How I Became Self-Employed at 21 (And What I’ve Learned Along the Way)
Hey everyone! Mak is back with another blog post, and today, I want to share my story. How does a 21-year-old end up fully self-employed, financially independent, and thriving in this economy?
Well... it's been a journey—full of highs, lows, and plenty of plot twists. I think it’s important to share how I got here because, honestly, it can be done. Plus, this is a big part of who I am today. So let’s hit rewind.
High School (yikes)
Back in high school, I was that girl who did it all. I was juggling theatre, working 30 hours a week, and taking college classes on top of my regular high school schedule. It was a lot. And yeah, anxiety was along for the ride. Despite it all, I graduated as valedictorian and completed my AA before finishing high school.
I was the classic goodie two-shoes who followed every rule and wanted to do everything the "right" way.
(Spoiler alert: there is no one "right" way, but we’ll get to that.)
College: The First Big Awakening
I moved into my dorm at Florida Atlantic University on my 18th birthday (poetic, right?). I majored in Communications, and yes, I know the stereotypes—but like most people, I had no clue what I really wanted to do yet.
College ended up being a huge awakening for me. Some people might call it a breakdown, but I like to think of it as my first big breakthrough. Being in a new town, surrounded by strangers, with no one to answer to but myself, shook me to my core. I realized I had been living according to what I thought everyone else wanted, instead of what I actually wanted. I didn’t even fully know who I was.
That was the moment I promised myself I would start living life on my own terms.
Over time, I started to figure things out. I made amazing friends, thrived at my serving job, and for the first time, I felt like my life was truly mine. But then I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree at 19, and boom—the anxiety returned. What now? I didn’t want a corporate 9-5. I loved Boca and didn’t want to move back home, but how was I supposed to make this work on my own?
A Series of Fortunately Unfortunate Events
Eventually, I took on a social media gig in exchange for housing. But after a few months of being overworked (doing way more than social media, by the way) with no compensation except a place to stay, I realized I was being taken advantage of. I walked away with $500 to my name.
Within two weeks, though, I hustled hard. I got my old serving job back, signed two social media clients, found an apartment, and made just enough to cover that first month’s rent. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my incredible friends and family—especially my best friend, who let me crash on their couch during those uncertain weeks.
It was chaotic, but that experience taught me resilience and lit a fire under me. I stopped overthinking and started taking action.
Where I Am Now
Fast forward to today—I’m 21 and running my own business. I primarily work with Xquisite Events, managing their social media and digital presence, while also taking on freelance projects for clients who need me for social media management or graphic design.
I’m grateful for every twist and turn that got me here. From feeling lost and confused to feeling empowered and independent, I’ve learned that the only way out is through—and that you really can create a path that works for you.
The Heart of My Work
What sets me apart is the heart I put into everything I do. Whether it’s Xquisite Events or a project-based client, I treat every business like it’s my own. I’ve walked the bumpy road of entrepreneurship, and I understand how valuable good work, consistency, and care are.
I never pretend to know it all, but I am committed to growing, learning, and always giving my best.
So here I am—a 21-year-old, fully self-sufficient woman, living proof that it’s possible to build your own path, even when it feels uncertain.
Thanks for being here and supporting my journey. I’m excited to see what’s next.
Go slay the day!
Peace and love,
Mak