Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Winifred Winston, Founder of Dyslexia Advocation, Inc., located in Baltimore, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a 501c3 charitable organization. We make remediation affordable to adults and parents of struggling readers while also providing access to a network of specialized providers.
Tell us about yourself
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Dyslexia Advocation, Inc. We are an approved 501c3 charitable organization located in Baltimore City, MD. I call myself a Proud Dyslexia Mom. My 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2017, and in a matter of 3 days, I was told I needed more than 22 thousand dollars to help my baby learn to read, and I did not have it.
I don't want another parent to experience the level of frustration and hopelessness I felt. Our mission is to equip parents of children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities with the necessary tools to help their children become successful readers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was winning the JHU Social Innovation Lab’s $25K grand prize and launching the Black and Dyslexic Podcast. I conceptualized both the nonprofit and the podcast and was able to bring them to fruition and help families by providing stipends and educating people through the podcast with a special guest.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part is building capacity and securing funding. It's almost as if you can't do one without the other.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Surround yourself with people smarter than you - people who are where you aspire to grow your business.
- Educate yourself on all areas of business. It's NOT enough to have a dream and an idea if you don't understand how to make that dream come true.
- Execute - you don't want to make the mistake of signing up for training or completing classes and not applying what you've learned. The only way you'll learn is by doing, don't be afraid to "just do it." Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take".
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You can not run a successful business alone, and you MUST learn how to delegate. You don't really understand your leadership style until you are running your own business. Delegate and outsource!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.soallcanread.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soallcanread
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soallcanread/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soallcanread
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soallcanread/
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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