Fractional Ops · Research · Strategy

Hi, I'm

Arlin.
Fractional Ops Manager & Researcher

I help small creative businesses and independent operators research, strategize, and find a way forward past the systems they've outgrown — so they can get their time back.

How it works
1
Tell me what's going on

Message me on Contra with your situation — what's tangled, what you've tried, what a good outcome looks like.

2
I research and think it through

I dig in, synthesize, and map a way forward — no calls required, no back-and-forth overhead.

3
You get a clear written brief

A structured, actionable deliverable — on your timeline, ready to use from day one.

All async · All in writing · On your timeline

Examples of the Work

Sample deliverables. This is the format and depth you can expect.

R
Deep Dive Research
Tier 1 · Researcher
Kickstarter vs. Direct-to-PDF: A Market Brief

A solo TTRPG publisher needed to know where to launch before investing months of work. Platform landscape, audience data, and a clear recommendation — delivered in writing.

Q
Quick Research Snapshot
Tier 1 · Researcher
EHR Platform Comparison for a Solo Practice

An independent therapist needed to pick a practice management platform without spending hours researching. A focused brief comparing top options by cost, features, and fit.

O
Operations Checkup
Tier 2 · Project Consultant
Finding the Gaps: A Nonprofit Ops Triage

A three-person nonprofit where everyone was doing everything and nothing had a real owner. Structural gaps mapped, priorities identified, and a clear starting point delivered.

S
Get Unstuck
Tier 2 · Project Consultant
Three Directions, One Decision: A Strategy Brief

A solo brand photographer had three directions she could grow her business and couldn't commit to any of them. A reframe, her options laid out clearly, and a concrete next step.

Find the Right Fit

Everything is async, delivered in writing, on your timeline. No calls required unless you want one.

Tier 1 · Researcher
Quick Research Snapshot
From $45
3-day turnaround

One focused question. I research it, synthesize it, and hand you back a clear brief with everything you need.

Book this →
Tier 1 · Researcher
Deep Dive Research
From $150
7-day turnaround

High-stakes decisions before committing time or money. I go deep and deliver a brief with a clear recommendation.

Book this →
Quick Build
Work Ready Tools
$25/tool
3-day turnaround

A form, tracker, chart, slide deck, or spreadsheet — built clean and ready to use from day one.

Book this →
Tier 2 · Consultant
Get Unstuck
From $95
5-day turnaround

Too close to the problem to see through it. I read your situation, reframe it, and send back a written brief with your options and a next step.

Book this →
Tier 2 · Consultant
Operations Checkup
From $300
10-day turnaround

Something isn't working and you're too close to see what. I map what's actually happening, find the gaps, and tell you what to fix first.

Book this →

I untangle business chaos so you can get your time back.

I've spent years inside operationally complex environments — marine operations, kitchen management, software QA, non-profits and more. I know how to find the gaps and map a way through.

I've also spent time inside creative communities — TTRPG spaces, indie games, that world. I speak that language too.

If your business has outgrown the informal systems holding it together, that's where I come in — research, process mapping, and strategy, all delivered in writing on your timeline. No calls required unless you want one.

Operations Research Strategy Process Mapping Systems Thinking Async Design
6
Services across three tiers — from $45 research briefs to ongoing fractional support
100%
Async by default — everything delivered in writing, on your timeline
3 day
Fastest turnaround — Quick Research Snapshot delivered in 3 business days
Industries served — creative businesses, nonprofits, independent operators, and more

Tell me what's up.

I'll send a way forward. No call required to get started — just reach out.

Get started
So, how can I help? →
Email
arlinmae@pm.me
in
LinkedIn
Connect on LinkedIn →

"If your business has outgrown the informal systems holding it together — that's where I come in. Tell me what's going on and I'll send a way forward."