I believe words
can change lives
Dramatic, huh? But true: in my 20+ career in communications I've had people who have read my articles, participated in my workshops and seen my shows tell me that my words have done this.
There's a caveat. Words can only change lives if they are well delivered; in a way that prompts the recipient of them to stop and think. Creativity here is key.
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If they resonate, words can change behaviour. They can ring in ears (rather than fall on deaf ones). They can build empathy. Show different perspectives. Improve relationships. Facilitate discussion. Change opinions. Inspire. Motivate.
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This is what Big Juicy Creative aspires to do through its writing, speaking and performances.
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Due to my strong journalism and copywriting background, I'm often hired for my ability to get under the skin of a complex topic fast and bring it to life on the page or stage, to deadline. My background has also equipped me with the skills to build a rapport quickly with people, from experts I'm interviewing to audiences I'm delivering content to.
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Journalism, too, has instilled in me the vital importance of always having the audience front of mind when creating, to ensure words are relevant. This, coupled with my professional training in workshop facilitation, ensures my workshops and talks are original, memorable, accessible, resonant and make an impact long after the event.
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I’ve taken this big, juicy, creative approach to briefs as an editor at a publishing company, as a freelance creative running workshops, writing books and articles and, now, as a part-time content marketer at VisitCairngorms.
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For a more traditional 'CV' style timeline of my career experience, keep scrolling down.
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In the age of LinkedIn, CVs feel bit 20th century, so here is a whistlestop tour of my highlights:
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1995-1998: Bristol University: BA(Hons) 2:1 English Literature, with semester at Occidental College, Los Angeles
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1998-2000: EAP Paris Business School, Master’s in European Business gained with Distinction
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2000-2004: Haymarket Publishing, awarded ‘best newcomer’ in first year
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2004: Set up copywriting business
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2014: Self-published a passion project book on my experience of postnatal depression called Wondering Woman Writing this was a transformative experience and prompted a move to my favourite place in the world; the Scottish Highlands
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2015: Took over the running of a networking group, Women Support Women, which puts on events on topical subjects such as mental health and creativity
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2018: took a part-time positions as a content marketer for Cairngorms Business Partnership, promoting the Cairngorms National Park, alongside running Big Juicy Creative. This involves external comms via consumer brands VisitCairngorms and SnowRoads, as well as internal comms to our 300+ member base
Clients
Having set up my copywriting business in 2004, I’ve written for a huge array of media outlets and agencies (see Big juicy writing section for more on this).
I’m also commissioned to do workshops, talks and ‘performances’ (see Big juicy speaking and performances sections), building on my professional training as a facilitator of stress management and emotional intelligence workshops. Due to my journalism background, I am able to research complex topics quickly, to deadline, and create memorable, accessible and thought-provoking content.
Performance workshops are an exciting and unique format which Big Juicy Creative is looking to develop. It is currently working on scripts, which can be customised for clients, on subjects including: processing COVID-19 so employees can adapt to the new normal more effectively; how to thrive at work when you become a parent; diversity in the workplace; and nurturing your creativity so you thrive professionally and personally.
So, if you have a brief, or an idea, you’d like to chat about, do please get in touch via my the form below or send me an email