A Week in my New Life | becoming self-employed

Thank you to Skillshare for sponsoring this video. The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/athenam...
This is a week in my new self-employed life. I absolutely LOVE working for myself and being able to focus entirely on my own business, so looking forward to taking you along on more weeks like this :)
A few things I mentioned in this video...
PACMATs in our store: ramble-guides....
Tristan Gooley, The Secret World of Weather: uk.bookshop.or... (affiliate link)
Wagtail Kitchen Pies: wagtailkitchen...
Oslo's backpack: tinyurl.com/y2... (affiliate)
Oslo's lead: amzn.to/3e4vBN6 (affiliate)
Athena x
↟ Support me on Patreon: / ramblecommunity ↟
↟ Links ↟
Instagram: / athenamellor
Blog: athenamellor.com/
Harvey's Instagram: / harvey123go
Walking guides: ramble-guides....
Ramble Store: ramble-guides....
↟ Filming Gear ↟
Vlogging Camera: amzn.to/2ErtIfi
Vlogging Tripod: amzn.to/3hDenX6
Main Camera & Lens: amzn.to/3uPfY2S
Secondary Lens: amzn.to/2RGEzsq
Main Tripod: amzn.to/3f21hB3
Microphone: amzn.to/3faEfIm
GoPro: amzn.to/331wP80
Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Music: Music Bed
Get a free trial of the best music for your videos using this link (affiliate): share.mscbd.fm/...
Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments, or let me know what kind of videos you would like to see! ❂

[@haanimely981]

Yes to more filming these type of videos also ur life is dream goals for life.... 🌟💐💕🙏😍

[@MrDrewbies]

Your videos/vlogs make me feel at peace and appreciate the UK a lot more. Definitely needed at a time when the rest of the world feels a million miles away. Thank you.

[@your-average-clo]

The sheer joy when I realised this was 32 minutes 🥰 You’re officially part of my weekend routine now, usually with a coffee after my own walk. Thanks for the nature fix 🌿 Also congrats on going freelance!!

[@hamwhacker]

I like the way you are actively researching/testing your walks to make them suitable for the average walker. Should be a good guide book.

[@bryanclarke1927]

I've been self employed for 22 years. Couldn't go back and work for others now. It allows a flexibility that gives a certain freedom in life.

[@martinkingston1498]

What an incredibly beautiful place to have moved to Athena, it is heavenly, you are SO lucky. I wish you and Harvey all the best and every happiness in your new life together in those wonderful surroundings.

[@cjharris4]

Continue as you are Athena. You are an inspiration. I lost my Dad recently and I hope it helps you to know how beneficial I found it watching you and Oslo going around the tarn and then up Helm Crag. It was revitalising and I suspect it has begun to restore my enthusiasm for the outdoors. Continue doing what you’re doing and the way that you’re doing it. Luv Chris xXx

[@theQuietRebel]

Really really love these types of videos, so as long as you enjoy making them, I would love to see more! Sending you lots of love.

[@tahliabarnard8180]

Another film full of Athena's natural warmth; watching it felt calming, self-indulgent and restorative. Thank you!

[@TaylorGold1]

Definitely a yes to more videos like this! It's nice to see a week in your life here and there. Love seeing your little town and how cute it is

[@DanielleRootes]

Congratulations on being “on your own time” FULL TIME thats amazing and also a goal of mine someday. :)

[@RambleFamily]

Thank you! I hope you can do it someday too 😊

[@evebee123]

I love this kind of video! Weekly vlog style would be amazing and definitely the longer the better - it gives me an excuse to have a break from work for half an hour or so!

[@maxplanck9055]

Athena seems like a nice woman with a nice life in the countryside, interesting to see a rural life from a young person's point of view in the 21st century, good to see a happy woman fulfill her potential 🇬🇧👍❤️

[@woodnugget1301]

Good luck to you both it’s lovely when two nice people achieve their goals enjoy and happy times ian

[@expatfamilylive9041]

Your vlogs make our weekend warmer and brighter! Thank you 🌷hugs from the Netherlands!

[@ellacbeeful]

Love the weekly vlog style, the area you live looks so beautiful!

[@beccacamz]

Really enjoyed the longer video, just popped it on while I had breakfast and got ready and was just delightful. Congrats on being fully freelance!!

[@Speedkillseal]

I'm really happy to see that you're 100% self-employed now! I'm sure you're doing it for fun and passion, but I'm glad that we also benefit from your choice (videos, books, gears). We are also a winner from your new full-time job!!! I love the new town you're in! It looks so lovely!!! I said it before, but you made me want to travel the UK as my new first-choice post-pandemic destination.

[@mapleleafer74]

Those hills are magic, so good for the soul.

[@hannahplumbe2993]

I love the long vlogs! I mean I love all the vlogs but this felt like spending the morning with a friend and that was super nice :)

[@Kathy.Thorne]

Love the video, the wooden things in your back garden (you couldn't remember what they are called) are pallets. Hope you are having a great weekend x

[@susanthompson5142]

I really enjoy the longer vlogs Athena !!!! Please keep them coming, it feels like spending time with friends. Oslo brings a smile to my face. As someone who lives in the USA in NYC, I really am enjoying your walks in the beautiful countryside around your home and I love seeing all your food purchases from your local small shops. It's so different from my life in a big city. I thoroughly enjoy all your content. I especially love waking up to an Athena Mellor vlog on a Saturday morning. Can't think of a lovelier way to start off my morning !!! Than you !!! ❤

[@RambleFamily]

Thank you so much 😊

[@clarehedgecox6814]

Great vlog Athena love seeing the dales and how you test your walks for the guide books. More like this please just pure escapism!

[@bexhardy]

Dear Athena, thank you so much for your lovely content. I have just 'found' you, but am watching everything! I can't believe your new home - I am sure I visited really near there for my holidays as a child. I learned to swim in the river and we walked up Winder and got lost! My Dad and I loved the Lakes too and we did a few of the fells. I haven't been walking for a long time. I have a dreadful sense of direction! But after watching some of your videos I got the OS app on my phone and took my son out last weekend. I await your next walking guide eagerly! Thanks again for heaps of inspiration and a look at a place that is very close to my heart. Xx

[@saralongman179]

Yes please so loved your latest vlog, I watched with a cup of tea and chocolate cake at about 19.30pm this Sunday evening what a great way to finish my week.

[@MyWaywardLife]

Really love these videos! I find it inspiring to see how much you do in a week! Makes me motivated to get off my butt 😃🙏🏽😁. PS: really also like the food hauls and cooking parts ☺️

[@lucytaylor7831]

Would love to see more videos like this! The longer the better, its so nice to properly escape to the hills with you through your videos! Best of luck with the start of your freelance adventure x

[@jillnewton1966]

Yes please. Love watching your everyday life- your videos are always beautiful and full of wonderful nature and the simple pleasures of life

[@luciapretorius8568]

Ramble Guides ARRIVED today and I’m sooo excited to start exploring and rambling 😃

[@SummerLove2192]

Watching your videos is a highlight of my week! Such lovely filming and editing. I especially love to watch them with my pup, Sawyer. She watches Oslo closely and listens to the birds and it gets us both excited to hit the Massachusetts trails.

[@lloyddarbon5034]

We f***ing luv seeing what you get up to. More like this please :D

[@ecroche5508]

Love the video Athena, delighted that you're doing your own thing now for work, and it's interesting to see what you're working week looks like!

[@gegibs]

Absolutely loved this video, Athena - I love the long format. Thanks for sharing! As someone who wants to make the transition to full time freelance later in the year, it's so inspiring to see someone else taking the leap. Can't wait to see what you create next! X

[@christine3358]

Loved seeing your week, would love to see more.

[@quietandlight9491]

Hello Athena, I love these vlogs of yours. I too like to watch longer videos in sections, and yours are my favorite. Much love from Hawaii.

[@heathershand9083]

Yep, I echo all the other comments about loving this type of vlog. I watched it in 2 sittings and it was lovely to know I had more to come back to. I love seeing all the delicious local food you are able to get. What a beautiful place to live. I'm so happy for you that you have been able to go freelance and that you are enjoying it so much x

[@RambleFamily]

Thank you so much 😊

[@TheBikeRoom]

Takes me a half hour to iron my shirts for work, your vlogs at 30 minutes are the perfect duration.

[@FablesandFells]

Congrats on going freelance! I have a very similar week haha, just down the road in Kendal with my online store and getting out to do my product photography etc. So love seeing this, very relaxing. I personally love the longer vlogs too! It's part of my week to have a nice coffee and watch your new video 😊

[@Garoky1]

I really enjoyed this video. Very calming and beautiful scenery. I enjoy the longer videos as I save them to watch while knitting.

[@Melissa-iw8xo]

Always enjoy what you serve up. Enjoy this new turn in your career. Blessings

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Nice video again. I am happy to see Oslo wearing a harness now as that is so much safer/better in the outdoors than a collar, especially with a flex leash. Great improvement👍

[@whattovisitinromania5044]

Your dog in the background is so cute! 😍 Amazing landscapes there! 👀Wish you success in the future! ❤️

[@joanhannah8062]

So enjoyed your blog thingy. I love walking with you in the countryside. Thanks for the walks. All the best Joan 😊

[@kcorbridge]

I’m very here for the long videos and vlogs! It’s so nice and calming to watch and it brings the country into my little city life which is sorely needed right now (Toronto just entered a brutal third wave). Looking forward to more content in whichever form it takes! Congrats on the freelance life, I’m sure you’ll love it.

[@RambleFamily]

So sorry to hear that Toronto has entered a third wave, but I’m glad that my videos can offer a little bit of calm 🙂

[@TheWildNative]

I'm a huge fan of testing out my walks. Interesting to hear you talking about it.

[@tamara660]

Love all your videos and yes to more of these, it’s great seeing how other people’s week’s look and the day to day of where you guys live 🥰🪵🫖🐕

[@helendaw2891]

such exciting times! Congratulations on becoming fully self-employed! Loved your vlog, in terms of length I enjoyed it and watched it all but just a thought that as life, hopefully, gets fuller again maybe I won't have time to watch for so long.

[@veekadlec]

I absolutely love this format / longer vlog style videos. Both me and my boyfriend enjoyed it. 🙏👌🙂

[@emilie3176]

I was so excited when I saw how long this video was, love that I have this every Saturday to watch. You seem even more free and calm now that you’re self-employed, congratulations!

[@hughelvin7919]

best 30-minute video I've seen for a while. most relaxing and chilled-out film. I feel quite tired now so I think I will have a cup of tea and a piece of cake followed by a snooze LOL. Hugh

[@pascale_1587]

Love this style of video (a week in the life) and enjoyed the length so definitely a big yes to more of them!!! ✨

[@janelangdale6022]

Really enjoyed the variety and length of the vlog. Interesting to see the process of researching and producing a guide. Also great to glimpse into others lives. Thank you.

[@kevinmcg6747]

My wife (Nicola) is a regular viewer and I decided to watch - throughly enjoyed the vlog and I think for the type of work you do it makes sense to be longer. All the best with the new venture as a freelancer. Kevin.

[@pgrieger]

It is exciting to watch your journey and Oslo's life unfold. You are so amazing to grow up with. Seems like you are glowing while sharing your moments.

[@trevilley]

Being home based and freelance gives me time to take in nature😀... I like the longer videos 🙏

[@AM-wt8qi]

so nice seeing parts of everyday life and updates

[@sarahk5724]

Lovely video. Best of luck with freelancing. Oslo is so adorable, I love tbey way he talks back😉

[@martinkingston1498]

Just in response to what you said at the very end of the video about suggestions Athena, would you consider doing some videos on local walks reasonably close to your new home in Yorkshire. There are many wonderful locations nearby - both scenically and historically - that would be WELL worth filming, such as around Haworth ( Penistone Hill, Bronte Waterfall ,Top Withens, Alcomden Stones), Ilkley Moor, Malham Cove and Tarn, all very beautiful, suitable for most walkers, and which could be perfect for guide book research if you haven't already thought of them. There is such an abundance of spectacular routes in this part of Yorkshire that one is spoiled for choice, including the dales walks (such as Nidderdale and Malhamdale), along riverside routes (interspersed with wonderful smaller towns/villages), and on towards the three peaks. As you can tell I am a bit biased!

[@abbsallison8834]

Yes, please keep the vlogs coming!!’ This was a delight to watch. xx

[@gdavew63]

Saturday morning coffee, and your videos, a great start today. Around the 9:14 mark is a tree covered trail! Now I see what you had to do to get the book I ordered to me. I love it! Oslo is a hoot!

[@smiffymiffed2734]

Oslo in the car “yeah, right, can we go now” ? Lovely vlog as always Athena - we are just off to Coniston for a couple of nights in the VW

[@anneworks]

Congrats on the new step you’re taking! I wish you the best of luck. Your videos made me decide to go on a short solo cycling trip to explorethe region that I moved to. I camped one night, cold but fun, (stupidly forgot the old hot water bottle in a sock trick) and visited a friend the next. I’m Dutch, we have no nature to speak of compared to the UK. But it was good to be thoroughly outside again and I found some nice roads. Thanks!

[@megansmith7233]

Great video, love longer vlogs too. Congrats on your self employment!

[@jenhanlon3840]

Lovely as ever and I'm incredibly nosey so like seeing other people's lives ....

[@macclift9956]

I wanted to stay to meet the visitors :)

[@anastrawberry8047]

@@macclift9956 me too! I don’t know why...

[@zoeforlife22]

yes love the weekly vlog and the longer ones! The more the better haha loved this vlog but I love all your videos :)

[@emmapancake2360]

I love seeing what you do in a week!! Keep it up love your videos!

[@zacharycalleja4694]

Your videos are the perfect combination of relaxing and inspiring 😌✨ Thanks for sharing your week with us! 💓

[@sarahsutton3130]

Congratulations! Exciting times ahead. Also great Two Thirds jumper - I recently got the same one 😂 all the best with the new life situation! 🙌

[@isabelscholes4256]

Such a lovely video! We went up to Easedale last time we were in the lakes. So nice to see youre able to do what you love for work

[@ingridlow6959]

You are really happy, this new life is suiting you 😀

[@clairereid6974]

Yay, bring on the long vlogs, I'm a huge fan of them! ❤️🐚

[@karenlorensen1567]

So happy for you Athena...living the dream!!

[@jj-nb1ll]

Lovely video as always.Any content you produce will be really enjoyed by me!!So YES to it all!😊

[@michelefacer5198]

Love this insight into your new life. I’m writing a walking guide too. My favourite walks where I live in the South Downs National Park. I provide adaptations and alternate routes for each walk - so you can make them longer or shorter to suit your ability or mood on the day. It makes the descriptions and the maps a little more complicated but I think it’s worth it. Oslo IS so very cute. Love the way he talks to you.

[@pgrieger]

Love everything you are about and feel connected. Camera skills, editing and...always in all ways...your choice of music. Love love love stuff...I would also listen to your audiobooks featuring your voice.

[@paulamarieart]

I loved this so much. It was complete Oslo overload ❤ fabulous! So good to see all the beautiful things you bought too

[@agnesskibicka]

Absolutely beautiful video and inspiring to strive for one's own goals!! ♥

[@williammcdonald4922]

a delightful look into your week. thank-you for bringing us along.

[@kevwright2002]

Lovely and relaxing, the music you choose is so spot on! We are up staying outside Keswick in a week or so, can not wait.

[@RambleFamily]

Aw brilliant! Hope you enjoy it 👍

[@thescottishtravelcouple]

Loved this vlog and seeing how you spend your week Athena. So beautiful where you live. Oslo is so cute.🥰 Would be great to see more of these vlogs.💞

[@paulpaxtop1580]

The walk up Easdale is done by thousands of visitors, no need for a guide book, your walk round the tarn with warnings about the conditions gets into Guide book territory then a route up to Helm Crag gets to the next level, not easy but so rewarding with maybe an easier option back to the delightful grounds of Lancrigg hotel (I hope it still does delicious hikers coffee and flapjacks) where there’s a quieter option for returning by road to Grasmere. Lovely film bye the way.

[@hthomas308]

Where are your dungarees from? They look so cosy! 🥰 and congratulations on your self employment, that’s the dream!

[@angelas6412]

You have certainly made me ‘lace on boots and get into outdoors in my own country’!!:)

[@LETSGOYONDER]

What a beautiful life you have set up! Very wholesome video!

[@sophiekmeco4772]

Yes please more long vlogs, I love this 💖

[@heathertucker7056]

Yes please! More videos of the same would be lovely! Just love seeing the beautiful area where you live too! We have booked for the Lake District in late summer and can’t wait to get those walking boots on! Btw noticed you buying Ecover laundry liquid. It’s full of chemicals and they’ve just recalled some (see website) I’ve changed to a more eco friendly brand so give it some thought!

[@Jessicaish95]

Oslo is such a good boy

[@chriswellstead776]

Pallets!! Thanks for your latest update to life in the Fells.

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent]

I like it and like watching videos this length from you, perfect for leisurely Saturday morning coffee and breakfast and perfect time for my food to go down to so that I don't jump up too fast :) so happy for you with your life in new property and embracing the positives of renting eg moving to a different area and good variety. Stay safe and well, the three of you

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent]

Also I meant to ask where are your navy walking trousers from and how much £?-they're in your first walk where you get Maisie's cake. I love them. And how long is your walk from your place to town? It's great that you walk it rather than drive.

[@bennyswales8245]

Great video Athena great scenery and a great companion with you on your walk Oslo great work keep it up and all the best in your new career?.....Stewart

[@lidialyn]

Loved to see your week!

[@Sarah-ij3hg]

Loved seeing how you spent your week 🥰 tfs x

[@joannemorris1689]

Lovely vlog Athena..great to see the area. Wishing you all the success on your freelance journey..do exciting to follow you

[@bagnatoleandro8313]

Beautiful video Athena, as always. Yes, I like the day-to-day week videos. And if they are long much better to exfoliate my brain. Thanks Athena! Greetings to Mr. Oslo!

[@marcellejosephine9119]

Lovely video really enjoyed it and congratulations on your new step in being self employed! 🍀🎉

[@rowenag867]

Loved the long weekly vlog! Love more of them X

[@DianneC8287]

I loved this. Please do more of them. I also like longer videos rather than shorter. I’d like to see the picnic mats rolled out please. 👋🙋🏾‍♀️

[@MrHanniKanni]

Definitely yes I would love to see more vlogs like this!☺️

[@stefanorossetti5655]

Really nice video Athena ! Your new house is really nice as the place you live!

[@ellagillies6904]

Yes to more weekly vlogs! Love this video!