From Chalkboards and to Content Strategy: The Leap I Had to Make
I used to start my day with a bell. Not a metaphorical one or a 6am alarm — a literal school bell. That abrupt, shrill ring that meant “go time.” Twenty-five kids, lesson plans, marking, parent emails, the works. I knew the rhythm. I was good at the rhythm. But I also knew I was outgrowing it.
There’s a strange guilt that comes with wanting out of a “noble” profession. You hear it all:
“But you’re so good at what you do.”
“What a waste of your degree.”
“How could you walk away from the holidays?” (Spoiler: those aren’t real holidays.)
And look — they weren’t wrong. I was good at it. But being good at something doesn’t mean you’re meant to do it forever.
The Shift
What started as casual writing — writing music, poetry, a friend’s business on the side — became the thing I looked forward to most. The problem-solving, the creativity, the power of getting messaging just right… it lit me up.
So I stopped treating it like a hobby.
I built The Permanent Marker to help brands, solopreneurs, and purpose-led businesses say what they mean and sound like they mean it. Not with generic copy. With words that feel like they were written with a Sharpie — not a pencil.
What I Brought With Me
Teaching wasn’t wasted. It was training:
Lesson planning → Strategic thinking
Classroom management → Client communication
Explaining concepts clearly → Messaging clarity
Student engagement → Audience-first storytelling
Every whiteboard marker moment built the foundation for this business. And weirdly enough, “content strategy” isn’t that different from building a term plan. There’s a big-picture goal, mini milestones, and reflection along the way.
Why This Leap Mattered
Burnout wasn’t the whole reason I left. It was the lack of ownership. Teaching can feel like you’re giving 110% in a system that only runs at 60. I needed to know that what I was building was mine.
Now, I help others build things that are theirs — with messaging that feels right, sells right, and sounds like them.
Ready to Make Your Message Stick?
If you're a business owner, coach, or creator who’s got the goods but not the words — I’ve got you. Let’s build content that connects, converts, and keeps your voice intact.