How I Started Over and Built a Freelance Career from Scratch.

Let’s talk about starting over. And not the “new haircut, new you” kind. I’m talking about uprooting your entire life, moving to a new country, and having to rebuild everything from scratch. That’s what I did when I moved to beautiful Nairobi, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

I didn’t just move my life—I moved my family, career, network, and my comfort zone. Freelancing after years of established roles was a whole new challenge. So, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned, the tactics that worked, and how I built it back—step by step.

Sit back. Relax. Let’s jump in.

The Early Days in Kenya

Arriving in Nairobi was a reality check. The networks I had built over the years in Canada and the US didn’t automatically translate here. The local creative scene was vibrant but unfamiliar, and the path ahead was unclear. I quickly realized that being a “secret under a rock” wasn’t going to work. I had to be visible, approachable, and ready to engage.

The Road of Trials

Starting from scratch meant facing a series of trials, each teaching me something new about freelancing, networking, and personal growth.

1. Meeting People One-on-One

One of the first challenges was finding the right people to connect with. I started contacting local creatives, setting up one-on-one meetings over coffee, and attending as many industry events as possible.

One of the most significant moments came when I met the IDEO team in Nairobi. We talked, exchanged ideas, and I stayed in touch, checking in with them every month or two. A year later, this connection turned into a high-paying consulting contract.

I also joined Slack groups like the Process Masterclass ($), Freelance and Business and Stuff ($), and the Design Creators Group (invite-only) to get a sense of what other high-profile designers were doing.

I needed a new network that wasn’t specific to a geographical location. The amazing creatives I met became invaluable resources for advice, feedback, and collaborations.

This sense of community—both online and locally—became a cornerstone of my freelance practice.

2. Establishing Credibility in a New Market

One of my biggest hurdles was proving my worth. It’s difficult to convince clients you’re the right fit when you’re new to the scene. I knew I had the skills, but I needed to communicate that effectively and get noticed—fast.

One of the most effective strategies I used was cold emailing. I researched local businesses, agencies, and potential clients, then crafted personalized emails highlighting my experience and how I could solve their problems. I didn’t just send out generic emails—I tailored each message to show I’d done my homework and attached a short deck describing my process.

3. Managing Finances and Workflow

One of the trickiest parts of freelancing in a new environment? Managing your finances and workflow. Kenya brought a whole new set of financial considerations, from different tax systems to fluctuating client payments. Add to that the uncertainty that comes with freelancing, and things can get messy fast if you’re not organized.

I worked with SYSTMS, an Operation Specialist to set up automated workflows that allowed me to track both my projects and expenses meticulously. Setting aside a percentage of each payment for taxes, emergencies, investments, and retirement became non-negotiable.

4. The Miracle Hour

Cold emails? One-on-ones? That’s my jam. But let’s be real—those only go so far. The truth is, you’ve gotta show up on social media, and for me, that’s always felt…awkward. It still does. But, like it or not, it’s part of the game today.

Enter the “Miracle Hour.” Now that I’ve established a network in town, I need to make sure I’m not constantly scrambling for new clients, so I started carving out one hour a day to focus on the work that doesn’t come easy—social media outreach and business development.

It’s still in the early days, but I’m already seeing the impact on productivity and clarity of focus. I’ll share more details and results with you all in the coming months. But for now, I encourage you to find your own “Miracle Hour” and see how it transforms your practice.

The Wrap-Up

Starting from scratch in Kenya has been anything but easy, but it’s been a massive opportunity for growth—both personally and professionally.

From rebuilding my network, proving my worth in a new market, learning to manage finances, and finding balance, each challenge has taught me something that pushed me forward.

Freelancing is hard, especially in a new environment, but every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: embrace the uncertainty. Use it to your advantage. Stay visible, build relationships, and manage your time and energy wisely. You might not see the rewards right away, but trust me, the seeds you plant today will grow.

Keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. That’s the game.

Recommended Resources

These resources have been crucial in helping me stay focused and grow my business efficiently. I recommend them if you’re looking for practical tools to make progress:

Lex Roman
Lex’s growth insights are the real deal. Her newsletters are packed with strategies to get you noticed and growing. Absolute must-read.

Freelance, and Business, and Stuff by Hoodzpah Design 
If you’re a freelancer wondering, “Am I doing this right?” this one’s for you. No BS; All action. It’s a guide when you need it most.

The Process Masterclass
P-M is simply amazing. For anyone looking to get into product design. Simple, practical, and gets to the point.

Content Creation vs. Client Acquisition
This video helped me, an introvert, reframe social media from a stressor into a smart, strategic tool—a game-changer for client growth.

Cole Schafer
I enjoy writing, but Cole made me fall in love with it. If you want raw, authentic writing that gets results, follow him on LinkedIn or grab his courses.

I'll catch you in the next Note.

Mo. ✌️ ❤️