Episode Summary
Rachel Allen is a storyteller, strategist, and global entrepreneur who believes “words make worlds.” In this episode, she shares her candid, funny, and deeply thoughtful journey from accidental freelancer to agency owner. We explore her travels, her approach to voice-driven copy, and how she’s navigating the intersection of language, identity, and AI.
Episode Highlights
- How a warehouse job and a one-way ticket to Hong Kong launched a writing career
- Why Rachel believes copywriting is far more than stringing words together, it’s identity work
- The evolution from freelancer to full-fledged agency owner, and what it took to scale thoughtfully
- Behind-the-scenes of creating compelling copy for industries as varied as engineering, chocolate, and carbon-neutral salons
- Her strong, unapologetic stance on AI and the value of human creativity in content creation
Agency Info
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Company: Bolt from the Blue Copywriting
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Guest: Rachel Allen
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Year Started: 2009
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Employees: 1-10
If I can change the words in somebody’s mind, I can change the world they’re living in.
Rachel Allen
Key Takeaways
Words Aren’t Just Tools, They’re Technology
Rachel brings a philosophical lens to copywriting, referencing linguistic theory like the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis to explain how language doesn’t just reflect our thinking, it shapes it. “If I can change the words in somebody’s mind, I can change the world they’re living in.”
From Hustle to Agency: The Power of Incremental Scaling
Rachel didn’t wake up with a team of 10. She scaled gradually from solo to one writer, then two, then a VA, then a full team, allowing her to maintain creative integrity while growing sustainably.
Ask Deeper Questions, Get Better Copy
Her process? Less about templates, more about curiosity. “Why do you care about this work?” is one of her go-to questions for clients, unlocking the emotional core behind a business story—and transforming bland marketing into memorable messaging.
AI is a Tool, Not a Threat
Rachel offers a blunt but educated take: AI content lacks originality because it operates on statistical probability, not creativity. You don’t own the IP of content created by AI tools, which is a massive risk for any brand. Human connection, nuance, and strategy are irreplaceable.
It’s Not the Beach, It’s the Brain
Despite years as a digital nomad, Rachel insists: “Beaches are terrible for writing.” What matters most isn’t location, it’s mindset, and a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Show Notes
- Metaphors We Live By – George Lakoff
- The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis – Linguistic theory on how language shapes perception
- Polanyi’s Theory of Articulation – Philosophical roots of communication (for the real nerds)
- Connect with Rachel Allen: Instagram: @boltfromthebluecopywriting
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