Your Questions, My (Unfiltered) Answers

This week, I opened up the floor on Instagram and invited you to ask me anything, and you did not disappoint. Here’s the round-up of your questions and my answers.

Q. Do you help small salons like me?

A. Yes, absolutely! Some of my favourite projects have been with smaller salons and clinics. My only rule is that you’re ready to take your words seriously. If you’re in that “maybe later” mindset, it won’t land. But if you’re keen to have your copy actually work for you? I’m in.

Q. Do you hate ChatGPT?

A. Nope. In fact, I use it every day. Did that surprise you? For me, it’s like an assistant — I get it to help brainstorm, edit, or organise ideas, but I’ll never hand it the wheel. The magic is in the strategy, the quirks, the human touch… and that’s where I come in.

Q. How many coffees before your copy gets spicy?

A. Ha! Three. Or my guilty pleasure that I only allow myself once a month - A Maccas frappe with an extra shot of espresso. Do I regret it? Absolutely. Do my clients benefit from the unhinged ideas that follow? Also yes. Jokes aside, though, the “spice” in my copy isn’t from caffeine. It’s from knowing how much effort you pour into your business — I want words that do that justice.

Q. How do you do it all?

A. Spoiler alert: I don’t, and honestly, I don’t believe anyone can “have it all” at once without half-assing something. I’m a mum to a little one with additional needs, I’m obsessed with this work, and will happily admit that I am a workaholic. I’m also trying to be a good human to my family and friends. Some days that balance looks like I’ve nailed it. Other days, I find myself thinking, “What on earth are you doing, sis?!” I’ve learnt to live in seasons, set boundaries, and I'm continually working on giving myself grace when the juggle is messy.

Q. How did you become a copywriter in the beauty industry?

A. The short version: I’ve always been a words girl. I flirted with journalism, then fell into PR. Realised quickly I wasn’t built for agency life, so I pivoted into marketing, which saw me join the beauty industry in 2015. That’s where I really saw how much I loved writing for this industry. In 2020, I felt a strong pull to stay in the industry, but on my own terms. I knew I wanted to write full-time, so I quit my job, leapt and haven’t looked back.

Q. How did you learn about skin and beauty?

A. I've learned on the job, through training days, at expos, online study and conferences.

Some of my go-to voices include Gay Wardle, Skin Education International, Robyn McAlpine’s book Skinside Out and her Skinside Out Squad and consumer platforms like YouBeauty because I’m not only writing for you, I’m also writing to your clients, and I need to understand how beauty trends and products are landing in their world. Like many of you, I’m always learning. That curiosity is what keeps the work sharp and makes sure the copy I write actually connects with both you and the people in your treatment rooms.

Q. What is your favourite treatment to get?

A. I'm the client that says do whatever you want but I especially love a treatment with a sh*t tonne of facial massage. I love the way it feels and makes me glowwww! LED is also a must.

Q. What do you do for downtime or fun?

A. I think most parents with little kids would agree when I say, "What downtime?!" haha.

On the weekends, you will find me soaking up family time, often involving a trip to Bunnings. I love to read, watch travel YouTubers (notably Disney vloggers) and am found happiest in the bath. The perfect night out for me would be cocktails and the theatre.

Q. Are you watching K-Pop Demon Hunters?

A. Not yet, but tell me that doesn’t sound like something I’d binge the sh*t out of. I don't get alot of time to watch new shows, but it’s on my list for an upcoming long-haul flight.