Contributing Author: Stacie Walker
We have a very inspiring interview with a ambitious woman in leadership.
My exclusive interview with Marya Jan of Writing Happiness has opened my eyes to how an everyday woman can turn a long time passion into a thriving source of income.
I discovered Marya through the authoritative blogs that I read on a daily basis and I couldn't resist her style of writing.
She now has another dedicated fan...me.
Marya is a successful blogging coach, content creator, and a committedtrainer.
She has been candid about her addiction to books, food, and self help resources related to business.
Now, let's get started on this fabulous exclusive interview to inspire you to make your dreams come true!
Exclusive Interview with Marya Jan of Writing Happiness
Stacie: Hello, Marya!
It's so wonderful to have the opportunity to speak with you, our featured success story for May.
I really appreciate you for agreeing with this interview. The Woman in Leadership community can learn much from you.
Marya: Thanks so much for having me on Woman in Leadership. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here.
I actually don’t have a very exciting story I am afraid. I didn’t get laid off, or backpacked around the world. But I did have the entrepreneurial bug in me since childhood.
I was always interested in doing my own thing.
As a young girl, I ‘published’ my own magazine and rented it out to friends and family members. I was an avid reader from a young age so I had a huge collection of books of my own. I started my own library where all the kids of the neighbourhood came to borrow books and look for book recommendations..
My background is in academia. I graduated from law school but did not practice. I then finished MBA program and taught Business English and Interpersonal Skills to under grads for few years. I also worked in the marketing department for the same university.
After getting married, I moved to Australia for good. I had my kids and could not go back to work for personal reasons.
As I was always obsessed with Internet, learning and teaching, I ended up combining the best of these worlds in a single place – Writing Happiness. This is my blog where I offer my freelance blogging services for e-learning, coaching and training companies, and sell blog coaching services.
I am also working on very exciting product that is coming out soon. (Hint: It is about getting your 1,000 blog subscribers.)
Stacie: Well, your story sounds exciting to me.
I enjoy getting a brief look inside the life of a talented individual such as yourself. Plus, I love listening to a good story from fellow entrepreneurs.
With that being said, what’s the biggest thing you struggle with as an entrepreneur?
Marya: Like most stay-at-home mums, finding the time to fit in everything.
Also, I am an introverted person and having few genuine relationships is far more important to me than having a large network of acquaintances. You can see how that can be a huge roadblock, especially online where many connections are made through social media chit chat.
Also, as I am originally from Pakistan, I sometimes get the feeling that I have to work twice as hard to prove myself – to shatter the illusion that all non-native English speakers produce mediocre work.
Stacie: Excellent! How does being an entrepreneur affect your relationships with your friends and family?
Marya: It doesn’t. I have time to do the school run. I attend all of my kids school and after school activities. I have time to help with homework.
My family has always been a priority for me and the reason why I started my own business is to work own hours. To have flexible hours has been the whole point.
Why should it change now?
Stacie: Hearing you say this is very encouraging to women who may think that starting a career at home will distract them from their personal relationships. So inspiring.
Speaking of inspiration, who was your inspiration growing up and who is your inspiration now?
Marya: Can I say my parents?
Stacie: Absolutely! There are no wrong answers to this question.
Marya: I know it doesn’t sound very exciting. My Dad is a very well read man and he was the reason we were always surrounded by books at home. My Mum is the kindest and most caring person I know.
They instilled in us the qualities I want to teach my kids.
Read well, do the best you can, be kind and be fair, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Stacie: Having parents who inspire you is exciting. You would be surprised how many people don't have a healthy relationship with their parent or parents.
Fortunately, I have parents who have inspired me to have the best in life. And I don't just mean materialistic things.
Everyone defines success in their own way. What does success mean to you?
Marya: For me success means doing more of what I love and minimizing things that just get in the way.
Having more time with family. Having time for things that I am passionate about. Working on my business, rather than in it.
Stacie: What has been your most effective marketing tactic or technique?
Marya: Well, I have only ever used guest posting to promote my content.
I am generally not very good at self-promotion but slowly getting there.I am looking more into Facebook marketing at the moment. I find it quite exciting.
Stacie: How do you build a successful customer base?
Marya: If you put something out there is a market demand for and you love doing it, you will be set.
Having your own personality infused through everything you do, honesty and transparency in your marketing will get you the love and loyalty you deserve.
And tons of hard work, that goes without saying.
Stacie: What sacrifices have you made to reach your current level of success as an entrepreneur?
Marya: I don’t know if I’d call them sacrifices as entrepreneurship naturally suits my temperament.
That being said, I do work an insane amount of hours on my business. Every spare moment I get, I spend it on making my content and services better. I hardly ever watch any TV or movies, I only see close friends.
I can’t stay and chit chat with school mums. My meals are pretty simple. My house is often messy. Oh, and I am wise with the money, investing back in the business on a regular basis so no fancy shopping for a while.
Stacie: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Marya: I am petrified that I am not good enough, thinking, "what if nobody likes what I create next?"
I am scared of falling flat on my face and failing big time.
Aren’t we all?
Stacie: I can raise my hand on that one. I do care what others think about my work, so you are definitely NOT alone.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Marya: I think that entrepreneurs are more of risk takers. They also need to find challenge and stimulation in their work constantly and they hate having to answer to anyone. They feel the need to define their own rules and live lives on their own terms.
I am not saying it’s not the case for people in jobs but they tend to rely on others for direction.
Also, they are less likely to put themselves out there. Neither is superior, it is a matter of what suits one’s temperament.
Stacie: What is your best advice for women?
Marya: First thing I would say is to never feel guilty for wanting what you want.
Sure, you are going to take care of your family and others around you, but you also need to take care of your own needs. And if that means getting your own business, so be it.
Just understand that it is probably going to be harder for you as a woman.
Not because you are anything less, but because you have other important things in your life that you can’t delegate (men often can).
Stacie: What advice would you give to women taking the leap to go after their entrepreneurial dreams?
Marya: Number one, believe in yourself.
Number two back that belief up with lots of training and hard work. Start with part-time hours and take the leap when you are absolutely sure that this is what you want to do.
Be patient as it is going to take some time, like most good things in life do.
Don’t forget to have fun!
Stacie: Final question to wrap up today's interview. Where do you see yourself and your business in the next 15-20 years?
Marya: To be really honest, I have no idea.
At the moment, I want to release more training products and I definitely want to go into creating premium products.
One thing I do know for sure, I’ll always be working for myself. I won’t start a company.
Sure, I might need to hire people as my business grows, but I will always be the person behind it.
Stacie: True words of wisdom!
I always get a little sad whenever a great interview comes to an end. You have been awesome! I hope to have you as a future guest on my radio podcast show.
Thank you, Marya.
If you are interested in learning more about Marya and I know you do, please connect with her by clicking on any of the following links:
Blog: http://writinghappiness.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingH
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WritingHappines
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/writingh/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100367258506289916059
Email: [email protected]
Since you took the time to learn more about Marya by reading today's interview, she has a very special free gift for yours to keep.
Free e-Book: 9 New Rules for Blogging by Marya Jan
Marya Jan is a blogging coach and a freelance blogger at Writing Happiness
She is on a mission to help you get 1,000 blog subscribers. Grab her free ebook ‘9 New Rules for Blogging’.
Marya is very friendly and would enjoy you connecting with her on Facebook. Don't forget to 'Like' her page.
