We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rhonda Lawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

I came up with the concept of Meet the World Image Solutions during my final year in the Army, as I was preparing for retirement after 23 years of service. My job had always centered around media relations—preparing military leaders to speak to the press, coordinating press conferences, managing crisis communications, and writing news articles. I was pretty good at it, too! When I retired, I wanted to keep serving, but in a different way. I wanted to help small businesses, professionals, and even celebrities prepare for the spotlight. Not everyone knows how to prepare for media engagements.

However, when I officially launched the company in 2017, I quickly realized I wanted to do more than media prep. And frankly, I didn’t like being a publicist; I was still a writer at heart. I knew the pain of being an up-and-coming author. Back in the early 2000s, there was no social media, no Instagram lives or TikToks to go viral. If we wanted exposure, we packed up our trunks and drove to out-of-town book signings, we waited months to get a slot on Blog Talk Radio, and we hustled our books out of the trunk. I remember those days we’ll. It was hard to be seen and taken seriously when you didn’t have a major publisher behind you.

So, I decided to build the very platform I once needed. That’s how Horizons with Meet the World Image Solutions was born. It was a weekly talk show giving authors, small business owners, and creatives a platform to get real exposure. And from there, the company evolved.

I began to realize that many authors didn’t just need publicity. They needed help with the writing itself. That’s when I leaned on my 30+ years of experience as a journalist, author, editor, and educator. Writing has always been my first love. So, Meet the World Image Solutions grew into a full-service literary company, offering VIP book coaching, developmental editing, done-for-you publishing, press releases, podcast features, live event support, and even Amazon Live spotlights.

One of my proudest accomplishments has been the Black History Month Literary Weekend, which is one of the first events I launched when I started Meet the World Image Solutions in 2017. I wanted to spotlight African American literature and culture. What started as a small event with fewer than 40 authors and attendees has grown into an annual cultural celebration, featuring panel discussions, book awards, student engagement, and a scholarship program that has awarded thousands to middle schoolers and high school seniors across the country. I even turned two of my books into stage plays that were featured during this annual event.

But let me be honest—it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced the challenges of inconsistent revenue, burnout from trying to do everything myself, and having a business that wasn’t always converting visibility into income. There were times I poured into everyone else’s books and forgot to sell my own. I invested in marketing tools that didn’t deliver, hosted events that drained my savings, and learned—sometimes the hard way—that visibility doesn’t always mean profitability.

Still, I stayed the course.

I automated where I could, hired help when I needed it, and most importantly, I listened to my clients, to my audience, and to that small voice that reminded me of my “why.” Now, I’m focused on turning Meet the World Image Solutions into a self-sustaining brand that not only helps authors write, publish, and sell their books, but also builds community, nurtures creativity, and keeps Black literary voices front and center.

We’re about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Black History Month Literary Weekend, and I’ve supported nearly 1,000 authors through our platforms. That’s legacy work. And I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished.

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

Meet the World Image Solutions is a literary and publicity services firm designed to elevate the voices of authors, entrepreneurs, and creatives, especially professionals who have something powerful to say, but need the tools to say it effectively.

We offer a full suite of services:

* VIP one-on-one book coaching for high-achieving professionals who want to write and publish books that build their credibility and create new income streams

* Developmental and line editing that helps authors turn good ideas into page-turners

* Done-for-you publishing services, because writing the book should be your focus—not chasing formatting, ISBNs, or cover specs

* Publicity packages that include one-sheets, digital and print media, press releases, podcast appearances, Amazon Live spotlights, and customized graphics

* Workshops, online courses, and downloadable tools through our Write to Win Writers Community

* Exposure opportunities through platforms like the Horizons Author Lounge talk show and our annual Black History Month Literary Weekend

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived both sides of the publishing journey. I know the struggle of promoting a book without a big publisher behind you, driving to book signings, begging for interviews on Blog Talk Radio, and watching social media become the standard while trying to keep up. I also know what it means to create something from nothing. Two of my books have been turned into stage plays, and I’ve helped hundreds of authors do what they thought they couldn’t.

My brand is about visibility and elevation. I don’t just help people write better books. I help them be seen and be heard. Whether it’s through a scholarship to a promising student, a feature on our talk show, or a strategy session that shifts a mindset, I pour into my clients the same way I pour into my own work. At the heart of it all, I’m a writer helping other writers win because when one voice rises, we all rise.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the biggest misconceptions non-creatives often have is the belief that pursuing a career in the arts is somehow a “waste of time” or not a real job. I can’t tell you how many parents I’ve heard say, “You need to do something practical,” as if creative work doesn’t require discipline, talent, and long hours—sometimes even more than traditional 9-to-5s.

Creative expression isn’t just about chasing fame or fortune. It’s a gateway to self-discovery, resilience, and opportunity. That creative spark can be the very thing that pushes kids to stay focused, believe in themselves, and build a foundation for success in any field.

I saw this firsthand. My own mother recognized my love for writing when I was 12. She didn’t tell me to “be realistic” or redirect me to something more “stable.” She poured into it. Because of that, I became a strong writer, which led to a successful Army career in public affairs, publishing deals, stage plays, and now, my own company, Meet the World Image Solutions.

The same goes for my daughter. She knew she wanted to be an actress at 12 when she starred as the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. And even when she battled depression, it was her passion that kept her going. She acted in commercials, landed TV roles, starred in one of my plays, and graduated cum laude from Clark Atlanta University. Although she chose not to pursue acting further and now works in the federal government, she remains grounded and driven because her creativity was celebrated, not stifled.

But there’s another piece to this conversation that can’t be ignored: Creatives should not be shortchanged because of their passion. Too often, artists, writers, designers, musicians are expected to work for exposure, to create “just for the love of it,” or to accept less than what they’re worth. That mindset is not only exploitative, it’s damaging. Passion is not a discount. Talent is not free. And the world we live in—from the books we read, to the shows we binge, the music we vibe to, and the brands we remember—is built on the backs of creatives.

So if you’re raising a creative child or working with a creative professional, honor the gift. Pour into it. Pay for it. Respect it.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been consistency and intention, both online and in person.

I’ve learned that it’s not just about what you post; it’s about how you show up. My brand is consistent across the board, from the colors that match my logo to the tone of my voice, whether I’m sharing writing tips, promoting an event, or featuring an author. My content is always professional, relevant, and aligned with my mission to educate, elevate, and expose literary talent. Even when I’m being entertaining or lighthearted, there’s always value behind the post.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to get distracted by the metrics. My target audience may be on social media, but they don’t “live” there. They’re not always commenting or liking, but they’re watching. They’re listening. I had a client recently who hadn’t commented on a single post in months, but when she was ready to launch her children’s book series, she called me because she remembered my content.

I carry that same level of strategy into my in-person events. I don’t show up just to sell books or hand out flyers. I’m intentional about where I go, who I connect with, and how I represent my brand. I don’t do every event for the sake of saying I was there. Even if there aren’t a lot of people at the event, I take the time to create content, add to my email list, and network with other vendors. I may not close a deal that day, but I know seeds are being planted. People often come back later to join the Horizons Author Lounge, refer me for editing and coaching, or invite me to speak at their own events.

So the key isn’t chasing quick wins; it’s building trust and staying top of mind. Put your best foot forward every time, and your audience will find you, even if they’re quiet at first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mtwimagesolutions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meettheworldimagesolutions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MTWImageSltns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rhonda-lawson-7258b1/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MTWImageSltns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meettheworldimagesolutions