Meet Valentina Grandesso

We were lucky to catch up with Valentina Grandesso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Valentina, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My journey to finding my purpose has been quite a wild ride.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for writing and was always one of the last ones to hand over an essay – whether in Italian or English. I guess procrastination was just another form of creativity, after all.

When it came time to choose a university, I snubbed “Marketing and Communications” because it was one of those faculties the “rebels” would attend – the ones who didn’t want to study and just picked any course. Ironic, since a few years later, I ended up in marketing anyway.

Fast forward a few months post-graduation in Economics, and there I was in *THE JOB* – a glossy corporate office in the heart of Dubai, working as a marketing exec for one of the biggest luxury brands.

On paper, I had it all.
But as with any good story, the plot twist was just around the corner.

One morning, driving my dirty car and sipping my latte in the morning traffic on my way to work, I had one of those moments – daydreaming again.

There was this one morning on my way to work, in my dirty car and latte in hand, that I had that pivotal moment that really got me thinking about my purpose. I was working almost around the clock to organize a huge VIP event for yet another collection launch, when I heard the honk from the car behind me. I was daydreaming again.

I remember I was reading the Secret at that time, and I had that cold shiver down my back and that nagging feeling…is that it? Am I really, actually making a contribution to this world, or if I quit tomorrow, they would have me replaced by the afternoon? (spoiler: I was totally replaceable).

And that’s when it hit me – I needed my work to mean something, to actually move the needle for someone, not just ensure the roses matched the precise shade of peachy pink. Because, honestly, give me a break.

That day, when I came back home, I spoke to my BF (who had just gotten his international relocation rejected) and we called it quits. We were leaving for a sabbatical. But we wanted to make it count. We decided that our journey to finding our purpose would start by making an impact. We chose to volunteer with Workaway. A platform that allows to travel and stay in beautiful places in exchange for some kind of work.

In Costa Rica, I realized there was an Alternative to the hustle culture I got so sucked in in Dubai. Days were slow and smiles came from the soul. People were enjoying and savoring life. My corporate days were OVER.
In March 2020, somewhere in Costa Rica, I knew it: I wanted to be part of that bliss. Sandy feet and island life was a juicy little temptation with my name written all over it.

One year later I was back in Dubai, this time with a clear mission: I wanted to make a measurable impact on businesses that do good. Those brands and businesses made their mission to empower others and help the planet or the animals. Brands that share my values of compassion, empowerment, and positive impact.

After a few months of trial and error (and a few breakdowns later), my emails for a small sustainable business started converting really well.

Ding ding! That was it!! My skills were actually impacting change makers amplify their impact with the power of words.

I realized my skills in copywriting could be a powerful tool for purpose-driven brands. I wanted to help these brands communicate their messages in a way that truly resonated with their audience.

And so, The Alternative Copy was born. And my motto, “In a world of cliché, be an Alternative,” perfectly captures what I’m all about – having the courage to do things differently, with authenticity and purpose.

Finding my purpose has been nothing short of amazing. It’s allowed me to forge deep connections with clients and see the tangible positive impacts of my work. It’s incredibly rewarding and keeps my fire burning.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Aligning work with values is tough, especially in the cutthroat online space. But who ever said following your passion would be easy?

To anyone out there searching for their purpose, here’s my advice: follow your passions, stay true to your values, and embrace your unique journey. It’s worth every twist and turn.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am Italian born and raised, expat in Dubai since 2016. Before that, I never even heard of this place. Dubai is how you see it in the movies, everything is possible and achievable. And it’s thanks to the network I built here, that becoming a copywriter was possible.
Today I am a creative copywriter for coaches, healers, and purpose-led sustainable businesses. I love seeing businesses turn from concept ideas to impact-makers, with values worth sharing and amplifying.

As a Holistic Health Copywriter, my clients are mental health practitioners, coaches of all kinds, healers, and sustainable businesses. They all have one mission in common: empower others.

My services vary from website copywriting, to email marketing, to copywriting mentorship for junior copywriters, but I also offer strategy sessions for those wanting a more custom approach.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

That’s a great question! It’s funny how we don’t really notice we’re building these skills until one day we look back and see how strong they’ve become.

Looking back, three things really made a difference for me: adaptability, empathy, and storytelling. Here’s a quick rundown.

First, adaptability. Being able to change plans when things go sideways has been huge. Whether it was changing careers, moving to new places, or just dealing with unexpected stuff, being flexible helped me grab opportunities and handle challenges. For anyone starting out, I’d say: step out of your comfort zone. Try new things, take on different roles, and don’t be scared to mess up. Every experience, whether it’s a win or a lesson, helps you become more adaptable.

Next, empathy. Really understanding and connecting with people has been a game-changer. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or customers, seeing things from their perspective builds strong relationships. To get better at empathy, listen actively and engage with people. Try to see things through their eyes, and ask deeper questions. Empathy is all about valuing others’ experiences and perspectives.

Lastly, storytelling. A good story can make all the difference. It’s what turns plain messages into something that really sticks with people. Being able to craft and share stories has been crucial in helping purpose-driven brands connect with their audiences. If you want to improve your storytelling, study great stories. Read books, watch movies, and see what makes them work. Write your own stories and share them – feedback is super helpful.

For those just starting out, my advice is simple: focus on these qualities, and be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, but by working on adaptability, empathy, and storytelling, you’ll build a solid foundation. Keep learning, stay curious, and most importantly, stay true to your values. Your journey might have twists and turns, but it will lead you to where you need to be.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

It actually took me sometime to niche down to one ideal client, and I decided to do it not by demographics, but by values. My ideal client is a purpose-driven personal brand or small business, passionate about making a positive impact. They’re coaches, healers, businesses that have chosen to walk a different path, steering away from the usual, and they’re all about doing good – whether it’s for people, the planet, or animals.

Here’s a bit more detail on what makes someone an ideal client for me:

Values Alignment: They share my values of compassion, empowerment, and positive impact. They’re driven by more than just profits; they want to make a difference.

Mission-Driven: Their business or brand has a clear mission that involves helping others or contributing to a greater cause. They’re not just selling products or services; they’re selling a vision.

Authenticity: They value authenticity and aren’t afraid to show their true selves. They understand the power of genuine, honest communication.

Collaborative Spirit: They see the value in collaboration and are open to working closely together to create something meaningful. They’re open to feedback and value a partnership approach.

Storytellers: They understand the power of a good story and want to communicate their mission in a way that truly resonates with their audience. They’re excited about crafting narratives that connect and inspire.

Sustainability Focus: They’re committed to sustainability and making environmentally friendly choices. They care about the long-term impact of their actions on the planet.

In short, my ideal client is someone who’s dedicated to making the world a better place, one step at a time. They’re passionate, authentic, and ready to collaborate on crafting powerful, impactful stories. If that sounds like you, we’re probably a perfect match!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thealternativecopy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealternativecopy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-grandesso-copywriter/

Image Credits

Valentina Grandesso