The One Where CopyKate Turns ONE! 🎉
I launched my very first business CopyKate on July 1st 2019, filled with uncertainty, fear and bucket loads of imposter syndrome. Within my first week, I had landed my first client. And I thought to myself-
"Eeek! This is really happening!!!"
Y' see, since I was little, writing has been my thing. As an avid reader, my head was filled with stories and I dreamed that one day, I could tell my own. The decision to start CopyKate wasn't an easy one.
2018 was (if I'm brutally honest) a pretty grim year. I was painfully unhappy at work, my confidence was at an all-time low, my mental health was on the brink and I was feeling lost, both personally and professionally. Something had to change. But I was terrified.
And so, in true Kate style, I turned to books and study. From Week 1 of my Marketing course, I knew this was a space I wanted to be in. I knew that I wanted to use my words to support brands in telling their story. Leaving a stable "9-5" for a new world of uncertainty seemed crazy. And in hindsight, it was crazy- totally bonkers! But with the support of my fiancé and family, I did it!
In this past year, I've pushed myself hard. I've cried so many tears of frustration, happiness, relief and pure exhaustion.I can truly say I've worked my butt off. And sitting here today, I feel oh so proud.
Before I get too emotional, here's a brief overview of my first year in business...
My Space
I feel very lucky to have space at home to call my office.
Over the past year, I've worked to turn it into a space of inspiration and have ignored the poor lighting and drawers jam-packed with impractical stationery and far too many notebooks. One day soon, I hope to expand. Before COVID, I flirted with the idea of moving to a co-working space part-time so that I could meet easier with my clients and expand my networking with fellow freelancers. For now, this plan is on hold.
My Clients
This may come across as a little smug but, I've been extremely lucky with the clients I have worked with to date. Each COMPLETELY different from the other, I've been exposed to so many fantastic new worlds. From health, lifestyle, plants and coffee to recruitment, hospitality and non-profits, I've learned so so so much in such a short time. The past few months have been so challenging for businesses worldwide and I feel so proud of how each of my clients has responded. If I've worked with you and you are reading this, thank YOU for your support and for allowing me to play a part in your brand journey. If you are interested in working with me in the future, know that you are in fantastic company!
Some things I've learned:
Other writers/ freelancers are not your foes, they are valued friends and mentors from who you can learn so much from.
Sometimes (as much as I'd love to believe otherwise) I really can't do it all. Rest is oh so important and so is the word "No".
Emails will be sent late, Whatsapps will come in at weekends and deadlines will be pushed back and forth like nobody's business. Boundaries can only exist if you create them for yourself.
Nothing gets rid of writer's block more effectively than a crazed dance around your apartment to David Bowie.
The thrill of completing a project you've worked so hard on will never ever get old.
No matter how many fancy tools I get, I still work best with a pen and paper.
The life of a Freelancer is lonely (even as an introvert). Podcasts, Webinars and loud cafés have kept me feeling sane and connected to the outside world.
Wearing fluffy socks makes you write better. Fact.
Some things I've worked on:
Oh so many blog posts
Countless social media posts (seriously, I've lost count!)
Video Scripts
Marketing support for a non-profit
Website Copy
Website Design
Workshop Copy
Slide deck design & Copy
Landing Page Copy
Proofreading & Editing
Documentary Script
Press Releases
Content Marketing Consultations
Infographics
Newsletters
Some things to come:
I have big BIG plans.
Plans to scale my business, upskill and to get myself out there more as a Freelancer. In the next couple of months, I will be adding some new additional services, you'll see me on my very own YouTube channel and I'll be introducing sparkly new branding for my website, social and print materials. And the rest? Well, stay tuned...
