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

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I grew up as the first child, a typical Type A personality who always needed to think through and control what was happening and the eventual outcome. In my world, things get done. It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized my need for control was rooted in fear.

I’ve experienced many significant life events (often traumatic), which forced me to make sound, well-thought-out decisions to predict outcomes and avoid potential drama. If you want to know more about how that went, you’ll have to read my memoir.

Writing and publishing my memoir was a huge risk. I was scared of my story, the people involved, and what others might think or say after reading it. Eventually, I decided that I didn’t care about the result because the need to share my truth was so strong. It couldn’t be any other way.

So, I did it. I published the book and patiently waited for the sky to fall. But it didn’t.

This step gave me so much validation and self-love that my whole life pivoted. I left my job as a public school teacher, a job I absolutely loved, to take an even bigger risk as an entrepreneur. I didn’t know the first thing about being a business owner, but I was willing to set that fear aside, take a new risk, and see where it would lead me.

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

I am a former English Educator who heard a louder calling to be a catalyst for healing and change. So, I left teaching, wrote a gritty memoir, and created a business called Wilde House Of, my first business.
I have been reflecting, sifting, sorting, and listening for two years to find my purpose and path. It all started the day I put my InkJoy pen to paper and started writing my story: Tumbled: A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth & Magical Transformation. That memoir and my company, Wilde House Of, began an exciting adventure.
Wilde House Of is evolving into a nonprofit organization supporting At-Risk Youth. This decision resonates deeply with my heart, fueled by a profound blend of life experience and education. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of this mission and am committed to positively impacting the lives of At-Risk Youth through the new Wilde House Of endeavors.
Enter Stage Left, my newest business: Hezzie Mae.
After I published a second book with Pat Passero, I realized that many people dream of publishing a book, sharing their stories, teaching, and inspiring others. But let’s admit it—the publishing process can get technical and dicey. With these two books and a background in education and English, I started helping others obtain their dream of becoming published authors.
How many of you have a story but haven’t found the time or support to bring it to life? At Hezzie Mae, I support new authors in two crucial ways: through the preparation and publishing process and, for those who need it, through illustration.
No two books (or authors) look alike, which is one part of my love for helping authors. Whether it is a gritty memoir, a precious children’s book, a cookbook, or a reflective journal, Hezzie Mae is here to support and encourage whatever the creative vision may be.
I’ve learned how to show up authentically in my business with my own unique traits and skills. I still have a lot of tattoos. I’m compassionate (and maybe a little ridiculous.) I guide with accountability, personal responsibility, choices, character, and the dumpster fires life is guaranteed to offer. See? Same Heather.
My strengths aren’t in regular newsletters, small offers, or social media posting. Danielle Gardner wrote a book called “Quiet Marketing” that made my soul sing! Less yammering, more connection, and some quality mail sent directly to your mailbox—that is what resonates with me.
I have always been about relationships, and I am at peace knowing I can still be that person in my business. Heather N. Wilde, Hezzie Mae, and Wilde House Of are all excited to share space with humans who believe in the possibility of creating a life beyond our dreams—beyond life’s circumstances.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I abruptly decided to leave my career as a public school teacher to become an entrepreneur, it was natural for me to seek guidance from a business coach to fill my knowledge gaps. Learning and studying come naturally to me.

I signed up for six months of “Entrepreneurship 101.” Our small group delved into branding, messaging, visibility, offers, and marketing. It felt like drinking water from a firehose—so much to learn and apply to generate a paycheck to support my family. (This was also when my scarcity mindset hit me square between the eyes, but that’s another story.)

I worked hard and made some progress—one step forward, two steps back. It wasn’t easy.

Fast-forward two years. I left that business coaching program two months early, unsatisfied with several aspects, and have been finding my own way since then. My business has undergone many modifications and adjustments, and there have been significant growing pains. But I am proud to say I am still standing.

It took a lot of sifting and sorting to land on the right combination of services and offers for this multi-passionate, easily distracted former educator.

Here’s where the “unlearning” came into play. Starting with that first business coaching experience and continuing over the two years, I internalized and learned the “right way” to be visible, market a company, and be an entrepreneur. Except, it wasn’t the “right way” for me and Hezzie Mae.

To build momentum, meet the needs of my authors, and ensure the company’s strategic decisions aligned with me, I had to learn that there is no magic pill or formula. I also had to unlearn the stuck feeling those teachings had given me and relearn a level of confidence in myself.

That sounds easy, but going against the grain can be rough. And I so badly wanted to “get it right.”

I have learned that as I listen to so many inspirational and motivational business leaders on podcasts and videos, I can keep what resonates and ignore the rest, never having to apply it. How empowering!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

It was only recently that a business confidant explained the concept of a financial “runway” to me. This is a financial plan that outlines how much money you need and how long it will last before your business must start generating income. Coming from a background as a single mother and public school educator, this idea was completely foreign to me. I knew I would never have been able to establish a financial runway on my own.
So, I jumped into entrepreneurship without a safety net or even a rubber float—all in, feet first.
Here’s how I started my grassroots business two years ago and where it has brought me today:
To be completely honest, I had less than $1,000 in savings. Before my final teaching paychecks arrived, I took out a personal loan, leveraging my high credit score and decent debt-to-income ratio. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get a loan after those paychecks stopped.
With that money, I bought office supplies, published my memoir, and paid my bills for the first six months. I also worked hard to create high-ticket life coaching programs to generate an income stream. The only problem was that I didn’t want to be a life coach, so I never properly launched my offerings.
When the initial funds dwindled, I secured a healthy writing contract for the next six months. This showed me that I could leverage current and future book royalties in exchange for funds from hard money lenders. Creating custom art led to two illustration contracts, providing additional income.
While my story about funding my business isn’t glamorous, it worked for me as I took the time to establish my business. I started looking into small business grants and loans but haven’t yet done more than research.
Maybe my story is more about what NOT to do if watching your bank account surge and dip stresses you out. I knew I had to be flexible and willing to think outside the box to avoid returning to a job that required punching a time clock.
So far, so good. It might not have been the easy way, but I sure learned a lot about being an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HezzieMae.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernwilde/