I hope you’re enjoying Womanpreneur Wednesdays as much as I am! I love to connect people and I feel that I am doing so with this series.
Our next Womanpreneur is a children’s author, a one-day YouTube superstar, and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine person I know. Enjoy!
Meet Danette Vigilante!
When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was little I wanted to be an archaeologist and a mom.
How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’m a children’s author but I wasn’t always a very good reader and when I was in 5th grade, my teacher pointed it out on my report card. So naturally, I immediately set out to the library– just to prove her wrong. Surely, she had me confused with someone else! The joke was on me though because it was then that I fell in love with reading. It was then that the idea hit me. It was quiet, but thankfully, also very patient. Maybe one day I could be on the other side of a book. Maybe I’d write one. And so many years later, I did and it was all because of my 5th-grade teacher.
What is the biggest struggle you’ve encountered as an entrepreneur and how did you solve it?
My biggest struggle as an entrepreneur is having others in charge of how well my book (baby) does out in the world. Is it seen? Do people even know it exists? Publishers have many, many, books to attend to while I don’t so I’m constantly searching for opportunities. Festivals to become a part of, calling my local news station to set up interviews as well as contacting my local paper. I also reach out to schools to set-up author visits and workshops. Meeting students to discuss reading and writing is by far, my favorite!
What do you think are the pros and cons of being a womanpreneur?
As an author, I think the biggest con as a womanpreneur is not being offered the same benefits as my male counterparts. In the book industry, from librarians to book buyers, to festival organizers, male authors are sometimes given more attention. By the same token, women of today are becoming a mighty force to be reckoned with and as a womanpreneur trying to make her mark on this world, I’m proud to be a part of this change. I’d say that’s a huge pro.
Do you have any mentors or coaches that you work with?
Since children’s authors, specifically women authors, are so open, honest and giving of the things they’ve learned, I’d say I have many mentors!
What advice would you give to someone reading this that has the entrepreneurial “itch”?
If you have an itch that won’t go away, I say do some research. Join groups that are somehow related to your “itch.” Immerse yourself in all things “itchy!” Listen, but take only what you can use and leave the rest. Do not let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t do it. Or that you can’t do it. This also goes for your self-doubt. My first book was rejected (between agents and publishers) 43 times before Penguin Young Readers Group said yes. I took those 43 rejections and used them as fuel. You do the same!
What is the secret to achieving work-life balance for you?
My secret is to take your time. If I’m frazzled, I’m done. Not much of anything is accomplished. Also, sometimes you just have to ignore the laundry!
How do you find inspiration?
For me, inspiration is everywhere. Writers observe everything! We take a seed of something– a teenager carrying an old beat-up suitcase onto a bus, a neighbor who takes his walk every day at the same time until he doesn’t– and grow it into something bigger.
What is your favorite book?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
NOTE: Mine too!
What is your favorite quote?
“The mastery of self-doubt is the key to success.” – Will Smith
What do you do to decompress?
I read!
Below are two of the books Danette authored. Click on either one to get a copy!
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