so far.

Where can we find you? Feel free to share your website, portfolio, Linkedin, other social media.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaka-chukwuma-5a8490b5/

Are you interested in creating a sustainable freelance writing business without the hustle? Check out my freelance writing course with a step-by-step process of exactly what you need.