Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Debra Warner, Founder of Dr. Debra, LLC., located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

I am Dr. Debra, and I am a forensic psychologist. My customers are people who work with or are male trauma survivors. Often individuals who contact me are involved in the legal arena or who are seeking guidance on a topic related to trauma.

Tell us about yourself

I have been doing this work for years, but it took off after I wrote a book discussing my relationship with my husband and telling my husband’s story as a survivor. I also did a TEDx Talk on this very topic!

As to what motivates me, my professional answer is that I want to help other people in the trauma arena and understand the needs that survivors have. I also want to be professionally able to make changes in my field around the topic of male survivor trauma. The non-professional answer is I believe this is what God wants me to do. As I said, I have been doing this for years and wouldn't do anything else. I always feel like when I try to head in a different direction or in a way that is outside what I do and love; it never works out. I feel as if this is what I am supposed to do and who I'm supposed to be as a person and professional.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are many, but right now, my biggest accomplishment is helping other people tell their stories through published works. These books are meant to help others. The first book was about the story of my husband and me and his story as a survivor. Next, my book Barbara and My Boys was about “my boys,” and it took years to gain their trust and share information to help people understand how trauma and violence can be looked at in a different way. Moreover, how you can do good work from past struggles.

Then, my other book, which I wrote with my then 9-year-old son, is about organizational leadership from his perspective. I worked as an editor for my daughter’s cookbook aimed at foster youth aging out of the system. All of these books are about people sharing their experiences in the hope they will make a difference in the lives of the readers. I have two more books planned. I can't disclose exactly what yet, but the first will be from someone who lived a life as a refugee, and the other person is someone who has survived many odds to become who they are today.

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

One of the hardest things to do is make decisions when you're still learning and figuring it out. I didn't come from a past that gave me the skills needed to start and grow a business. It was a learning process and still is. As a first-generation business owner, I didn't have anyone to ask questions to or anyone in my immediate circle to ask for help. I am a private person, and I had to step out of my comfort zone and ask for help so I could learn how to do things to start and grow my business.

You have to figure out who you can trust; sometimes, there are cultural barriers. Sometimes those barriers make it difficult to figure out and navigate. I have learned, however, that often if you ask for help, people are more than willing to give it to you. You have to be willing to receive it.

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

  1. Do something you love because you are going to be married to it.
  2. Just start. You have to start somewhere. It doesn’t matter if you mess up. That is part of the process. That is how you learn and grow.
  3. Be able to ask for help and be open to receiving that help.
  4. Have people around you who will tell you the truth and support you. By doing this, you are more likely to listen and be more successful in what you are trying to accomplish when those around you are as passionate as you about your business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't be afraid to live your passion! You live in a place and time that allows and encourages you to do this! Don’t listen to any noise that may come from living your passion. If people are negative about you following your dream, they don't belong with you. Again, that is just noise clouding your vision and message.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.drdebrawarner.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdebra.warner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdebrawarner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/debrawarnerpsyd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrawarner/

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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