THE DESKSIDE SERIES: Emmelie De La Cruz

Emmelie De La Cruz is a true forced to be reckoned with! Im not just saying that because we were roommates at the very first Women In PR Conference, either LOL. Emmelie has a true gift for creating money making ideas and strategies on how to build your personal brand, increase your social media following and more! Her latest endeavor, Make Yourself Marketable, a personal branding planner is ideal for freelancers, bloggers and sidehustlers alike. Check out my Q & A with Emmelie for this week's Deskside Series below.

1.) What inspired you to start your blog?

I started my blog because I was constantly getting the same questions from peers and friends about personal branding and social media. My blog was an easy way to disseminate information to a large group of people at once. 

2.) What are some of your biggest challenges working a 9-5 and owning your own business?

The biggest challenge is always time - not having enough of it. When you work full-time, you have to learn to separate the workflows and be focused on each on individually. When you are really passionate about what you do as a side hustle, it can be hard to stay focused and motivated in your full-time. 

3.) How do you stay motivated when things get tough?

I think about being a millionaire. A lot of times we hear entrepreneurs talk about doing it because they want to help people. I want to help people, but nothing will get me out of bed faster or keep me up longer than knowing I have a bill to pay or a country I want to visit. I work tirelessly so that one day I do have the luxury to do things for the pure satisfaction of helping others. I want to leave a legacy behind and not have my kids worried about Sallie Mae. Right now, wealth is the motive. I have a talent and a gift that I can monetize. Why not make a living doing what I love and helping others in the process?

4.) Whats the best career advice you've been given?

My very first boss Andrea always spoke life into me and reminded me how smart I was and how I would have an amazing career. I don’t think I would have realized my potential or be so fearless in my career if I hadn’t received those constant words of encouragement from her. 

5.) Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?

Who knows! My life has a very quick pace. In 5 years, I hope to have another degree, a husband, a baby or two… I always think about the future of my life in terms of family life. Career is too unpredictable to try to map out. Anything can change. 

6. Any current projects?

I recently launched my Hustle Hack community where I will be helping newbie entrepreneurs get their brands together and find shortcuts to be better at business. I’m so excited!

7.) Three words of wisdom for aspiring bloggers/influencers?

Communicate your credibility.