Meet Erika Holmes of Erika Holmes Copywriting & Content Strategy!
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
Hey, hey! I’m absolutely stoked to introduce you to a fabulous woman entrepreneur today. Her name is Erika Holmes and she’s a Copywriter Extraordinaire (that’s a thing!). She loves movie heroines like Cher Horowitz & Elle Woods, and her journey going from “I’m a writer and will write all the things” to “I specialize in website & email copy that’ll make your clients say hell yeah!” is one worth hearing about. Enjoy getting to know Erika! Stay boss. xx -Gina
Take a peek into Erika’s daily life! | Video
Tell us about yourself and what you do!
I help entrepreneurs who are ready to take their personal brand to level 11 create words that sell, with personality-driven brand messaging and website copy. So, in other words, I help boss babes put their secret sauce in writing, in a way that makes their ideal customer fall in love.
How did your business begin?
I always wanted to be a freelance writer, but I thought I would be more Carrie Bradshaw or Anna Wintour than Peggy Olson.
My career evolved from newspaper journalism to magazines to advertising.
After I had my son 6 years ago, I very quickly (like almost immediately) realized that I wasn't willing to give up my time and my freedom for someone else's dream. So I decided to build my own.
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
What's 1 challenge you've faced and how has it effected your business? What did you do to overcome it?
I think my biggest challenge in general is time management and embracing the business-y side of running a business. At times, that means I'm spending way too much time on administrative work and in my inbox, versus than doing work that helps me reach my long-term goals.
I've brought on a VA and am currently working with an online business manager who is amazing. She's helping me create systems that will automate some things in my business.
What's 1 success you've had since you’ve created your business? How do you feel when you look back on it?
One success I've had since creating my business is having the courage to go all in on rebranding and not play it safe. I'm very clear on my ideal customer and my niche today, and that's scary, because it could potentially turn off certain people. But I'm 100% OK with that. I've never felt more confident or clear in my business than I do now, and that is exactly how I want to help my clients feel.
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
What's the best piece of advice you could give someone looking to start a business?
Find that little thing or quirk that makes you stand out, and lean into it. Don't be afraid to be 100% you or to be different. Look outside of your industry for branding inspiration.
Don't be scared to "repel" customers. I know that sounds completely counter-intuitive, but if you can, focus on the one kind of client you would like to work with again and again, and speak directly to them.
What's a pivot you've made in your business?
I went from being a generalist, "Hey, I'll write or edit anything" to specializing in website and email copy.
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
When are you at your happiest?
That's a tough one. I have a few happy places. I'm happy when I'm enjoying the beautiful Tampa weather at the lake or just lounging around the house with my husband and two kids. But also, I have a husband and two kids under 6, so I'm also very happy when I get my very limited alone time.
What do you tell yourself when things get difficult?
Usually, if things are tough, it's because I'm overbooked and over whelmed. In those cases, I make lists and take things one thing at a time. I also run and walk a lot.
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
Whats 1 personal goal you've set for yourself this year?
One personal goal I've set for myself is to try and stop thinking about work all the time, so I can shut my brain off and enjoy my downtime more.
What's 1 business goal you've set for yourself to accomplish this year?
One business goal I've set for myself is to reserve Fridays for working on my own business.
Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography
What's the first thing you do on a Monday morning and why?
After I take the kids to school, I go for a 3-mile run while listening to a podcast, usually Goal Digger or Online Marketing Made Easy. I try my very best NOT to start with my inbox. Instead, I try to dive right into whatever my biggest project is that day.
Where can you be found + what will you typically be up to on a Friday night?
At home, eating pizza and watching our latest Netflix obsession.
My go to karaoke song is… "Gangsta's Paradise”.
My favorite cocktail is… I'm a red wine or bubbly kind of gal.
My favorite quote is… "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
