Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabrielle Seunagal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gabrielle, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is largely driven by the desire to achieve, advance, and get ahead in my career. Since I started freelance writing in January 2017, I knew that truly building a business, a brand, and making a name for myself would demand hard work, consistency, and never giving up.
Another factor that drives my work ethic is the naysayers in 2017 who insisted that freelance writing wasn’t a viable full-time career path. The 6+ years that I’ve been writing prove otherwise; however, that’s only because of me putting in the work, dedicating myself to my craft, and always being on the lookout for new opportunities.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My work revolves around freelance writing. Content creation for websites, copywriting for marketing emails, SEO, and even content editing/proofreading all fall under my umbrella.
Self-expression and communication with others on a massive scale are what I find to be most powerful about writing. The ability to share important thoughts in an article or story makes such a huge difference. Writing inherently sparks ideas — in both authors and readers — and, in doing so, creates a world of possibilities.
Since 2022, much of my work as a writer has also revolved around the fight against human trafficking and other problems society faces, such as the lack of laws prohibiting child marriage in the United States! These are issues where I’m determined to make a positive difference and my work in the anti-human trafficking movement also extends beyond writing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In building and maintaining my freelance writing career, some of the most impactful qualities and skills are:
1) Consistency
2) Willingness to learn
3) Perseverance
When I first started my career, I had to consistently apply for jobs that would generate repeat work. Likewise, when I landed projects, it was critical to consistently deliver great work products and meet deadlines. Even now, with almost seven years as a freelance writer, consistently delivering for my clients is still paramount.
The willingness to learn has also been important. In writing, there are many tools that clients often use, such as WordPress, Slack, Airtable, Trello, etc. Familiarizing myself with these tools, how they operate, etc., makes such a huge difference. It’s also increased the value I bring to my clients and my overall competitiveness in the freelance market.
Finally, the ability to persevere is a key quality that can make or break a freelance writing career. When I first started, I had to push through the doubters and naysayers who said freelance writing’s realism didn’t extend beyond a side gig. My stick-to-it-iveness also came in handy when I encountered different obstacles that are most common when building a creative career from the ground up.
I would urge anyone who is early in their journey to know if they’re passionate and serious about having a creative career, they can do it. I’d also encourage new creatives to surround themselves with uplifting support systems of loved ones who will help motivate them.
Granted, building a creative career is possible without this; however, it’s so much better to have people rooting for you than having to fend off naysayers who advise you to “keep your day job.”
Being consistent, willing to learn, and determined to persevere ultimately means taking one step at a time, tackling pieces of your goals each day, and staying set on the idea that no matter what comes your way, nothing will bar you from success.
Some people may think this is idealistic (or easier said than done), but it’s how I got to build and maintain a full-time freelance writing career….and I know these are major assets for creatives who are just getting started, too.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
One huge challenge for me is the awareness of human trafficking in this world and the fact that it’s rising, rather than waning. I truly became aware of this after learning about the Ghislaine Maxwell trial in 2021 and then doing some digging into the extent to which human trafficking exists.
Thankfully, my means of overcoming this challenge is doing all that I can to be active in the anti-human trafficking movement. As a writer, that entails raising awareness about human trafficking and sharing updates about positive developments in the fight against human trafficking in my work.
On a personal level, it means supporting organizations like Operation Underground Railroad and A21, attending events designed to raise awareness, and being vocal about the plight of human trafficking when I have the chance to do so.
This is a challenge for me because it’s my view that no person should ever be sold. I’m going to continue to use my work, voice, and resources to be a positive force in the fight against human trafficking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabriellewrites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielleseunagal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabriellewritesX
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-seunagal-27a006134/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabseunagal
- Other: https://gabrielleseunagalwrites.com, https://gabrielleseunagal.com, https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01ae166845c162efcf