We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Anissa Short a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Anissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

After several pregnancy fails, I made the decision to end my career as a Federal employee. For many, federal employment translated to great pay, great benefits and job security. That was my initial impression as well but eventually it began to
feel like a burden. This burden eventually became a stressor and this stress became unhealthy for me mentally, physically and emotionally.

After an extended absence from work, I realized the job was the bane of my existence. To continue my employment would mean more of the same. To leave, while scary and uncertain, could mean a fresh start. With the support of my spouse and to the surprise of many others, a fresh start is exactly what I chose.

Now, sixteen years later, I’ve used the gifts, skills and talents developed during my tenure at the “good government job” to accomplish and experience opportunities I never imaged. I’ve earned my doctoral degree, served on boards that served women in my community, authored twelve books, spoke internationally, coordinated literacy projects for children nationally and internationally, and now serving as the Director of a hybrid publishing company.

Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is not always easy. The risk may even be paralyzing for many but the reward of doing so is priceless. Looking back I don’t regret my choice. In fact, I wish I had made the decision sooner.

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

My introduction into entrepreneurship began with a decision to be a part of a direct sales company. During my tenure with the company, I graduated to the Top 2% of the salesforce and this leadership role translated into the assignment of training the salesforce. Within this role, I built a team of women and a female client base that spanned eleven states.

While also serving within my direct sales community, I began curating events locally that served to support women in business and causes that support women. This undertaking resulted in building a community of women, a tribe of likeminded individuals that supported each other and nonprofits. It was through the relationships and interactions with this group that I identified a need. This need led to publishing my first book.

Publishing my first book opened the doors to speaking opportunities. What initially started as speaking at local networking events, evolved into serving as an emcee for events, and even traveling to South Africa to share on the TEDx Salon stage at the University of South Africa. In addition, more books were written and published to serve the female entrepreneurial community I had grown to love and serve. With each book written, my circle grew and eventually resulted into my becoming a part of publishing community.

Now, as the Director of the Chosen Pen Group, a hybrid publishing company, I couple my work of educating and empowering women in business with amplifying the voices of others as well. My mantra is “Your Voice Has Value” and as an advocate for others, I not only use my voice to change lives and make a difference, but I use the publishing platform, our podcast and magazine to support authors, speakers and entrepreneurs.

In 2024, I was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for the work I’ve done to support my community. This year, I will be recognized as a Mississippi Success Honoree by Conversations Media Group in conjunction with WYAD 94.1 FM for same.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Serving my community has been the key to growing my clientele. I’ve moved several times with the last thirty years. Each move required becoming acclimated to a new city or state. Starting over or building in new territory is not for the faint of heart.

Experience taught me that people will support and do business with people they know, like and trust. With that in mind, I made the decision to meet others by serving my community. In doing so, I not only met others but fostered trusting relationships that served as the source of clients and/or referrals.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting from employee to entrepreneur has been the most challenging and rewarding. This pivot in my life has not only brought about growth but numerous opportunities to try again.

As an employee my hours were set, the pay was consistent and the daily expectations routine.
Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, has required a measure of discipline and responsibility a traditional job didn’t necessarily warrant.

During this journey, I’ve come to better understand three realities:

You don’t quit after 8 hours. You quit when the job is done.

Paid vacations are not automatic. Vacations must be strategically planned financially.

The higher authority sets the parameters for success. You are the authority.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chosenpengroup.com
• Facebook: @DrAnissaShort
• Linkedin: @DrAnissaShort