Every day the Rough Draft Solutions team meets with clients, writes content, and manages our social media platforms, but what are we like outside of work? Our backgrounds and experiences influence the work we do, so we thought you may enjoy an inside look into our personalities! Who are the writers behind the content, you ask? Amanda, Tracey, and Emily answer the questions you’re curious about.
Amanda Washburn, Owner & Communication Enthusiast
Tracey Spaulding, Social Media Strategist & Creative Ninja
Emily McPherson, Professional Writer & Grammar Geek
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Amanda: There have been so many! One of the best experiences so far has been successfully growing the business to the point that I could hire two team members within 15 months of launching. The first 9 months was definitely a grind – trying to get my name out there and getting to know local business owners. Seeing all of the hard work pay off with new clients choosing to work with us was thrilling, especially when I realized I needed a team to help me keep the momentum going.
Having a team to collaborate with has been more enriching than I could have imagined and has taught me so much already. I love brainstorming with my team, giving them a quality learning experience, while also helping more businesses create content. I know the business is just at the beginning of its journey and we need to keep pushing forward, but I am really pleased with where we are at. It is such a relief to feel like Rough Draft Solutions is a viable business that is providing real value!
What’s your biggest motivator during the work day?
Amanda: Providing quality content to the clients who make my job possible, offering an educational experience to my team, and contributing financially to my family’s goals and plans.
Tracey: Meeting goals, even the tedious ones that don’t seem to matter. It’s so important to celebrate even the tiniest of triumphs because these are the things that keep us motivated to achieve our big-picture goals.
Emily: My biggest motivator is knowing that I’m helping clients reach their goals. Even though my work is done behind the scenes, it warms my heart to know that my writing is being used to help a business grow. Knowing that while I’m writing for clients I’m also learning and growing as a writer is pretty motivating too. :)
What are your hobbies?
Amanda: I love traveling and exploring new places, reading, and photography. I grew up spending my summers on a lake so I love skiing, canoeing, and kayaking as well.
Tracey: I LOVE being outside and active. I do a lot of biking, walking, hiking, and even bust out my ski boots when there's snow on the ground. (: I also love spending time with my family, reading, and baking.
Emily: I love reading a good book, cooking a yummy meal, and spending time with the people I love.
What’s your favorite movie?
Tracey: The Devil Wears Prada hands down. And that’s not just because I adore Anne Hathaway, but it’s one of those movies I can’t resist watching every time it comes on TV.
Emily: My absolute favorite movie of all time is National Treasure. There’s something about American history and secrecy that pulls me in. I can quote the first movie without watching it, but will always be angered how they didn’t make a third movie and left the second on a cliff hanger! What’s on page 47?
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Where is your favorite place you’ve visited?
Amanda: This is a dangerous question. Traveling brings me an incredible amount of joy and I could babble on and on. I lived in Italy for three months and traveled throughout Europe for another three months. That entire trip changed my life and I will always dream of going back. I also fell in love with Honduras when we went this past spring.
Tracey: My husband and I honeymooned in Colorado and it was the most beautiful place I had ever been. The mountains have officially stolen my heart.
Emily: This past summer my boyfriend and I visited Washington D.C.! As you could imagine, I was the biggest geek about everything we saw. Standing next to the declaration was a dream come true. I was very tempted to steal it. ;)
If you asked the person closest to you to describe you, what would they say?
Amanda: Well, now I’m blushing – I told him not to be too mushy. ;) My husband Nate said, “She is a motivated, intelligent, and beautiful woman who loves traveling and has a secret goofy side.”
Tracey: From my husband, Cooper – “Tracey is extremely passionate about everything she does in life. Whatever she does she does it to her best. Also, Tracey has a heart that is too big for her little body and has compassion like you wouldn’t believe.”
Emily: I went ahead and asked him myself! “Em is a beautiful, crazy, and fun individual who is always dedicated to accomplishing any goal she sets.” -My boyfriend, Justin.
Best way for you to get over writer's block?
Amanda: Coffee, a walk outside, some upbeat music. Most likely in that order.
Tracey: A change of location. Whenever I’m stuck, I find it’s best to change my scenery. If I’m sitting at my desk and I’m feeling uninspired, I’ll pack up and head to my favorite coffee shop, or even take my work outside. You can’t write without being inspired and I’m the type of person who draws inspiration from what’s around me.
Emily: Dory was onto something when she said, “Just keep swimming.” If I ever get stuck, I just keep writing! If I’m still stuck, I think of the simplest possible thing that could be said. Things can only go up from there, right?
What’s your favorite comfort food?
Amanda: Oh, I adore food. Haha, oh goodness, I don’t even know where to begin! My kind of comfort food would probably be pasta, muffins or some other baked good like brownies right out of the oven. Hmm, can you tell I like carbs?
Tracey: I’m a pasta girl at heart. Serve me a plate of spaghetti and meatballs and you may be my new best friend.
Emily: Hi everyone, my name is Emily and I’m a chocoholic. ;P
Our team is always writing, learning, and having fun while doing it. ;) We hope you enjoyed our behind the scenes interview. We want to get to you know too! Have your own goofy responses to these questions? Tell us your answers by commenting below!
And of course, if you have more questions you want us to answer, let us know! We may do a second installment of this post in the future! :)
We'd love to get to know you too!
