Adele joined the CCA in July 2020 when she decided to make a career change after burning out in her job. Nicki originally talked with Adele in the Fall of 2020 to hear about her journey to copywriting.
But, like many CCA students, work started to snowball fast. So, Nicki and Kate caught up with Adele again in early 2021 to talk about how things are going.
You’ll also hear from Adele’s partner, Jake, who shared what it’s like being on the other side of the copywriting journey, supporting someone you love during a major career change.
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A Sneak Peek at the Episode
[2:12] In this first interview, Nicki is talking with Adele in November of 2020. Adele talks about her path to copywriting: where she came from, and how she ended up in the CCA.
[3:32] Nicki asks Adele what her biggest surprises were when she really dove into the CCA. Adele highlights the myth she formerly believed that you “can’t make money as a writer” and how she was incredibly surprised to find copywriting skills to not only be transferable but lucrative as well.
[5:33] Nicki asks Adele about her wins so far as a copywriter. Adele talks about her success with pitching to one client that has ended up referring her to 10 more. She was also serving as an interim comms manager at this time and credits the CCA for getting her there.
[7:15] Adele discusses how she “sells without selling.” She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and showing value rather than just telling clients about it.
[9:30] Nicki asks Adele what her career dreams consist of now and Adele says she sees herself starting her own agency (we see it, too!).
[11:15] Adele gives some advice for copywriters who are just starting out: join the CCA if you haven’t already. (We promise we did not pay her to say that!)
[12:50] Nicki and Adele talk about how it can be really hard to believe in yourself, especially in a freelancing career. They note that it’s crucial to learn from your mistakes.
[14:50] End November 2020 interview. Start February 2021 interview
[15:45] Adele’s partner, Jake, shares how his opinion of Filthy Rich Writer and the CCA changed drastically after Adele got started. He, like many others, was hesitant and thought it could be a scam. He soon realized that it is the opposite and he got Adele a new laptop, headset, and desk in support!
[19:54] Nicki and Kate ask what we all want to know, the “money question.” How much is Adele making now? Listen to find out… (hint: she starts it off with “I don’t mean to brag…”)
[24:20] Adele talks about how copywriting is a “best-kept secret,” hiding in plain sight. Many people think that writing is all the same, but copywriters know better.
[26:55] Kate asks Adele how she feels about the job-security aspect of freelance copywriting. Adele loves that she’s the only one she has to answer to. “The security is there if the commitment is there.”
[31:40] Nicki, Kate, and Adele talk about how easy it is in these times to say yes to any project that comes your way. Kate and Adele share some stories of their partner’s brainstorming help. A pun works every time, right?
[34:00] Nicki asks Adele how she will celebrate her newfound freelance copywriting success. Adele has her eyes set on the beach when the world is back to “normal.”
[36:20] Nicki shares that the magic of the CCA is taking the steps and doing the work. Adele reflects on her degree wishing all education was as actionable as the CCA (again, unpaid!).
If you want to check out Adele’s portfolio (or book her for a project!) visit her site at thecopycanary.com
Related Links
- The First Step in Changing Your Career
- How to Deal with Doubters (And Loved Ones Who Don’t Understand Copywriting …)
- 3 Steps to a Career Change
- The Big Secret About Changing Careers
- This Brand-New Copywriter Landed a Senior Copywriting Role
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Last Updated on April 24, 2025
