"I've definitely had some breakdowns that have led to breakthroughs,"
said Frankie during our chat.
If you’re a purpose-driven instructor stepping out of the traditional classroom, you know exactly what Frankie means.
The road to building an online business isn’t always smooth. It’s filled with moments of “What am I doing?”
Yet, those hurdles often bring the clarity needed to move forward. As a marketing and business coach, I’ve helped incredible educators like Frankie transform their passion into a profitable, impactful online business.
Today, we’re diving into the highs, lows, and lessons of this journey. From tackling camera shyness to setting up time-saving systems, this is all about finding ways to thrive as an online solopreneur—without losing sight of your mission.
Timestamps:
(7:50) Finding Confidence Through Content
(13:15) Breakdowns That Led to Breakthroughs
(19:30) Transitioning to Independent Business
(24:45) Mindset Shifts and Pricing Strategies
(32:10) Mini-Strategy Live Session
(41:55) Building Community and Content Strategy
(0:55:20) Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Let’s get to work on your journey, one message at a time. Consider upgrading to a paid subscription to Beyond the Likes.
1. Finding the Courage to Leave Chaos Behind and Start Fresh
Frankie stood in front of 52 students, trying to teach English in less than an hour. She loved teaching, but the chaos of crowded classrooms was draining her energy, and she knew something had to change.
Then, the pandemic hit, and suddenly everything moved online.
For Frankie, this was her chance—a chance to escape the overwhelm and build a teaching business that worked on her terms. It wasn’t easy.
Deciding to leave traditional teaching meant stepping into the unknown, facing doubts, and figuring out how to market herself and attract students without the safety net of a school.
For many teachers turned solopreneurs, the hardest part isn’t starting the business. It’s having the courage to believe it can work. And that courage begins with a moment of clarity: realizing that the old way of doing things isn’t the only way to make an impact.
2. Overcoming Overwhelm Finding Balance and Confidence Online
Frankie didn’t expect to feel so lost.
She was no longer just a teacher—suddenly, she had to be a marketer, a content creator, a business owner.
“I used to be terrified of speaking on camera,” she said. “Even as a teacher, I hated seeing myself in videos.” But step by step, she pushed past the fear. Every awkward video, every imperfect post—each one built her confidence. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about showing up, raw and real.
If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. Solopreneurship can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
Seek out support—a coach, a community, or just a few friends who understand. Frankie found strength in sharing her journey, and in return, she built connections that kept her going.
3. Setting Up for Success Systems Strategies and Mindset Shifts
Payments, scheduling, marketing—everything landed on her shoulders, and it was exhausting.
“Setting up TidyCal and Stripe changed everything,” she said. “I wasn’t drowning in admin tasks anymore. The systems handled it, so I could focus on my students.”
Frankie also learned to pick her battles. Instead of spreading herself thin across every social platform, she honed in on what worked.
The biggest shift? Understanding her worth. “I used to charge way too little,” she admitted. “But I realized, it’s not just an hour of teaching. It’s all the prep, the expertise, the support.”
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with this: streamline your systems, simplify your marketing, and don’t sell yourself short.
Success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things well.
Frankie’s journey wasn’t about having all the answers.
Each stumble, each moment of doubt, was part of a bigger transformation.
It taught her to ask for help, to value her time, and to build systems that made her business work for her, not against her.
If you’re facing your own breakdowns, don’t see them as failures. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
Seek out those who can guide you, support you, and cheer you on—because that’s what turns a solopreneur’s journey from overwhelming to unstoppable.
Connect with Frankie
Want to learn more about Frankie’s journey and get inspired by her teaching tips and strategies? Follow her on social media to stay connected!
Instagram: See behind-the-scenes insights and tips on teaching English online.
LinkedIn: Connect with Frankie for professional updates and networking.
Facebook: Join Frankie’s community and get updates on her latest content and projects.
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start making progress in your solopreneur journey, consider subscribing to my DM coaching program.
Together, we can work through your specific challenges and map out a plan that helps you grow with clarity and confidence. Ready to get started? ⤵️
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This is your champion corner, solopreneur. Make the most of it! 🙂👇
And, if you know anyone who will benefit from this post, share it with them. 👇
That’s it from me.
Talk soon! 🙋♂️
— Chris Aldridge
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