Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deb Rosman, owner of Debrosman, located in Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a poet, published author, and public speaker. My customers are people who grieve, so pretty much everyone, but my target ages fall into the 15-55 range. That range is due to the fact that most teenagers aren't subjected to loss much earlier, and people 55+ have often figured out workable methods of grieving. I exclude nobody because we all grieve multiple times in our life, and my books provide a silent companion to all who require it, but my public speaking engagements help people foster their own self-soothing and celebrate life.

Tell us about yourself

I am an Uplifter at my core, always finding myself offering comfort and advice to friends and family. I write as a part of my own grieving process. I often shared my pieces with a friend who worked for Border Books, and she urged me to put my poetry into a collection. She said that people were constantly asking her what they had on grief, and they usually didn't want anything clinical, but instead, they were seeking something soothing like my prose.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Great question! I would have to say to date, appearing in an internationally best-selling collection curated by Dr. Izdihar Jamil called, It is Done! One of my lifelong dreams came true in 2022 when I appeared onstage in NYC, as a non-union actor, in the 47th OOB (off-off-Broadway) Samuel French One Act Play festival. Working with a brilliant new playwriter, Kelly Burr, on several projects because creativity fills the well. Another dream came true in 2023 when I was a feature article published in a national publication with NextAdvisor, a Time Inc. subsidiary.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Wearing every "hat" is always a challenge since we come with different strengths and gifts. I have yet to meet a person who is brilliant at everything required. It is key to collaborate with other creatives as well as gifted business strategists alike to enhance one's overall plan.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. The most important is to listen to your own gut instincts and to believe in what you are doing or offering. To quote Henry Ford, "whether you think you can or you think you can't, either way, you are correct." It doesn't matter if your goals appear impossible. There is no such thing as impossible to the one who believes in themselves.
  2. It is critical to have passion in whatever endeavor you are looking to begin. I follow the advice of Joseph Campbell, who says, "follow your bliss," that is the key. This includes and should focus on having fun!
  3. Seek good counsel. There are so many nay Sayers and frustrated people who are happy to offer you their unsolicited advice. You must tune them all out. It is important to surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who can offer emotional support as well as practical instruction.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://debrosman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039257272433
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrosmanauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebraRosman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-rosman-88538783/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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