From Freelance to Templates: How I Shifted to a More Scalable Business Model
Let’s be real — freelance life is both beautiful and exhausting. The creative freedom? Amazing. The struggle of juggling client deadlines, booking future clients, and marketing your own business? Not so much.
When I first started designing websites, my goal was simple: to build a business that gave me freedom. I wanted to help other small business owners bring their dreams to life — and one day, I hoped it would give me the flexibility to be a full-time, stay-at-home working mom.
So, I made a plan. My husband and I saved a 3-month living expenses fund while I worked on the foundation of my business, and then I took the leap — I quit my 9–5 and went full-time with Story Reimagined.
It was one of the best (and scariest) decisions I’ve ever made.
When Freelance Work Became Unsustainable
Like many creative entrepreneurs, I quickly realized that working one-on-one with clients — while fulfilling — has limits. There are only so many hours in a day, and I wanted my business to grow without me having to work around the clock (especially if I wanted to be a stay at home mom who ran this business at the same time).
And then, not long after quitting my 9–5… I found out I was pregnant!
Our baby girl arrived in September 2025 (she’s perfect 🤍). But the news changed everything about how I worked. I knew I wouldn’t have 40+ hours a week anymore — and that I needed to build something that could sustain us while giving me time for motherhood and the unexpected moments of life.
That’s when I started rethinking my business model.
Why I Looked for a Scalable Income Stream
Becoming a mom lit a fire under me to create something sustainable and flexible. I didn’t want to rely solely on client projects — I wanted income that worked while I didn’t. Passive income, some may call it (though it’s not technically all the way passive).
That’s where my Squarespace templates came in.
They allowed me to use my design skills in a scalable way — building once, selling infinitely. It meant I could still serve small business owners and creatives with beautiful, high-converting websites, even while taking a step back from full-time client work.
How the Shift to Templates Changed Everything
I launched my first Squarespace templates in May 2025 — and since then, the shop has grown to nine templates (and counting!). Each one was designed with service-based businesses in mind — photographers, designers, coaches, and more.
In 2026, I’m planning to release one optimized template per month, each tailored toward AI-proof industries that rely on connection, creativity, and personal service.
The best part? I’ve been able to keep building my business and be present for my daughter - long walks, breastfeeding, play time, and all.
If you’ve been thinking about scaling your own creative business, templates (or digital products in general) might be your next right step.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
When I first started, I offered discounted design packages to a handful of clients. It helped me learn what new business owners are looking for, refine my process, test what worked, and build the confidence to turn my work into digital products.
Since then, I’ve learned a few key lessons:
Pinterest is gold. It’s visual, searchable, and perfect for promoting digital products like templates.
Automation is your best friend. I’ve set up email sequences and lead magnets that run on autopilot, helping me prep for new clients while focusing on motherhood.
Email lists matter. Building a community of loyal subscribers is crucial — it’s how I’ll keep growing my audience and selling templates in 2026.
What I’d Tell Freelancers Considering This Shift
If you’ve been thinking about scaling your freelance business with digital products… do it.
Start small. Take what you already know — your design skills, your creative eye, your understanding of your niche — and turn it into something others can use.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with one product, one niche, and one clear system. Then refine and grow from there. You might not get many sales at first (unless you do), but you need to start somewhere! Learn and pivot as you go.
Because here’s the truth: building digital products doesn’t mean giving up client work. It means adding a new layer of freedom to your business and possibilities for the future.
Scaling Is Personal — But Passive Income Brings Freedom
As creatives, we all crave the same thing — time to create, flexibility to live, and income that supports both.
Shifting from a 1:1 model to a scalable one changed everything for me. It’s allowed me to keep doing what I love, serve more people, and spend time where it matters most — at home.
If you’re ready to explore what this could look like for you, I’d love to help.
✨ Want to see what a scalable template business looks like?
👉 Browse my Squarespace Template Shop
💡 Thinking about scaling your own creative business in 2026?
👉 Apply for a Custom Web Design Spot and let’s bring your next chapter to life.
