We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deb Stanley . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deb below.

Deb, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In 2015, I took a giant leap of faith when I left a career as a Special Education Teacher in order to start my business, Transition Bridges. Parents and former students often came to me in desperation when they couldn’t figure out how to navigate life after graduating from high school. Many of them were sitting in their basements playing video games, uncertain of next steps. I decided to plant myself in the community as a resource, connecting individuals with local resources and organizations.

I had no idea what to expect as a business owner. I struggled with charging people. I was concerned that money would be one more barrier for individuals who already had many obstacles to overcome. I often offered my services for free. Obviously, this was no way to run a sustainable business. However, I found a great deal of satisfaction out of helping individuals and their families. I have always loved connecting with people and connecting them with others. I enjoy getting to know about available resources and passing that information on to others.

Eventually, I was offered an opportunity to return to the classroom as a one-on-one assistant to a student with autism. I happily accepted the offer and enjoyed this experience immensely. I also took on a position as an ABA technician at one of our local organizations. I enjoyed this experience as well. These opportunities enabled me to pay our bills, while continuing to run my business.

After several years, I officially retired from teaching and from my position as an ABA technician, in order to devote more time to my business. I enlisted the help of a business coach – Sara – and began to learn about marketing and sales. This particular coach’s philosophy is “people first,” which really resonates with me. I learned how to make sales through forming connections with others.

Before I officially retired, I began to write and publish books, something I had wanted to do, but between raising children and full-time teaching, I had not created time for. As I published my own books, others began asking for my help in writing their own books. Watching others produce their books is extremely rewarding! Editing and Book Coaching are now part of my business as well.

I have written and published devotionals, as well as books geared toward the disability community. My book, “I Wish: Heartfelt Desires Shared Around the IEP Table” shares the wishes of individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and school personnel. My newest book, “The Power of Community Connectedness: Creating Lifelong Impact and Inclusion for Individuals with Disabilities,” showcases the many resources and organizations that are available in our community. My hope is to not only help those in our local community, but those in other communities who may want to start similar organizations, but are unsure of where to start.

My business is more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Taking a leap of faith years ago was worth the years of uncertainty and challenges I faced. One of the biggest lessons I learned was to invite others who have invaluable experience and expertise to join me in my ventures. I started Transition Bridges for just that reason – to remind others there is no reason to journey alone. We are all connected. Together, we create a ripple of impact that results in changed lives, including our own.

Deb, 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 answered some of this question in my previous response.

The services I provide for individuals with disabilities and their families are connection to resources and advocacy. I answer questions people may have. I suggest available resources and will make direct contact, if requested. Many times, parents simply want to be heard and have their ideas, thoughts, and feelings validated. I am happy to provide a listening ear.

I also attend Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings where I serve as an advocate. At these meetings, I answer questions an individual or family member may have, as well as ask questions of my own. My background as a Special Educator equips me with the expertise needed to interpret information, as we formulate education plans for students.

I also provide editing and book coaching services. I edit manuscripts to prepare them for publication. Book coaching involves setting up a time to discuss creating a deadline and writing schedule with authors. Many individuals request accountability so they stay on track with their writing goals. I am the cheerleader/encourager in their corner, a role I love. Coaching sessions can either be on-demand, one-time sessions, or weekly sessions, depending on the needs of clients.

What sets me apart from others is my willingness to form meaningful connections with others. I am never “salesy.” I let others know that services I provide. If they aren’t interested, we part as friends. I love meeting others and connecting with them. I am proud of the fact that I provide services in a way that is authentic and rewarding.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I have loved to write since I was a young child. Eventually, writing took a back seat to raising children and full-time teaching. When I left teaching and found myself with an empty nest, I knew it was time to create space for writing. I started by posting a daily “Counting My Blessings” blog, something I continue to this day. The posts can be found on my “Taking Tea with Deb Stanley” Facebook page.

These posts eventually became part of a series of devotionals, which include three “Taking Tea” Books; “A Heart for Jesus;” and “Polishing Our Pearl of Greatest Price.” I also wrote and published a book with my sister Melanie entitled, “30 Days to a Sprightlier You,” and I helped my dad get his autobiography, “It’s Been a Great Ride” into print. I wrote and published two books, mentioned earlier in the interview: “I Wish: Heartfelt Desires Shared Around the IEP Table,” and “The Power of Community Connectedness: Creating Lifelong Impact and Inclusion for Individuals with Disabilities.”

As I wrote and published books, others began coming to me for help in editing their own books. They were also looking for someone to encourage them and provide accountability as they pursued their dreams of writing and publishing. Out of this need, I began to add book coaching services to my business. I never imagined my business would expand to include reading and writing books. I have loved books my entire life. It is so rewarding to serve others doing something that brings me so much joy! I love seeing others fulfill their dreams of sharing a message to the world in the form of a book.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I receive most of my clients through word of mouth. I run my business with honesty and integrity, many times going way above what is expected of me. In my opinion, reputation is the most valuable attribute in running a successful business. Most of my business comes to me through referral from previous clients. I also have repeat customers.

I don’t think of people as money or as a number, but as human beings who have legitimate needs and concerns. When I serve others, I feel fulfilled and happy. I don’t need a million customers to feel successful as a business owner. That said, there is nothing wrong with having a large customer base. A big following is simply not a goal of mine. Serving others with integrity is. I try not to attach an outcome of what that looks to a specific number.

I love my business coach Sara’s model of “People First” and “Selling by Giving.” Her model resonates with me and has become the standard of how I run my business. I am loyal to her because she “walks the talk.” Her life and business reflect the values she teaches. I would buy from her simply because a product or service has her name on it.

Our name becomes our brand. When someone buys one of my books or comes to me for editing and coaching, simply because they connect my name with excellent service, I feel successful as a businesswoman.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.transitionbridges.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deb.stanley.33; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049980229489
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deb-stanley-21548840/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesprightlylife9620