Bio of an experienced freelance health & beauty writer
I am currently Editor of DetoxedNews.com, a health and wellness e-magazine founded by the award-winning innovative concept store The Detox Market.
Though I’ve taken quite the circuitous journey to where I am now, writing and online communications has been the bedrock of everything I’ve done.
In college, I was a contributing writer for UCSD’s student publication The Guardian and interned as an editorial assistant for two nonfiction authors. I’ve since played an instrumental role in the production of an assortment of publications — including books, press releases, industry directories, blogs and company websites.
My first job out of college was at Marketwire, a global newswire agency. Having worked with dozens of C-suite executives, PR professionals, communications managers and business owners, I discovered that many companies lack strategic and action-oriented writing on their communications materials, and had virtually nonexistent content strategies. While many businesses possess a wealth of information at hand, they often do not know how to package and deliver it to engage customers.
At the same time, I began volunteering my writing and editorial services to nonprofits that assist disadvantaged entrepreneurs. One of the organizations I worked with at the very beginning was Kiva. I became intrigued by microfinance and learned about how different the journey of business ownership is for small-business entrepreneurs. I was educated of the challenges many entrepreneurs face especially when it comes to content marketing. I knew I had to dig deeper — so I went on to join Entrepreneur Works, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that assists underserved microenterprises. There, I was responsible for all the grant writing and helping to completely overhaul their new website and rebranding communications campaign.
After learning loads of useful things at Entrepreneur Works, it was confirmed: I wanted to help businesses succeed by helping them best represent their brand through words, and discover the most effective ways to get customers excited (especially enough to buy). So, I officially launched my marketing + communications services.
Writer and editors aren’t solely essential to publications. All establishments who want to communicate their story need good writers, too. They also need a strategic means to share their content. This is where I come in to help.
I now primarily work with creative lifestyle and luxury brands, including beauty, health, wellness and other lifestyle companies. Whenever time permits, I continue to work with nonprofits.
The best part about writing for different businesses? I get to unearth, explore and learn fascinating new subjects every day and package my newfound knowledge into a blend of words that will draw people’s attention.
If you’re interested in working with me, email me at info {at} sarahban {dot} com.
EDUCATION & AWARDS
Masters of Science, Journalism/Integrated Marketing Communications, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts, Communication and Economics, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) (2006)
UCSD Eleanor Roosevelt College Provost’s Honors (Fall 2005 & Winter 2006)
American Honda/Mario J. Machado Scholarship Award
The Guardian Contributing Opinion Writer (2006)
Marketwire Editorial MVP (Spring 2007)
Personal Tidbits
I’m most fulfilled and happy when I’m writing short stories and memoirs… traveling with family and friends… watching live musical productions… reading humorous fiction (Jonathan Tropper, AJ Jacobs and Gary Shteyngart are recent favorites)… drinking green juice… and contributing to causes I care about.
Also, I think you deserve a vacation since it’s good for your health and gets your creative juices flowing, amongst other benefits!!!
