Boss in the Bay State: Angelina Singer

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Angelina, introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

I’m a freelance content writer and editor. I’ve also published 6 young adult novels on Amazon, in addition to being on the board of directions for the Association of Rhode Island Authors. In short, writing is as much who I am as it is what I do. It’s the one thing I never had to learn; I just did it naturally. Of course, experience and time in different capacities has helped me hone my craft, but it all stemmed from my natural ability to tell dynamic stories from prose.

What made you want to start your business?

There are many variables that I credit with becoming a content writer. I think it was middle school when I started to realize that writing came easier to me than anything else. Then later on in high school, a pretty intense crush on a guy landed me in the novel writing business, and I just never stopped. After college, I knew that working for myself would grant me more flexibility and joy in my work that a 9-5 just wouldn’t. 

What do you love the most about owning a business in or working in Massachusetts?

Being your own boss is incredibly freeing and incredible – if you’ve got the drive and the know-how, I’d recommend it for anyone. Beyond just marching to the beat of my own drum and living my life the way I want to, owning my own business also allows me to connect more organically with all the amazing people in my industry. I regrettably haven’t gotten as involved in the Massachusetts business scene as I probably should be, but hopefully this is a solid first step! 

What are your favorite small businesses to support in Massachusetts?

There are so many great ones! I’ll start by giving Ashley at Dash of Social a shoutout – she’s a one-woman machine running that company she started all by herself. Of course, it’s since expanded to be a group of people keeping everything moving, but it was her brains that got it started. I’ve even had the pleasure of working for her as an editor earlier in my self-employment journey,  and I truly appreciated that opportunity to pad my resume with such a cool gig under an even more amazing boss who truly cares for her team.

As for other small businesses I love, I’ll mention a couple favorites in my hometown of Raynham, MA. Rick’s Music World on route 44 has given me an amazing guitar education over my 13 years of study, in addition to providing a much-needed local social scene for this private schoolgirl with childhood friends in less-accessible faraway towns. I also hope to teach guitar to other students here soon, as I would love to be that amazing support to the next generation of musicians the way my teachers always were for me.

I also love Sweet & Earthy in Raynham also on Route 44 – it’s the most adorable smoothie / cinnamon roll / sandwich café, run by a wonderful local family I’ve had the pleasure to know. The atmosphere is cozy and homespun, and all the food is so fresh and creative. Go check them out, you won’t be disappointed!

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

Work-life balance isn’t optional. A great saying I’ve heard is that if you don’t take time to rest, your body will choose it for you. So schedule consistent downtime into your week to optimize both your productivity and overall health. All that being said, this is still a work in progress for me. But that’s the first step, right?

If you weren’t in your current position, what would your next dream job be?

Like a realistic dream job, or a silly pipe dream that would never actually happen? I’ll give you one of each: I used to want to be an interior designer, but that was before I figured out how much drawing and math was involved. No thanks! But as for a silly dream job, I think it would be amazing to be a rockstar – or, at least a professional touring guitarist for a rockstar. Hopefully that mostly answers the question!

When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?

I run an amigurumi crochet business on Instagram and Facebook known as Custom Crocheted Critters. It was something I took up as a hobby when I was 12 and didn’t have a ton of friends at the time, so it kept me busy and then expanded into an artistic side business. I’m also always dreaming up my next novel, although sadly my day job saps a lot of my creativity now. I should probably take my own advice about that whole work-life balance thing and get writing again!

Thank you for sharing more about yourself! Tell us how we can get in touch with you or find you online.

Check out my freelance website for all my socials including my Instagram and Facebook where I post all of my novel writing updates. My LinkedIn is also a great place to get to know me more.

Finally, please feel free to email me anytime at [email protected] if you’d like to chat more about an upcoming project I may be able to assist with.