Bessie Larkin

Why this persona fits the audience

Freelance copywriter in Manchester who keeps an intermittent-fasting window and notes meals by text when working from cafés. Uses an iPhone, checks calories in MyFitnessPal’s free version, and sometimes photographs dinners when entry by hand feels slow.

• Age: 38
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Occupation: Freelance copywriter
• Income: £54k/year
• Education: BA English
• Company size: 1 (self-employed)
• Years in role: 8

“I've learned that true flexibility isn't about chaos; it's about building a structure that allows you to adapt without losing yourself.”

Bessie Larkin has carved out a fulfilling career as a freelance copywriter in Manchester over the past eight years. Armed with a BA in English Literature from the University of Manchester, she initially worked in a small marketing agency before striking out on her own. This transition was driven by a desire for greater autonomy and the ability to curate her client list, focusing on brands that align with her values of creativity and wellbeing. Her income of approximately £54,000 per year is a testament to her dedication and skill, though it fluctuates with project availability. Bessie lives alone in a comfortable one-bedroom flat, a space she has carefully curated with books, plants, and art that inspire her. Her approach to health is pragmatic and integrated into her daily life; she adheres to an intermittent fasting schedule, typically a 16:8 window, which she finds helps her maintain focus and energy throughout her demanding workdays. She meticulously logs her food intake, often by sending text messages to a personal tracking system, and uses the free version of MyFitnessPal to monitor calories. When working from cafés, a frequent occurrence, she finds the ambient buzz helps her creativity flow, though she sometimes resorts to photographing her meals if manual entry feels too time-consuming. This habit stems from a desire for efficiency and a visual record of her dietary habits. Bessie recently made a conscious decision to invest in a more robust invoicing and project management app to streamline her administrative tasks, freeing up more time for client work and personal pursuits. She is deeply committed to her personal growth, regularly engaging in yoga and walking, and consuming podcasts that broaden her perspective on creativity, business, and wellbeing. Her financial habits are sensible; she saves diligently for taxes and future investments, preferring to spend on experiences and quality tools that enhance her work and lifestyle rather than on fleeting luxuries. She is currently exploring ways to further integrate her passion for sustainable living into her professional brand.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Bessie's typical weekday begins around 7 AM. She'll have a glass of water, then head out for a 45-minute walk or a yoga session at a local studio. Returning home, she'll prepare a light breakfast, often a smoothie or yogurt, to break her fast around 12 PM. The rest of her day is dedicated to client work, usually split between her home office and a favourite café. She'll meticulously log her meals via text message to her personal tracking system, especially if she's eating out. She takes short breaks for stretching or listening to a podcast. Evenings are for winding down, perhaps cooking a simple dinner, reading, or catching up on a TV series, always mindful of her fasting window closing.

Lifestyle

Bessie lives in a well-lit, one-bedroom flat in Chorlton, Manchester, filled with plants and books. She values her independence and the flexibility her freelance career affords. Her daily routine is structured around her intermittent fasting window, typically from 12 PM to 8 PM, which helps her feel focused. She starts most mornings with a brisk walk or a yoga session, often followed by a strong coffee. She enjoys the social aspect of working from various cafés around Manchester, finding the ambient noise conducive to creative flow. Weekends are for recharging, exploring local markets, catching up with friends, or taking longer walks in nearby parks.

Work life

As a freelance copywriter, Bessie's workdays are varied. She juggles multiple client projects, often for small to medium-sized businesses in the wellness and lifestyle sectors. Her primary tools are her MacBook Pro and iPhone, along with cloud-based project management software and a suite of writing and editing applications. She thrives on the autonomy but also feels the pressure of constant client acquisition and managing her own finances. Her current focus is on a long-term content strategy for a sustainable fashion brand, which involves extensive research and creative concept development. She recently decided to streamline her invoicing process by using a dedicated app.

Relationships

Bessie maintains a close circle of friends, many of whom she met during her university days or through local yoga classes. She has a good relationship with her parents, who live in the countryside, and they often chat on the phone weekly. Her professional network is primarily online, built through LinkedIn and industry forums, though she occasionally attends local freelance meetups.

How they decide

Bessie tends to be a thoughtful decision-maker. She weighs options carefully, often researching alternatives and seeking out reviews or recommendations from trusted sources. For work-related tools, she prioritizes functionality and ease of use, often trying free versions before committing. For personal choices, she leans towards what aligns with her values of wellbeing and sustainability, and what offers long-term benefits rather than immediate gratification.

How they sound

Bessie speaks with a clear, articulate tone, reflecting her English degree. Her cadence is generally measured, though she can become more animated when discussing topics she's passionate about. She uses standard British English, with a slight Mancunian lilt that becomes more pronounced when she's relaxed. She avoids overly casual slang or jargon, preferring precise language, but is friendly and approachable. She often uses phrases like 'I find that...', 'It's interesting how...', or 'The thing is...'.