Workshops

Returning

 
In studio with our team with The Restaurant Project Image by Eliora Vespera

In studio with our team with The Restaurant Project Image by Eliora Vespera

Wow -- I have entirely neglected this website and blog! As I went in to create a post today, I realized it has been four years since I updated the ELIESA Consults blog. As many of you can relate, nothing is the same as it was a year ago, let alone four years ago.

I’ve been really focused on building and running The Restaurant Project, my newest company, which has been an amazing journey! On a personal note, I bought a home, welcomed a child into the world and then - along with you all - have been navigating a global pandemic, a social justice revolution and have spent a lot of time trying to figure out the question: where do we go from here?

I felt like months ago, I was flailing and trying to find a sliver of control in a time of chaos. I tried to really define what the future looked like for our companies, but it also felt impossible to plan ahead. It is time to embrace the unknown and I am sure you can certainly relate to the fact that this feels wildly uncomfortable.

The good news is that in a lot of ways this last year has taught me to look at things a bit differently, to take care of ourselves, our families and also to rely on our community and communities. We can do so much together. In March of 2020, I started hosting a weekly zoom call for freelancers. We figured out PPP loans, taxes, covid policies and procedures and how to work safely. We celebrated, we cried, we volunteered together and we put our heads down to keep working. These calls inspired me and it was so cool to see both personal and professional relationships form that were so supportive of one another.

Now is the time for us to all rise together. 

What does this mean? The pandemic really stopped everything and the Revolution made us realize our industry must be a better, more equitable place for artists. As vaccines start to (hopefully) change the tide, we are about to enter into a new normal which brings so much promise and hope!

Over the last year, I have been keeping track of some of the recurring questions and topics that I have been asked. I feel like many of these topics can be part of a larger conversation and hearing other people’s perspectives can be helpful to us all. I wasn’t sure when the time would be right to ‘launch’ something new, but I believe the time is now! I am recommitting to the consulting side of things and figuring out how this space can help serve our freelance industry best! We no longer need ‘how to workshops’ -- we need to go deeper than this. This fall, I’m going to open my calendar again for one-on-one consults and also lead a series of conversations for the freelance industry.

It’s clear that there are so many creative professionals who are rethinking their corporate careers.  There is an industry shift after the pandemic and we could all use some guidance. There is a new generation of entrepreneurs and freelancers who are pursuing a life of freelance and also established small business owners who are looking towards what is next. Now is the time to lead and though I don’t have all of the answers, I do know that we must all rise together to create a new place that keeps the freelance dream alive.

So, join me! It’s simple, affordable and easy - just show up, listen or be a part of these conversations and together we will continue to learn and navigate this new normal together.

Group Consults // March 2016

During the months of March, April and May, we are offering Group Consults in our studio. (You can find details here + sign up for future dates.) March marked the first round of these full-day workshops and it was a great success! 

This month, we came together with three freelancers - one graphic designer, one ghostwriter and one wedding photographer. Collectively we went over some hot topics that effect all of our industries, then we broke off into individual sessions for more in-depth critique and goals. 

I am personally very excited to see the idea of Group Consultations work out. There are so many of the same struggles and victories that we share as freelancers, no matter what industry we are in. It is also very cool to see different perspectives and approaches to each industry and the possibilities of crossing over. 

Some of the common ideas that we talked through were: 

  • Social Media Marketing + Strategy

  • Having a Healthy Relationship with Social Media

  • Business Structure (specifically with time management and taxes)

  • When to say No and When to say Yes to projects

  • Strategy to go 100% Freelance

  • Creating for your Dream Client

  • Branding

We are currently offering two more Group Consults this Spring - on April 22nd and May 20th. Each day is limited to three freelancers, so make sure and reserve your spot quickly!

The investment for a Group Consult is $650/day (a $1200 value). These days begin at 9am and wrap at 4:30pm, so you get a full day of inspiration!