In this episode, I chat with the incredible Annie Ridout - author, journalist, viral poet, and creative entrepreneur. 

Annie shares her inspiring journey from unpaid local newspaper gigs to becoming a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter and building a thriving online business. She has been a freelance journalist for over 15 years and is the author of three non-fiction books. 

But alongside writing, she’s launched digital magazines and businesses that have boomed. Reaching 100,000 views a month; bringing in six figures a year. Annie ’gets’ the online writing and business world and loves sharing what she knows through online courses and coaching.

We talk about the pivotal moment that pushed her into entrepreneurship, balancing motherhood with a creative career, and how she turned her love for writing into multiple income streams.

Annie also opens up about navigating rejection, financial pressure, and the creative freedom that comes from running a business on your own terms. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a sustainable business around your creativity, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insights, and the reminder that you can do business your way.

Here are the highlights:

(3:07) Early Career Challenges and First Steps in Entrepreneurship

(7:17) Transition to Freelance Journalism

(8:38) Book Success and Online Courses

(16:38) Balancing Family and Business During the Pandemic

(21:29) Exploring Poetry and Coaching

(34:12) Transition to Substack and Creative Entrepreneurship

(43:15) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Annie’s links:

www.annieridout.com / www.annieridout.substack.com

www.instagram.com/annieridout

To find out more:

Website

Instagram

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This podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio