5 Things I’ve Learned Since Owning a Copywriting Business

The digital doors to my copywriting business, The Coveted Copy Studio, opened on March 13, 2024. For months before I hit publish, I worked to build and write my website, gather testimonials, connect with prospective clients, network my face off, and manage my full-time job. You know, the thing that pays my bills and lets me invest in my business?

LOL. 

I’ve always been an extreme overachiever, but launching this baby of mine has to take the cake in things I’ve worked my butt off for. And let me tell you, it’s been a dooooozy. 

But it’s been beautiful and exciting and confusing and so much damn fun. I wouldn’t change these last five months and all of the lessons it has brought forward for the world. The knowledge, mistakes, connections, and opportunities I’ve gained have been invaluable to my progress as a person and professional. So in honor of being five months old—literally still a baby, I know—here are five things I’ve learned about owning my copywriting business. 

1. Clear Communication is Kind Communication

My fiance and I always say, “Clear is kind,” when talking through conflict. And the same mantra applies to business. Clear communication is an absolute necessity, especially when it comes to level-setting with clients and myself. As a girlie who likes to overachieve and over-deliver, I’ve learned that I have to set clear boundaries for myself to be creative. 

For example, a prospective client asked if I could cut my delivery time in half. The people pleaser in me wanted to scream YES I CAN DO THIS! 

Would the work suffer? Yep.

Would my full-time job suffer? Yep. 

Would my mental health suffer? YEP. 

I knew that a quick turnaround like she wanted would prohibit me from delivering the quality she deserved for the money she would pay, and I told her that. I communicated clearly and explained why that deliverable wasn’t possible. It may sound like a small win, but this is absolutely something I would’ve tried to swing a year or two ago. 

Clear is prioritizing realist timelines. 

Clear is best practice.

Clear is kind. 

2. The Power of Networking

Networking isn’t something I’ve prioritized since college, which is sad and honestly so dumb. In this new chapter of my life, it has been an absolute game-changer. Before I started running a copywriting business and accepting clients, I joined Entreprenista, a networking group for female entrepreneurs. 

While it can sometimes feel daunting, especially when managing other responsibilities, making connections and being intentional with networking has opened doors I never expected. From finding new clients to collaborating on projects, the relationships I’ve built through networking have been invaluable. I’ve learned that it’s not just about who you know but also about who knows you and the value you bring. 

3. The Reality of Wearing Many Hats

Back in the day, I was a high school English teacher. I played the role of teacher, mom, protector, therapist, etc. Running a business has brought me right back to those days because this path has required me to be so much more than just a copywriter. I’ve had to learn about marketing, finance (???), client relationships, and even a bit of IT. It’s been overwhelming at times, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. And honestly a lot of fun. 

4. The Necessity of Work-Life Balance

Balancing a new business with a full-time job and personal life and oh I don’t know PLANNING A WEDDING has been TOUGH. I quickly realized that burning the candle at both ends was not sustainable. And while I love to grind, this isn’t the season for it. Prioritizing my future hubs, our wedding, and my job has required me to set some serious boundaries around work. 

Sometimes that means the newsletter doesn’t go out. Sometimes that means working early on a Saturday. Sometimes it means prioritizing my workouts. As someone who’s struggled with balance my whole life, I’ve finally recognized when to take a break and recharge. My clients deserve that. 

5. The Joy of Seeing a Vision Come to Life

Despite the challenges, the most rewarding part has been seeing my vision come to life. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching an idea grow from a little baby concept into a fully functioning business—or in this case, an infant. Each milestone, no matter how small, is something I take immense pride in. It’s a reminder of why I started this business in the first place: to create something meaningful and share my passion with others.

Starting The Coveted Copy Studio has been a whirlwind of learning experiences, and I’m excited to see where the next five months—and beyond—will take me. Here’s to embracing the copywriting chaos, with all its ups and downs, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Cheers, friends.