Interested in starting your own journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marissa Poppens, Executive Director of MSterious Miracles, located in Aurora, CO, USA.
What's your organization, and who are your members?
MSterious Miracles is a non-profit focused on providing services to individuals in Colorado that have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. While there are organizations that cater to MS research, there's a lack of services for those trying to get through the day-to-day. We believe anyone diagnosed with MS deserves the best opportunities for a valuable quality of life and take great strides to contribute to building that experience for them.
Tell us about yourself
I was diagnosed with MS in 2015, and it completely changed my life in many inconvenient ways, so much so that I had to spend a good amount of time in assisted living. Yikes.
The number of resources available was minimal, and it took having an incredible tribe of friends and family to help me find focus and balance to build my "new normal." With my determined mindset, I was able to create the best environment for myself. While MS will forever be a lifelong journey for me, I am motivated to help others establish the tools and resources to live their lives to the fullest capacity possible. Sometimes we build a ramp to assist someone with getting into their home; other times, we help find a community to engage and communicate with. The opportunities are endless when it comes to discovering ways to help others with Multiple Sclerosis experience life to the fullest.
What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?
Since 2016 we've thrown an annual Prom that allows those with and without MS to come together and have an incredible night. Each year is a new theme; this year, our theme is Carnival. There will be amazing games, food, entertainment, and people to celebrate life and contribute to an amazing cause. We look forward to building a bigger and better prom each year, which allows us to contribute more as a result.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being an organization?
Every business has to manage finances and operational logistics; however, there should be more conversations around balancing quality and growth. As we grow each year, we want to contribute more to the MS community; the challenge with this is ensuring we continue providing incredible service while finding new ways to grow. With that growth comes the challenge of increasing awareness of not only our business but Multiple Sclerosis overall. While we want to grow continually, we want to make sure we are generally providing awareness. With growth comes responsibility. We want to keep growing, but not to the detriment of education. At times, it can be a thin line that we carefully balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?
- Be Flexible - You can make a plan for everything except the one thing that goes wrong. Roll with the punches, it stinks, but each challenge you overcome makes the next one easier to manage.
- Financial Management - It's an obvious responsibility of ownership; however, once you get going, it's easy to move too fast. It's easier to spend than it is to make it back. Where we are today compared to our first year is night and day. Work with what you have.
- Don't Waste Time - Your time or someone else's. Follow-through is important. Not doing so may burn bridges, even the ones with yourself.
Where can people find you and your group?
Website: http://www.msteriousmiracles.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msadultprom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msterious_miracles/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSteriousMircle
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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