Interview - Kristy Gray
Kristy is a life strategist and astrologer who learnt how to let go of limiting beliefs and realise that a corporate title and a 6-figure salary doesn’t define you. We chat with Kristy about ditching safety, redefining success and the importance of carving out your own path.
Tell us how you ended up here as a freelancer? Where did it all begin?
I never envisioned starting my own business, but the universe had other plans for me. I spent 10+ years working within Learning & Development in the corporate beauty industry. I always loved Adult Education and beauty. When the two were combined it hit a sweet spot for me as there’s something magical about the empowerment I could provide to the people I had the pleasure of working with, both in and out of the training room. After a change in companies, roles and cities over a 4-year duration I kept hitting a roadblock in my life, what was I chasing? I’d ask myself regularly “Is this it?” It wasn’t until I suffered intense adrenal fatigue, a lack of personal life and support network outside of work, and a promotion that came with a title I had been chasing for a year that I thought “what have I got to lose!” “Kristy it’s time to carve your own path!”
What was your last ‘real’ job?
Training Manager for Sephora Australia.
What inspired you to start freelancing? Was there a ‘moment’ that made you realise it was time?
After leaving Sydney and Sephora, I moved back to the GC to focus on my business. But I ended up accepting a part-time role with a local beauty brand as additional security. But I easily found myself prioritising this role over what I had left Sephora for. The next thing I knew I was looking after Global Education as their Global Retail Training Manager on a 3 days a week roster! I visited 6 countries in 6 months and I soon realised the only ‘real job’ I wanted to have was my own, and no one else’s company.
How did you prepare to start working for yourself?
The LA-based beauty brand that was wanting to increase its market share in Australia. This role gave me flexibility, freedom and income. I worked with them for 6 months as I worked ‘on’ my business. Focusing on building brand awareness, a client learning portal and myself. I look back now and I have realised this time was integral in letting go of my limiting beliefs and trusting myself that a ‘corporate title’ and a ‘6-figure salary’ does not define me. I had to redefine not just who I was but who I wanted to become.
What was your biggest fear before you started freelancing? Any tips to overcome these fears?
That I would fail! The fear of failure is a bitch! I would have not hung in there if I didn’t work with astrology. I worked with my Astrology mentor to understand who I was, what I was here to do and the astrological timings as to where I was at. Sometimes working with a modality like Astrology gives you not just hope, but the edge to help you focus on what requires your attention most right now.
In three emojis, describe your life as a freelancer…
⚡🔥
Name three qualities you need to succeed as a freelancer?
Resilience
Grit
Optimism
I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but can you share a favourite client project of yours?
I adore every single client I get to work with, that is the joy of what I do.
Best thing about freelancing?
Freedom to do things your way!
Suckiest thing about freelancing?
The uncertainty that comes with it.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their freelancer journey?
Don’t focus on getting things ‘perfect’ or ‘right’ no one notices anyway. Keep showing up, have faith and trust the process, be open to learn from your mistakes. Don’t compare yourself to others (particularly if they are in your industry) and give yourself permission to evolve! Evolution really is everything!
What’s next for you in business?
I’m currently in the middle of a rebrand with an amazing #girlgang of women I have invested in to help me. I’m building a membership, a menu of courses and masterclasses. My long term vision is to build a multi-media brand full of resources and support for women. This also includes practitioner certifications and I’m only just beginning!
This or that
Tea or coffee?
Introvert or extrovert?
Earlybird or night owl?
Home office or coworking space?
Emails or calls?
Paper or digital to-do list?
Books or podcasts? Both!!