I was going to run a Black Friday sale on newsletter subscriptions, but now I’m asking that you pay full price instead. 

Let me explain myself. 

This year, I’m donating 50% of all newsletter subscriptions bought this weekend to Black Minds Matter UK. Proceeds from any subscriptions bought between today and Cyber Monday will go towards providing free mental health support for Black families. 

Rather than discounting, I’m donating. I can’t claim credit for this idea, big brands like Anya Hindmarch, AllBirds and Rapha, are all doing similar Black Friday bans. It was specifically a post by Vicky Simmons, founder of sarcastic card company, Mean Mail, that inspired this decision. She posted on her Instagram Stories about the pressure small business owners feel around Black Friday.

This led me to rethink what a weekend devoted to spending could look like for a small, independent creator. Black Friday is always hard for small businesses, but especially this year. Like many small businesses, I’ve experienced a drop in revenue. When I first started thinking about Black Friday, I thought it might be an opportunity to drum up some much-needed sales. But then I realised that the longer-term impact of discounting for the sake of it would do more damage to my business of one than good. 

And so it was important to me that I kept my prices at their usual cost. I charge £9 a month for a premium subscription because I believe in the value of my service. Premium subscribers have landed ongoing freelance gigs, raised their rates and found the support they need through this newsletter.

So rather than slash my prices, I’m focusing on intentional spending, supporting small business and giving back.   

If you upgrade your subscription today, 50% of the proceeds will go to a fantastic organisation. Black Minds Matter UK connects Black individuals and families with free mental health services provided by professional Black therapists. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a premium subscription, now is the time to do it. Not only will you be bolstering your freelance career, but you’ll also be supporting mental health access for the Black community at the same time. 

As a reminder, as a premium subscriber, you’ll get access to work opportunities, resources on increasing your income and members-only virtual events with superstar freelancers and regular AMAs with me. For less than the cost of a weekly coffee, you’ll get the resources and support you need to help you secure your future as a happy and successful freelancer. And don’t forget that because this is a professional service, you can deduct the cost on your tax return.

Check out the FAQs for more info or just reply to this email with any questions you have.

As ever, a huge thank you for your continued and ongoing support of this newsletter.

Anna 💫