On the episode of Stream of COPY-ness, Vanessa chats with fellow copywriter, Jemilla Mills-Smith or Storytella Studio about none other than, you guessed it, COPY. They dig into the nuances of creating content, what it's like to not always get it right on the first try, and a ton of other nuggest of knowledge for anyone's who's interested in learning about the craft of copywriting.

**PLUS** hear a little bit about what's going on with V's book, her biz, and her human life.

Tune in to hear about…

• What makes certain copy trending vs. timeless.
• Jemilla’s personal thoughts about niche-ing down, social media, and figuring out who she TRULY wants to serve and work with.
• Which platform copy is the most important to get your messaging across (hint: this is kind of a trick question).
• How important is it to get your brand voice down when writing copy.
• How copy, design, and brand voice all work together and the key to keeping content going without burning out.
• A glimpse into both Vanessa and Jemilla’s client copywriting process.
• 
  

Links & resources —

IG: @storytellastudios

Email: jemilla@storytellastudios.com

Website: www.storytellastudios.com

From the episode —

Books from the TBR list

Eats, Shoots, and Leaves - Lynne Truss

Copywriting: Successful Writing for Design, Advertising, and Marketing - Mark Shaw

Alex Cattoni’s Copy Posse TBR list.

During this very special episode of Stream of COPY-ness, S2 E2, Vanessa chats with embodiment coach, blog writer, and her long time soul-sister in both business and life, Alyssa Kuzins about what it's like to voluntarily implode your own life, jump timelines for the betterment of your evolution, and how the art of storytelling can be used as a writer's best tool.

Tune in to hear about…

• Jumping timelines and when you know one has ended for you.
• How Alyssa navigates the 'sacred vs. shared' aspect of writing and what she's learned from the past.
• Figuring our your writing style - kind of by accident. 
• The importance of how much people need people, especially when it comes to copy and coaching.
• How to build your email list from a place of personal storytelling and honing into your own craft.
• Writing from a place of need for a cathartic outlet.

From the sode —

Peta Kelly's Substack "The PK Diaries"

Links & resources —

IG: ALYSSAKUZINS

Email: ALYSSAKUZINS@gmail.com

Alyssa’s Substack, “With Love, From Charleston.”

Vanessa’s Substack, “Checking out.”

Quotes from the episode —

"If you can't see it the timelines has ended." - Alyssa Kuzins

"Truly, I say timeline because I mean, it is literally like the multiverse in Marvel like it is a new time, I firmly believe that I can't go back to the old timeline I was on. It's not to say that I am rejecting my old life or that I am in any way regretful or remorseful or that I do not take great pride in my life before this timeline. But I am on a new one, and one feels elevated." - Alyssa Kuzins

"Stories allow us to speak to people and invite them into contemplation." - Alyssa Kuzins

"That choice to willingly risk to break your own heart, or even in those moments, not even the risk, but you know, you're gonna break your own heart like you're doing it versus waiting for life to explode around you because you didn't listen. Because you avoided the hard conversations, the questions because you didn't listen to what God was telling you, because you didn't listen to your intuition. And then shit hit the fan - You have a choice, whether you're going to let it get to that point where like." - Alyssa Kuzins

"I'm a very big believer in a divine plan, and that we all have a divine plan, and it's more of a map than a plan. And whether you believe in God or spirit or whatever you want to call it like, the breadcrumbs are there, the steps are there, but you have to be the one to take the initiative to follow them, and move through them. And course correct. That map is only going to take you so far." - Vanessa Lima

Welcome back to SEASON 2 of Stream of COPY-Ness! This season we’re getting down, dirty, and detailed on topics ranging from how to create a content calendar that doesn’t suck, to writing a spicy, non-sleazy sales page, to having casual convos with embodiment coaches, witchy writers, and even more conscious creators.

In this solo episode, I breakdown the anatomy of how to write a killer email and come up with an intuitive editorial calendar that works for your brain.

Listen in to hear more about:

• 4 main ingredients of writing emails that people actually read.
• A breakdown and examples of each ingredient.
• How to create an editorial calendar that feels EXCITING rather than excruciating.
• Check in with your Content Map.
• Schedule your BIG 3.
• Ways to help you start to create your content.

From the sode —

Try FLODESK for all your email needs. Use ROSESTARCO at checkout to get 50% off your first year (that’s $19).

Grab your own CREATIVE CONTENT DIGITAL DASHBOARD to keep tracks of your idea, tasks, and intuitive editorial calendar.

INBOX MAGIC - a go with the flow that teaches you how to build, nurture, and connect with your digital inbox community.

Here’s a quick video on HOW TO CREATE A CONTENT MAP.

Links & resources —

Email: Vanessa@rosestarco.com

Website: Rosestarco.com

IG: @rosestarco

On the LAST episode of season one of Stream of COPY-ness, Vanessa chats with Rachael Mattice, OG content strategist, music journalist, and all around creative human about the highs and lows of being a creative entrepreneur, ways to keep the spark alive, and how important it is to have a passion project NOT be your money making machine.

Tune in to hear about…

• What it’s like to be in a creative field as a professional vs. keeping it as a passion.
• What happens when you start to resent your work and how to bounce back from it.
• Ways Rachel stays creative for herself and her career.
• Being self taught and how to keep up with the ever-changing industry of photography, video, and social media.
• How important it is to bring self-trust, confidence, and RESULTS into all the  conversations around your biz.

Rachael Mattice is the founder of RM Creative Services, a Los Angeles-based creative marketing agency that offers a mix of done-for-you services, strategic consulting and education that’s centered around a community, impact and results-driven approach.

She thrives on turning brands and artists into rockstars by helping them define, market, launch and scale their personality-fueled business online. Adaptable and versatile, she’s driven successful growth for brands in multiple industries, including: Fashion and Fashion Production, Nutrition, Music and Entertainment, Auto Care, Nonprofit Organizations, Healthcare, Finance and Insurance, Computer Software, Children’s Literature, Yoga/Wellness/Spirituality, Salons and Hair Care, Beauty and Cosmetics, Art and Illustration, and Cannabis and Cannabis Accessories.

With over 12 years of strategic content experience backed by data, she tunes in and tunes up all of your brand’s identity traits until they are show-stoppers. As a music maven, entrepreneur and content creator, it’s her life’s purpose to shine a spotlight on the bold and provide her clients the tools needed to succeed.

Links & resources —

IG: @rmcreativeservices

Email: rachael@rmcsofficial.com

Website: https://rmcsofficial.com/

On this episode of the podcast, Vanessa chats with one of her favorite humans and soul sisters, Shelby Valentine. Whether you’re a baby intuitive business owner or you’ve been in the preneurship orbit for awhile, this episode is a refreshing take on what it’s like to do the damn thing.

Tune in to hear about…

• Moving through the different seasons of business of both business and life.
• What it’s like to get crystal clear on the integrity, offerings, and values of your business.
• The permissions to give yourself when you’re first starting your business (like it’s okay if you decide it’s not for you one day).
• How detaching your identity from your business opens up space for other creations.
• The time it takes to cultivate a community, trust, and education.
• Trusting your own discernment and intuition when it comes to business coaches, continuing education, and knowing what YOU want for your business is ultimately what’s best.

Links & resources —

Shelby’s signature retreat, REWILD.

Shelby’s healing and energy work sessions.

Social links --

IG: @coachshelbyvalentine

Email: shelbyvalentinecoaching@gmail.com

Website: shelbyvalentine.com

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“It doesn’t have to be hard, it can be in flow, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to be hard - it takes true devotion.”

“Creativity requires space.”

Gab is an OG strength coach, multi-passionate human, and all around advocate for inclusivity in and outside of the gym. In this episode, her and V talk about a range of topics from strength training to becoming a published writer.

Tune in to hear about…

• The similarities between honoring your humanness and taking a step back from your biz during your specific cycle of training in the gym.
• What it’s like to ACTUALLY run your business according to your values.
• How difficult it can be to detach from identifying as certain aspects of career vs. humanness.
• The vulnerable process of self publishing and editing your own book full of personal experience for the sake of being an anchor for others.

Links & resources —

Gab’s book, Reckonings & Remembrances.

Carbs, Anxiety, Rage: The best t-shirt EVER created by Gab herself.

All of Gab’s strength and training.

“You attract the same weird as you.”

Socials —

IG: @gabstrength

Email: gabby@gabstrength.com

Website: gabstrength.com

On this episode, Vanessa chats with fellow writer and book hoarder, Alexandra Shelley, a medium, channeler, healer, and mentor. They dig into Alex's story about how she stepped into her mediumship, ways to strengthen spiritual practices, and geek out on creativity.

Tune in to hear about…

• How intention and ritual are core components of building a foundation.
• Ways to build a strong Spiritual practice, practice boundaries, and prioritize protecting our own energy.
• How important it is to give yourself grace while building your Spiritual practice, health, and life in general.
• How Alex channels and the different forms and ways in which it comes out.
• Our mutual love of books and how writing and reading spark up your soul.

Alexandra is a channeler, healer, mentor, & guide who has been immersed in her Mediumship since a young age. She focuses on helping her clients connect with their own Spiritual practice as well as their personal guides. She’s a bibliophile, writer, and all around vibrational human.

“When you have rituals, you build the intention.”

“Creativity is channeling.”

From the sode —

Books mentioned:

Wild by Jay Griffiths

The God of Small Things

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

The Overstory by Richard Powers

Links & resources —

You can find Alex’s offerings and services here.

Instagram: @themodernmedium_

Podcast: Embody Your Soul

*Cue Usher Confessions* - Probably my most candid and maybe even cringe worthy episode yet, I spill all the beans on what I learned this year from being told NO a bajillion times to feeling content, to allowing myself to turn to my husband and say, "halp, I need money." This episode is a no filer filled stream of consciousness of what it's like to go through a mid-life crisis one year and feel really f*cking good the next.

Tune in to hear about…

• Why I stopped offering healing services and the reason I took a step back from my own practice.
• How I stopped acting and feeling like my business was the most important part of my life.
• How many times I got told NO (spoiler alert: a lot) rather than YES with copywriting biz.
• Feeling content and how it’s become my new state of happiness.
• Growing my business didn’t happen this year - here’s why.

Plus some chisme of my personal life (which I seldom talk about!), stream of consciousness rants, and honorable mentions of what truly helped me discover this new version of myself.

From the sode —

As mentioned, my Friend Alyssa’s Newsletter, With Love From Charleston.

On this episode, Vanessa chats with the ever multi-passionate and electric D'Ana Joi about all things out of the box creativity, being a multi-passionate person, and how her 3 part focus framework is an absolute GAME CHANGER when it comes to focus and flow.

Tune in to hear about…

• Claiming the term ‘multi-passionate’ as an empowering title.
• Joi’s signature 3 Part Focus Framework For Multi-Passionate People that has helped tons of multi-passionate people streamline their business and find success on their own terms.
• Her life off IG and how much leaving it has helped her find new ways to market her business.
• How Human Design has helped her lean into systems that work for her, decision making, and simplifying.
• The difference between focus vs. concentration and how helpful it could be to break the differentiate the two.
• Her new passion project and what’s currently fueling her soul.

“Being multi-passionate is a noun not a verb.”

From the sode —

Joi’s free training on How to Bring Your Ideas to Life on a Completely Stress-Free Timeline

Links & resources —

Email: hello@joi-knows-how.com

Website: https://joi-knows-how.com

Podcast: Passionate Mastery

Vanessa chats with Chelsea Riffe, fellow Aquarius, conscious creator, and HUGE inspiration for the podcast you’re listening to.

Tune in to hear about…

• A few ways to stay grounded and not have FOMO when you’re traveling (spoiler alert: still working on the FOMO part).
• Setting yourself up for success as a conscious creative through trial and error, being strategic, and letting go of what’s not working in shifts.
• Information overload and brain fatigue as an entrepreneur.
• The gross side of business coaching and how to use discernment with yourself and your confidence.
• How to find your secret sauce and not falter to anyone else's’ standards.

Our guest of honor: Chelsea is a Mindset + Podcast Coach who helps creatives, coaches and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their podcasts. Her focus is on compelling content strategy, sustainable growth, and getting compensated for your creative genius. She’s the host the top-rated podcast "In My Non-Expert Opinion", covering the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the fun and chaos of travel, internet culture and money, honey.

Chelsea is an Aquarius Sun and Virgo Moon/Rising and 6/2 Reflector who loves vulgar rap music, nature documentaries, mysticism, reality TV (more specifically, Below Deck), travel, podcasts, chocolate, and learning about the mind, body, spirit, and scammers.

From the sode —

Check out the episode on Chelsea’s podcast, In My Non-Expert Opinion: “Do You Really Need a Business Coach? An Honest Conversation with Serine Goodmond.”

Links & resources —

IG: @chelseariffe

Email: info@chelseariffe.com

Website: www.chelseariffe.com

QUOTE FROM EPISODE:

“But that's part of entrepreneurship is you take financial risks. That's the definition is you're constantly taking financial risks and trying to see what works and what doesn't. And you have to be a little ruthless in cutting the cord early on some things. And sometimes it doesn't feel good, but it's part of the game.”

“You have to remember, like progress is a big deal.”

“This was a very conscious, intentional choice. Like this shouldn't just happen. I had to pick my availability, I had to be very strategic. And again, how the the offers were set up. And now it supports my lifestyle. But you know, it took about a year and a half to two years to get to this point.”

HOT TAKE! Contrary to belief, You DON'T have to quit your job in order to be happy, successful, and a biz owner. Listen in to hear Vanessa talk about why quitting your job *might* not be the answer to pursuing your passion.

She digs into:

• Always being on and the effects it has on being present.
• Why white space is needed for your creativity.
• Her journey from corporate America, to full-time entrepreneur, to part time biz owner.
• Why pursuing your passion might actually make you resent it at some point (ouch).
• Ways to reframe the narrative of having to live in extremes and instead, honor your individual human experience.

Gotta question or comment after listening to this episode with Vanessa? Send her a voice note!

Vanessa sits down with her go-to doggo specialist and all around badass human, Laura Waddell to chat about animal behavior, the stigma against PitBulls, and the number 1 thing you should do when you first get a dog. 

Tune in to hear about…

• The truth around the stigma, myths, and miseducation around PitBulls - and how most of it is bullshit, including the whole “lockjaw” myth.
• Why hiring a dog trainer when you first get a dog is going to make your life 1000% better how to find one that works for you and your dog.
• Where PitBulls land on the temperament test - here’s a hint, they’re in the TOP 10!
• How genetics, learned behavior, and environment are crucial to your pup’s demeanor.
• How to find a dog breed that best fits your lifestyle and wants.
• The best practices and routines for training your dog.

Laura is an ethologist who specializes in behavior modification and continues to further her education in the field by attending workshops and seminars. She is a professional member and certified trainer through the International Association of Canine Professionals,  the IASE and is an Evaluator for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program.

Links & resources —

Grab a spot for one of the leash clinics Laura is donating her time for during PITNESS IN THE PARK at 12pm or 1pm in DTJC!

IG: @k9lwaddell

Email: info@k9problemsolvers.com

Website: http://www.k9problemsolvers.com/

This episode has nothing to do with copy and content, and EVERYTHING to do with fostering and adopting a pup! Listen in as Vanessa is joined by, Co-Founder, and angel on Earth, Dani Giordano of Jersey Pits Rescue as we talk about all things Pitbulls. Tune in to hear about… 

• The story and mission behind Jersey Pits Rescue. 
• What you should know about adopting and fostering a pup for the first time. 
• The many moving parts of running a rescue - and how you can get involved to help. 
• Ways to bridge the education gap around the stigma that Pitbulls have. 
• Details about the annual fundraiser, Pitness in the Park! 

From the sode — Join us for Pitness in the Park on October 22nd at Hamilton Park in Jersey City! All tickets are donation based and proceeds go directly to Jersey Pits Rescues. Pitness in the Park is an annual fundraiser that focuses on spreading positive PitBull awareness, provides education about responsible dog ownership, and raises funds for local rescues as well as connects small business in the community.  Join us for a day of raffles, educational presentations, leash training, and most of all, positive PitBull awareness! You can buy your donation based tickets here by clicking on TICKETS and scrolling down to DONATIONS. 

Links & resources — Website: https://www.jerseypitsrescue.com/ Instagram: @jerseypitsrescue Where you can donate: https://www.jerseypitsrescue.com/donate

OHH HOT SEAT! Vanessa chats with Taylor of Taylored Strength about ways to create content for different platforms while staying true to her style.

Tune in to hear about…

• How to create consistency across multiple platforms.
• Ways to infuse your brand tone into your copy.
• Why more doesn’t always mean valuable when it comes to copy and content.
• A way to send emails that feels GOOD to you rather than gross.
• The elder millenials IG — PINTEREST!

Our Guest of Honor: Taylor Neal, LBGTQIA+ strength coach, student, fur mama, and soon to be certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Real-time workshop —

Vanessa helps Taylor create a strategy to stay organized for a new program she’s launching in Fall 2022.

From the sode —

B of Powerhouse Brand Studio was mentioned MULTIPLE times.

Links & resources —

IG: @tayloredforstrength

Website: www. tayloredforstrength.com

🔥HOT TAKE! Is copy the next buzzword? In the very first SPICY TIPS AND TAKES episode of Stream of COPY-ness, Vanessa dives into 4 BASIC INGREDIENTS OF COPY that’ll help make yours timeless rather than trending.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The difference between copy and content writing.
• Why readability, style, structure, and editing are so important for great copy.
• How to incorporate EACH of these ingredients into what you write.
• V’s editing process for creating connective, ethical, conscious copy.

Don’t forget to join the CONSCIOUS CREATORS COLLECTIVE to grab your own creative content digital dashboard and get copy tips + tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Links & Resources:

• Want to send b-e-a-utiful emails to your peeps on the reg? Try FloDesk! Use my affiliate link and get 50% off fo-LIFE.
• Fave editing tools: ProWritingAid, Powerthesaurus, Grammarly

Vanessa chats with the amazingly adorned (and adored), Lily Hussey of Good Hussey, astrologer, Witch, and conscious creative about how you to create copy and content based on your Mercury placement as well as some other intuitive biz tips and wormholes.

Tune in to hear about…

• How each astrological sign can use its Mercury placement as a format to create content.
• How each day of the week is astrologically aligned and a way you can schedule your week to work with the specific energy.
• Our thoughts about how IG is becoming (even more) creepy than it already is.
• A bit about how I bring my ideas from paper to creation.

OUR GUEST OF HONOR: Lily is an Astrologer, Clairvoyant, Jeweler, and Witch based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She weaves together astrological magic and ritual to create magical adornments to support you on your journey. She is fascinated with the ritual of adornment and how glamour - jewelry, clothing and makeup - is a powerful and radical ritual for embodying all the rich archetypes found within ones self.

From the sode —

Check out the CREATIVE CONTENT DIGITAL DASHBOARD Lily mentioned to keep all your ideas in one spot and structure your intuitive editorial calendar.

Links & resources —

IG: @goodhussey

Email: lily@goodhussey.com

Website: www.goodhussey.com

We got the first 🔥HOT SEAT episode over hereaaaa!

Listen in on this episode with my soul sister, Mary Chatriwala, Compassionate Coach & Fearless Leader of Team Magic, as she puts me in the COPY HOT SEAT and asks, “Why does copy have to be so damn long?”

We dig into:

• The STAGES OF AWARENESS in regards to copy.

• How the fact that when you write copy, it’s just not about you (sorry not sorry).

• A bit about the difference between copy vs. content and the heroes journey.

We also workshop one of Mary’s questions in REAL time. Listen in abs lmk what you think in a review!

OUR GUEST OF HONOR:Mary has been coaching one thing or another for over 20 years. She combines her education and experiences to guide her team to discovering their best practices and routines for reaching goals and leading healthy, happy lives. 

Here's where you can find her -- 

IG: @magic_mary

Email: marychatriwala@yahoo.com

Website: https://magicmary.my.canva.site/

TMM Facebook Community: Https://www.facebook.com/groups/teammagicmary

Links & resources —

Grab your free CREATIVE CONTENT DIGITAL DASHBOARD and join the Conscious Creators Collective digital inbox community to get all the copy tips, musings, and conversations delivered straight to your inbox.

Hey fam! Welcome to the very first episode of Stream of COPY-ness. Lend me your ears and learn a bit of my story, why I started this Pod, and what to  • Learn a bit about my journey as an entrepreneur.  • Why this Podcast even exists. Hint:IG is becoming pretty whack.  • The reason I think copy and conversations is going to change the landscape for conscious creatives. Grab your free CREATIVE CONTENT DIGITAL DASHBOARD and join the Conscious Creators Collective digital inbox community to get all the copy tips, musings, and conversations delivered straight to your inbox.