Who is Anneliese Lawton, could you please introduce yourself?
Hi! I’m Anneliese. I’m a copywriter, editor, brand strategist, soon-to-be author, and mom of three. I feel like the mom thing is important to note, because they’re my why.
What is your business and when did you start?
Lawton & Co., is a boutique creative agency. My bread and butter is small business – basically, I do the things you don’t want to do so you can focus on the things you love. Brand strategy, digital content, and growth are all a part of my expertise.
What inspired you to start your business?
It all began with a baby. In 2016, I became a mom – and then between 2016 and 2020, I became a mom two more times. Three kids in just under four years. And within those four years, I learned exactly what was important to me. I didn’t have another choice. If anything was going to take me away from them, it had to be worth it. Telling stories and supporting small businesses while being authentic every step of the way became my bread and butter. My passion in life – besides my three babies (my co.). Since the inception of Lawton & Co. in 2016, I’ve grown beyond my wildest dreams. With bylines in the Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, and Today’s Parent, clients ranging from small businesses to celebrities, I’ve been fearless in the pursuit of what sets my soul on fire. Are you ready to do the same?
What were the challenges in the initial stages of your business and how did you overcome them?
Time and money! There are never enough hours in the day, especially when you have three young kids at home (and a pandemic). I’ve worked a lot of late nights and weekends to be able to get my business to a place where I can justify paying for childcare. As a parent, it’s really hard to invest in ourselves – but I’ve learned it’s important. I worked this way until I got to a place where I felt comfortable to sign on the dotted line for childcare, and it’s giving me the balance I’ve been looking for all along.
What motivates you about your business?
Seeing small business thrive! When you do a happy dance, I do a happy dance.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
DO IT! (but don’t do it all at once, unless you can). Being an entrepreneur isn’t an overnight thing. And sometimes you have to continue working in and whatever industry you’re in, in order to make the entrepreneur thing work. Don’t give up and keep pushing forward. Eventually, the entrepreneur thing will be your full-time gig. It just takes passion, perseverance, and patience.
Interesting fact most of the people do not know about you?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. I’m a pretty open book – and if you don’t know it now, you will when my memoir comes out later this year. For now, I guess – I’m an angler. I love fishing. Everything from baiting the hook and reeling in the big one.
The best business advice I ever received was…
If you have the bug, do it.
My definition of success is…
Finding joy. You really only live once.
If I could go back in time when I started my business, I would tell myself to…
Don’t change a thing! I wouldn’t be where I am today if I did.
Three books I recommend for entrepreneurs are…
As an author, it pains me to say that I avoid entrepreneurial books. I believe in being authentic to your vision and your purpose, and sometimes other people’s stories can muck that up a bit. Instead, I listen to podcasts to get me motivated. My favourites – The Beautiful Writers Podcast and Dear Gabby
My personal tagline is…
Can I swear here? I tend to swear a lot.
