Community For Women Who Write & Blog - See Jane Write
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in writing & blogging but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Javacia Harris Bowser, Founder of See Jane Write LLC, located in Fultondale, AL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
See Jane Write is a website, community, and coaching service for women who write and create. Through courses, workshops, and community events, we teach women how to use their love for storytelling to make an income and an impact. Products and services offered include a membership community, group coaching, and digital courses. We also host a variety of virtual and in-person events.
Tell us about yourself
To be honest, I started See Jane Write for selfish reasons. Two years prior to the first See Jane Write meetup, I had left my job as a newspaper reporter in Louisville, Kentucky, and returned to Birmingham – where I was born and raised – to teach English at a local high school for kids gifted in the fine arts and math and science. Though I was fond of my new colleagues, I missed the group of women writers I'd been surrounded by in my newsroom. I searched for a women's writing group that would welcome poets, authors, journalists, and bloggers – all hats I'd worn at one point in my writing life – but couldn't find one. So, I decided to start a group of my own.
I started See Jane Write for myself. But I've continued it -- and turned it into a business -- for the women who are a part of this group. I've continued See Jane Write for members who always dreamt of writing for the media but never thought they could because they didn't have a journalism degree, who have now seen their bylines in magazines, newspapers, and websites. I continue See Jane Write because members have earned book deals and national speaking engagements, landed full-time jobs because of their blogs, and turned their blogs into profitable businesses. I continue See Jane Write for members who were told that they were too old to start a writing career but are now getting published and paid!
Most important, See Jane Write members have found the courage to write about difficult topics like coping with the suicide of a loved one, healing from sexual assault, or surviving domestic abuse. They've found the strength to write themselves back together again. They're becoming the authors of their own lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Whenever a member of the See Jane Write community has a major accomplishment, that is a sign that my business is doing what it was built to do. See Jane Write members have self-published books and landed book deals. They've launched freelance writing careers and turned their blogs into businesses.
Here's a comment from a member that perfectly captures why I do what I do: See Jane Write has connected me with some amazing writers, friends, women, and a tribe to tackle the world using my superpower - writing. It has given me confidence, a sounding board, insider knowledge, connections, opportunities, and so much more. I no longer say that I want to write. I now say, "When I write this or that, I will submit it to...." And I have my own cheering section. That is the See Jane Write Collective.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a creative entrepreneur finding the balance between art and business can be very difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus first on helping people, and the money will come.
- Make self-care a part of your business strategy.
- Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://seejanewritebham.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seejanewritebham
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seejavaciawrite/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seejavaciawrite
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javaciaharrisbowser/
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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