Rashida Tayabali is a website copywriter for women in business. She helps women entrepreneurs use the power of clear and concise copy to sell their product or service, all without sounding salesy. She writes clear and engaging website copy that connects and converts. In her free time, you'll find her frowning at typos and trying to catch up on the 20+ books she has yet to read on her bookshelf and Kindle. You'll also find her reluctantly scrolling and sharing on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  Here’s our chat with Rashida.  

What ignited the spark in you to start your business?

 I’d always wanted to pursue writing and see my byline in newspapers and magazines. I started off as a features writer writing for many of Australia’s major publications and then transitioned into being a copywriter.   

Was there a significant turning point when you decided to become an entrepreneur?

When people started approaching me to write for them, I realised I needed to see it as a business, not just a hobby while I was on maternity leave.  

Looking back is there a piece of advice you wish to pass onto someone starting out their entrepreneurial journey?

Get your pricing sorted out first because it will cause you lots of angst when you decide what to charge for services especially. Don’t undervalue your skills and experience even if you have zero experience in running a business.  

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

 Resilience, a business mindset and an open mind  

Who do you look up to in business? Who inspires you?

 Any female woman in business who’s also a mum and running a business around their family. It takes extreme hard work and grit to be successful.  

What was the best advice that you have been given?

Trust you know more than the client does and learn to run your own race.  

What do you think your key to success has been?

 Constantly learning and upskilling as a writer and being open to new opportunities.  

How have you personally measured your success?

 I’ve measured in terms of how many things I’ve managed to tick off that I only dreamt of years ago, like working with some big brands and seeing my name published in magazines I admire like Sunday Life.  

Outsource the skill or learn the skill?

Learn the basics at least and if it’s costing you more money to DIY then outsource it.  

How do you generate new ideas?

By reading widely, and talking to people inside groups and at events  

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Having the flexibility to look after my children while doing creative work  

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

I love Business Chicks and the founder Emma Isaac’s entrepreneurial journey while raising her family.  

Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

I see myself as a published fiction author while still creating content for purposeful women-led businesses  

Who are the women around you that allow you to thrive?

I would say it’s a close group of friends who are all successful and running their own businesses. We lean on each other and support each other 100% in our businesses and personal lives.