Meet Alexa Sibberson, the Copywriter Who Does it All — And Loves It
Alexa Sibberson is a creative consultant based in Columbus, Ohio. With a background in retail copywriting and brand strategy, Alexa helps brands in a variety of industries establish their purpose and identity, and bring it to life through meaningful storytelling.
For more information about Alexa and her work, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Alexa, to know a bit more about her journey as a marketer.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Alexa: Since the start of my career, I always dreamed of working for myself — but it just didn’t seem realistic. I didn’t know what I was doing, or how to get started. But after working as a copywriter in-house for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret, and Zulily, and then getting a few years of agency experience, I knew I had the knowledge, skill, and network to make it happen on my own.
Q. How did you get started?
Alexa: To be honest, like so many others in the past few years — I got laid off! But, you know what they say, when life gives you a layoff, make lemonade. So I went for it. I had been freelancing on the side of full-time jobs for a few years, so I kind of had a jump start. Luckily I was able to find some amazing clients, like HelloFresh and The Shade Store, fairly quickly into my freelance foray, and it has just snowballed from there.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Alexa: As a creative, I love a bit of unpredictability. I like working with different clients on different things, and not doing the same tasks day-to-day. But when you get started in the freelance marketing space, everyone tells you to find a niche. I toyed with the idea for a while, but eventually decided I am anti-niche. I strive to be well-versed in many industries and platforms so that I can keep my schedule — and portfolio — interesting!
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
Alexa: I always think it’s so cool when brands I love personally reach out to me to work together. I was super geeked when I first started working with Soludos, a shoe brand that I’ve been a big fan of for years.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Alexa: As a writer, I am an avid reader — so the book I recommend to people most is whatever book is captivating enough for you to want to read fervently. I don’t think there’s a way to read yourself into having a successful business, it’s more about keeping your mind inspired and sharp.
That being said, I get most inspired reading fiction, and a couple forever favorites are My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
Alexa: Number one far and away is Freelance Founders. Carolyn Bothwell, a fellow freelance copywriter, put together this absolutely amazing community for creatives and it’s really fantastic for staying connected and continuing to learn in a career that’s largely independent.
Other than that, I couldn’t get through the day without Slack and Asana to keep me on track.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Alexa: Altruistically, I think we all have a duty to leave the world better than we found it. But in practice, and in the marketing world, I think that comes to life for me by creating spaces where more people see themselves represented and valued. While marketing is primarily a sales tool, it also has the power to change societal norms — and more and more that’s what customers are expecting.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Alexa: Say yes until you don’t have to anymore.
To keep up to date with Alexa and her journey, connect with her on her Linkedin and Instagram.
