From an English professor to starting her own business, Sorelle Henricus tells us about her journey.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a digital networking platform (with IRL benefits) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented folks! Looking for inspiration? Check out how Sorelle Henricus, the founder of Executive Writer, gets it done like a boss.
Tell us the story behind your business.
When I started considering what I wanted to do with my skills after 15 years as an English professor, I realised that most people have incredible skill sets and exciting ideas. Whether they’re in a job, own a business, or work on a passion project, sharing their story is foundational to getting to their next step.
I grew up helping in my mum’s hair salon and have always been a “people person.” I found that my genuine interest in people, combined with the ability to ask good questions – which I picked up as a researcher and teacher – was hugely applicable to producing sharp writing for people looking to leverage their stories. So I started Executive Writer to experiment with all the ways I could do that.
I’m delighted to have landed on a vehicle for professional storytelling, from professional resume writing to helping executives and entrepreneurs leverage LinkedIn to share their ideas, and copywriting websites and content. We have even partnered with several forward-thinking agencies as writing specialists for sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
What are some milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?
It’s always exciting when a resume client lands a new role or a business reaches a goal because of how they present themselves. Most of our new leads come through referrals from happy customers, and it’s incredibly validating to find that there are people who share my values. Strategic communication and high-quality writing leave a lasting impact!
When I think back, my proudest moments are always around the projects we’ve delivered. One example is a book for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, where I edited over 100 entries on what gender equality means in the workplace. The project won several international awards for creating positive change because it led to over 25 companies doubling paternity leave benefits for their employees. The idea was to encourage child-rearing to be seen as an equal responsibility between mothers and fathers.
Share with us a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
Saying no to the wrong opportunities is just as important as saying yes to the right ones. Earlier in our journey, I made the mistake of taking on almost any writing project. Working with one or two clients who didn’t care enough about quality writing as we did and were focused on the quantity of output stole the joy from the work.
Once AI writers came in, this was the first type of work to go, so it reinforced the need to stick to our values and find the right customers. Even in a service business, you can’t serve everybody.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
Most days, I reserve my mornings for writing and thinking. I practice a grounding routine, going outside to connect with the earth, and then I spend the first 30 minutes at my desk working on a personal writing task. It could be ideas for my content or working toward one of my several passion projects. This reminds me why I do what I do and puts me in a good state to start working on client projects.
I brain-dump all my tasks on paper before connecting with my team to prioritise our work for the day. I work out at lunchtime most days and take meetings in the afternoons before getting in another writing spurt and then closing up for the day. I love the variety in my work from week to week.
What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
Grey’s Anatomy. Hear me out: Shonda Rhimes is a storytelling genius and stellar businesswoman who has built an empire from brilliant writing. I’ve studied the literary greats and I’m amazed at how Shonda uses narrative form to create characters with depth and feeling, making them popular with a mass audience. She’s also a working mum and an intersectional feminist.
Her work inspires me to bring a little personality and spice into my business. It reminds me to create great work that resonates with my values.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Focus on the quality of your product and customer service. Everything else is “figureoutable”.
Surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs provides invaluable support, shared experiences, and access to a wealth of knowledge. Forge connections, participate in industry events, and actively seek out mentors who can guide you through challenges. A supportive network can accelerate your growth, boost your motivation, and help you navigate the ups and downs.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Priorities fluctuate, so give yourself permission to work as hard as a man if you need to. Build a support network that believes in you and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This applies at home and work, so you can be fully present in either zone.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
Weekends are about creating moments of connection to fill my cup for the upcoming week. I love our Saturday morning family yoga and brunch outing, catching up with friends over dinner, or having a cheeky coffee and strolling with a bestie.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I played competitive Scrabble at university. Yes, there was a gym full of word nerds regularly battling it out on a Friday night.
Get in touch with Sorelle Henricus online.
Want to join a community of entrepreneurs with weekly masterclasses, member networking, small-business mentoring and more? Check out Launchpad and join us!
