Highly Commended at the Digital Women Awards 2025

Big news! The UK arm of my business, HLJ Marketing, was recently Highly Commended for Freelancer of the Year at the Digital Women Awards 2025 — and I'm absolutely over the moon.

The Digital Women Awards celebrate women across the digital industry who are doing exceptional work, and the Freelancer of the Year category is one close to my heart. It specifically recognises women who are working independently and flexibly, often across more than one specialism, seeking out their own clients, and investing in their own learning and development. The judges were looking for evidence of real growth over time — the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, and the results delivered. Client testimonials, stats, and a track record of improvement all played a part in the judging process.

To even be considered, I had to demonstrate that I was recognising and pursuing new opportunities in digital, engaging in continuous innovation and adaptation, acting boldly without being limited by resources, and maintaining genuine accountability to the clients I serve. These aren't just tick-box criteria — they're things I try to live out every single day in my work.

Over four years ago I made the decision to leave the agency world and back myself as a freelancer. It wasn't the easiest leap, but it's been the most rewarding. Since then I've built a business that runs on results, not empty promises — running socials and managing campaigns across Google, Meta, and TikTok, working with incredible clients, and doing it all personally. No outsourcing, no junior teams. Just genuine, hands-on work every single day.

For those of you who know me through South West Collective, this recognition reflects exactly how I work here in Australia too. Same person, same standards, same commitment to doing things properly. Whether it's through HLJ in the UK or South West Collective here, you're getting someone who has been formally recognised for the quality and dedication they bring to their work.

Highly commended, and honestly just getting warmed up. 🥂