Meet Carmen, a copywriter that will inject more strategy into your business

Carmen is a writer of words, wearer of big earrings, teller of stories, and giver of pep talks. She describes herself as a ‘wear your heart on your earlobes‘ kinda gal who worships at the altar of Beyoncé, Jacinda, and Roxane. Carmen has a chronic book-buying habit and loves all things bright and colourful that shines bright in her fashion style. She joined Freelancing Gems to embolden us to be the most colourful and courageous selves, because she believes that’s exactly what the world needs.

Carmen shared with us her career journey and business in copywriting so far in this Q&A.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business?

Lover of tea and teller of stories, I’m a ‘wear your heart on your earlobes’ kinda gal who makes a living as a copywriter, storyteller and communications strategist.

After a decade in women’s health and community engagement, co-founding The Global Women’s Project, I now help businesses create scroll-stopping content, world-changing campaigns and brand narratives that inspire and engage. All they gotta do is:

‘CARMEN GET IT!’

With a love of all things colourful, I also run an online store designing and collaborating with women makers on a range of bold and badass feminist accessories and stationery.

What inspired you to make the leap and go out on your own, and when did you first start working for yourself?

If I may be blunt – it was originally out of necessity; I lost my job in 2018. Fired from what I thought was a ‘dream job’, it was at that moment I decided never to put my fate in other people’s hands so overtly again. I figured if I wanted to give my blood, sweat and tears to something again, then it’d be working for myself, on my terms.

Of course, I can now see that this is what I was meant to be doing all along, and the universe was giving me somewhat of an almighty shove in the right direction.

Tell us about your experience of working for yourself?

If you want to confront all of the less than amazing parts of yourself and see the impacts of your ‘not enoughness’, your perfectionism and your poor relationship with money in black and white – go into business for yourself. For me, it’s the best therapy in the world. I am naturally collaborative and like working with others, but I relish the chance to rely on myself, take responsibility and ownership for my sh*t and calling my own shots.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to make the leap?

You will never feel 100% ready.

Best tips for winning new business?

Listen more than you talk. And I mean, really listen. Listen to what they’re actually asking for, understand why they’re asking and reflect it back to them, adding an ‘in my experience’ and a ‘I think this will work really well for you’. Be upfront and clear on what it costs (because you’ve done your sums and know why you charge what you charge) and set on your merry way to surprise and delight them with a quick win or welcome gift.

What has been your favourite project to date?

Helping to build and launch a platform dedicated to building women’s financial literacy and confidence called Ladies Talk Money. We take a more holistic and structural view of issues facing women and their money, and pour a lot of time and consideration into creating resources and articles that women will find useful but that don’t put the onus on us to change a system not built for us.

What is a business win you’re currently celebrating?

One year since I launched the GET IT! Store! It also happens to fall on International Cake Day, so I’ll be blowing out candles all round.

What led you to join Freelancing Gems?

Being a sole trader can be lonely at times, but almost all of the issues and challenges you’re facing are not unique to you and your business. To have the chance to learn and share alongside other freelancers is how we’re going to tip the scales of fortune back in our favour.

What is one word you would use to describe Freelancing Gems?

Bright.

What’s next for your business?

Launching my new Marine Queen Collection, featuring a killer original pattern and bunch of mer-mazing earrings, hair accessories and stationery created in collaboration with some of my favourite women makers. And finally getting to do a few in-person markets again!

Get in touch to Carmen if you’d like to inject more strategy, storytelling and sass into your copy, campaigns and communications. You can connect with her on the Gem Directory. Not a member? Join now.