Running a Self-Employed Business: Top Tips from Jess Howell

For Jess Howell, running a self-employed business is about helping small businesses and independent individuals tell their stories through photography.

Now based in Manchester, Jess is a Yorkshire native whose background and passion for supporting local makers and creators led her to start her business. Through her work, she focuses on bringing the people and stories behind products to life.

After five years of balancing photography alongside a full-time role, Jess became self-employed in September 2024. With 12 years of experience in publishing and communications, she brings a strong understanding of storytelling into her work, helping clients show both sides of their business.

As part of National Freelancer Week, we asked Jess to share her top tips for running a self-employed business:

1. Tell everyone what you do

You never know where your next client will come from, so conversations are your best marketing tool. Speak passionately about your work and the problems you solve. Even over the past year, I’ve booked work from the host of an Airbnb I was staying in, my nail technician, and a fellow dog lover at a dog party.

2. Stand your ground

This applies to your pricing, how you work and who you work with. Coming from a full-time job, I had a team around me to support me and share ideas. Now I create my own processes, manage deadlines and take time off without a handover. Staying firm in your values and goals is key, as is knowing when to say no if something isn’t the right fit.

3. Learn to forgive yourself

Not every day will be productive. In my first few months of freelancing, I often felt like I’d wasted the day if I hadn’t completed my entire to-do list. The reality is the to-do list never really ends. Sometimes you need to go for a walk, do the food shop or take the day off. Having the flexibility to change your schedule is one of the perks of being freelance, and something worth making the most of.

Through Jess’s experience, you can see how self-employment often grows from passion, persistence and experience. It’s a reminder of the importance of backing yourself, building strong connections and finding a way of working that suits you.

Find out more about Jess’ work here: https://www.jesshowellphotography.com/