Let’s get one thing out of the way: I didn’t just wake up one morning with a lightning clap revelation that I was absolutely destined to be a copywriter.
It was more of a… slow burn. There was a little editing here, some blog writing there, years of correcting grammar in group chats (sorry not sorry), and suddenly I realized: oh. This is a thing people do. For money. Willingly. And I. Like. It.
Cue the internal screaming.
For years, writing was just this quiet, reliable part of me; the thing I turned to when I needed to process the world or add a little sparkle to it. I wrote stories and essays and emails that were maybe a little too enthusiastic. I edited papers for students. I obsessed over sentence rhythm the way some people obsess over skincare routines (though I respect a good daily SPF 50 moment, too).
But I always saw writing as a side dish and certainly not the main course.
That started to shift when I enrolled in the Strategic Copywriting certificate program through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. I signed up partly because I wanted to sharpen my skills, partly because I love a good learning adventure, and partly because I kept Googling things like “how to be a freelance copywriter with no experience and two cats sitting on your keyboard.”
Spoiler: this program didn’t just teach me how to write copy—it taught me how to think like a copywriter. Audience-first. Goal-driven. Word nerd with purpose.
So, why freelance?
The short version? Flexibility, creativity, and the deep satisfaction of making words work.
The slightly longer version? I wanted to carve out a space where I could use my voice (and help others find theirs), keep learning, work with people who value good storytelling, and have the freedom to build something of my own; something that fits around my energy, my health, and, yes, my chihuahua-centric lifestyle.
And what have I learned so far?
Oh, just a few tiny things like:
- You don’t have to wait until you “feel ready” (you can start now, imperfectly.)
- Everyone starts with zero clients.
- Portfolio shame is real, but so is progress.
- Grammarly is helpful, but your instincts matter more.
- And charging for your work isn’t selfish. It’s survival. (Ooh, also: coffee isn’t free.)
But maybe the biggest thing I’ve learned? You don’t have to do it alone. The copywriting world is full of kind, curious, generous humans. And if you’re just starting out, too—hi! Pull up a chair. You’re in good company here.
Let’s Chat
Just starting your copywriting journey, too? Thinking about dipping a toe in those warm freelance waters? I’d love to hear from you: whether you’ve got questions, stories to share, or just want someone to cheer you on! Leave a comment, send me a message, or let’s connect over coffee (virtual or otherwise).
Here’s to building something beautiful… one word at a time.
Karly Stornel 