Making Their Own Mark:
How Freelancers Are Shaping the Future of Communications
By Anmol Harjani
Every year on March 13, National Freelancers Day celebrates the independence, creativity, and impact of professionals who are redefining what it means to have a communications career. No longer limited to traditional agency or in-house roles, independent and freelance practitioners are showing that autonomy, expertise, and strategic insight can flourish outside conventional career paths.
To mark the day, I connected with three communications professionals, Andrea Chrysanthou, Matt Celestial, and Gina Chung, who have embraced freelance work. Their stories illuminate the realities, challenges, and rewards of operating independently, while offering lessons in strategy, resilience and professional growth.
1. Andrea Chrysanthou, APR
Founder and Principal, Amplify Communications
Co-President, CPRS Toronto’s Board
Andrea has always loved the idea of building something of her own. Freelancing gave her the freedom to choose clients, define services, and set priorities. For Andrea, independence is about shaping work around values and expertise, rather than fitting into a pre-existing structure.
She notes that a common misconception is that freelance work is “easier” or requires less effort. In reality, her reputation and business depend on every client interaction. Almost all of her work comes from repeat clients or referrals, a testament to the trust and strategic value she delivers consistently.
Freelancing also requires a disciplined approach to vetting ideas and strategies. Without colleagues to bounce concepts off, Andrea takes extra time to consider alternative perspectives before presenting recommendations. Her advice to anyone considering freelance work is to protect themselves professionally, setting clear agreements and ensuring clients operate in good faith.
Through her LinkedIn group for Canadian communications freelancers, Andrea has also built a supportive space for peers to exchange ideas, share tools, and learn best practices, reinforcing her belief that community is key even in independent work.
2. Matt Celestial
Publicity Director, Animation & Interactive Entertainment
MCPR | A Statement Worldwide Company
Treasurer, CPRS Toronto’s Board
Matt’s path to freelancing was shaped by a mix of serendipity and long-held ambition. Initially considering psychology or medical school, a call from a former boss offered a different path, working independently rather than as an employee.
For Matt, the appeal of freelancing lies in the combination of entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. He relishes problem-solving for clients across sectors, and finds fulfillment in seeing people succeed. One memorable moment involved guiding a client through her first national television appearance, helping her feel confident and empowered and realizing that even small interventions can have a lasting impact.
He emphasizes that freelancing is not a temporary stopgap but a full business. Over ten years, Matt has navigated legal, accounting, finance, team management, and HR, skills that go far beyond traditional communications work. Listening, empathy, and authenticity form the core of how he builds credibility and sustains client relationships.
Matt encourages aspiring freelancers to embrace agility, invest in skill development, and even explore creative writing or content projects to hone their craft. And, most importantly, he reminds independent professionals to pause and enjoy the journey, even amidst busy or uncertain periods.
3. Gina Chung
Founder, Free Reign Media
Gina’s move into independent communications was rooted in her newsroom experience. Understanding how journalists evaluate stories, she now applies that editorial judgment to advising clients, focusing not just on coverage, but timing, positioning and story readiness.
One common misconception she encounters is that freelancing is less demanding. In reality, she wears every hat: strategy, execution, client management, and running a business. The responsibility is constant, but it also builds resilience and discipline. A defining moment for Gina was realizing that her business was sustainable, freelancing became a long-term platform for impact, relationships and autonomy.
Her advice for aspiring freelancers emphasizes mindset, discipline and initiative. Slow periods should be leveraged to build visibility, strengthen relationships, and uncover new opportunities for clients. Success is not accidental; it is intentional, strategic, and informed by foresight.
A Collective Portrait of Independent Communications Professionals
Across these three stories, a clear theme emerges. Freelancers in communications are not simply “between jobs”, they are leading with intention, building trust through demonstrated results, and shaping careers around autonomy, expertise and impact.
Key takeaways for professionals considering independent work:
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Independence requires discipline, not less work.
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Credibility is earned through consistency, foresight and integrity.
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Freelancers must wear many hats while maintaining focus on strategy and execution.
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Community and mentorship remain important, even when working solo.
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Professional boundaries and business savvy are critical for sustainability.
National Freelancers Day is a celebration of independence, yes—but also of the professionals who are actively shaping the future of communications with strategic thinking, editorial judgment, and entrepreneurial spirit. Freelancers are no longer on the margins; they are redefining what it means to thrive in this field.
Anmol Harjani is a Client Servicing Manager working with a remote company and a recent graduate of York University’s Public Relations and Communications program. She is especially interested in strategic communications, social media behaviour, and how PR practitioners adapt within a rapidly evolving digital landscape. She currently serves as the Communications Co-Chair on the CPRS Toronto Board.