Daily Inspiration: Meet Jayde Spooner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayde Spooner.

Hi Jayde, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Writing has long been my favorite way of communicating. I still recall my six-year-old self-writing stories in my bulky handwriting, illustrating the covers, and attempting to bind the pages using flour and water. Through this medium, I had the power to create any narrative of my choosing. As I evolved, I used my gift to tackle critical conversations in many realms — from poverty to racism to navigating the workplace. People say liberal arts majors won’t ever find lucrative work — I’m proof that this is a false narrative.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but easy. I’ve always wanted to be a professional writer, but I let “practicality” get in the way. I was in a new city, trying to figure it all out. During my undergrad at Georgia State University, I started off as a criminal justice major. Then, a pre-accounting major (I don’t even care for math.) Shortly thereafter, I switched to pre-marketing. Between working, classes, interning, and serving as the student president for NSLS GSU, I had no time to write for fun. After about a year and some change into my marketing internship, I realized writing was what I truly wanted to do. I switched my major one last time — to English with a concentration in Creative Writing. As soon as I walked into my first workshop, I knew I had made the right decision.

A few months after leaving my marketing internship, I landed a marketing assistant role, then moved into a digital marketing manager role at another company to pay the bills. I’d graduated, but long hours, stress, and a toxic working environment left me in a bind. I needed an outlet, so I began applying for grad school. The plan was to continue working while attending. A few weeks after I applied, my position was cut due to the pandemic, but not long after, I was accepted to SNHU’s online MFA program. Later that year, I landed my first remote writing/editing role at a great company in Europe and also started freelance writing. I’ve also finished my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing a few months ago.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I am a freelance professional content writer and editor. I specialize in blogs and articles, but I also write emails and press releases. I have over five years of experience crafting blogs, social media, and UX copy, emails, newsletters, interactive chatbots, articles, student interviews, webpages, student Slack communications, and landing pages. I love that I get to work in a variety of industries, anything from IT and EdTech to travel and food. I also run my own blog, www.puff-social.com.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Seek therapy. No one is invincible. The years of stress, toxicity, health scares, and more had taken in toll on me until I decided to do something about it. I still struggle with anxiety and the occasional panic attack, but I am in a much better place today. Also, please do what you love. Your passion is your purpose. I spent years ignoring my gift, but it was just that — a gift — that had been begging to be used again. Don’t let miserable people deter you. Surround yourself with those you want to be like and your time will come.

Pricing:

• Content Writing — $50/hr
• Content Editing — $40/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jaydespooner.org/ 

Image Credits
Photos by: Rafael Bossio