Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cazzy Zahursky. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cazzy, appreciate you joining us today. Growth is exciting, but from what we’ve seen across thousands of conversations with entrepreneurs it’s also dangerous if costs aren’t watched closely – sometimes costs can grow out of control outpacing revenue growth and putting the viability of the entire business at risk. How have you managed to keep costs under control?

It’s not always an easy task to keep costs under control, when going into business for yourself. After all, (how does the expression go?) “You have to spend money, to make money.” That being said, there are several ways I do manage to keep some costs down; by wearing numerous hats. I pretty much do all the legwork, just short of hiring an editor, to publish my books. I do the writing, illustrating, designing, formatting, and marketing. I enjoy having total creative control, wearing all of these hats, but it’s quite time consuming, comparable to taking on multiple jobs. So, even keeping costs down is “costly”.

Cazzy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a storyteller at heart across multiple media. I brought stories to life via the performing arts for a number of decades, but the event of having children has led me to my current form of artistic expression as an author and illustrator. After years of writing and illustrating custom children’s books as unique gifts that I tailored to the children of friends, I decided to take the leap and write entertaining stories with gentle lessons for kids everywhere. Ideas for new storylines were and are constantly sprouting up all the time. I gravitate towards themes that elicit emotions, whether my story is heartfelt and poignant or humorous. It’s important to me that my books make my readers “feel” something. I also have an affinity for plays on words and puns.

Publishing books then evolved into creating my own press, Circle Time Books. And most recently I’ve decided to throw in an additional medium of artistic storytelling to the mix, by creating a storytelling YouTube channel called Circle Time Books, where I literally read both my stories and stories of other authors for young audiences to learn from and enjoy. I bring each social emotional story I read to life through fun voices, sound effects, animation and more. I like to describe it as screen time without the guilt.

I’ve also recently gotten more heavily involved in creating intricately painted rocks.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an author and illustrator is not only bringing joy and happiness to the littlest hearts of the world, but also the community of fellow authors I’ve befriended. My author/illustrator journey has allowed me to meet so many wonderful, talented, and supportive like-minded authors. Some of which live oceans away. I’m grateful for my group of author friends who call ourselves the Author Force. These people help me get through my times of doubt.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

My business does have multiple supplemental revenue streams. In addition to writing and illustrating books, I also create elaborately painted rocks. My books are available through multiple avenues: my website (www.CircleTimeBooks.com), Amazon.com, Target.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Waterstones.com, bookshops, several brick and mortar stores, and more. I do a good number of school visits and in-person vending events. I sell my books and rocks at these shows, as well as custom character plushies and other paraphernalia.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CircleTimeBooks.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cazzycreates
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CircleTimeBooks
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/cazzycreates
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/@CircleTimeBooks

Image Credits
Dustin Zahursky