Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kimberla Lawson Roby, Founder of Successful Women of Faith, located in Belvidere, IL, USA.

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

My two businesses are Lenox Press and Successful Women of Faith, LLC, where I write and publish books and mentor other authors and women.

Tell us about yourself

In 1995, after sitting down and writing my first book, I began submitting it to literary agents and major publishing houses; however, I was rejected by all of them. So, in 1996, with a huge amount of support from my husband, I started my own business, Lenox Press, and self-published it. Then, once my book began selling well nationwide, I went back to literary agents and signed with one of them. She sold both my first and second books to two separate traditional publishers. Now, today, I have written and published 29 books in total. Then, in terms of what motivates me in my daily life, it is my faith in God and my great desire to walk in the purpose I know He has given me as it relates to writing, speaking, mentoring, and serving others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishments are becoming a New York Times bestselling author and winning an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction for my novel, The Reverend's Wife.

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

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is that you wear so many different hats; if you don't find balance and practice self-care, you can become burned out very quickly.

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

  1. Think long and hard about your gifts, talents, and overall abilities, and then discover how you can use those gifts, talents, and abilities to carry out your true purpose.
  2. Research your industry in every way you possibly can. Learn what to do, as well as what not to do.
  3. Create a strong business and marketing plan, and never stop building on either.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kimroby.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlaLawsonRoby/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlalawsonroby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimberlaLRoby
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlalawsonroby/


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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