My Story
Hi! I’m Karen Barr
I’m a long-time freelance journalist, content marketing writer and strategist. I spent 10 years working in marketing for a large national retailer, before leaving it behind to open my business in 2015.
I help people make more money by writing brand-focused content combined with innovative content marketing strategies. I create SEO-rich blog posts and articles, email marketing campaigns, and three-step content marketing plans.
My clients are mainly in Retail/Ecommerce, Tourism/Hospitality, and Technology.
On the consulting side I help people understand and simplify their online marketing plans when it comes to content marketing strategies.
Career Highlights
- My first full-time job was with a famous Canadian fashion designer. I worked in sales/ marketing and as an occasional model.
- I attended culinary school and worked as a chef in high-end hotels and restaurants for five years.
- I was offered a marketing job by chance with a national food retailer. I loved it and worked there for over a decade.
- I started writing for national magazines.
- I wrote an article about Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani. He requested two copies for his library in London.
- I decided it was time to quit my day job!
- I opened a digital marketing company and hired a team.
- I closed my digital marketing company after several years to go solo as a content marketing writer and strategist.
- I opened Karen Barr Writer.
80+ GLOBAL CLIENTS
500+ FREELANCE MAGAZINE ARTICLES
My byline has appeared in more than 500 articles for print magazines, including FLARE, Hamilton Arts & Letters, Dance International, NUVO, Culinary Travels, Bakers Journal, Bar & Beverage, Health & Wellness Retailer, Canadian Pizza, Food in Canada, The Vintage Seeker, Western Grocer, Western Hotelier, Eastern Hotelier, Western Restaurant News, Western Food Processor, and C-Store Magazine. My writing and ghostwriting have also appeared in International Business Times and Tech Times.
Testimonials from My Happy Clients
“Karen revamped my website with new content and sales pages to introduce new product lines. Sales have rapidly increased, and cakes are flying out the door! My sales over Christmas tripled this year.” Joe Calabro, Co-owner PGI, Canada
“Karen was engaged, focused, and on point with her insight and work to understand our newly formed brand and resonate with our audience. She was concise and sound with her rationale, and I appreciated her point of view and work. Would work with her again!” Anil Ramjiani, Happiness Squad, United States.
“We are working with Karen on a series of email marketing. Karen is polite, knowledgeable, and writes amazing content.” Romona Norton, Cari Capri, United States.
“Karen is an excellent writer! She thoroughly researches her topic and comes up with ideas for new ones. She has been writing vintage jewelry articles for me about various time periods and designers and her articles are always full of easy-to-read information. She is always quick to deliver and quick to answer any questions I may have.” Andrea Zahnd, How to Buy Vintage Jewelry, Canada
“Karen is a great writer. Once she is provided with a clear direction of what needs to be accomplished, she makes it happen. I have hired her on various long and short-form writing projects and will continue to do so. I feel that because of her background in journalism, Karen is able to tell the right story right away.” Loreta Tarozaite, Loreta TV, United States.
A Day in My Life
I’m high-energy and love fitness and wellness. Hiking, Pilates, yoga, and dance are big parts of my daily life.
While visiting Thailand, I just learned Muay Thai, or The Art of the Eight Limbs!
I’m always in my kitchen creating healthy meals, and the occasional decadent dessert to share with friends and neighbours.
If I really like you, I’ll bake you the best birthday cake ever.
On days off, you’ll find me at art galleries, antique shops and cultural events.
I’m a podcast devotee, endless reader, and planner of fabulous trips!
Share the Fun
Join my community for tips on blogging, email marketing and online marketing that will help you grow your business and free up more of your time time. Create the life and business you want with ease.
