What if saying yes to a full-time job didn’t mean giving up your freedom? In this episode, Kara talks with Jacqueline Lavitt Michaelsen, a creative director and designer whose career has flowed between freelance projects, corporate gigs, and a dream role with one of the top luxury brands in the world. They discuss the real lessons of building a creative business, what she learned from modeling and art direction, and why choosing structure doesn't mean you're selling out. This episode is about defining success for yourself, pivoting without shame, and staying close to your creative voice.

Chapters:

(00:00:01) - Modeling, Mood Boards, and Discovering Art Direction

(00:02:00) - From Graphic Design Student to Remote Freelance Creative

(00:05:15) - Growing Up in a Creative Family

(00:07:30) - Balancing Luxury Branding With West Coast Lifestyle

(00:10:20) - Lessons From Freelance: Pricing, Boundaries, and Sticky Projects

(00:13:00) - Seeing Her Work in the Wild: Bandier and Leisure

(00:16:30) - Female Empowerment, Jewish Identity, and Community

(00:22:15) - When to Pivot and Why It’s Okay to Go Back to Corporate

(00:27:30) - Her New Role at a Global Luxury Brand

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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