About Me
I’m Emma, a coach for freelancers. I help freelancers grow their business and achieve their work and life goals, through coaching, online courses, templates and tips.
About Me
I’m Emma, a coach for freelancers. I help freelancers grow their business and achieve their work and life goals, through coaching, online courses, templates and tips.

My Story
Hello!
I’m Emma Cossey, a long-term freelancer, mum and all round digital geek, with late diagnosed ADHD (which means I have a huge bag of motivation and dopamine hacks!) and I’m happy to welcome you to The Freelance Lifestyle.
I launched this blog in 2011, to provide freelancers with down-to-earth support, and practical advice. I wanted it to be a kind, supportive place to get tips and advice on living a great freelance life (without the constant narrative of ‘earn six figures or you’re failing’).
Since then, the community has morphed into that friendly and honest place I dreamt of visiting when I first started out as a freelancer back in 2009. The space to celebrate successes, discuss the challenging elements of freelancing, and to connect with others on the same path. Because working on your own shouldn’t mean being alone!
I have a book!
In 2026, I finally poured all of my freelance know-how from the past 17 years into a book!
The Freelance Lifestyle is your gentle guide to starting a freelance career. If you’re tired of trying to ‘fit in’, and want to build a career and a life you love, on your terms, this book is for you. Or maybe you’re looking to build a flexible career around caring for others, physical or mental health challenges, being an introvert, neurodivergence or simply want a more flexible life that’s in your control.
In this book you’ll get practical tips, advice and case studies to help you get started and run your own freelance business. All presented in simple, actionable steps that don’t overwhelm you, or come wrapped up in dull and confusing jargon.
Everything from how to plan out your business and register it, to getting your finances in order, the legal stuff, finding clients and finding your freelance community.

What’s here for you?
I’ve spent years building up my own freelance business. I’ve been a pro blogger, a social media consultant, a copywriter, a teacher… but my passion is helping people just like you take the next step. So whether you want to pick up tips from the blog, listen in to the podcast, come join the Facebook group or get some more focused 1-2-1 support with my coaching, there’s something here for you.
Fancy having a no-strings chat about your next steps? Send me a message.
My Values
Here in the Freelance Lifestyle community, I am are dedicated to fostering a community that is inclusive, kind, and supportive. My core values guide everything we do:
Kindness: I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. The community is built on empathy and understanding. Bullying and hatred have no place here.
Flexibility: I understand that everyone’s journey is unique. I provide flexible support and resources tailored to individual needs, especially when there are many in the community who are neurodivergent, have a disability or chronic health condition, other responsibilities they have to juggle, or mental health challenges. You won’t find pressure to run a six figure business here (but if you do, we’ll celebrate with you too! Everyone has their own definition of success).
Freedom: I champion the freedom to work in ways that best suit you. My goal is to empower you to live and work on your own terms. Which is why you’ll never find me saying ‘this is the ONLY way to do this’ or ‘consistency is king’. You’re more likely to hear ‘how can you do this in a way that works for you?’
Connection: I value meaningful connections. Our community thrives on collaboration, networking, and genuine support for one another. But also….there are lots of introverts in the group. So it’s totally find if you want to connect in a way that works for you.
Comfort: I strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where you can feel at ease while pursuing your freelance career. I want to create a cosy, cafe vibe for you.
I am committed to creating a safe space for all communities. I stand with Black Lives Matter, Palestine and proudly support the LGBTQIA+ community as an ally. At Freelance Lifestyle, everyone is welcome, and diversity is celebrated – whether that’s race, gender, family make up (many in the community are childless through choice or not, and that’s something I’m trying to be more conscious of in my language) and whether you’re able-bodied or differently-abled. I am constantly learning, will make mistakes and I’m open to any feedback or suggestions on how I can make it more inclusive.
Client Love…
“Being in the Business Lounge feels like having a freelance family – there’s always someone there to offer a helpful perspective, a piece of advice, or a virtual hug! The weekly calls keep me accountable – plus seeing and talking to other people about what’s going on in our businesses is incredibly reassuring. The coaching exercises Emma runs are where I can really feel myself being supported and stretched. I can honestly say I set and achieve goals that I wouldn’t without The Business Lounge”.
Rebecca Broad, Freelance Communicator
“When I joined the business lounge I had work coming in but was in need of a new challenge. Working through Emma’s group exercises and having the support of the group really helped me focus on what I was needing. I now have a handful of new and exciting projects and opportunities lined up for 2020 and feel I am moving my career forward”
Freelance museum and exhibitions consultant
“The Freelance Business Lounge is packed full of resources and has everything you need whether you’re at the start of your freelance journey or have been going for a while. Emma is an experienced freelancer and coach. She shares her years of experience so you can hit the ground running and not fumble your way through freelance life. She also brings her calmness to the group and is great to chat to if you’re having a wobble.”
– Lisa Pierce, Tech & Marketing Strategist
Free Support
I’ve got lots of free support and goodies available for you too!
- The Freelancer’s Teabreak podcast
- The Freelance Lifestyle Blog
- 30+ ways to find your next client: My guide to the four areas of your business to focus on to bring in new clients, and how to do it!
- Free Training: Five Ways To Find Your Next Client
- The Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
All of this can be found on my Freebies page.
Follow me on Instagram
Explore
Pitch Tips
Pitch Tips
Get more clients
Sign up to my free training on 5 ways to find your next client as a freelancer.