In this episode, Kymone Hinds interviews Athena Shack, an author, publisher, CEO, and ordained minister. Athena shares her unique journey from studying fashion design to working in marketing, and eventually finding her calling in ministry and entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges she faced in bridging her marketplace experience with her calling to ministry, and how writing her first book became the bridge. Athena emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique voice and perspective in writing, and the role of trust in her publishing business. She also shares how her book has impacted lives globally and offers resources for aspiring writers through her website, The Publishing Boss.

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Show Notes

00:00 Intro to Podcast

[00:04:45] Athena's Background in Fashion Athena discusses her college education and career aspirations in fashion design and merchandising.

[00:06:11] Athena's Journey in Marketing Athena talks about her experience working in marketing, starting as a product manager and later transitioning to advertising and media.

[00:11:04] Athena's Struggle to Bridge Ministry and Business Athena shares her struggle to find a connection between her passion for ministry and her career in the marketplace, leading her to entrepreneurship.

[00:11:59] The journey to ministry Athena discusses their transition from real estate to ministry and the struggle to find a bridge between the two.

[00:14:16] Finding clarity through tragedy Athena talks about how tragedy and life challenges helped them see the bigger picture and understand God's plan for their life.

[00:17:59] Writing a book and becoming a publisher Athena shares their experience of writing a book after a tragedy and how it led them to become a publisher to help others share their stories.

[00:23:40] "God doesn't waste anything" Discussion about how God doesn't waste pain, experience, or time, and how everything serves a purpose in one's journey.

[00:25:59] "Documenting your journey" Exploring the idea of documenting one's journey with God and how it can minister to others and be monetized.

[00:30:45] "Putting your ministry into a book format" Discussion on the different ways to turn one's ministry, such as sermons or lesson plans, into a book and reach a wider audience.

[00:35:28] The unique voice and viewpoint Athena Shack discusses the importance of embracing one's unique voice and viewpoint when writing and packaging their ministry, highlighting that even though others may have covered similar topics, they have not heard it from the individual.

[00:38:22] Doing research to find a different niche Athena advises potential authors to do their research and find a book similar to what they want to write, then figure out what voice or context is missing. This will help make their book different and marketable.

[00:43:58] The importance of word-of-mouth and reputation Athena shares that word-of-mouth and referrals have served her business the best, emphasizing the significance of having a good system, service, and reputation to back up one's claims and ensure business longevity.

[00:45:37] Trust is the Foundation Athena discusses the importance of trust in their business, how it has helped them scale and stay in business, and how trust is a valuable commodity that should not be taken for granted.

[00:46:39] Excellence and Gratification Athena emphasizes the significance of providing excellent service, even if someone pays less, and how the gratification of seeing authors succeed and flourish outweighs financial rewards.

[00:50:24] Writing and Publishing Services Shack talks about the services she offers through Water Springs Publishing, including helping people write and publish their books, and provides information on how to connect with them through their website and social media.