Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Marie Cincis, Co-Owner of Empowered 2 Advocate, located in Medford, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Empowered 2 Advocate works with parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. We help them navigate the often tricky Special Education process and demystify the ins and outs of working with the school and district to ensure their child’s needs are being met. We offer 1:1 coaching (virtual and in-person locally), group coaching, document review, webinars, presentations for private organizations, and more.
Our goal is to tailor our coaching to the client, so no two experiences are the same working with E2A. We work with parents and caregivers new to the process and also those who have been through the process many times. Because each child and story is unique, there is no one “right” client for us. We have worked with parents of preschoolers just getting started and also with caregivers who have navigated special education for years.
Tell us about yourself
My business partner Michelle and I come from a robust background in Education. I have worked for over 15 years as a classroom teacher (High School History, English, and Special Education) and have been a Team Chairperson for Special Education at all levels (K-12). I have also facilitated Professional Development, written curriculum, and run out-of-school programs for children with disabilities.
All of this experience, as well as Michelle’s, has led us to develop Empowered 2 Advocate. We learned, over the years, that navigating Special Education can be incredibly challenging: for students, for their caregivers and families, for teachers, etc. We built this business to ensure that all stakeholders and all members of a child’s team have all of the information they need to make thoughtful and informed decisions. What motivates us is hearing from the parents and caregivers we have helped who feel more empowered to advocate for their own children.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment so far has been taking the leap! We have been careful and thoughtful in the rollout of Empowered 2 Advocate. Before we launched, we spent many conversations talking about our values, goals, and vision for this business. We built a strong foundation before inviting others in, and being able to share our work and begin coaching parents and caregivers has been such a huge accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Ensuring that we continue to keep our values at the forefront of everything we do. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day: creating content, posting on our socials, etc. Remembering our why and prioritizing the things we feel are important, not just to grow our business but to help the folks we set out to help, takes priority.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t be afraid to get it wrong. We have already got things wrong and had to pivot and built them to be better than they were at first!
- Only do it if it excites you and challenges you. This work has brought renewed energy to us, and that is why we are doing it.
- Learn from others. Look at what others are doing. Watch their videos, dive into the tutorials, and borrow tips from other businesses you trust!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.empowered2advocate.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowered2advocate/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowered2advocate/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.