Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kjersten Faseler, Founder of PublishSmart Academy, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

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

PublishSmart Academy provides one-on-one coaching, publishing guides, and online courses that walk aspiring children’s book authors through the self-publishing and book marketing process. My clients are those who want to publish independently but don’t know where to start or what steps to take.

Tell us about yourself

During the pandemic, I published my first children’s book. I had no experience publishing, so I spent months and months researching how to publish and successfully sell my book. It was a long, overwhelming process and a lot to figure out, but I finally published and was able to get my book listed on Amazon and major retailers worldwide, such as Barnes & Noble, Half Price Books, and Walmart, and generated over $10k in sales just one month after publishing. I knew that I could use my new-found knowledge to make the self-publishing process a lot less overwhelming and more streamlined for aspiring authors, so I decided to create resources that taught the complete self-publishing process step-by-step. I am motivated each day, knowing I am helping others achieve their dream of publishing a children’s book.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is seeing my clients successfully publish their first children’s book! I have helped aspiring authors in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. Nothing can beat seeing the excitement they have when they first receive a physical copy of their book, the moment they first see it on Amazon, and when they start selling hundreds and thousands of copies of their book.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that work is 24/7/365. If I am not physically working on my business, I am constantly thinking of new ideas, brainstorming educational content, researching any recent changes in the publishing industry, and dreaming about ways to improve my services and better help my clients achieve their goals. It is constant work but extremely rewarding.

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

  1. Just start. You may constantly be waiting for the “right time” to start, but if you are seriously contemplating starting a business, the time is now.
  2. Learn from others. Get a mentor or a coach as you start. Their experience, advice, and direction will help you achieve your goals faster. You can learn from your own mistakes, but it’s always best to learn from the mistakes of others first.
  3. Don’t underestimate the value of giving. Give your potential clients something of value for free before ever asking for their business. Always add value and expect nothing in return. You’ll be surprised what will come your way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.publishsmartacademy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjersten_faseler_author/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjerstenfaseler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kjerstenfaseler

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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