Today we’d like to introduce you to Delaney Rietveld.
Hi Delaney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I haven’t always considered myself a writer, but when I was thinking about picking up freelance writing, I realized I have been a writer for years! Whether that’s in the form of blogging, playwriting, or now writing for my clients; when you write, that’s what makes you a writer. In the spring of this year, I decided to take the leap from hobby blogging to writing personal development content for other companies and businesses. It’s been a fun ride ever since!
I actually trained as an actor. I graduated from Theatre school in 2019, but didn’t move to Minneapolis until March of 2020. (What an exciting time to move to a new city!) Since the start of the pandemic, I had been working an office job and not performing at all. I knew I wanted to find something creative, but also flexible to allow me to pursue acting when the world started opening up again. I was able to leave my office job five months after I started my writing business.
I mainly write personal development content because I love it! 2020 was the year I got my first life coach and really invested in my personal development. Like myself, I think a lot of the world was trying to find the tools to get us through such a turbulent time. Now I am able to make a living writing about many of the same personal development tools that got me through the pandemic.
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?
It’s definitely been an exercise in trusting the process. For me, the biggest struggle was finding the time and mental energy to work on my business while also working a full-time job. I always felt like I could be doing more, but you have to learn to take care of yourself as well. In fact, that’s usually the kind of message I would be writing for my clients: work hard, but don’t forget to prioritize your self-care along the way.
I wouldn’t say I was perfect, but I’ve learned to go easy on myself. Imposter syndrome is real, but I have a lot of tools I can use to help me process it. By trusting the process, you’re more prepared for the highs and lows you experience along the way. At the very least, it creates a good story!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a freelance content writer who specializes in personal development, self-improvement, and mindset writing. I help companies write blog posts, social media content, ebooks, newsletters… you name it. Basically, anything you need written for your business, I can help you with. I love helping get my clients more visible online by providing them with creative, engaging content that is also optimized for SEO.
What sets me apart is that I am extremely Type A, but also extremely creative! I find that this is an excellent resource for my clients. I’m happy to offer them my creative spin on things, but they can also have full confidence that I care about results and getting things done on time.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Just over 2 years ago, I was a clueless actor fresh out of theatre school. Even if I did have the confidence to set big goals, I had no idea how to achieve them. Fast-forward to today, I’m able to leave my full-time job to work for myself. The freedom that building my own business has brought me is unmatched by anything else I could think of. I’m finally able to pursue acting as seriously as I want now.
I guess I just want all actors and artists to know that they have a lot more grit and skill than they think they do. We’re often sold this narrative of the “starving artist” who has to scrape together a living while crossing their fingers for their big break. My advice: forget that narrative and create your own! If I did it, I’m certain you can too.
Contact Info:
- Email: delaney@definitelyish.com
- Website: https://definitelyish.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delaneyrietveld/
- Portfolio: https://definitelyish.com/portfolio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delaney-rietveld/
