Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Megan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I always knew I wanted to work as an independent. In fact, I was a successful freelance writer before I even graduated from the University of Richmond. Alas, journalism was changing rapidly at the time in 2009. The internet rose up fast and swiftly changed the face of what I thought I’d be doing for the rest of my life. Amidst the changing seas, I shifted gears and found full-time employment in the nonprofit industry–they were eager for me to use my diverse skills applied in the digital age of fundraising and marketing. I took some of the first social media classes available, learned how to design websites, launched email marketing campaigns, and continued to learn more about digital marketing. A few full-time roles later and I knew digital marketing was here to stay and that I could help bring it to more people in need if I pursued a freelance career. I really led with the desire to help more people. I began building up freelance work on the side to prepare for the transition. Once I felt confident the need was there and I had enough funds to make the transition, I gave notice. It was a lot of project-based work at first. I began to shift gears to find retainer clients who could be in a working relationship with me for years–therefore guaranteeing myself a predictable income stream. As the years went on, I became more and more clear about what I was good at and what clients felt the greatest impact when working with me. Now I have long-term team members who are helping me with long-term clients and earning long-term income with me. I couldn’t be happier and more proud.
Megan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Megan Wilson. I am known far and wide as a blogger covering travel, fashion, beauty, and wellness. I’m on most channels under “@sweetsauceblog” and my website is sweetsauceblog.com. I share my international and hyper-local adventures, my shoppable outfits, and other daily finds and recommendations to make your life sweeter. I started this outlet the same time I began freelancing as a digital marketing specialist.
I’ve branded my marketing agency Sweet Talk Strategy–I wanted the brand names to sort of speak to one another. Sweet Talk is my main squeeze–what I’m working on 85-90% of the time. As Creative Director here, we work with national and local brands and nonprofits to deliver customized creative solutions. That includes social media management, photography, videography, copywriting, email marketing, strategic planning, influencer management, public relations, and more. I have a talented team of creators who work for me on a variety of projects. We’re known for being nimble, attentive, experienced, and fun.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I really got into creating my own agency because I wanted to help more people. It’s genuinely what drives me to keep learning, connecting, and pushing. It’s also what has kept me committed to having an untraditional agency model. I work with a collective of contractors–no one is full time. I have a core team who are always a “first call” but I keep a close list of contacts in all specialities (web design, photography, videography, social media, etc.) in case someone is a better fit for a project based on personality, aesthetic, or work style. I can truly create a customized creative team for any client and that has been such a successful by product of staying focused on my mission: how can we help more people in the best way possible?
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I had built a community sooner! Being an entrepreneur is a challenge and you always need referrals, recommendations, and just someone to talk to and stay motivated. Finding a networking group that speaks to you is a wonderful resource. Today, I’m a member and now VP of Marketing & Communications of NAWBO Richmond (National Association of Women Business Owners). I never leave an event without an app to know, a recommendation for something I need, or an idea I can put into action. Finding a good mentor is also a resource I simply can’t overstate. Finding a mentor will change your game. I personally mentor a lot of young men and women because I know how important it can be to have someone take an interest in our personal journey. Some that I mentor are interested in pursuing freelance careers and/or working in digital marketing–especially social media. Some are scared away once they do the work and others are inspired to keep pushing. They get the space to figure that out safely with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweettalkstrategy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsauceblog/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetSauceBlog
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-wilson-a7392011/
Image Credits
Ashley Loth of Sound Snap Photography: https://www.soundsnapphoto.com/