My #1 Hack for Solopreneurs #FindYourStephanie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiHDABIWac8

Hi, it’s Malena Amusa, founder and CEO of Artsy-Preneur.com, where we help visionaries take their ideas to maximum impact—whether you’re a multibillion-dollar corporation or a solopreneur. Today, I’m sharing my number one hack for solopreneurs.

Over the past 10–15 years, I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies in the world—Google, Verizon, major hospitals, energy firms—you name it. But my true passion has always been working with creative leaders running programs and projects in their communities, especially solopreneurs who want to maximize impact on a small budget. So here’s my top tip: get a guide—a mentor, collaborator, or partner who can walk with you through your biggest challenges and help you overcome bottlenecks in your vision and business.

I say this from experience. In 2010, I started my world-touring dance company, AddLife! World African Dance, in St. Louis, Missouri. My first performance was in India while I was working as a journalist, where I realized the power of cultural understanding to combat prejudice. When I returned to the U.S., I wanted to activate people through dance, opening their minds to their full potential in their communities and economy. But at first, I struggled to operationalize my business. Teaching local classes wasn’t enough to get my vision off the ground.

That’s when my friend Stephanie Kusmer, a former Coca-Cola marketer and savvy entrepreneur, stepped in. Over lunch, she drew out a business plan on a napkin, showing me how to amplify my dance classes, workshops, and performances to reach schools, cultural centers, and regional audiences. She even envisioned a world-class conference, which became Djembe X—one of the largest percussion and dance gatherings in the world. Stephanie’s guidance clarified my mission, taught me the power of collaboration and community partnerships, and helped me scale my company globally.

By the time I retired from AddLife! World, we had toured almost every U.S. state, held retreats in Africa, and inspired countless people to pursue their own creative paths and graduate studies. The lesson? If you feel stuck or unclear, the missing piece is often a wise, supportive guide who can help you see your vision and take action.

At Artsy-Preneur, that’s exactly what we provide. Whether you’re a billion-dollar company or a solopreneur, we offer mentorship, coaching, hands-on workshops, community support, and visibility.

We strategize, plan, and help you prosper forward—together. Check us out at Artsy-Preneur.com, subscribe to our newsletter, and let’s realize a new era of impact together.

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Malena Amusa is the CEO and Founder of Artsy-Preneur.com, a business and marketing incubator helping your big ideas achieve maximum impact through coaching, workshops, and powerful learning experiences. A pro journalist, educator, comms strategist, serial entrepreneur, and former nationally-touring dancer, Malena has reached millions globally, helping small and mega firms transform their marketing, engagement strategy, and messaging to advance new market share, embolden brand leadership, and fuel sales and growth. Malena is based in St. Louis, Mo., serving the world.