☕Looking for the tea on what it’s actually like to work with me…?
Q: Why did you start learning languages?
A: My parents were those parents. The parents who encouraged you to learn some of the language before you went on holiday. Aged 7, I spent weeks listening to an Italian cassette tape and mastered the basics such as “Hi Paul!” (Ciao Paolo!) and saying I felt terrible (molto male).
Despite my interesting vocab choices, the first time I successfully ordered a pizza, something sparked in my brain. I guess it must be how Peter Parker felt the first time his Spidey Senses started tingling. I loved being able to speak to more people. I loved the way it unlocked insights into other cultures and ways of thinking. And that feeling never went away. Today, I get to work with French and Spanish businesses and tell their story to an English-speaking audience and it still feels just as cool.
Hey, I’m Bex 👋 I’ve been running this business since 2017, offering French and Spanish to English translation and copywriting services. I love helping growing businesses find their voice and build authentic connection with their dream customers. Rather than giving you a straightforward CV, I thought I’d give you a peek behind the curtain and answer questions I’ve been asked as a marketing translator and copywriter.
Q: Why do you only work into English?
A: Okay, so imagine I hand you a pen. You’ll automatically put it in one of your hands, right? Now imagine I ask you to write with the other hand instead. It’ll probably feel a bit weird, your writing will probably be a bit wonky and it would just be easier to use your dominant hand. Working out of my native language is a bit like that. It’s doable but it’s not going to be the best result. Language is complex, nuanced and literally always changing. By working into English, you get natural sounding copy, written by a human to build connections with other humans.
P.S. need a translator in a different language pair? I probably know someone who can help you.
Q: How do you handle tight deadlines?
A: With Taylor Swift on repeat, multiple cups of tea and tracking everything on Notion.
Q: Why do you love working with growing, independent businesses?
A: As a Scot, I’m hardwired to back the underdog. It’s in our DNA. So naturally, I love smaller businesses which are driven by values and want to make a difference in the world. And being a little smaller is a superpower. It gives you flexibility, allows you to take some creative risks and really listen to your customers. You’ve got a great brand so let’s craft the words which back it up. Going up against the big dogs doesn’t scare me. Let’s disrupt the market together.
Q: What’s it like working with you?
A: Okay this feels like a bit of a not so humble brag but the best people to tell you are my clients. They’ve used words like a “godsend”, said I’m “proactive”, “enthusiastic” and that I know what I’m talking about when it comes to register and tone of voice. But what does that really mean to you? I put you first. I get to know you and what you’re about. I take time to understand your goals. I get to know the space you work in. I use all of that to deliver marketing translations and fresh copy that sound like you and inspire action. I take your feedback on board and I’ll be cheering you on after we finish working together. Plus, in my business, it’s just me so you’ll get the same consistent results every time.
Q: What gives you the ick?
A: Emails that start “Dear Linguist” or “Dear Resource”.
Q: Why not use Google Translate or ChatGPT?
A: Sometimes you can. If you need to understand a road sign quickly, need the gist of an article or need help getting past writer’s block, AI can solve that problem for you. But, if you’re looking for personality-packed copy which connects with humans, you need a human. Machine translations can lead to you sticking your foot in it with all sorts of cultural faux pas. Save yourself the stress and stand out in a sea of AI-generated content with marketing translations with a human touch.
Q: What’s your best celebrity story?
A: When I was about 9, I went to a practice day for The Open (a big old golf competition). Really I just wanted to get my programme signed by the people in the pictures. I got called a cutie by Phil Mickelson and then he awkwardly realised I wasn’t there for his signature (sorry, Phil, already had it!). We laughed about it and he finished third that year. I like to take a little credit for it.
Q: Why should I work with you and not an agency?
A: It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’ve got a massive multilingual project with a tight deadline, an agency may be the best choice for you. But, if you’re wanting to expand into the English-speaking market and want to work with someone who really gets your brand and will be with you every step of the way, I’m your gal. Plus by working with a copywriter and translator, you get two professionals rolled into one: someone who understands cultural nuances and knows how to use language to get your readers to take action, rather than word-to-word translations.
Q: What’s your favourite type of project?
A: I specialise in marketing material and projects that need a little creative flare. I love really getting to know a brand or product and explaining what it is that sets them apart. My sweet spots are web copy, blogs, newsletters, social media posts and catalogues.
Q: But Bex, what kind of clients do you actually work with?
A: I work with a whole range of clients: board game companies, travel websites, charities, academics, gift shops, ethical cafes, software companies. If you’re a company who wants to make the world a little bit better and needs help shouting about it, I’m here to help.
Q: What’s been your favourite country to visit?
A: Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s a hidden gem. Don’t sleep on it.
Q: How can I trust you?
A: Great question. I can show you a bunch of pieces of paper (my degree in translation and interpreting, my certificate from ITI to say I’m a qualified translator, the receipts for my 30+ hours of CPD a year) if that gives you peace of mind. But real trust is earned. So let’s get to know each other. Ask me your questions. See if we vibe. I promise I won’t be weird or pressure you to work with me.