We were lucky to catch up with Raeah Carroll recently and have shared our conversation below.

Raeah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

If I could go back in time and tell 12-year-old Raeah that 34-year-old Raeah writes for a living she would be so proud. She would also be confused because 90% of the writing I do is for platforms that either didn’t exist or were brand new when I was 12. It took a long time and a winding road for me to finally be able to make writing my full-time career. When I first graduated from college with my degree in English Literature, I thought I only had two choices, law school or teaching. Studying for the LSAT made me want to rip my eyeballs out, so I went with teaching. I taught middle and high school English for 7 years before I finally succumbed to the pressure that comes with teaching in our very flawed education system.
When I left teaching I waited tables for a couple of months while I took time to really figure out what I wanted out of my life and career. I decided that now was the time to answer the call that had been inside me since I first learned that books were written by actual humans. I was going to be a writer. What kind of writer was the question. At the time I had. a 5-year-old son to support, so being a starving novelist wasn’t in the cards for me. I needed a writing career that would make me money, so I did what everyone does when they are ready to make a dream come true, I asked Google. “What kinds of writers make the most money.”
That search introduced me to the world of copywriting and I never looked back. I quickly realized that nobody was going to hire me as a full-time copywriter without a portfolio, so I started freelancing so I could build one. At first, I was writing for pennies, begging anyone with a business to let me revamp their website copy. After a while, I built up a following on Instagram talking about copy which started to attract “real clients.” I spent two years hustling as a freelancer, building my skill set and learning everything I could while balancing long hours as a server to make ends meet.
Eventually, I got up the confidence to apply to a full-time Sr Copywriter role at one of the best digital agencies in Atlanta (Vert Digital), and guess what, they actually hired me! These days, instead of serving in restaurants, I am writing copy for some of the largest and most recognizable restaurant chains in the country.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a digital copywriter. I use words to tell the stories consumers want to hear about the brands they purchase from. I help make sure that the right messages get in front of the right people so they can spend their money in ways that bring joy to their lives. I write about everything from brunch and burritos; to tech devices and senior living facilities. I do it all. The common thread is that I help connect people and products. I love it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I quit my job teaching and decided I wanted to pursue a career in copywriting, I had to basically blow up my entire life. I packed up my apartment and my 5-year-old son and I moved back in with my mom. It was hard and humbling. There were definitely moments when I questioned my decision, but looking back, it was the best thing I could’ve done. I’m forever grateful to a mom who said, “It’s ok to return to the nest.” Fast forward and today I am working in a career I love, a few months away from marrying the love of my life, and I have two beautiful children. I look forward to the day when I can be the support to them that they were to me.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more about the importance of networking and finding like-minded creatives. I am made some vital connections through social media. Connections that helped sustain my business and continue to support me in my creative endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: alicespen.com
• Instagram: @raeahthewriter
• Linkedin: raeahc