Wondering who I am and how I managed to grow a profitable business while homechooling nine kids?
It didn’t happen overnight.
In fact, I didn’t plan on it happening at all. I never dreamed of having a business. I was just going to be a teacher. I’m a total introvert and always worrying about putting myself out there.
So how did I push past my fear and launch anyways?
Let me share my story…and some words of encouragement so you can see that YOU can do this as well…
I didn’t want you to get bored with all the details in the typical written fashion, so here’s a timeline to show the progression.
About Lisa
2005
Started Teaching!
After graduating from EWU, I accepted a teaching position. Teaching high school special ed in a self-contained classroom. It was here that I met a child with Angelman Syndrome – the condition that my oldest son would later be diagnosed with… ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
2007
Moved to the Farm
The time was right to move back to the family farm where I’d grown up. So we packed up the kids (2 at that point!) and moved into my Grandmother’s house. The downside of living in the boonies? Internet sucks in rural America! We had satellite internet for years and are currently just using our cell phones…maybe someday we’ll get the fast kind! I found a new teaching job, teaching in a resource room. The next year, I moved into a Parent Partnership Program (Homelink type school.) ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
2012
Homeschooling the Kids!
Our family was growing and daycare was expensive. So, I quit teaching and starting showing my kids how to learn. I loved being a homeschooling SAHM! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
2015
Broke!
As you can imagine, large family life on a single income got to be tight. We were broke! So I knew I had to do go back to the classroom OR find a way to make money from home. Google to the rescue… ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
Starting a Freelance Writing Business
At this point I had no experience making money from home. I just knew I didn’t want to go back to the classroom because I LOVED being home with my kids. As I researched ways to make money online, I discovered freelance writing. And I made the decision to try. I sent my first pitch, and started making money! Well, at least a little bit! My first gig was $20 for 1500 words…yikes! But it helped me find confidence in my abilities so I could grow. You have to start somewhere! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
Launched Lisa Tanner Writing
Just a few months after starting my business, I earned enough to pay for a website with hosting. That’s when this website was born. Originally my goal was just to have a place to throw up a hire me page and publish a few samples. But..I fell in love with blogging. Specifically, I fell in love with blogging about time management and business things for busy moms. So that’s what I do around here… ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
Added VA Services
When I first started writing, I didn’t even know what a VA was! But, I quickly learned. And decided to offer additional services to help diversify my income. I got my first client in December of this year. I’ve been offering them ever since! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
2016
Published Balancing Diapers and Deadlines
Everyone I met online kept asking how I managed to grow a business with so many kids. So, I got sick of writing the same answers over and over again. I started saving answer templates to use when someone asked. And then someone mentioned that I should make a class to help busy moms tame the chaos. So I did! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
Slow Growth Is Okay
My business wasn’t breaking any records for speed growth. But, it was steadily moving along. I kept putting in the effort, trying not to compare myself to others. Baby steps for the win! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
2019
We’re Debt Free!
I kept taking baby steps. That’s all I did. I put in time on my business consistently. And…it paid off! In May of 2019, we paid off ALL of our debt, even my student loans. It feels amazing to write yourself out of debt – and completely change your family’s future! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
Called to Serve
Awhile back, my family’s plans changed when the Lord called us into full-time service. Our heart is burdened for the respected heroes of the faith down at Missionary Acres in Silva, MO. We are eager to get down there and help build new houses, edify these retired saints, and provide labor for the work happening there. As we embark on deputation as missionaries, the income I generate from my business is helping to pay the bills and keep us going. ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares
The Next Chapter of My Story…
I have officially replaced my teaching salary, working part-time from home. And next month? Next month my husband is stepping down from his job and we are beginning full-time deputation. The Lord has grown my business enough to cover the expenses while we present our ministry to churches. Life is incredible – and so completely different than when we started…You never know where consistent baby steps will take you, so get started on changing your life today! ShareTweetPinShare0 Shares