ALEXANDRA HEYWOOD: Helping founders navigate social media with clarity and confidence

Tell us a little about your background and career journey

I loved writing as a child and was intent on a long educational path but my life took an unexpected turn and I had to get a job at 18. I took a low-level position at a business development agency that helped British businesses trade with China. I had little-to-no experience but I worked hard, I listened harder and I learnt a lot; so much so, I went from receptionist to director in five years. I was shockingly detail-oriented and that seemed to suit event management, so, aged 23, I found myself running some of the largest China-related business events in the country for Premiers, Prime Ministers and royalty.

After nine years, I moved to a growing communications agency and became their China director. In 2012, I felt I’d shed far too much blood, sweat and tears so I decided to set up my own business - an online and pop-up fashion boutique. It was a fairly radical change but it combined my love of fashion, events and writing, and it was all on my terms. I curated pop-up experiences all over London and the company won a few small business awards.

Having had a break raising my three children, and with a proofreading qualification under my belt, I’m now freelancing with a new venture, Literally, as marketing consultant and content creator.

Where did it all start for you?

Communication has been at the heart of what I do, pretty much, always. Writing with personality, warmth and empathy seems to be ‘my bag’. The power with which words can resonate, persuade and comfort has always been fascinating to me. Susie Dent would be my ultimate dinner party guest! That, and my slight obsession with detail and organising seemed to make a really good fit for marketing and content creation.

What do you do?

I specialise in helping companies or individuals hone their vision, define or refine their tone of voice, narrate their story and articulate it in a way that’s captivating, engaging, rich and well written.

Where’s your professional happy place?

I honestly do love communication, so whether that is writing a blog about something I feel passionate about, having a really productive meeting with a client or just taking a walk with my children and chatting about life, I’m happy. Should you choose to shove a chai latte in my hand and switch the big light in the sky on too, then I’m even happier!

Who do you support?

My clients aren't industry-specific and vary in size and need. For me, it's not about what you do and how big your company is, it's about your story and how you tell it.

What’s next for you?

As a working Mum, I would love to help champion and showcase more of the women who are trying to run a business as well as micro-manage their family. Helping to find those voices and support the work of these unsung powerhouses would be amazing!