Someone Says No. Don't Let It Stop You

I am a huge fan of the Chicago Reader and traditionally the first Thursday of a new year they publish a magnificent photo collection better referred to as "1,000 Words: Our Annual Photo Issue." We were featured once -- remember? I made a point to pick up a complimentary copy at my local 7-Eleven so I could go through all the inspiring photos taken by ordinary people like myself who have an interest in capturing life at its best.

But this entry is not about that. It's about another equally inspiring story -- not photo -- by gifted writer Deanna Isaacs that I happened upon concerning entrepreneur Roberta Brown (pictured) and how she gets gigs (and food) for her piano business. Roberta is an octogenarian and a lifelong Chicagoan.

The title says it all:

How to Get Gigs

Roberta Brown not only plays the Walnut Room at Macy’s for free—she bought the piano.

My favorite part of the article which you absolutely, positively must read for the sake of truly understanding a "calling" or "passion" when it grabs hold of you and you can't shake it no matter how hard you try. That's Roberta with her piano playing.

Why just look at this comment from her. It's so gripping ... so compelling ...

Brown says she'd been playing at Sunday brunch before Macy's bought the store. After the purchase the brunches went the way of the Field's name, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. "My art is my life, and my life is my hobby," she says, "and whatever I want to do, I do."

Be inspired. Read the entire article here.

Photo credit: Lloyd Degrane (amazing photographer!)

Take the Plunge Into Entrepreneurship in 2009

Whoever would have guessed that a simple, reflective walk by the lake -- one year ago today and reported here -- capturing an experience would bring such fun, joy and fame to my life.

On the eve of our new year, I found out that I am a finalist for the 1,000 Words Annual Photo Issue contest through the Chicago Reader. Winners will be announced in the next couple of days by a drawing (which I am lucky because if they seriously judged with a panel of experts, my photo would never cut it against the others; you absolutely must take the time to view them all ... powerful, creative work).

It goes to show you that whether you realize it or not, entrepreneurship plays into every aspect of our life. When you least expect it, a natural, self-expressive act can end up generating revenue. In this case, if we win, a $150 Best Buy gift certificate will be ours to spend as we see fit (possibly donate to a charitable organization). Isn't that what entrepreneurship is all about? Making a living out of doing good and pursuing a passion?

Let's keep our fingers crossed that we come out a winner in 2009! Stay tuned.

May this post encourage you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship in 2009. And, remember, you are already winners in my book.

Happy New Year!

The Best Little Whorehouse in Chicago

Two sisters started a business. Here is a story of the city’s most exclusive brothel—and the reformers who shut it down. People claim the sisters -- Ada and Minna Everleigh -- “... were ingenious in how they learned to present themselves.” I guess one would say they were quite entrepreneurial for their time.