Abby is a copywriter and content coach to creative business owners. As a former teacher, she loves to educate and empower other women to move forward in their businesses, either through her own experience or by helping them to get their own written message out to their audiences. She’s also a single Boss Mom to a 14-year-old daughter, who is the inspiration in everything she does.
Tell us a little bit about your family and your Boss Mom journey.
I’m a single mom to a 14-year-old daughter, which made the leap to self-employment especially scary. I started freelance writing in 2007 as a way to make ends meet, because my teaching job just wasn’t cutting it. But teaching is demanding and it’s difficult to take time off and be present in your own child’s education. And the politics involved in public education leave a lot to be desired. In May 2013, I left teaching to grow my business and while it was incredibly stressful at first, I’ve learned how to run a profitable business and can now comfortably support myself and my daughter. Oh, and she’s remarked on more than one occasion, “Mom, you’re not as crabby as you used to be when you were a teacher.” HA! Yep, she’s right! I love what I do, every single day.
What are some of your favorite go-to meals when time is tight and dinner MUST get on the table?
I love my Instant Pot because I can completely space dinner until dinnertime and still put something healthy and delicious on the table. I also love to bulk-prep meals like casseroles and put an extra in the freezer for those days when I just don’t feel like cooking.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I love a good run. I recently planned an entire program in my head while running on the trails. It’s my therapy time.
What are you currently reading or listening to (podcasts, books, blogs etc)?
Copywriter’s Club podcast recently launched and I’m learning SO much from the amazing writers who have been on it. I’m also working through my big stack of business books. Essentialism, The Big Leap and Vlog Like a Boss are three I recently finished.
What is one piece of business advice that you’d give to a mom just starting out?Get to know others in your industry–even those you’d consider competition. Having go-to business friends who really “get” where you are in business is huge. And those who you think are your competition are really your best resources and referral partners because we all bring something different to the table.
In one word, sum up your life as a Boss Mom.
Journey. Because this road has been an incredible journey and I can’t wait to see where it takes me down the road!
What are three core business values and how do they relate to your motherhood?
Integrity. Education. Grit.
Integrity, because being honest and open builds trust with your clients and it puts their best interests in mind. I’ve always been open and honest with my daughter, answering the tough questions when she asks (with filters for age, of course). Education, because I’m a lifelong learner and believe that when you stop learning you stop growing. It’s my responsibility to educate my clients about best practices so they can make informed decisions about their content. Education is one of the most important gifts we can give our children so it’s always a priority in my house. Grit, because without it I would have thrown in the business towel early on. But I’m determined to grow a successful business that helps others. My daughter has seen this and it makes me proud to watch her persevere through some tough times, becoming more resilient and determined with every passing month. I’d like to think I played a part in this.
Connect with Abby Herman on her website and social media channels!
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn
Abby Herman has a Race to Summer Break program offering you all the support, guidance and accountability you need to get it all done. Check that out here.
