EP 11 - What Recovery Taught Me About Building a High-Earning Copywriting Business

In this episode of the Freedom Kickstarter Podcast, we sit down with creative mentor and copywriter CiCi Reagan. CiCi specializes in helping non-boring, non-traditional personal brand owners stand out as themselves unapologetically with the perfect words. We dive into her journey from financial services to copywriting, her unique approach to writing, and why authenticity is key in standing out in the crowded digital world. Plus, we explore creative writing as a tool for healing, the cultural differences between UK and US business approaches, and how to break free from formulaic copywriting.What We Cover in This Episode:- CiCi’s journey into copywriting and how a simple post landed her first clients overnight- The importance of writing in a way that reflects your true voice, rather than following rigid templates- How storytelling and vulnerability build trust and connection in business- The power of creative writing in personal healing and overcoming trauma- Key differences between UK and US approaches to business, pricing, and branding- How to confidently showcase personality in copy without the fear of being ‘too much’- CiCi’s foolproof process for extracting a client’s authentic voice- Why clients will always prefer a copywriter they like over someone who is simply ‘the best’- The role of relationship-building and setting expectations in client successMemorable Quotes:- “You don’t have to be anything else, just show up as yourself and people will say, ‘Can I have some of that?’”CiCi’s Favorite Projects & Clients:- Ideal clients: Non-traditional business owners who want to stand out and use their true voice- Favorite projects: Deep dive website copy, brand messaging, and ongoing strategic content planning- The unexpected joy of watching clients evolve and own their voice after working with herCiCi’s Top Copywriting Tips:1. Write weird stuff. Haikus, letters to your pet, stream of consciousness journaling, just get words on paper.2. Be yourself. People remember the quirky, the raw, the real not the perfectly polished.3. Templates are just guides. Use them to direct your thoughts but never let them dictate your personality.4. Ask better questions. Get to the heart of what makes a person or brand unique by digging deeper than the surface.5. Don’t overthink the CTA. Sometimes the value is in the connection, not just the sale.Final Five:- Book Recommendation: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer- Go-to Coffee Order: Dirty chai iced latte with coconut milk- Social Media Platform to Delete: X (formerly known as Twitter)- Three Dream Dinner Guests: Leonard Nimoy, her late mother, Lucille Ball- Advice for Aspiring Copywriters: Just start—pick one thing you love writing and build from there.Enjoyed This Episode?Like, subscribe, and share! Got a question for CeCe? Drop it in the comments, and we’ll get back to you. See you in the next one!