PICA Member Spotlights

Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams

 

Q: Who are you and what’s your business?

A: I’m Louise Bijesse, and I am the founder and CEO of UpTalent Consulting & Search, a national Talent Acquisition and HR consulting firm based outside of Asheville, North Carolina. My background is in hospitality, healthcare, and corporate HR, and I love helping companies build strong, people-centered teams that make an impact.

 

Q: How long have you been independent?

A: I started UpTalent in 2022 to focus on executive and leadership searches, strategic hiring, and fractional HR support.

 

Q: Why did you become an independent consultant? 

A: After years in the corporate world, I became passionate about taking the best of what I’d learned and filling in the gaps where larger organizations often fall short. I’ve always loved supporting people and delivering fast, effective results, and I wanted the independence to do that on my own terms. Now, I have the opportunity to offer my clients the very best, and that’s exactly what I aim to deliver.

Q: How did you “make the leap”?

A: After challenging myself to step into a completely new industry in healthcare as VP of Talent Acquisition, following years in recruiting leadership for corporate foodservice and hospitality, I realized how important it is to keep challenging myself and pushing beyond my comfort zone. That’s where real growth happens. One of the biggest pieces of wisdom I’ve gained is this: don’t wait to make the move. You just have to go for it.

Q: How did you get your first client? 

A: I got my first client through a referral from a family member, and things just grew from there, one warm referral at a time. I started sharing my early, humble successes on LinkedIn, and that’s when former colleagues began reaching out to me for larger projects.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about making the leap to solopreneurship or who is just starting out?

A: A couple of things: First, watch out for “scope creep,” that’s when you commit to a project and the client keeps adding more and more to your plate. Also, make sure to diversify your client base. Don’t rely too heavily on one big client or “big fish.”

Success looks different for everyone. There’s a lot of great business advice out there, and some of it is tried and true. But at the end of the day, trust your gut and lean into what works best for you—that is what is going to serve you in the long run.

Q: What’s surprised you the most about being self-employed? 

A: One thing that really surprised me is the level of respect from the community and the national networks I’ve started to build. Being seen as a “consultant” tends to attract people who are looking for very specific support or guidance, and it’s been such a meaningful opportunity to be of service. I’m constantly learning and growing, even in areas where I’m already considered a subject matter expert, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.

Q: What’s been your biggest challenge?

A: I’m going to keep it real—one of the biggest challenges is balancing client work with business development. Referrals are amazing and such a rewarding way to grow, but as an independent consultant, you’ve got to keep all the balls in the air. That means making sure the right people know about your services, staying visible, and doing some marketing, whether you love it or not.

The truth is, I didn’t get into this to be a marketer or salesperson. I got into it to serve business owners with their talent search and people operations needs. But running your own business is like tending a garden; there are always a lot of areas that need attention at the same time.

Q: What does the word “solopreneur” mean to you?

A: I guess on the surface, “solopreneur” implies doing it all on your own. And while I am technically an independent consultant, the reality is a bit different. I now have consultants who work for me that I’m training, I can collaborate with peers in my professional network to take on larger projects, and I’m part of a vibrant local and national community where we refer and support one another. So, even though I run my own business, I rarely feel like I’m going at it alone!

Q: What is something that many aspiring solopreneurs think they need that they really don’t? 

A: All the fancy bells and whistles from solicitors come out of the woodwork when you first get started. Sure, you’ll need some specific tools depending on your industry; however, it’s just the beginning. It’s your unique knowledge and talent that will set you apart from your competitors. Don’t overload yourself with monthly expenses right out of the gate. You likely already have everything you need to get started.

Q: Is there a particular quote or saying that you use as personal motivation?

A: “I never work a day in my life.” Meaning you should always enjoy what you’re doing, and if you don’t, you are in your own power to change it. I’ve been saying that for years!

Q: What’s next for you and your consulting business?

A: We’re excited to share that our website just got a fresh new makeover as we approach our third anniversary this May! We've gotten super clear on what we offer, and we're energized to keep serving our future clients with intention and impact.

So, what’s next?

  • More leadership and executive searches!

  • Strategic fractional HR partnerships

  • Inspiring talent acquisition workshops for growing teams

And finally, we’re working smarter—not harder, by using technology where it makes sense while also doubling down on good old-fashioned research, human attention, and that boutique touch. We're focused on continuously improving every client touchpoint throughout the process.

Q: How can people find out more about you or your business?

A: I’d love for folks to visit UpTalentConsulting.com and check out my bio on the About page. You’ll see that one of my big “whys” is giving back to sea turtle conservancy efforts—something I hope to integrate more into the future of the business.

We’ve also launched an Instagram page to better connect with our market there; find us at @UpTalent_

And finally, I’m always up for a virtual coffee chat. I offer a free consult to any business owner looking to make a strategic hire, implement a strong fractional HR framework, or rejuvenate their TA team. I’d love to hear from you!

Say hello to me here: Louise.Bijesse@UpTalentConsulting.com

Book a time with me here: UpTalent Calendly

Connect with me on LinkedIn: LinkedIn/Bijesse

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