Pharma-llama-land... and Beyond

People ask me what I do for my "job-job" and the moment "Pharmaceutical copywriter" leaves my lips, I am usually greeted with a dubious smirk and a "Oh...big pharma?" Yeah, we know there's a bad side. But, that's not what I do. I actually get to help people every single day with the words I write.

Let's talk about how awesome it is...

I'm a copywriter at a healthcare advertising agency. (No... I don't "copy right" things). I write the words for all the content that speaks to patients suffering from chronic illnesses. The best part about my job is understanding the patient and their illness, giving them voice, and educating others on what they experience.

It's not just about those commericals riddled with side effects. Healthcare advertising involves alot of disease awareness, connecting with patients, and helping them find the right treatment so they can live normal, happier lives. Trust me, the right treatment can change someone's entire life. As a pharma copywriter, I'm the unseen guiding voice behind their treatment journey.

There are so many invisible illnesses that millions of people suffer from. I get to write informational websites and social posts that help people in the communtity feel understood. We get to educates care partners, provide support, and encourage people living with chronic illnesses so that they can still live normal lives. Yes, "big pharma" is a controversial giant...but at the core of what I do...is helping people.

For the past three years, I worked on a life-changing Multiple Sclerosis treatment. I spent the majority of my time writing social posts for an online MS community. This group allowed people living with MS to come together and share their life experiences. It helped them not feel so alone. It helped them find a community of people that understood their illness. Best of all– it was safe space for people to go to when they were newly diagnosed and scared. It helped show them that they were going to be okay and that that there were other people who could help them through.

Isn't that incredible? Advertising actually helping people. I know.

Over the years, I've written content that has educated the public about children's peanut allergies, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and oncology. Through my company, I was even able to help work on the Skin Cancer Foundation campaign called, "The Big See." You may have seen a commerical or two on that...it's an awesome talking mirror telling people to go get their skin checked. (By the way, if you've reading this, go get a skin screening!)

The most rewarding part of this work is knowing that there are people in the world benefiting from the information we provides. Patients from all over the world comment and engage on our content, telling us how the treatment or the community has helped changed their lives.

Wait for it...

PLOT TWIST. I live a double life as an NYC poet, author, host and Media Director of HXS, Hidden By Soul. (IG: @hiddenbysoul)

As a poet and author, a lot of my writing centers about mental health. My goal is to inspire others, promote hope, and deliver the message: No matter what you go through, you are not alone.(YES! Very reflective of my day job!) I get to connect with and inspire hundreds of people every day with my words and my story. Most importantly, I am an advocate for mental health, weight loss, positivity, and hope. Even if it’s only one person at a time, I like to believe I’m doing my part to change the world each and every day.

Hidden By Soul, HXS for short, is a New York City creative society. As a whole, they stand for three things: community, fairness, and philanthropy. Each show is the combination of various forms of art from NYC creatives. As the host of their last show, "COLORBLIND" I was able to write a script that explained to the audience that it didn't matter the color of their skin, it only mattered who they were on the inside.

The lead musician and Art House Director, Amish Darr explains HXS the best, “Part of the vision behind HXS is to bring people in the NYC creative community together. Let’s be fair to each other. When you treat everyone justly, that opens the doorway to positive change. Regardless of the color of your skin, or where you are from, everyone should be treated with fairness and love."

The show went on to give back to the community and donate hundreds of items to NYC Parks and Rec summer camps.

Pretty amazing double life if you ask me.

All in all, God gave me the gift of words and I fully intend to do good with that gift.

As the wise Robert Di Niro once said, "Remember, the saddest thing in life is wasted talent. You could have all the talent in the world but if you don't do the right thing, then nothing happens."

Love and light,

Natalie

Natalie Nascenzi is a copywriter, poet, and author from Rhode Island. She moved to the city in 2017 to pursue her career in advertising. After a dramatic weight loss transformation of over 85 pounds and a journey through anxiety, depression, and loss of self, Natalie found herself again through words. Since then, she made an impression on New York City's open mic community and her works have been featured across the world in anthologies and independent publications. From her first book Out of Chaos to now, Natalie has spread her message of hope and transformation; and is excited to continue the journey with readers through The Aftermath of Unrest. Both of her books are available worldwide online.

Follow me on Instagram: @nncenzi.

www.natalienascenzi.com