264. How She Went From Hollywood Writer to 7-Figure Solopreneur

If you’re a solopreneur struggling with burnout, undercharging, or wondering how to build real income without sacrificing your energy, this episode is for you.

Carly Ries and Joe Rando sit down with seven-figure solopreneur and writer Amy Suto to talk about what actually drives sustainable success as a one-person business owner. Amy shares why energy management matters more than time management, how she transitioned from Hollywood screenwriting to building multiple income streams, and what finally allowed her to charge premium rates with confidence.

You’ll learn how to validate a side hustle before quitting your job, how positioning and portfolio matter more than credentials, why Substack is emerging as a powerful revenue stream for creators, and how to structure your content so clients can find you through Google and AI tools like ChatGPT. This conversation is packed with practical insights on pricing, identity shifts, inbound marketing, SEO, audience-building, and long-term business thinking for solopreneurs who want income and autonomy.

Episode FAQs

How can solopreneurs avoid burnout when they’re responsible for everything?

Burnout often comes from mismanaging energy, not just time. Amy recommends doing regular energy audits to identify which clients, projects, and tasks energize you versus drain you. Solopreneurs who build their workload around high-energy activities tend to stay consistent longer, make better decisions, and grow more sustainably.

How can a solopreneur use Substack to build both community and income?

Substack is a platform for free and paid newsletters that allows solopreneurs to grow an audience and monetize their ideas without upfront costs. Amy shared that Substack works well because:

• You can start for free and only pay a percentage once you earn
• It supports organic discovery through Substack Notes
• It allows creators to test ideas, build trust, and validate what people will pay for
• It can become a long-term asset, not just another content channel

Her key advice: be clear on who you serve, what pain point you solve, and what content belongs free versus behind the paywall.

Why do so many solopreneurs undercharge, and how can they fix it?

Amy emphasized that undercharging usually stems from an identity issue, not a strategy issue. Solopreneurs often struggle to see their work as valuable because they’ve been conditioned to believe legitimacy only comes from corporations or credentials. Her advice:

• Adopt the identity of a professional before you “feel ready”
• Price for the value you deliver, not just time spent
• Increase rates gradually as experience grows
• Recognize that your energy, expertise, and problem-solving are premium assets

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• A vibrant community of like-minded solopreneurs for feedback, encouragement, and connection
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