Blueprints, Bottles, and Brainstorms

How I Stopped Holding Back & Went All In.....

Hey everyone,

I know it’s been a while since we last connected through this newsletter. But trust me, it wasn’t a random break—I wanted to document my journey first. And now? Now feels like the right time to share it with you.

So, let’s dive in. Let’s grow, learn, and build something incredible together.

Ready? Let’s go!

Ever felt like you were doing everything right but still not getting ahead?

I know that feeling all too well.

For the longest time, I was stuck in a loop—writing, waiting, hunting for clients, and then doing it all over again. I had a skill, I was good at it, but something was missing.

Let me take you back to one of my client meetings.

He looked at me and asked, "How do you do both—writing and design?”

For a moment, I froze. I thought I was about to lose the deal. Because for years, I had heard the same thing:

"A writer can only write."

"A designer can only design."

And for the longest time, I believed it too. I gave up on monetizing design and stuck to ghostwriting. It felt safer. But safe isn’t always smart.

I would land one client every three months.

The work would last a while.

Then I’d hunt for another client.

A month would pass. Then NDAs. Then more waiting.

It was exhausting.

I was earning, but not consistently. And worse? I felt stuck.

I loved writing, but I also loved designing. Creativity was bursting inside me, yet I was limiting myself to fit into a box someone else had defined.

So this year 2025, I decided: No more half-measures.

I went all in.

If a client needed a book, I didn’t just write it—I helped design the cover, structure the visuals, and build their authority.

If they needed content, I made sure it wasn’t just words on a screen—it was part of a brand, a message, a movement.

And guess what?

Before January even ended, I had three clients.

One of them, after seeing my work, told me:

"I love your work. It’s all about creativity—whether it’s writing, designing, or illustrating."

That hit me.

All these years, I had been trying to fit into one category.

But the truth? Creativity has no limits.

Step 1: Own Your Expertise

Stop waiting for someone to validate your skills.

? Show up as the expert you are

? Position yourself with confidence

? Let your work speak for itself

No more playing small.

Step 2: Solve Real Problems, Not Just Offer Services

People don’t pay for services. They pay for solutions.

? Understand what your audience actually needs

? Create content that positions you as the go-to expert

? Build authority, not just engagement

Writing and design aren’t separate—they work together to create impact.

That’s why I stopped offering them as isolated services. Now, it’s a full package:

?? Personal branding content that positions you

?? Visual storytelling that attracts and engages

?? Authority-building through books that cement your expertise

Step 3: Cement Your Authority with a Book

Nothing says “I know my stuff” like a published book.:

?? Structure your ideas into something valuable

?? Position yourself as an expert in your industry

?? Create something that works for you long after you’ve written it

A book isn’t just a project. It’s your legacy.

The Takeaway?

This year isn’t about doing more.

It’s about doing the right things that move the needle.

I’m not chasing endless clients anymore.

I’m focused on impact. On quality.

So, what’s stopping you from going all in?

Hit reply and tell me—what’s one thing you’ve been holding back on because of fear or self-doubt? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time,

Fathima Samreen

Your Partner in Digital Success

Rooting for you

#ghostwriter #personalbranding #personalgrowth #documentingmyjourney #leadership

P.S. Want a full-year strategy to build your authority without hiring multiple creators? Let’s talk. ??