WE of Hudson CountyWE Feature The Team - Rachelle Lewis
If you weren't aware yet, Women Entrepreneurs of Hudson County is a newly formed volunteer-led non-profit organization dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs. We are focused on providing resources and opportunities for those looking to expand their business.
It takes a lot of work and effort to build a non-profit from ground up and we want to show you the team helping this organization's mission. For today's WE Feature The Team, we are incredibly excited to introduce you to Rachelle Lewis, WE of Hudson County's Special Guests Coordinator!
About Rachelle
Rachelle Lewis is an Iowa native and writer who left the corporate sales world two years ago to pursue her passion. Rachelle has over 10 years of writing experience, in the niches of television, movies, pop culture, entertainment, lifestyle, and relationship. In her spare time, Rachelle enjoys spending time with friends, her family, and her beloved Corgi.
Tell me about yourself + your business.
I am a writer, which has a very broad meaning. I have spent the last two years writing for companies in the areas of television, movies and pop culture. I recently decided to branch out into other niches and expand my business. I am working on writing more of my own original content that will hopefully be published on sites such as PopSugar, Refinery29 and Cosmopolitan. I also am looking to launch my own blog this year and being to collaborate with other writers and bloggers.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I spent 15 years working for AMC Network in Ad Sales. Although there were greet perks and I met wonderful people, I have always loved writing. I began writing on the side to gain experience and build a portfolio. In 2016 AMC was offering people voluntary layoff packages. It was the perfect opportunity for me to say good-bye to the 9-5 and launch my business with a financial cushion.
What obstacles or struggles did you overcome and how did you get through it?
I struggled with confidence in my writing and honestly still do today. Although I do feel more secure now, I still struggle with believing I am a good writer. Thankfully, I have a couple of amazing editors that i work for who are great at giving constructive criticism in a positive manner. They build my confidence as they help me grow as a writer. I know I have a lot to learn but it is amazing to have an editor who doesn’t simply tare your work apart constantly with no positive feedback. Many writers are in that situation and it does nothing to help you learn or grow.
Why did you join the WE of Hudson County team?
For two reasons. One I am a painfully shy person, so networking has been a struggle for me. Being part of the team not only helps me get out of my comfort zone, but I also get to meet amazing business women. Second, I think it is so important for women to support women in business. I love being part of a team that promotes and helps women support each other. Plus, it is also an amazing way to broaden my own business horizons.
Why do you think WE of Hudson County is important to the community?
It is so important because there is not a group like it in the community. We of Hudson County is all about support, empowerment and being positive. The group has a welcoming feel from the second you enter a meet up and that is crucial for making people feel comfortable. It also gives women the feel of a safe space to interact, not be judged and meet new people.
What are some of your best tools you like to use to help run your business?
Social media is my number one tool. Majority of what I write gets paid out via views or eyeballs reading the article. I have to promote it on social media, so engaging on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest etc are vital to my success and it took me a while to figure that out. I am still learning how to use social media to further my business.
What advice would you give to someone who is in the beginning stages of starting their business?
Have a business plan. I did not because I had been writing as a side hustle for years. However, doing it as a full business is so different. In fact, I just created a plan for this year that involves doing so much more than I have been in the past. It is also important to create goals that are achievable, another thing I did not to in the beginning. I would also say make a daily to do list because it is easy so that you can stay on track. It is so easy to get sidetracked a list will help you stay focused. Last reward yourself when you get a win, even if it is a small win.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Rachelle and her business! Please let us know what you loved about her the most down in the comments below! Stay tuned for more WE Feature The Team!!
Check her out on social media:
Instagram: @rachellewritingextraordinaire
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