Meet: Olivia Muenter — Freelance Writer & Digital Content Creator
Welcome to the Meet: series. These are interviews with women in media and content who inspire me — whether they're launching their own companies, juggling multiple full-time freelance jobs with their families and social lives, creating beautiful campaign imagery for brands, or anything else — and I'm honored to get to share their stories.
Olivia Muenter
Freelance Writer & Digital Content Creator
How would you categorize the scope of your work, and what does your work entail?
One primary job and multiple side hustles. My "main" job is freelance writing and editing, and most of my daily energy goes into those projects. On the side, I also create content for brands on Instagram aka "influencing," if you want to call it that! I'm also launching digital education resources that teach other people the ins and outs of full-time freelancing. I've been working on that project for about a year, so I'm excited to see it come together.
How did you get into doing what you do now?
I was a fashion and beauty editor at Bustle.com for the four years directly after college. I eventually decided I wanted to be my own boss, focus on my personal brand, and grow a freelancing career, so here I am!
Did you go to college to study the field you currently work in?
Yes, I was a journalism major. I actually started interning and writing for Bustle when I was a junior in college, and that's what led me to my job there after graduation.
Did you work full-time in another field before landing in your current role?
I left my previous editorial role because I wanted my day-to-day life to be more flexible, more intentional, and more focused on the tasks that I actually wanted to do everyday rather than on titles and promotions.
What is your favorite part about working in different fields?
My favorite part is that things never get dull and I can always pivot and focus on something else if I get tired of writing all the time or creating content on Instagram, etc. This can sometimes make what I do overwhelming as well, but most of the time I find it refreshing!
What's something you wish you knew before taking on multiple roles?
That things don't have to fall into place right away! It's okay to gradually build a client base, brand, following, etc.
What advice can you offer someone who wants to be an entrepreneur, work for themselves, or just to have a side hustle in addition to their current job?
The only one who is going to push you to do more is you and the only one who is going to tell you to take a break is also you. Try to remind yourself that balance is more important than working 24/7.
Who are some women you look up to who embody the phrase #ShesAllThat — on Instagram, IRL, or otherwise?
Ayana Gabrielle Lage, Lauren Leavell, Alexis Teichmiller Huels
What was a recent #ShesAllThat moment for you?
Even though it's taken me much longer to put together than I originally thought, launching my freelancing course and educational resources is a HUGE accomplishment for me. It was part of my original business plan when I quit my editorial job, but part of me thought I would never make it happen. It seemed so overwhelming in theory. Seeing it all come together slowly but surely has been amazing, and I'm so excited to help other people find as much joy in freelancing as I have.
Where can people find you?
