https://bit.ly/FinancialFreedomMethodToday we’d like to introduce you to Katy Chen Mazzara.
Hi Katy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’m a 20-year veteran in the media and entertainment industries. As a freelance TV and digital producer, documentary filmmaker, and former journalist, I went through the cycles of working for a few months, then going on unemployment and finding another job. Living that lifestyle for 15 years put me on a journey to learn how to manage my finances and change my mindset from one where “feast or famine” is a common theme to a mindset of continuous abundance and freedom!
Once I figured it out for myself by reading all of the personal finance books and even stock prospectuses I could get my hands on, my colleagues would ask me how I seem to manage my money well, and if I would help them with their 401(k) plans or mindset habits (when they weren’t working.)
So, when I was thinking of starting a business, I knew I wanted to help other creative freelancers and small business owners with their finances because I have experience with both being a creative type and also a freelancer. However, there’s also a more emotional reason for doing what I do.
I’ve known 3 women in my life who stayed in abusive relationships because they didn’t believe they had the money or the resources to take care of themselves and their children. So my mission is to empower people to make decisions, NOT based on money. Instead, I want everyone to make decisions based on their core values, dreams, and dreams for their children.
Since I can’t just start coaching people just from the personal finance books I read, I went to get certified as a financial coach, life coach, and recently a trauma-informed master coach (because I believe in a holistic approach to your finances)! I’m also a graduate of the (very rigorous) UC Berkeley Program in Personal Financial Planning. It was a 9-month program where I took classes on the Fundamentals of Financial Planning, Insurance, Investments, Taxes, Retirement, and Estate Planning. I had mid-terms and finals for each course, and at the end, I gave a Capstone Presentation on a client for my final grade. All in all, a lot of people say it’s like a Master’s Program.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Heck no it hasn’t been a smooth road! I believe the biggest challenge has been in hiring the right team. In the beginning, entrepreneurs just don’t have the capital, but we have a lot on our plates that we just can’t do all by ourselves. I had someone try and take advantage of me and also not complete work that I had already paid for. I believe hiring is one of the biggest challenges in my business.
I’ve also had to learn to be more resilient. In the last year, with the violence against Asians, especially women and the elderly, I’ve used my social media platforms to speak out. I got some trolls, and while at first, it made me want to shut down, I decided that I needed to give voice to the Asian Americans who may not speak perfect English, or the ones who were killed and hurt so badly they can’t speak up anymore.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have built this business from $0 to a six-figure business in the last 4 years. I’ve spoken to hundreds on stages and at companies. However, my biggest accomplishment, to me, is helping each of my clients achieve financial freedom.
When they make more money doing what they love, pay off tens of thousands of dollars of debts, save or invest for their future or their children’s future (sometimes for the first time in their adult lives) negotiate $17K more in their salaries during a pandemic, and so much more, it brings me the most joy, fulfillment, and pride. I know I’m in my purpose, and I’m so passionate about helping more people to pursue their dreams and not have to worry about how they’re going to pay their bills.
I believe in Love above all else! Love for God, family, friends, and for my enemies (which I hope I don’t have too many). I also believe in treating people the way I want to be treated (with kindness and respect) and then treating ourselves with the same kindness and respect.
I’m passionate in everything I pursue and I’m all about the freedom to pursue what we’re all passionate about! I believe that life is an adventure and that we all should take “calculated” risks. As for money, I believe it’s an exchange of energy. How you see and use this energy is how it will reflect back to you. Money also represents freedom to me, and I want to help people feel and be freer to achieve their most passionate dreams!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katychenmazzara.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katychenmazzara/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/financialfreedomforcreativesclub2022
- Other: https://bit.ly/FinancialFreedomMethod
Image Credits
Joanna Shapiro, Jess Onesto @cheersbabephoto, Paige Pearson, and Social Image LA
