Today, we have a special guest, Connie Inukai of Write Your Selfie. Connie is not just an author and inventor, but also what we affectionately call a "grandmapreneur." Today, we'll dive into her inspiring story, her inventions, and the businesses she's running. You're in for a treat, so let's get started!
Age Is Just a Number
Connie's journey into entrepreneurship began at the age of 70, proving that there's no age limit to pursuing your dreams. She spent 40 years as a technical writing professor at the University of Maryland, inspiring her students to dream big and find their ideal careers. In a unique assignment, she encouraged her students to identify their dream job and create instructional materials for it, sparking creativity and ambition in her classroom.
From Technical Writing to Inventing
As Connie aged, her eyesight deteriorated, and she faced challenges like reading menus in dimly lit restaurants. To address this problem, she invented "Tip and Split," a handy device equipped with a magnifier, light, and bill-splitting feature. This invention became her first foray into entrepreneurship.
A Transition to Retirement and New Ventures
Connie's transition from teaching to entrepreneurship came when she realized her students, who started their careers after graduation, would eventually earn more than her. She decided to retire and embark on her entrepreneurial journey. Connie initially struggled with finding the right people to promote her invention but soon took matters into her own hands. She wrote a book titled "How I Got My Product on QVC, The Today Show, The View, and More in Retirement," sharing her tips on gaining visibility and success as an entrepreneur.
Writing for Her Grandchildren
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Connie paused her Tip and Split venture, as it primarily served the restaurant industry. She shifted her focus to a new project: writing her life story for her grandchildren. Realizing the importance of preserving family history, she created a unique book filled with pictures and captions that share her life experiences and ancestry with her loved ones.
Inspiring Others to Write Their Selfie
Connie's passion for preserving memories and stories led her to develop "Write Your Selfie," a process that encourages people to compile their life stories using pictures and captions. She believes that everyone has stories to share, and her method simplifies the process. Connie has authored a book called "How to Write Your Selfie" that outlines six straightforward steps to help others write their own life stories.
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Helping Others Share Their Stories
Connie offers her services to individuals who want to embark on their journey of writing their life stories, making the process accessible and enjoyable. She also assists those who may not have pictures by helping them source images from various places like the internet. Her goal is to encourage people to document their life stories for themselves and future generations.
Ageless Entrepreneurship
Connie's story is a testament to the idea that passion and entrepreneurship have no expiration date. Her energy, creativity, and determination have led her to become an inspiring figure for those considering business ownership, especially in their later years.
Passion Has No Expiration Date
Connie's next steps include expanding her speaking engagements to share her insights into entrepreneurship during retirement. She believes in the power of pursuing one's passion, giving back to the community, and staying connected to inspire and keep individuals young at heart. Connie has even trademarked the phrase "Passion Has No Expiration Date" to spread this empowering message.
Connect with Connie
If you're interested in connecting with Connie or exploring her ventures, you can visit her website at grandmapreneur.com. There, you'll find information about "Tip and Split," "Write Your Selfie," and her books.
Connie's journey from technical writing professor to inventor, author, and entrepreneur exemplifies the idea that age should never be a barrier to pursuing your dreams. Her passion for helping others share their stories and her trademarked motto, "Passion Has No Expiration Date," remind us all that it's never too late to chase our dreams.
Thank you for joining us on "What's Your Next." Until next time, make it a great day, and remember, your passion knows no bounds!
What's Your Next? - Podcast
 | Author BioI’m Stacey Riska aka “Small Business Stacey”, your franchise placement specialist. I help aspiring business owners find the PERFECT franchise so they can get to the next level in life and business. |
