We were lucky to catch up with Farrah Hodgson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Farrah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on family businesses. As a single mother of five and a grandmother of two, I’ve always believed in the importance of family, both in my personal life and in my professional endeavors. I just released a book called “Mompreneurs-Your Gps
SUBTITLE:The all in one guide to navigating the demanding world of entrepreneurship while juggling the equally challenging role of motherhood.

Family businesses can be incredibly rewarding. They often cultivate a deep sense of loyalty and shared purpose, which can be vital for long-term success. I’ve found in my own experience running a publishing company that having family involved brings a unique energy and creativity, as we all share common values, goals and also peculiar ideas.

Recently, I developed a business plan for a new venture—a book café that encompasses both our love for literature, and creativity. A Book ambience, tea house, Juice Bar, and Content Creation Studio. Our desire is to create a welcoming social atmosphere to enjoy photography, aesthetics, literature and music while enjoying a wide variety of drinks.
In this café, We want to create a beautiful esthetic atmosphere and inspiring space where customers can indulge in quality literature, warm tea, fresh juices, and photography, fostering a community of creativity and relaxation.
Vision: To become the preferred local destination for book lovers, health enthusiasts, and photography aficionados. I envision my brother as the photographer, capturing the beauty of people and diversity. Photo Studio:
– Professional photography services (portraits, family photos, events).
and content creation spaces for people to share photos on their social media website, and business profiles. My oldest daughter would take on the role of a barista serving healthy juice pressed from fruits and vegetables, hot teas as well as a variety of coffee. My three sons would set up the background aesthetics for the photo spaces as well as to prepare for all events. My other daughter would serve as the Administrator receptionist, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

This structure not only allows us to work together but also leverages each family member’s strengths and interests. I see it as a way to pass down not just a business, but also a legacy of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that while the potential for success is high, family businesses can also face challenges. Mixing personal and professional relationships can lead to conflicts if not handled carefully. To mitigate this, I intend to establish clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring everyone knows their tasks and expectations. Open communication will be vital to navigate any differences and maintain a harmonious work environment. Nevertheless there will be professional consequences from their actions of being inadequate to work effectively. I stand on business so they know I will let them go, to pursue their other interests.

I genuinely believe that involving my children and family in this venture will not only strengthen our bonds but also help them develop valuable skills and experiences. I want them to feel invested in the business and to understand the hard work and dedication that goes into running it.

Ultimately, I see this as an opportunity to create something beautiful together—a space where we can share our love for books while fostering creativity and connection in our community. It’s about building a legacy that we can all be proud of, and I’m excited to see how this journey unfolds.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Farrah Hodgson is a remarkable individual, a loving mother of five children, and a proud grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters. She is the CEO and founder of Daughter of the King Publishing, a growing publishing company based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Farrah’s journey to Atlanta was driven by her dreams, vision, and goals as an aspiring author. Determined to make her mark in the literary world, she embarked on the mission to build her publishing company and book cafe. With her dedication and hard work, she has successfully published six books, showcasing her talent as a gifted author.

In recognition of her incredible achievements, Farrah was honored by her community with the prestigious “2016 Woman on Fire Single Mother Award.” This accolade truly reflects her inspiring nature and the love she pours into being a superhero mom.

Daughter of the King Publishing is a distinguished publishing company specializing in comprehensive coaching services for aspiring authors. Our primary focus is on book publication, where we guide writers to share their stories and enhance their writing skills. We understand the challenges faced by individuals with limited time and resources, including busy parents, scholars, full-time workers, and business owners. Therefore, our experienced team of ghost writers, graphic designers, and editors work diligently to streamline the publishing process. By taking care of 95% of the workload, we make publishing accessible and achievable for our clients. Furthermore, we aspire to provide authors with a platform to explore new opportunities and reach audiences worldwide. One of the biggest accomplishments that makes me proud of my business, Daughter of the King Publishing, is the ability to inspire others through my own life experiences and journey. Despite not having an education in business before starting this venture, I have been able to find my purpose and use my story of pain and traumatic experiences to uplift and encourage others. By sharing my personal journey and overcoming obstacles, I am able to motivate others to not give up and pursue their dreams. It is fulfilling to know that my company is making a positive impact on individuals by empowering them to keep going, regardless of their circumstances. Through my business, I have found a way to transform my pain into a source of inspiration for others, and that is a major accomplishment that I am proud of. We believe in the transformative power of stories. Through relatable narratives and practical insights, we help individuals navigate their own trials, tribulations, and challenges. By sharing their testimonies and experiences, authors can foster healing, growth, and transformation, and make a positive impact on readers’ lives.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built an audience on social media by sharing my stories as a published author and now the owner of a publishing company. I’ve found that social media is an invaluable tool for connecting with readers, helping others overcome life’s obstacles and challenges. Therefore that led to promoting my work.

When I first started, I recognized that engaging with my audience authentically was key. I began by sharing snippets from my books, behind-the-scenes glimpses of my writing process, and personal stories related to my journey as a single mother and an entrepreneur. This helped to create a genuine connection with my followers, as they could relate to my experiences and see the real person behind the words.

Here are a few strategies that have worked well for me, which I believe can help those just starting to build their social media presence:

1. Be Authentic: Share your story and be yourself. People are drawn to authenticity and transparency, so don’t be afraid to show your personality, share your struggles, and celebrate your successes. This builds trust and encourages engagement.

2. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create conversations. Social media is a two-way street, and engaging with your followers makes them feel valued and heard. This can turn casual followers into loyal fans as well as potential customers.

3. Consistent Content: Regularly post content that reflects your brand and interests. Whether it’s writing tips, book recommendations, or personal anecdotes, consistency helps keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

4. Utilize Visuals: High-quality images and videos can significantly boost engagement. As a publishing company, showcasing your book covers, author events, and even the café concept can attract attention. Visual storytelling can enhance your message and make it more shareable.

5. Collaborate and Network: Building relationships with other authors, influencers, and brands can expand your reach. Collaborations can introduce you to new audiences and provide valuable learning opportunities.

6. Leverage Hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. This can help people discover your content who may not already follow you.

7. Track and Adapt: Pay attention to what types of posts resonate with your audience. Use analytics tools to track engagement, and be willing to adapt your strategy based on what works best.

Building a social media presence takes time and patience, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to connect with a supportive community that has not only helped promote my books but also inspired me in my own writing journey. For those just starting out, remember to stay true to yourself, be patient, and enjoy the process of connecting with others who share your passions.”

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As an author and now a publisher, I’ve found that the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging the power of social media and fostering genuine relationships with my clients and that led to them giving recommendations to my company through word of mouth.

Interestingly, I haven’t invested in paid marketing yet; instead, about 80% of my clients have come from organic promotion on social media platforms. Here’s how I’ve approached this:

1. Building a Strong Social Media Presence: I actively share content that resonates with my target audience, including updates about my books, tips for aspiring authors, and insights into the publishing process. By providing value and engaging content, I’ve been able to attract followers who are genuinely interested in my work. This organic engagement has helped establish a community around my brand.

2. Authentic Engagement: I prioritize interacting with my followers, responding to comments, and participating in discussions. This not only strengthens my relationship with existing clients but also encourages them to share my work with their networks. When people feel connected to the person behind the brand, they are more likely to recommend my services to others.

3. Encouraging Word of Mouth: I believe that personal recommendations are incredibly powerful. I’ve focused on providing exceptional service to my clients, which has led to positive experiences they want to share. Whether it’s through a well-edited manuscript or a supportive author coaching session, satisfied clients become my biggest advocates. Their word of mouth has been instrumental in attracting new clients.

4. Creating Shareable Content: I’ve also developed content that is easily shareable, such as quotes from my books, writing tips, and engaging graphics. Encouraging my audience to share this content helps expand my reach beyond my immediate followers.

5. Networking: Building relationships within the writing and publishing community has been invaluable. By attending events, participating in online forums, and collaborating with other authors and publishers, I’ve been able to tap into new audiences and create partnerships that enhance my visibility.

Overall, my approach has been centered around authenticity and relationship-building. By focusing on these organic strategies, I’ve been able to grow my clientele in a meaningful way. As I continue to expand my business, I’m excited to see how these foundational strategies will evolve and support future growth.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.farrahhodgson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daughterofakingbooks?igsh=NDNid3FnbXFjems0&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@farrahhodgson7348?si=d0tTzH4gQ4nhY9HC
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B087PNXV8Z