In January of this year, Leah Lakins fulfilled her 14-year dream of living in New York as an editor and writer when she launched her own business, Fresh Eyes Editorial Services. Just nine months into business, she’s accruing some pretty major credits, including working on the expanded edition of “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” (Amistad, 2014) and “Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success” (Amistad, 2014). The Baltimore native turned Brooklyn dweller admits her early success sometimes has her doing a double take. But, she rightly reminds herself of the years spent in the editorial business that prepared her for this moment to shine on her own.

Knowing Leah personally, I was thrilled to see her take the leap into creative entrepreneurship, and I wondered how her relationship with money was impacting her first year as a freelancer. In an email Q&A, I asked Leah to share her thoughts on money and creativity. Click here to read more about what she had to say.