We had the good fortune of connecting with Mimi Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mimi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I can thank the terrible job market for this one! I was in between jobs and had no success for almost a year. No interviews, nothing. I’m sure AI was booting out my resume for every place I submitted it to. I’d been coaching writers on the side for many years but didn’t think it was something I could do on my own. Then one day, a writing client I’d been coaching for forever asked me why I didn’t do it full-time. I didn’t have an answer other than my own fear of failure. After that call, I started a new Instagram account for Writing With Mimi. Then I applied to become an LLC. And all of a sudden I was the CEO of my own company! It’s hard running a business, but this is definitely better than a 9-5!

What should our readers know about your business?
Writing With Mimi is a space for all writers, regardless of where they are in their journey. A lot of us start out the same—we have no idea what we’re doing, didn’t go to creative writing school, and might be intimidated by a lot of writing programs out there. My business doesn’t just help writers with their craft, it helps them gain confidence and grow their community of fellow writers and storytellers.

I’m most excited to be hosting my first writing retreat this fall! I’ve always wanted to bring together writers of so many different backgrounds and experiences and get them all in a room together to write. We will have workshops from writing experts and authors, dedicated writing time, and community-building activities so that everyone leaves with an accountability buddy to get them through the rest of their book project. It’s the retreat I wish I’d had when I started writing!

Running a business is NOT easy for me, especially since I have a brain injury and struggle to stay focused. I’ve had to learn ways to stay organized, wear all the hats, and most of all practice what I preach and write as often as I can!

What I want the world to know about writing is that everyone has a story, and nothing separates you from a published author except your ability to sit down and tell that story. A lot of things will try to get in your way when you’re writing (day jobs, parenting, laundry, etc.) but I’m here to cheer writers on and help them overcome the hurdles that come with writing. And if I could write a book one-handed with a bleeding brain, then so can you (hopefully without the bleeding brain situation)!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My first stop for dinner is usually Linger! They have a great rooftop and they’re right by Little Man Icecream for dessert. I would also head to Boulder for the Farmer’s Market, followed by brunch at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and maybe a hike if it’s not 1000 degrees outside.

I am also DYING to go to a Film on the Rocks or one of the last remaining drive-in theaters. And for a more chill day, I’d take a friend to Twist & Shout and Tattered Cover to find some great books and records.

You can also find some really great comedy around town. Chaos Bloom is a fun and intimate alternative comedy theater on South Broadway (I do weird stuff there sometimes!). And you can’t go wrong with a Comedy Work show either.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have many people to thank for where I am today!

– My parents who encourage me to do big scary things
– My best friend Kristen Poppe who matches my energy and is always by my side when I do something ridiculous and “impossible”
– My first writing client Ilana Lipsztein who helped me gain the confidence to take my business seriously
– All my current clients who share their amazing and vulnerable stories with me
– Elizabeth Gilbert & her book “Big Magic” that forever changed how I thought about creativity and inspiration

Website: https://mimihayes.com

Instagram: @writingwithmimi & @mimihayesbrain

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimihayesbrain/

Twitter: https://x.com/mimihayesbrain

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mimihayesbrain

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mimihayesbrain

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mimihayesbrain

Image Credits
Victor Arriola

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