Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Maryann Rivera-Dannert, Founder of MRD Empowerment Solutions, located in Brockport, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MRD Empowerment Solutions is a unique business. Through it, I focus on equipping women with strategies to reclaim their power and fall in love with themselves as they become a priority in their own lives. To accomplish my vision, I offer various services to reach our audience. I’m an author of nine books, I have a podcast - Fearless Fridays with Maryann, and I also offer career coaching.
My ideal customer is a woman between 35-55; although I’ve worked with both younger and older women… she wears many hats, and because life has happened, she no longer recognizes herself. She’s put everyone else before her: significant other, children, work, and she knows something is missing. She’s not living her best life and oftentimes goes to bed wondering, “there has to be more to life, but how do I get there.” And that’s where I come in!
Tell us about yourself
I am the FEAR-less dealer every woman needs in their corner. I learned early on how to be what I would later become—striving to be better than what life handed me. With a background filled with adversity, instability, and dysfunction, I had much stacked against me. In addition to being a Human Resource Professional, I’m a recipient of degrees in Leadership (MS) and Organizational Management (BS). In June of 2022, I also received an Honorary Doctorate.
What inspired me to become a life coach, podcaster, author, mentor, and role model was the conversations I would have with my friends. I noticed a similar theme: many of us had let ourselves as we put everyone and everything else at the forefront of our lives. We were so preoccupied with taking care of others that we lost sight of the most important person: ourselves. We stopped working towards our goals and dreams because our fire was out, and we had nothing left to give. That needed to change.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, a few of my accomplishments have been, first and foremost, the lives I’ve touched. I love receiving random inboxes or text messages from women telling me how I’ve inspired them and how they resonate with something I’ve shared. People may not always like, share, or comment on your stuff, but they are watching. I’m also excited about my podcast, Fearless Fridays with Maryann. While there are some solo episodes, I love having conversations with women and hearing their stories. Women are eager to speak, share, and pay it forward. When we share our stories and how we’ve overcome something, we are paving the way for others to heal and start living their best life.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The part I wished more entrepreneurs talked about… Listen, this stuff is hard! There are weeks and months when you haven’t made a sale or converted a follower into a client. The algorithm is forever changing, and your content isn’t reaching your ideal client, etc. But here’s the thing - if your why is crystal clear and solid, you will keep pushing through. At the end of the day, for me, if I’ve made a difference to at least one woman, I’m okay.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your why.
- Have a clear vision statement (the mission should change as you grow).
- Stay consistent.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I want every reader to know that YOU are a priority, and you matter! Start putting yourself on your calendar and make taking care of yourself a non-negotiable.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.maryannriveradannert.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFearlessLivingCoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannriveradannert/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maryann-rivera-dannert-288250141/
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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