Gessa Mae Aira Almocera, 29, still vividly remembers how she managed her life four years ago when she was starting out as a freelancer.
Back then, she always dreamed of speaking in front of everyone to share a message that could inspire them through her experiences.
Now, a full-time freelancer from Masbate City, has finally turned that dream into a reality and it goes beyond the success that she built through freelancing.
Freelancing Journey
Her journey as a freelancer began not as a choice, but as a necessity. It was during the height of the pandemic when she decided to be part of the said industry.
Looking back, it was when most people would either stay indoors to work online or to just quit their job for their safety.
“It was freelancing that survived in that time especially when all the offices were closed” she recalls.
As a Literature graduate, dealing into the world of freelancing was far different from what she expected. She realized that it was never that easy.
Time management became her strategic act as her clients operated in different time zones, requiring her to adjust her work schedule in order to match theirs.
“Power outages in Masbate are frequent so I had to find ways to adapt and push through. Also, I have to balance my time kasi yung ibang clients ko, kailangan ko sabayan ‘yung oras nila,” she said.
Despite all of these, Almocera continues to work hard knowing that each challenge was a stepping stone to her growth.
She expanded her expertise into graphic designs wherein she created visuals that brought ideas to life. Additionally, she also offers marketing strategies to help clients grow their brands and reach wider audiences.
One of the most challenging projects that she recently worked on was the logo of “The Craving Pinoy,” a Filipino owned business from Canada. The design she illustrated symbolizes the deep connection Filipinos have with their food and cultures.
Having others see her full-potential in the designs that she worked is a “dream come true” for her.
“When clients are happy with my proposed marketing strategy and graphic designs, I enjoy [that] moment. I can work anytime and anywhere, basta may Wi-Fi and electricity,” she said.
She has designed projects like logos and posters for several employers from Canada, United States of America (USA), United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia.
Not only was she focused on international projects, she’s also dedicated to working on local projects through freelancing.
She has no plans of stopping what she started. In fact, her husband decided to join her doing the same thing. They’ve been working together to make a living on the same path.
Women Empowerment
Eager to create a diverse and supportive freelancing community, Almocera took the initiative to create “VABayi” The Masbate Women Virtual Assistants, a non-profit organization that empowers women in Masbate and Bicol to thrive as virtual assistants and freelancers.
VABayi offers a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow, while also contributing to their families and communities as well as providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive in the virtual assistant profession.
For someone who initiated the very first freelancing support system in Masbate, she feels grateful to see their community growing little by little.
Asked why it was exclusively for women, she said that it was through the experiences and interests that women have.
“As the co-founder, I believe in the power of empowering women, ‘yan naman ang purpose namin magkaroon kami ng support system kasi pare-pareho kaming quality yung ginagawa… nakaka-demotivate din minsan, but then nung nagkaroon kami ng community, nagkaroon na kami ng support system sa isa’t isa and share our stories,” she said.
Passion to pass on generations
Based on her experience, freelancing is not an overnight success.
As for her advice to those who want to enter the same industry as hers, challenges are along the way and it’s given. For her, it’s just a matter of courage in taking those challenges to continue pushing forward.
“Don’t be blinded by promises of earning six-digits income right away. Hindi rin basta basta ang challenges na pinagdaanan namin so take action lang, if hindi mo sisimulan, hindi mangyayari so you need to start and face the challenges,” she said.
Success for Almocera is achieving a balance between consistent income, strong client relationships, and personal freedom.
“Continuous skill development and maintaining work-life harmony are the key, allowing me to create a career that aligns with my goals and values. Success includes being able to share my knowledge and skills with aspiring freelancers, helping them grow and succeed in their own journeys,” she said.
For her, freelancing is more than just a job. “It’s like a gem,” she says passionately.
“Parang it serves as my way for growth.,” she added.
In a recently concluded Philippine Online Freelancing Conference (POFCon) in Legazpi City, Almocera was one of the speakers who shared their stories in the freelancing landscape.
The dream that was once felt out of reach has now become her reality, turning the pages of her life in ways she never imagined.
Now, more than anything, she understands how rewarding it is to reap the benefits of her own hard work which is undeniably worth sharing to everyone.
Just like a gem, she’ll definitely shine in front of the crowd as she stands to share her life experiences. | Lyzha Mae Agnote