Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Torres.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If you would have asked little girl me what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have said writer in her thoughts but probably nurse out loud. Writing has always been my passion and the biggest element of my identity, yet it took a long time for me to verbally voice my dream. It’s easy to think, “There are better writers—better people than me out there,” and “I’m good, but am I that good?” The noise of the world and the criticism of others can let us all down. But I’m happy to say I shut that noise out of my head and started speaking my thoughts loudly. That’s what brought me where I am today.
When I tell you that I wanted to be a writer, I am not necessarily speaking about fiction. Though, I do hope to dabble in that someday. When I say writer, I am referring to our everyday stories. Professional fields like public relations, marketing, communications, branding, news—that’s what I think of when I say writer.
I prefer real life to scenes. I prefer people to characters. I prefer everyday challenges to plots.
We all have a story in us. I want to help as many people as I can tell theirs.
I’ve had the professional opportunities to share my thoughts on writing, messaging, and strategy. But even though I would say my ideas out loud, too many times people would dismiss them. Growing in my confidence, I decided I wasn’t going to wait for opportunities anymore; I was going to create them myself.
That’s exactly what I did. I started Write Me Proudly, a one-woman operation helping businesses and young professionals write the precise words they need to achieve their business and career goals.
When I started, I feared I would never get any clients. But three years later, my business is still going. I have served more people than I ever thought, and our interactions/transactions have been mutually rewarding. This is the most fulfilling challenge I have had in my professional career and I am so excited to continue pursuing my writing business and growing it to its full potential.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The writing itself, and the client relationships, have been enjoyably smooth. But learning how to operate a business, that has been a little more challenging.
I realized early on that I needed to educate myself on topics like registering my business, paying taxes, writing a business plan, managing a profit & loss sheet, choosing a bank, pitching my business, closing sales. I had no idea where to start, and I knew there were nuances to each of these. So, I did what I always do and started to explore extracurricular options.
I signed up for a “How to Write Your Business Plan” course which taught me step-by-step the sections a plan would need. In that class, I also connected with a reliable and knowledgeable tax preparer who has taught me so much on tax breaks that I would have otherwise missed out on.
Through LinkedIn, I saw Cornell University and Bank of America partnered to offer free educational courses to women in their Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate program. I’m currently in the courses now and have learned so much.
Another LinkedIn post connected me to the Unleash the sHero in You program by the Center for Asian Pacific American Women. This is a great program that grows women personally and professionally. They have opened up to all women of color, and I was fortunate enough to be admitted. We will be starting the program soon, and I am so excited!
Last but not least, to further enhance my business marketing knowledge, I have been taking courses in the Association of National Advertiser’s Certified Marketing Professional program. This has taught me plenty on all the different ways to attract sales.
I know there is so much left to learn, and that’s okay! I’m in this for the long run. I want to take my business as far as I can, help as many people as possible, and learn new things along the way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Write Me Proudly is a full-service writing agency (copywriting, content writing, ghostwriting, and editing). I help businesses and young professionals write the precise words they need to achieve their business and career goals. Be it website copy, resumes, cover letters, professional bios, email communications, landing pages, letters, or any other type of writing; I can help. I’m the writer that people say is beneficial to have on their side.
Mainly, I cater to small business owners and individuals who do not identify as a writer or who simply do not have time to write. Even though only a small majority of people are writers, everyone has to write. That’s leaving too many visionaries in a bind when it comes to composing an email, giving a speech, coming up with a slogan, drafting a proposal, writing web content, posting on social media; the list goes on. I want to help these worthwhile business owners, and careerists effectively demonstrate their value in writing.
My mission is: The power of words is for everyone. Those who need help communicating their worth through writing can count on me to do it for them.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Writing has always felt like art to me. It was easy to grab a piece of paper and scribble words. Same as it was easy for me to draw a picture. That’s exactly what I did all my childhood. Plus, I read a lot. But would you believe I did not become a good reader until 5th grade?
Prior to that, I struggled with reading. In class, we had what was called “Sustained Silent Reading Time,” meaning everyone would grab a book and read for 30 minutes. I remember I used to spend this time just staring off into space. I couldn’t concentrate on a book at all.
Then, I would look at my peers and see them consumed in their book. They would smile and laugh at the funny parts, share with their neighbor an interesting part, and be able to explain what they read during our group share.
I couldn’t do any of that. There they were exploring worlds in their minds, understanding key story messages, and growing up just a little bit more with each book. I was so jealous.
I thought to myself “If they can do it, so can I.” That year, in our annual book sale, I searched the rows for a book that would interest me. I settled on this book called “Lucy’s Completely Cool and Totally True E-Journal.”
Do you remember I said I prefer non-fiction to fiction? That’s what made this book so great. It was written in a first-person diary format. It really felt like I was connecting with someone who I could relate to about real life. I finished this so fast. Then I read another book. And another. And another. Before I knew it, I was an everyday reader. I started scoring high on all my reading assessments, and as a result, my writing grew too.
I found myself immersed in a world of reading and writing, and I knew this was where I always wanted to be. All that was left was finding my voice to say so out loud. Luckily, I did.
Pricing:
- Resume: 230
- Cover letter: 275
- Professional bio: 175
- 4-page website: 600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.writemeproudly.com
- Instagram: @writemeproudly
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandratorreswritemeproudly/
Image Credits
Alexis Torres
