Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Letts.
Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At the beginning of my career, I spent nearly a decade as a middle school language arts teacher. I have completed three education degrees, a few certifications, and countless hours of teacher leadership. But something about the profession wasn’t right for me. I was good at my job, but it wasn’t fulfilling. I left teaching in 2015 to pursue freelance writing, and I have been doing that ever since. I am proud to have contributed to publications such as Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Good Grit, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and countless others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I decided to leave teaching to pursue writing, I knew I would need experience and clips, and while I was well into my career, I did not have any writing to show. I took an internship as a 30-year-old with a local fashion company. I would teach middle school all day then drive to midtown Atlanta to the basement of an office building to work on marketing emails, blogs, and social media. It gave me the experience I needed to change paths. Doing social media management and blogging to editorial contacts which lead to getting to write for huge publications like Southern Living.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known for being a freelance lifestyle journalist who covers all things associated with the modern South. I like writing about chefs and restaurants, small businesses, traditions, and people. I think I am a good conversationalist which helps me get to know my subjects on a different level. Just today, in fact, I was seated at a luncheon with a subject of a story I wrote for Southern Living. We were thrilled to unexpectedly see each other and catch up.
I’m probably most proud of my book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Alabama. It includes 86 restaurants, all of which I visited (and ate at!).
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be humble. I said yes to almost any assignment or opportunity that came across my desk. Nothing was too small fry for me, and every single story I wrote helped me get to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nicolemelv
Image Credits
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