Julie Schoen
Julie Schoen
Writer / Copywriter, Founder of Buzzy Blogs
Albuquerque, NM
buzzyblogs.com / julieschoen.com
instagram: @buzzyblogs / @julienicoleschoen
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“As a writer, I help people tell their stories. I find ways to put feelings and ideas into words so that nothing gets lost between the lines.”
From website copy and scripts to blogs and books, once I get in sync with the characters of the story, there's nothing I can't do!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Although I went to college and graduate school to earn degrees, the only reason I am where I am today is because of a lot of hard work. I quit my teaching career (think public schools + 8th graders + a whole lot of standardized testing) to pursue something that made me really want to get out of bed in the morning. Having founded my first business in 2012, I've been learning what it takes to grow successful brands online by flying the airplane as I build it. Mid-flight, I've managed to write and publish over 70 (!) e-books, start and sell 3 successful Amazon businesses, and operate an online yoga business.
The keys to success with everything I've done?
Writing. Focus. Determination.
I've also had three kids since 2012 and lean on my husband for help - a lot. While my kids have taught me the importance of owning your time, my husband has taught me that anything is possible if you take responsibility for getting it.
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a natural writer. In fact, I actually don't ever remember learning how to write - it's just something I've always been able to do! And, because of it, I have become prolific. I write over 2500 words every single day.
Why does that matter?
Because I'm not afraid to put words on paper. When I work with my clients, they're always amazed at how quickly I can produce the end result they want. Just like Jay-Z raps every single morning to stay at the top of his game, I practice writing every chance I get so that the words are ready whenever I need.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I currently consult the awesome team at Gaia, working to create email sequences, video descriptions, and landing page copy for the yoga-side of things. I'm also ghostwriting a few ebooks for a few clients in the natural healing and entrepreneurship world.
My own book, Hookers + Headliners, is also due out summer of 2019!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
No surprise, my business, Buzzy Blogs, is a great representation of my style and taste. Check it out!
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I've been teaching yoga since 2007 and I never feel like I have enough time for it! With my family and work, it can be difficult to find time to teach or even get in my own practice. But, I've learned that it doesn't take much time to feel better. Just five minutes in meditation or a good stretch can make all the difference some days!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The hardest part of business right now is learning how and when to scale. With all of my other businesses, I've always been a one-man show. So, having a team to manage with Buzzy Blogs has made everything different. I'm now responsible for other people's livelihoods - and I don't want to screw that up! Every time I feel like I've taken a step forward with scaling and creating systems, something happens that sends me backwards. But, as long as I keep getting up, I know I'll figure it out!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Laundry!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself at 19 to not be so worried about grades in college. I was so obsessed with impressing every professor or instructor that I missed out on a lot of actual learning. I would tell myself to stop being afraid of asking questions. I always felt like admitting I didn't know something made me look dumb. Now I know that there is so much strength in discovery.
But, if I could go back to college knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't finish school!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would talk to the Duchess of Sussex and ask her to help me strategize my current closet situation.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Right now I'm looking for copywriting + writing projects - big and small! I'm currently loving writing email sequences, copy for sales pages, and ghostwriting ebooks for savvy entrepreneurs and business owners.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Although I work in a variety of industries, I do love finding clients who run in the same natural healing and wellness circles as me. I recently did the website copy for an amazing palm reader and we had a blast from start to finish!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Most of the time I charge per word for projects, between .20 cents and .50 cents. I also work on monthly retainers for a handful of clients who need me on call for copy. These retainers vary based on how many hours each week I set aside.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Brittnie Ayres
brittniea@gmail.com
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Working together should be fun! Knowing the scope of the work and the budget you're working with is helpful. And, if you include your favorite GIF, I'll have a better idea of who I'm saddling up with.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Showing up again to a blank canvas.
This member profile was originally published in February 2019.