Hayley Griffiths is a freelance copywriter, running her own copywriting business at Hayley G Creative.
Learn how the most successful people in the world structure and manage their days. Sign to the Balance the Grind newsletter!
1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
My background is in shopping centre marketing, working with companies including Stockland, The GPT Group and AMP Capital. However after having my daughter Sophie in 2018, I realised that working full time was not what I wanted now that I was a mother.
I really wanted the flexibility to be able to spend quality time with her, yet I also wanted to fill my creative cup by working part time. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own freelance copywriting business Hayley G Creative.
It gave me the work-life balance that I needed, and although it hasn’t been without its challenges, it truly has given me a renewed sense of purpose working with so many amazing clients and an even deeper appreciation for the flexibility it offers (especially since having my second child Max).
I love working with like-minded small to medium businesses to elevate their communications with creative copy and authentic storytelling. My role is to help confidently communicate their unique story and values in a way that connects with their ideal customers.
I support clients in a range of industries from interior designers and stylists to fellow creatives and brands in the motherhood, parenting and retail space – specifically crafting copy for websites, blog articles and e-newsletters.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I’m up early in the morning (thanks to my toddler being an alarm clock!). On work days, my little ones go to daycare so it’s drop off in the morning followed by a large coffee. I’ll check my emails first thing once I’m at my desk and then write a to-do list.
My days vary, depending on what projects I’ve got scheduled for. The majority of the time I work from home but for a change of scenery, some days I’ll work from a cafe. I always like to make sure I end my working day by fitting in some exercise – whether it be at the gym or taking my dog for a walk in nature.
I’m into business podcasts at the moment , so I’ll tune into an episode while I’m exercising. Then it’s all systems go with daycare pickup, the dinner and bed routine and a little time to relax and unwind with a book or T.V (and some chocolate!).
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Absolutely it allows for flexibility and is one of the main reasons I started my own business. Having small kids and a husband that travels a fair bit for work means that I really need my schedule to flow and work in with my busy season of life.
If the kids are home sick from daycare, then I can log in at night to catch up on work, plus I have the flexibility to pop in time for my own appointments and life admin on work days too.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
For me, this means that both my personal life and work are in harmony, not clashing or competing with each other. There is flexibility and flow in my daily schedule to enjoy time with my family and friends, have moments for self-care and fuel my creativity with work.
My children are one and three years old, so I really want to be present in such an integral stage of their lives, yet I also love being able to pursue my work without feeling overwhelmed.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I’m trying to get better at implementing better boundaries in my business, as it can be easy to fall into the trap of never properly switching off. I’ve added my work days onto my email signature and I try not to respond to emails out of hours any more.
I’ve also recently started leaving my phone on charge in the kitchen overnight, rather than having it by my bedside table as it can be so tempting to scroll Instagram when instead I should be sleeping!
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Yes, I love business podcasts at the moment. Always so many gems of wisdom. My top podcast recommendations are Life and Business in Flow by Kate Addamo, My Daily Business Coach by Fiona Killackey and My Business Playbook by Laura Higgins.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
Definitely my Mac and iPhone. A lot of my business is also done through Instagram, so this App is a firm favourite alongside Spotify for playing good tunes while I’m working.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
I really admire Pip Brett and what she has created with her business Jumbled.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
I think it is so important to prioritise ourselves in the busyness of life. It is so true that you can’t pour from an empty cup – you really need to take care of yourself and carve out time for your own interests and health.
My business mentor Kate Addamo talks about focusing on a business that is sustainable – moving away from the hustle and working in alignment with the season of life you’re in. For me this rings so true, especially being a mum to two young kids.
Before you go…
If you’d like to sponsor or advertise with Balance the Grind, let’s talk here.
Join our community and never miss a conversation about work, life & balance – subscribe to our newsletter.
