Оглавление
Erin Albert. Single. Women. Entrepreneurs. Second Edition
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Kathryn Alexander, MA. Ethical Impact, L3C
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
Why did you start Ethical Impact, L3C, and how long has it been around?
Ethical Impact is a low profit limited liability company, or a L3C, which is a business form currently available in around 10 states in the U.S. What is a L3C, how is it different from traditional business models, like a LLC, and why did you choose a L3C as your preferred business model?
You personally believe that a business has an obligation not only to make a profit, but also be “sustainable.” What does that term mean to you?
How do businesses, then, get back to sustainability?
Ethical Impact also has a B Corp certification. What is B Corp certification, and why did you obtain it for your company?*
What advantages do you think you have as a single business owner that perhaps married business owners do not have?
What about disadvantages?
So, you are saying that companies pay you as a consultant to give them advice using creative and innovative skill sets, but you’re unemployable because your innovative and creative as a full-time employee?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Have you perceived advantages or disadvantages to being a woman business owner?
What is the business/entrepreneurial climate like for women in business in Colorado? Are there organizations that help women in business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Were your parents entrepreneurs?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
What about the challenges of the roller coaster income as an entrepreneur?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What else is important to being a single woman entrepreneur that I didn’t ask you?
Kara Allan. Kara Allan & Associates, LLC
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
You started two businesses—your first business you started while you were married, and the second business, not married. What were the differences, if any?
What advantages do you think you have as a single business owner that perhaps married business owners do not have?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a WOMAN business owner?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time in either of your businesses?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What didn’t I ask you about you and your business that you wanted me to?
Niquelle R. Allen, Esq. Butterfly Consignment
What advantages do you think you have as a single solo business owner that married people don’t have?
So, is the name of your business also a symbol of your own entrepreneurial metamorphosis? How did you come up with this (awesome) symbol?
What about disadvantages to a single woman owning a business?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Why are you doing both? (What is your philosophy behind doing both?)
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
Was the line of credit difficult to obtain, especially in this economic recession?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Julia Aquino. The How Factor, Inc
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
You’ve got a phenomenal tag line in your email footer: “If it’s only in your head…it’s only a hobby!” Can you share where that tag line came from?
What advantages do you think you have as a divorced solo business owner that your married counterparts don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
What makes a company great?
Are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What didn’t I ask you that you think is important to share with others?
Andrea Bloom. ConnectWell
Could you describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages do you think you have as a divorced/solo business owner that married business owners don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Why this type of business, and why now?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about your education? Did that play a role in you becoming an entrepreneur?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner, other than your MBA?
How about being both a mom and an entrepreneur?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What else hasn’t been asked that you feel passionately about sharing?
Tracey Brame. West Point Financing
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
How did you discover and access your own strengths?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
What else, if anything, did your military training play a role in your entrepreneurial career path?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
How important are mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital? Did you try to obtain capital from other sources?
Why not?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
So, you view your networks differently? If so, why?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Katasha Butler. K Sherrie + Company Planning Atelier
What advantages do you think you have as a single solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
What would it take for you to consider taking on your business full-time?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Joan E. Champagne. White and Champagne
Could you describe your firm in one sentence?
What advantages do you think you have as a single solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
How much money saved is enough, in your opinion?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Do you think having a business partner made it easier to start your business?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own personal capital?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What other advice or issues would you like to share that weren’t asked?
Michaela Conley, MA CSMS. HPCareer.net
Please discuss why you started your business
What advantages do you think you have as a divorced solo business owner that married people don’t have? What about disadvantages?
How do you define success?
Do you think business ownership has led you to getting remarried?
How has it been working with your spouse in your business?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
What is your favorite thing about being a business owner?
What is your least favorite thing about being a business owner?
Anything else?
Ann Fisher, MS. HR Alternative Consulting, Inc
Why did you start HR Alternative Consulting?
What advantages do you think you have as a single business owner that perhaps married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
Can you talk more about your WBE certification? How has that helped you and/or your business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Do you have a business coach?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What didn’t I ask you about you and your business that you wanted me to?
Elizabeth Garber. The Best Chocolate in Town
How did your pre-college graduation experiences play into starting your business?
Your mom was a teacher, but was your family entrepreneurial?
What made you move from part-time to full-time in your business?
Why chocolate as your business? (Not that we are complaining!)
As a single woman and recent college graduate, what secret(s) did you have to making your full-time business a success?
What does success mean to you?
You were single when you started your business. What advantages do you think you had by being a single business owner?
Balance is a big sticky point with women. What is your definition of balance, and do you really think it can be achieved?
What was the toughest lesson for you to learn as a manager?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently, either about yourself, or how to run a business in general?
If you met a young woman who was thinking of starting a business, what advice would you have for her?
Lynn Griffith. Welcome Events
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single after your husband passed?
They say entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs—did you?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
Can you share with us more about what your new business will be? Do you view yourself as a serial entrepreneur?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What other single women business owners do you admire, and why?
How do you and did you make key decisions on growing or shifting your business?
Dava Guthmiller. Noise 13 Design
Can you please describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages and disadvantages do you think you have as a single solo business owner that married people don’t have?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
Is your current significant other an entrepreneur?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Have you perceived any advantages or disadvantages to being a woman business owner?
Let’s talk about balance, because that seems to be a subjective term. What does balance mean to you?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture?
Growing up in a family business, was entrepreneurship something you always considered, or was it an instant idea?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Who are your ideal clients?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What didn’t I ask you about you and your business that you wanted me to?
Robbin Jorgensen. The Bold Impact Group
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages do you think you have as a single/divorced solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
How do you manage around this problem?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
A lot of women struggle with the ‘sign’ for starting their own businesses. What made it time for you to break out on your own? Was there a watershed moment for you, or just a growing gut feeling over time?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Patti Justice. Blooming Pregnancy Spa & Imaging Center
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
What is your business concept and was it derived from personal experience?
What advantages do you think you have as a single/divorced solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
They say entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs—did you?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What other single women business owners do you admire, and why?
Kristin Kuhlke. Cupcake
Ok, most important question first: can you overnight your cupcakes?
What advantages do you think you have as a single woman business owner that married women might not have?
How do you do that, because a lot of women who want to start families struggle with balancing work and starting a family…?
What disadvantages do you perceive being a single woman business owner?
Congratulations on getting married! They say entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs—did you?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Did you ever feel discounted as a woman business owner?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you ever obtain outside financing or a loan?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture?
How did you deal with the fear?
Were your parents entrepreneurs?
I love your idea about donating yesterday’s cupcakes to charities. How did you come up with that idea?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Any other points not covered?
Darla LeDoux. Doux Coaching
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
What type(s) of clients do you coach?
Why did you start your business?
What are the advantages to being a single business owner? What about disadvantages?
What is the difference between entrepreneurial thinking in starting one’s own business and intrapreneurial thinking in corporate America that you see in your clients?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
They say entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs in life—do you think so?
How do you perceive entrepreneurs as thinkers—how do they think differently from others?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you, running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
When should someone hire a coach, and what about the recession and its economic impact?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What didn’t I ask you about that you think is important to convey to other budding and current single women entrepreneurs?
Larvetta Loftin. L3 Eventeurs, Limelight Arts Group & My Kiddie Country Club
Can you describe your businesses in one sentence each?
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
So, you attracted another entrepreneur into your life
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Let’s discuss this, because some single women believe a business must be operated only full-time, while others believe in building a business part-time while holding down a day job. What is your philosophy on the part-time versus full-time method of entrepreneurship?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you take on a partner in any of your businesses at any time?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What else didn’t I ask you about you and your business that you wanted me to?
Sonya Mittelman. The Law Offices of Sonya F. Mittelman
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have? Disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
So, you’re saying that owning a business and investing time in it is much like investing time in a relationship with a significant other or a personal relationship?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Is your business specifically tailored to a singles market?
You lost both your parents in 2009, which had to be difficult. How did those losses change your business, and now, how you serve your clients?
Eldercare is becoming a huge issue now that the baby boomer generation is aging and hitting retirement. You are part of the Eldercare Alliance. Can you share more about how we can all be more proactive about eldercare?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Roxanne Nicolas. Glam Designs, LLC
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
Why did you start Glam Designs?
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
You’re a full-time employee and a part-time entrepreneur. Do you think entrepreneurship leads you to being a better employee?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Have you perceived any advantages or disadvantages?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Your business as you mentioned is part-time. Why?
Did you ever consider taking on a business partner?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Did you start your business with your own capital? Did you try to obtain capital from other sources?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What has surprised you about launching your business?
And what about 5 years from now? Where do you want to be?
Colleen Patterson. TCB Solutions USA, LLC
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages and disadvantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business tomorrow, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Anything else in closing?
Peggy Paul. SheTaxi
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
Where did the idea come from for you to start your business?
Why did you decide on a business geared only towards women?
How did the role of thyroid cancer make you discover your calling as an entrepreneur?
What advantages do you think you have as a single business owner over married business owners?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
Did you attract another entrepreneur in your significant other?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Is your business specifically tailored to a singles market?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What are your personal values, and how do they fit into your career and your company?
What’s your 10-year vision for SheTaxi?
Is there any advice you would give to a novice entrepreneur?
Tasha Phelps. Phelco Technologies, Inc
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you keep your family network separate?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Has it been a challenge being a single mom, business owner, and someone managing a chronic illness?
Obtaining reasonable healthcare for employees as a business owner has to be a huge challenge
What thoughts have you given to succession planning and business impact preparedness?
Karen Polis. Follow MantisSM Money Coaching
Please describe your business in one sentence
Why did you start your business, where did the idea or concept come from, and why did you start it during a recession?
You describe your business as totally different from financial planning. How is it different?
Do you work with a lot of budding and current entrepreneurs, and if so, do they have different issues about money than others? If so, what are those differences you see in your practice, and how do they get resolved?
What advantages do you think you have as a single woman entrepreneur that a married entrepreneur might not have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Interesting, you didn’t bring up money in your advice…?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you or have you perceived advantages and/or disadvantages to being a woman business owner?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
So, you’ve always had your business as a full-time venture, correct?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Anything else you want to share?
Denise Praul. Accurate Tax Management Corporation
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
Love that description! Why did you start Accurate Tax Management?
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
How do you manage around those challenges?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Have you perceived advantages and disadvantages to being a woman business owner?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Julia M. Rhodes. KleenSlate Concepts
As a solo woman business owner, what advantages do you think you have over a married woman business owner?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
Why do you think that is?
Do you agree with the notion that entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs? Did or do you?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
How did the business coach help you?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Beyond mentors, what is your support structure and system? How do you stay motivated as a business owner?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What other single women business owners do you admire, and why?
Is there anything else left out that you wanted to add?
Lisa T. Richardson. ATS Professional Learning Center
Please describe your business in one sentence
Why did you start ATS?
What advantages do you think you have as a single woman business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you perceive advantages and disadvantages to being a WOMAN business owner?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Anything else as a single woman entrepreneur?
What about being a single woman entrepreneur and mom in the South? What is the business climate like in Atlanta for the woman entrepreneur?
What about being a single mom entrepreneur? Can you share more about that and the extra challenges associated with being a single mom?
Marcy Rubin. Certified Professional Life Coach: Worldwide Services for the Bipolar Disorder Community
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
Why bipolar disorder? Where did you passion for helping others with this stem from?
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Becky Ruby. lilly lane, llc
Can you describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages do you think you have as a single business owner that married business owners don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to remain single?
How did you start your business?
When did you start thinking about this as a full-time entrepreneurial gig?
Are your parents entrepreneurs?
They say entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs—did you in terms of your significant other?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you write a business plan?
Did you take on a partner in your business?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned from this experience that you might make you do something differently next time?
How important were mentors in your entrepreneurial career?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
Any other points not asked that you want to share?
Jennifer Ruby, AICP, JD. Ruby Law
Can you please describe your business in one sentence?
What advantages do you think you have as a solo business owner that married people don’t have?
What about disadvantages?
Do you think business ownership has led you to getting married?
You married after starting your business. They say entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs. Did you?
What advice would you give another single woman who is thinking about starting a business?
Do you think there are advantages/disadvantages to being a single business owner? Do you think it is harder, or easier?
What about being a single WOMAN business owner? Do you think it is easier, the same, or harder than being a single man starting a business?
What was the best training you received to prepare you as a business owner?
Did you, or are you running your business as a part-time or full-time venture? Why?
Did you take on a partner in your business at any time?
If you had to start another business, what have you learned that you might do differently—either about yourself, or about how to run a business in general?
Did you start your business with your own capital?
How important are your social and personal networks to the success of your business?
Why do you think more single/divorced and widowed women start more businesses than men in their respective categories, and does your theory match your own rationale for starting a business?
What is your personal definition of success, and have you achieved it?
What other single women business owners do you admire, and why?
You started your business while you were single, but now you are married, you’re running a business, and you have a child. What does the term “balance” mean to you, and have you found it?
What I Learned From This Project
Epilogue
New Interviews:
Danielle Klotz. Pink Poppy Ink, LLC
You left a full time day job five months ago to run this business full time. Why, and what was/were the triggers?
Kimberly Stepp. Mocha Tree Organics
Sondra Powell. Red Hot Roasters, LLC
Michelle Cove. SHEA Productions
Updates Since the First Edition
