Success Story: Katelyn Cresmer , Katelyn Hare Development and Taking it Back a Notch
This week’s Work-At-Home Success story comes from Katelyn Cresmer of Katelyn Hare Development and Taking it Back a Notch. Katelyn is an entrepreneur with two businesses and one on the way. Her first business is Katelyn Hare Development where she make websites for small businesses. She also own a blog called Taking it Back a Notch where she write about minimalism and how we can use minimalism to simplify our lives and making them less stressful and more happy. When she’s not coding or getting into projects, dhe hangs out with her family, traveling with her fiance and playing with her kitties.
1) How did you get started working from home?
In college, I started freelancing as a web developer and continued to do so when I got a full-time job. I was working in a cubicle for a year, and I was slowly going crazy. I had about two pointless meetings I had to attend everyday, and I knew that I couldn’t spend most of my life cramped inside of a cube for money. So, I vamped up my freelancing.
2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
I started coding when I was in 7th grade, so there was no doubt that I would make websites when I got older. It’s really fantastic because to code, all you need is a computer and WiFi. So, I can work anywhere.
Growing up with the internet, blogging also held my interest and I was always starting and abandoning blogs with my friend. So, I always wanted to start and stick with one. It’s another beautiful things because again, all you need is a computer and WiFi.
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
I had to start when I had my full-time job, so I could transition into it with at least some money coming in. So, I started freelancing more, losing sleep and I wrote for the blog when I could squeeze in time.
I redid my website from college to offer services and waited for emails. I also got some gig through people I knew.
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
My first real client was through my fiance’s job. The company needed a website redesign and he talked to his boss about me.
I also enjoy hanging out on new websites. One of them was CareerDean (which has closed down now). On there I got to talk to industry professionals and one of them had their own business. He thought I was a good candidate to outsource some work too.
So, networking and word-of-mouth helps a lot.
5) How do you market your business?
I have my website for my web development company which works a lot. As for my blog, I enjoy writing for other sites and guest posting which brings in some traffic. I also let SEO do it’s job.
6) What does your usual day look like?
Right now, my days are running from 1pm to 5am. I’m a bit of a nightowl. I’m so happy that I get the freedom to wake up and sleep when my energy levels want to.
When I wake up, I usually check my social media and emails. I address anything urgent then I either do errands or sit down and work. I take a break at 5pm for grub and I’m back to work. I quit around 2am. Also, during the day, I take lots of breaks. I play with my younger siblings or my cats. I read for a few hours.
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
It’s okay to say no to clients that you know are going to make the whole project miserable. It’s not worth the money if you’re stressed and mad.
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Start now and build up a side business until your ready to make the switch. It’s not going to be easy, but if it’s want you really want, losing sleep at first is worth it.
To connect further with Katelyn, visit
Website URL:
Twitter Handle: @katelyncresmer
