Rosanne Gulisano is the founder and facilitator of Lifestories: Creating a Memoir, a memoir-writing workshop. She has been writing and speaking about memoir-writing since 1999. Her mission is to encourage people from all walks of life to write their own life story for future generations. She has started a successful ongoing memoir-writing group and has taught her workshop for seniors groups, women’s clubs, library and park district programs and in community college classes. Rosanne is currently the Literature and Poetry Editor and a contributing writer for an online magazine called NoStringsAttachedENews.com. Her book, Intention to Reality: A Guide for Writing Your Own Life Story, is due out in early summer, 2008. She can be reached at lifestories10@aol.com.

What is your background and how did you get into your business/career?
In my past life, I was in the insurance business. After leaving that realm, I spent a bit of time reevaluating my goals. During this process, I tried a number of different pursuits, some as hobbies and some as a volunteer. A combination of these pathways led me to my current occupation.

What is your business and how is it unique?
My business is called, Lifestories: Creating a Memoir. I teach people the importance of writing their own life story for future generations. Through my workshops, I offer motivational, organizational and inspirational tips to get that project accomplished.
Who are some of your clients; what do you especially appreciate about them and how have they reacted to your service or product?
Some of my clients have been Waubonsee Community College, St. Charles Women’s’ Business Council, both Elgin and Kane County Genealogical Societies, St. Charles Heritage Center, Covenant Village in Northbrook, The Holmstad in Batavia and Delnor Glen in St. Charles, as well as other park districts, women’s’ clubs, church groups and senior centers throughout the Chicago area. My workshop has been well-received and enjoyed by all who participated.

What do you like best about what you do?
The feedback I most appreciate is hearing that I have inspired an individual to get working on writing down the stories of his or her life to pass on to their descendants.

What role does passion have in your work?
My passion for the essential nature of this subject shines through. I can see the light of joy and enthusiasm on the faces of my attendees and that inspires me.

When you first started were you able to visualize your expected final outcome?
When I first started, I absolutely had a vision of the desired outcome. Each workshop reaffirms that vision. I love to see people getting the idea of how to accomplish this goal and have fun while doing it.

Can you tell us about that final outcome – what will your business look like then?
My objective for the future is to improve my craft and my presentation and to attract more and more folks to this worthwhile endeavor.

What were your top three obstacles/challenges?
Top three challenges: Overcoming my own lack of marketing skills and background, figuring out my step-by-step plan for a business that is fairly unique, and countering the objections of people who think their life is not interesting or important enough to be chronicled for the future.

How do you deal with doubt, fear, and self recrimination?
Dealing with doubt? I just don’t “go there.” I know that what I am doing is valuable and that, yes, I’M WORTH IT!

If you had the opportunity to get the best advice from a business guru, and could ask only question, what would your question be?
Does it get any easier to “ask for the order?”

As you look back, what is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?
I have enjoyed every step of finding out how to get this project off the ground—learning the marketing skills, developing a logo, identity and web site, meeting vital and passionate people through networking and, of course, getting to know the men and women who attend my presentations and hearing their stories.

Any regrets?
So far, none.

Do you believe luck has something to do with you getting to where you are now?
Lucky me…I have met just the right people at just the right time to help and encourage me along the way. Synergism, luck or serendipity—just put it out there and it will come back to you in full measure.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other women on their way to their Optimal Level?
Push through your setbacks, hang out with people who will encourage and support you and focus on the passion. Without it, you won’t get anywhere.

Any additional comments you would like to make?
Thanks to Linda and all the women at the Schaumburg Optimal Level Group who create unmistakable energy and synchronicity in the meeting room every month.