We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Kepic recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
I started my business (Nicole Kepic Copywriting) way back in 2010. At the time, it was “just” a side hustle – something I did here and there for “bonus” cash for family trips. I was already working full-time in Corporate as a Senior Copywriter, and never really imagined my freelance gig turning into anything more.
But as time passed, things got busy! Suddenly I found myself commuting 2 hours a day, working my full-time job, and serving a bigger and bigger freelance roster on nights and weekends. Not to mention … being a mom, wife, and cheerleader at all of my son’s extra-curricular activities.
Finally, in 2020 – a full DECADE after starting my side hustle – I decided to quit Corporate and go all in on Nicole Kepic Copywriting.
Best. Decision. Ever.
Now, there are definitely times when I wonder, “Why the heck didn’t I take the leap earlier?!!!” But as a wise friend once told me, you have to trust the timing of your life. Working in Corporate taught me so much – how to write for big, international brands, how to hone my client experience, and so much more. So as much as I wish I became a thriving full-time entrepreneur at a younger age, I’m A-OK with where I’m at now!
Nicole , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely! I’m a professional copywriter based outside of Toronto, Ontario (Canada). I’m so honored to write for female entrepreneurs all around the world who don’t have the time or desire to write their own copy. They are the kindest, most amazing women, and they’re doing BIG things in business. The last thing they want is to stress about how to write the perfect sales page, website, or email sequence.
That’s where I come in.
With my signature VIP Day service, I write my clients’ copy in just one or two highly focused days. They walk away with copy they love (that speaks to their ideal audience), so they can be more confident showing up and selling their amazing programs, products, or services.
Before running my own business, I received a Journalism degree and spent nearly 20 years as a Senior Copywriter in the corporate space, writing for international brands like Walmart, Pepsi, Keurig, Kellogg’s, and more.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I consider myself a “social introvert.” I love meeting new people and even enjoy small talk … but I”ll never be the person who walks into a room and OWNS that room. I’m just too quiet for that!
While working in Corporate, I started to believe that my quietness was a hindrance, not an asset. Bosses would tell me I needed to “be louder” or “speak up more” in big meetings, and this made me believe that if I wasn’t an extrovert, I wouldn’t be as successful as others.
I’ve now flipped the switch on this thinking.
I now KNOW that introverts can be just as successful as extroverts.
We are good listeners, thoughtful thinkers, and even inspired leaders.
Yes, I’m always here to grow and expand out of my comfort zone. But I’m also A-OK with being an introvert, too!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Around the time I left Corporate, I created my business account on Instagram. Suddenly, I realized there was this whole, new world out there of other female entrepreneurs! I decided that THIS was the audience I wanted to write for – fellow women who were chasing their dreams and making things happen!
So, I made the pivot from writing for corporate companies to personal, 1:1 brands (i.e., online coaches, course creators, and service providers).
Then, a strange thing happened.
Big, bad, Imposter Syndrome set in for a bit. Despite my 20 years of copywriting experience, I felt like a “newbie” writing for a different audience. Luckily, this blip was short-lived, but it shows that no matter what stage of business you’re in (or how much experience you have) mindset gremlins can pop up once in a while!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolekepic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkcopywriting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.kepic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolekepic/
Image Credits
Photography: Dana Castro, Three Crowns Branding Hair & Make-Up: Victoria Megan, Victoria Megan Beauty