Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Ruff.
Shay, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My creative journey began over ten years ago through journaling and it evolved into authorship. In my first book, “Wisdom By 30,” I open my heart and bare my past as I share my deeply personal journey of dating and discovery. Through tales sprinkled with laughter, joy, and tears, my hope was that readers would be encouraged, renewed, and enlightened. And the results show that they were.
I started receiving emails and direct messages from readers who wanted advice about dating, self-publishing tips, and direction on how to “bravely” tell their stories. I had no idea that this one book would lead to all of these opportunities, but I knew that I had to do something to help. Out of these moments, “Wisdom by 30 Literary Group” and “Wisdom By 30” YouTube vlog was created.
Wisdom By 30 Literary Group is a publishing group that caters to the Aspiring Self-Publish Author through author consultations, workshops, podcasting, and publishing resources. When I was looking for help in the self-publishing and podcast space, it was sort of scarce for me. I didn’t want anyone else to experience that and I made sure that I was intentional about covering all of the bases that are needed in these areas. Thus far, we have successfully launched 18 new self-publishing authors within a year.
My story for the “I Failed…” Podcast stems from 2 aspects. The first is breaking the glass of “from the outside looking in” and destroying the bondage of being ashamed about failing. I set out to complete only six episodes with some friends and now, 800 subscribers later (nationally and internationally), we are headed into our 27th episode.
As you can see, I’m a problem solver and I STRONGLY dislike for anyone to feel stuck and helpless. Through my life experiences, I am able to teach others so that they won’t have to encounter what I’ve been through. I am an advocate for creativity. I enjoy motivating others to find their “creative side.” It’s my passion and I won’t stop empowering others.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road.
Some of my struggles were more internal than anything else. I lacked confidence but wanted perfect outcomes which is oxymoronic. Another struggle that I had was being the only one to do what I’m doing and I didn’t have a blueprint. Yes, I am resourceful, and most things you can Google, but I was looking for someone to hold my hand through launching.
The moment that I realized that all of this was my blank canvas to create “my own” blueprint, that’s when I got the courage to move forward.
Please tell us about Wisdom By 30 Literary Group.
Wisdom By 30 Literary Group is a publishing company that caters to the Aspiring Self-Publish Author. We understand the anxiety that comes with finding the right tools to become a Self-Published Author. We are a team of editors, graphic designers, screenwriters, and self-published authors who are dedicated to coaching Aspiring Authors through the publishing process.
Our podcast, workshops, and YouTube vlogs are under the “Wisdom By 30” umbrella. We are known for assisting those who are creatives wanting to launch into authorship, podcasting, creative designs, and more. We are also known for our aspiring authors’ workshop, “The Set-Up” where we coach them for a 3-day weekend through editing, screenwriting, creative writing, strategy, and authorship. The “I Failed…” Podcast is another known factor for us where we discuss our life failures so that others can be freed from their own private failures.
I am most proud of our growth. I was a solopreneur for three years and now we have a team of editors, graphic designers, screenwriters, audio editors, branders, business consultants, and photographers.
What sets us apart is that we strive to make our clients independent and entrepreneurs. Our clients don’t have to go to multiple firms because we are a one-stop-shop for them. We problem-solve with their future in mind.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I definitely would have built a team a lot earlier. I thought that I could do it all on my own. I realized that I was a weak leader because I didn’t know how to delegate nor did I want to delegate. Let’s be honest, I’m a creative and I’m sensitive about my work! However, creating a team that is like-minded and coachable is definitely as asset.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wb30publishing.
com - Email: wisdomby30@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/wisdom_by_30/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/WisdomBy30/ - Other: https://www.
ifailedpodcast.com/
Image Credit:
Mario Cordale, Aziza Imani
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Sharon
January 7, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Thank you, Voyage ATL, for this opportunity! I am SUPER grateful!