Conversations with Julie Novara

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Novara.

Hi Julie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
For a number of years, I taught English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

My first class was in a small English center in the West African country of Senegal, and my students were so enthusiastic about learning that it gave me the courage to step into other opportunities on other continents.

Eventually, I made my way back to the US where I’ve taught everything from community ESOL classes to graduate-level academic English.

Along the way, I found a niche in teaching writing, something I also enjoyed doing as a hobby. During my stints abroad, I’d fill newsletters with stories of my teaching life and send them home to family and friends. The encouraging responses I got gave me the courage to take a chance on writing as more than just a hobby.

In 2017, I wrote my first blog post for a business that sent me a check in return. Today I’m still writing blog posts, but I’ve also added case studies, white papers, website copywriting, and more to my toolbox.

And in the same way that I always loved coming alongside students to help them communicate in writing, I love working with my clients to convey their unique solutions to their audience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting out, I knew a lot about writing but not a lot about running a business, and being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It’s an adventurous journey with unknowns around every corner — especially in the early days.

Some of the challenges included learning to see myself as a business owner and presenting my work to others with confidence.

Every new opportunity and every successful project added to my confidence, and I’m grateful for where I am today and for the many ways my work contributes to my client’s success.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a content marketing writer who works with impact-driven businesses and organizations to maximize their impact with effective content.

From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world. My parents were always looking for opportunities to help other people, offering a meal, or giving someone a ride to work. Their strong influence got me thinking from a very early age about doing good in the world.

Today, I partner with impact-driven organizations that are doing that same thing in their own way — whether taking care of the planet by making local, sustainable apparel or supporting local artists who are pursuing their creative dreams.

My work with them is an extension of my heart to make a difference. Working with so many different clients who are doing good in the world means an even greater impact. And I love it! I love helping clients maximize their impact.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Business owners who have a small team that doesn’t include a dedicated marketing associate may hire me for content strategy — that is, to create a plan for their marketing content.

Other owners may need content creation. Right now, I’m working with a company that needed case studies, for example, and we determined a package of five would be a good place to start. Another small team has hired me for monthly e-newsletters and blog posts. And I’ve recently completed several website updates for clients whose messaging wasn’t reaching their ideal audience.

Whether they find me through my website, social media, or in person at workshops, most people schedule an initial call to see if we’re the right fit for the work or projects they have in mind.

Contact Info:

• Email: julie@johnsonwriter.com
• Website: https://www.johnsonwriter.com/

Image Credits
Katie Smith Photography, Julie Novara, and Wendy Jade Photography