Session Recap

This session was packed with insights on freelancing, startups, and building a career in design. Here are some highlights:

💡 Imposter syndrome never fully goes away — let data guide your decisions and learn how to clearly show your value to non-design stakeholders.

🚀 Freelancing can change your life — Melissa tripled her salary within months on TopTal, but also shared the real side: isolation, discipline, and the need for business skills.

🛠️ Practical tips — incorporate to access tax benefits (she recommends Ownr), use Trello to stay accountable, and start your day with a walk + easy wins.

👀 Standing out today — with AI and global competition, reuse workflows, learn faster, and combine curiosity with a strong business mindset.

🎤 Hiring insights — she looks for curiosity, the “UX bug,” and clarity on what you actually want to do.

🦋 *Favorite quote:* “If you’re a caterpillar, you’re meant to be a butterfly.”

🙏 Big thank you to Melissa for keeping it real and inspiring us all.

👉 Check out CoralTalk: www.coraltalk.com](https://www.coraltalk.com/