Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Melanie Wilson, Owner of Fun to Learn Books, located in Saint Louis, MO, USA.

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

I write and publish story-based language arts curriculum for homeschool parents. I also write books and speak on the topic of homeschool sanity.

Tell us about yourself

I am a clinical psychologist turned homeschooling mother of six. My kids hated English, so I started researching the curriculum. I realized that we had taken the teaching of grammar out of the context of the story, which is the best part of language arts. I started writing stories about what happens in Grammar Galaxy when the Gremlin tampers with the English language. The stories teach literature, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing, and public speaking concepts. The mission manual allows students to be guardians of the galaxy and practice the concepts in short, fun sessions.

Creating a curriculum that motivates kids to read and write (which makes parents happy) is a dream come true for me. I love using my experience as a psychologist and home educator to help other parents enjoy homeschooling as I have.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Students around the world have used and enjoyed Grammar Galaxy. That's my biggest accomplishment. It was also selected as a top pick by Cathy Duffy, the most trusted homeschool curriculum reviewer. Aside from that, making a full-time income as a business owner is an accomplishment I'm proud of.

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

One of the hardest things for me is allocating all the roles an online business requires. I am always deciding which tasks I should do versus automating and delegating. Then when I decide, I second guess myself.

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

  1. Choose something you'd do for free. It will make the startup phase and the plateaus much easier to cope with.
  2. Design a business that would serve your needs as a customer instead of trying to follow an established formula that other businesses are using.
  3. Build a community of people who believe in what you're doing, whether they are friends, affiliates, or beta testers.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My first year in business was very slow. I was sure that I would have to find something else. But the growth has been steady as I've stuck with it. Don't give up on your business too soon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://funtolearnbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolsanity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grammargalaxybooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melphd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelaniewilson/

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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