Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie DeLussey, Founder of Mrs. D's Corner & The Intentional IEP, located in Pensacola Beach, FL, USA.

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

Mrs. D's Corner - We help special education teachers spend less time lesson planning by providing engaging, adapted resources that are ready to implement - giving teachers more time to actually teach and build relationships with their students.

The Intentional IEP - We help special education teachers write IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) more effectively and efficiently so they can spend less time on the paperwork and more time teaching.

Tell us about yourself

As a special education teacher, I have always found it difficult to find resources, materials, and lesson plans that were specifically for the population of students I taught - so I started creating my own resources to use in the classroom with my students. I started Mrs. D's Corner in December 2011 when I couldn't find a full-time teaching job. And once I did find a job, I worked in the classroom during the day and on my "side business" at night and on weekends.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping teachers meet students where they are academically and making the grade level curriculum more accessible to students of all ages with adapted, differentiable, and hands-on resources. That impact is priceless and doesn't end when the school year ends.

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

Doing all of the things, like customer service, writing newsletters and blog posts, and marketing on social media - while still attempting to create resources at the same time.

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

  1. Just do it. Go for it, dive head first into the deep end, and chase your dreams.
  2. Find your niche, but know that as you evolve as a person, your business can and will evolve too. As the business owner, you get to adapt your business to fit your life... make sure the business isn't running you, that you're running it.
  3. You don't need all the fancy things to get started or grow your business, like cameras, technology, or a huge team. Sometimes it's the small, simple things that make the biggest impact on your growth and success as a business owner.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never be afraid to ask for help or learn something new.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.mrsdscorner.com/
https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrsDsCorner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsdscorner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-delussey-333211221/

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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