Finding Your Flow: Insights from a Leader in Copywriting

Join Molly Baker, founder of Indie Consulting, and our guest, as they explore how personal growth, creative strategy, and AI intersect in the world of copywriting. From finding clarity in your messaging to setting boundaries in business, this episode offers grounded insight into building a brand that’s both strategic and sustainable. Whether you're a founder, a freelancer, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead in this space.

MB(Molly Baker): What’s top of mind for you professionally today?

KP(Kaitlyn Parker): The intersection of human creativity and AI. We all watched the industry shift after the pandemic, then AI exploded and changed the pace again. I’m focused on how to use the efficiencies without pressing the “easy button” and losing the parts of the creative process that make the work great. It’s an ongoing balance.

MB: Where does your team—and your clients—land on the spectrum of fear versus openness?

KP: Mostly open and curious. People see how fast content and marketing tasks can move now, which is exciting. After the initial hype, you realize AI isn’t a cure‑all. It still takes a lot of judgment and craft—and sometimes it creates extra work you have to edit down. But when it nails a direction, it’s a huge accelerator.

MB: Brag a little—what are you particularly good at?

KP: Listening and untangling. Clients bring a swirl of ideas and history; I distill that into language they’re proud of and that resonates with their audience. I’m also an unusual blend of strategic, creative, and process‑oriented—which is helpful in a creative field.

MB: Has that mix always been there, or did it develop over time?

KP: Both. I grew up an athlete—that’s where the strategy and discipline began. Sales roles sharpened my people skills. Agency work deepened the creative side. I’ve had leaders who were very systems‑driven, so I learned to value process early. Every personality test I take points to that mix.

MB: What sport?

KP: Field hockey.

MB: Has that athletic experience helped your career?

KP: Definitely. Work ethic and discipline matter—especially in entrepreneurship. Creating your own schedule takes motivation and focus.

MB: What’s been the most pivotal moment in your career?

KP: Becoming a mom. There’s a clear “before” and “after.” Your priorities change, and this industry is fast. I realized how much of my identity was tied to productivity and had to rebuild my rhythms within the constraints of childcare and the choices we’ve made as a family.

MB: Some say parenting can make you more productive because you have less time to waste.

KP: Completely. I used to have entire days and still wonder where the time went. Now I choose the top priority and do that first. Those classic productivity tips,“eat the frog,” pick your top three…became essential. I give myself more grace and focus on what actually moves the needle, not busywork.

MB: What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

KP: When a client finally feels proud of their brand…like it truly reflects them. You see the momentum shift when clarity clicks. Sometimes we don’t hear from clients for years because the work equipped them to run; that’s a great sign.

MB: Which relationships have most impacted you professionally?

KP: Clients, absolutely! I learn something new with each project and across many industries. Also collaborators: designers and marketing partners who’ve become trusted referral partners. My team. And my family…my husband owned a business for years, so he really gets the rollercoaster.

MB: Tell us who you are! 

KP: I’m Kaitlyn Parker, a copywriter and brand strategist, and the founder of Copy Uncorked, a boutique copywriting studio pouring up elevated copy that helps brands grow.

MB: How long have you been in business?

KP: I started in 2016 while working full‑time…early mornings and late nights, then rebranded to Copy Uncorked in 2019 and went full‑time. Coming up on six years.

MB: What motivated you to start your own business?

KP: In grad school I discovered copywriting while working at a university. I went down the creative‑industry rabbit hole and saw the possibilities. I loved the autonomy. A friend who’s an attorney helped me form the LLC; I set up a CRM, started offering a mix of services, and narrowed into copywriting as demand grew.

MB: What does an average day look like now?

KP: Part‑time hours with full‑time intention. I work from home; a family member helps with childcare. My days mix client and coaching calls, website copy drafts, messaging documents, product development for our digital offerings, and content for Substack or Instagram. I theme my days and prioritize ruthlessly.

MB: What part of the craft do you love most?

KP: Messaging. Clients arrive with years of ideas and artifacts. I find the through‑line and assemble it into something clear and compelling. I call copywriting “assembly” for a reason. And because the work is for someone else, you get immediate feedback—that helps you grow.

MB: Who do you typically serve?

KP: A mix…hospitality, luxury wedding professionals, interior designers, coaches, consultants, educators, and e‑commerce brands. I like variety; niching too narrowly can lead to repetitive work. Switching contexts keeps ideas fresh.

MB: Earlier you mentioned AI in theory. How are you using it in practice today?

KP: Mostly up front. Clients complete a detailed questionnaire and we do an in‑depth kickoff call. I’ll run notes through AI to summarize themes, pressure‑test my direction, and generate options. Our messaging guides are comprehensive; AI can help refine cohesion and explore thematic angles. It’s a brainstorming partner and a polisher—not a replacement.

MB: What do you do when you hit a creative block?

KP: Step away and let the work “aerate.” Movement…workouts or tennis helps. I’ll read, research, and revisit client inspiration. If I’m stuck, it often means I don’t have enough input yet, so I gather more.

MB: Feedback can be… spirited. How do you handle notes you disagree with?

KP: I return to the brief. Sometimes clients say one thing, then edit in the opposite direction. We do live review calls to explain rationale and play a bit of devil’s advocate. I’ll also ask if a margin note was a proposed change or just stream‑of‑consciousness. Ultimately, it’s their brand. My job is to get them the strongest outcome they feel aligned with.

MB: How have you grown as a writer since launching Copy Uncorked?

KP: Process and precision. I’ve tightened boundaries—contract clauses to keep projects moving, shorter feedback windows to maintain momentum. There’s a balance between letting ideas breathe and staying in flow. Craft‑wise, I’m sharper at cutting and choosing what matters.

MB: What has entrepreneurship taught you?

KP: To sense when to change or pivot and when to hold the line. Resilience. And emotional steadiness…avoiding the rollercoaster of reacting to every email or hiccup. Building a business requires relentless personal growth; as the business grows more public, it can feel scarier to experiment, but you have to keep stretching.

MB: You mentioned making changes in the business. What did that look like?

KP: I scaled back my agency team to create space and reduce pressure to grow at all costs. I re‑entered some of the day‑to‑day client work…yes, that brings creative fatigue, but it also reconnects me to the craft. I’m diversifying the brand: Copy Uncorked remains the services and products arm, and I’m also building projects under my personal brand. Think portfolio career and multiple revenue streams. It’s been a year‑long process, with more rolling out soon.

MB: What’s one piece of advice for someone starting a marketing services business?

KP: Start with foundational messaging. People jump to social or design and realize nothing sticks because the message isn’t set. Messaging creates cohesion across every channel and makes everything else easier—and more effective. Write before you design.

MB: At 21, did you imagine doing this?

KP: I knew I wanted to write and work in communications, but I didn’t have the internships for editorial or journalism while competing as an athlete. I took sales roles, got my master’s, discovered copywriting, and found entrepreneurship along the way. I’m grateful I built something of my own.

Find Kaitlyn on Linkedin and Substack! And visit Copy Uncorked!

As for us, follow @namedrop.pod on Instagram & LinkedIn and@molbakes on Instagram for all future episodes and insights.

Next
Next

Against the Grain: How Disagreement Creates Fresh Perspectives