Featured Freelance Writers — Joycelyn D. Ghansah

One of the main reasons I started No Hustle Freelancer is to create a community. I am excited to continue this Featured Freelance Writer series. :) Today, I want to introduce you to Joycelyn D. Ghansah. Joycelyn is a healthcare and non-profit freelance writer. She shares the initial difficulties she faced as a black writer raising awareness of inequalities and discrimination many BIPOC writers are facing. She also shares some amazing tips for new freelancers. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Tell us about yourself. What kind of freelance writing do you do/what's your niche?

I'm a healthcare and non-profit freelance copywriter. 

Where do you write? On your couch? A nice home office? Cafes? Coworking spaces?

I write at home, Monday-Wednesday is my "office" day and Thursday-Saturday is my "couch" day.

When and why did you decide to start freelancing? How long have you been freelancing?

I started freelancing professionally back in 2015 when I accidentally asked to shadow a nonprofit e-commerce retailer. I now create community toolkits and write pieces on healthcare recruitment and "unsung" women in history. Recently, I started creating content for two amazing chefs from New York + New Jersey.  

How did you find your first clients? How do you find your clients now?

I found my first client through my university's alumni board. I find them through Binder groups on Facebook or Allobee, an amazing marketplace that connects business owners to freelancers. 

What is your favorite thing about freelancing? Anything you don't like?

I work with clients from various industries:  governmental departments, retailers, photographers, and chefs. It's an experience I wouldn't have if I weren't a freelancer. Anything I don't like? The writing! I'm kidding. Freelancing has allowed me to develop as a writer while doing what I love.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned so far?

Surround yourself with community and support. I have freelancers, clients, and friends who support, cheer, and critique my work. 

Let's keep it real, there is always something to work on. Is there anything you are currently struggling with or working to improve on as a freelance writer?

I want to become a better storyteller, writing pieces that evoke emotion is something I want to get better at. I want to learn how to create content with manual writing, which is why I spend my time on Canva creating infographics. 

BIPOC writers, writers from marginalized communities, and non-native speaker writer face certain challenges that others do not. Are you part of any of these groups? If yes, can you tell a bit about the challenges you are facing, how you are dealing with them, and any tips you have. 

In the beginning, potential clients wouldn't take me seriously, even with my portfolio. They'd ask if I graduated with my degrees or if I wrote my samples myself. I've also had potential clients try to persuade me to work for little to nothing. The thing is, I know who I am and what I've done. The clients, like me, have the option of working with another freelancer, so even if it makes me sad or angry, I'd rather decline or leave a job where I'm not valued.

What advice would you give freelance writers that are just starting out?

To keep your receipt: -Have your paperwork in order. -Track everything you do. -Write down the skills you've contributed and learned.  Also, put money aside for taxes. I think we're supposed to put 30% away, which is hard when you're not making a lot, so I understand if you can't.

Where can we find you? Feel free to share your website, portfolio, Linkedin, other social media.

Website: https://joy-the-writer.mailchimpsites.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycelyndghansah/ Not social media but I'm the Amplify Columnist at HerStry (an amazing women-owned magazine) so people can find me there: https://herstryblg.com/amplify

Are you interested in creating a sustainable freelance writing business without the hustle? Check out my freelance writing course with a step-by-step process of exactly what you need.