Eight years ago Shannon, a Comprehensive Copywriting Academy student, had to leave the workforce to try and manage her fibromyalgia. She continued looking for a job that would not only bring in income, but, as she says, “fuel her soul” and allow her to set her schedule. Within one year of joining the CCA, Shannon went from relying on the food bank to being able to buy a new house.
On this episode, Shannon talks to Nicki and Kate about how she’s been able to find the right balance of working for clients and taking care of her health. They also discuss the benefits of not choosing a niche and why the variety of potential copywriting clients is part of what makes the career so fulfilling.
TUNE IN: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Prefer to watch the episode? Hit play below (plus, hit “cc” to toggle on closed captioning)!
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[1:00] The episode starts with an introduction to Shannon and her journey to copywriting! From an interest in writing and a fibromyalgia diagnosis to seeing an advertisement for the CCA on Facebook. Her copywriting career has taken her from relying on the foodbank to buying her own home!
[4:30] Location is not a barrier to work when you are a freelance copywriter. Shannon lives in rather remote area of Canada but since she has internet access she has clients from all over the world.
[7:30] One of the initial roadblocks for Shannon was not scheduling her time well. It’s easy to over schedule yourself and important to be aware of what you can balance, setting boundaries and building in flex time.
[11:30] Shannon gives us some insight into what happens on student coaching calls within the CCA, and how important it is for new copywriters to be confident in themselves and their abilities.
[14:50] Kate asks Shannon to take us through some of the different clients she is working for, and why she has chosen not to niche.
[18:30] Nicki reminds us that it’s important to not look for ease when choosing our work, a challenge makes it interesting and make you a more well rounded copywriter.
[21:30] Shannon talks us through what a typical day looks like for her, and how there is no such thing as a typical day when living with a chronic illness as she never knows how she is going to feel. But she does aim to work when the kids are at school!
[26:00] When you are freelance you have the ability to control what you accept, what work you take on, and creating boundaries or making sure that work is worth your time. This is so different from being on staff when someone else is deciding what work you will be doing.
[30:00] Our hosts ask Shannon what her advice would be to someone considering joining the CCA and embarking on a new career in copywriting.
Get an *Exclusive* Bonus Recording!
Tell us what you love about the podcast and what you hope to hear next! When you do, you can get access to an exclusive bonus recording featuring five wildly successful entrepreneurs who share what they do (and don’t!) look for when hiring copywriters. You do not want to miss it!
Get all the details on how to get your recording here »
About the Build Your Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 20+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
See Previous Episode
Ep. 58: Gifts to Give Your Copywriting Business
Last Updated on April 24, 2025
