Small Business Summit Center

[Inspiration for the new year. Welcome to guest blogger Svetlana Bugrimova, who we profile here; read that first if you have a minute. — Andrew]

My business, publishing & consulting company started on its own without my permission, when I wrote down the first words of my future book Little Magic Mirror. You know, those ones which open children’s hearts in expectation of a miracle and soften tough adults’ hearts melting them in warm memories. I’ve heard: “If you believe in ‘happily ever after’, then start with ‘Once upon a time…”

So, that’s what I did, I simply wrote “Once upon a time…” and the story of new adventures, challenges and achievements started to reveal itself. And it was much better, than the one “before”: full of fears, tears and frustration. I managed to find my way using the power of Beauty. This power helped me restore my natural beauty, improve my image and raise self-confidence along with my financial situation, brighten my social life and experiences (I work as a professional Beauty Advisor and Makeup Artist for over 5 years). My customers-women and co-workers gave me an idea to put together my positive experiences and results (it’s photo-documented and can be found on my website) into a format of a book. I decided to share my story with others, which also raised numerous questions:

1. Where to find a good editor?
2. Is it possible to find a publisher for my project or it’s better to become a self-publishing author?
3. How to pay for the whole process and how much it may cost?
4. What about copyright?
5. Who is going to do design for my book?
6. Where to find a decent, not expensive printing company?
7. How to sell the book later?

So, when I made a decision to become a self-publisher, the company was born (in summer of 2005).

Obviously, I found all answers to the above questions and I am willing to share my discoveries in this rather foggy field and give recommendations to those who are interested.

Now, the book was at home and I had to think about the future of “my baby”. Naturally, I started to build beauty events with the book presentation and my customers were my main readers. A couple of times, Shiseido (the cosmetic company) helped me to arrange beauty events in Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue.

At the same time I kept writing. And in September of 2007 I built an event in one Manhattan gallery based on my poetry dedicated to New York City and the 6th anniversary of 9/11 events: “New York: Beyond Superficial.” This time I introduced not only my poetry, but also art-work of New York photographers.

At present moment I am finishing a project-book Angel Wings for Birthday, which is coming out of print in the middle of December and, written in the form of fairy tales, dedicated to children in abusive situations. I am already negotiating new event book-presentation in the middle of January (information will be posted on my website).

So, it looks like the main target of my activity and creativity is: women who had to face some complications, which obviously very stressful and destroys physical health and appearance; children who need support not to be lost in ugliness and cruelty of their life situation and not-known-yet artists who need to express their talents (all artists, models for my book illustration, musicians and actors who participate in my events surround me everyday of our ordinary life).

Where is this going to take me? I don’t know yet, but I am following the story.