Elaine Hewitt says, “Pictures might be worth a thousand words, but nothing takes the place of listening to the voice of a loved one.â€? She makes a very nice living telling stories. Not just any kind of story. Elaine is an extraordinary biographer who produces heartfelt tributes for people. Each one of-a-kind CD preserves a person’s life story. Her interviews include the person sharing stories in their own words. The difference is that every CD she produces is a masterpiece that has the sound and feel of an award winning Hollywood Blockbuster movie.
So while YouTube has taken the internet by storm Elaine Hewitt’s dream has been born. She is now striving to introduce her homegrown audio business to new markets. So far the majority of her clients have been everyday people. But she is now growing her business. And adding corporate clients to the roster would most certainly turbo charge this incredible Rochester Hills, Michigan, company www.life-talk.biz.
Talking to Elaine about TalkLife reminded me how great it is to have a passion for what you do. She has learned to hang in there, especially when life took a turn in an unexpected direction.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
ELAINE: When I lost my job as a radio broadcaster I searched for something that would keep me behind the mic, let me continue writing, and keep me happy creatively. I love hearing a good story, and I especially enjoy telling a good story.
I started my company three years ago. I record personal histories of people from all walks of life and format their stories to sound like a radio show. The final product is a CD that features the sound of the client telling their story in their own words. A LifeTalk piece is strictly an audio production.
What is unique or special about your business that gives it an edge over your competitors?
ELAINE: Plenty of people record life stories. However, I’m pretty confident that few have the format or the sound of a LifeTalk production. LifeTalk’s audio engineer was the Chief Engineer at United Sound during Motown’s heyday. He is also a multiple Grammy and Emmy award-winner. After the interview is recorded, many hours are spent writing the story, editing, choosing sound effects and music, and processing the final mix. The end result is a custom audio piece that is unique, emotional, entertaining and will last for generations. (click to listen)
How did you decide what kind of business to start and were there any personal challenges that inspired you to start your business?
ELAINE: I’ll never forget the moment. We were caring for my terminally ill mother and it had been a trying week. I was in our family room, watching the evening news on NBC while I was folding laundry. The vacuum cleaner was plugged in, and I alternated between folding clothes and vacuuming during commercial breaks. As mundane as housework sounds, it was a welcome relief from watching a loved one suffer. Tom Brokaw’s piece about a WWII vet was on. I watched the footage and listened to Brokaw’s voice-over as the image of the vet came up. Suddenly it occurred to me that I could do the same thing with audio. I could record personal histories and write the story as an archival audio piece, complete with narration, sound effects and music. I told my family about my idea, and our nine year old daughter said, “Why not call your company LifeTalk?�
There were other personal challenges as well. I had given up a teaching career earlier to care for my father who also was stricken with cancer. By the time our children came along, my mother was also diagnosed. I had let my certificate lapse and radio jobs were hard to find. I wanted to earn an income, work in a field that I loved, and be a good example for my children at the same time. On top of all that, I had to learn an audio editing program – and that was probably the hardest of all the challenges I had encountered.
Approximately how much money did you invest before your business became profitable?
ELAINE: Several thousand. I had to purchase the software, microphones, cases, stands, logo and pay for printing my brochure. If possible, try to find someone in your network that you can swap talent or services.
What ways have you found to be most effective in marketing your product or service to get sales?
ELAINE: Print media is effective. Radio interviews are good, too. Word-of-mouth referrals are great, and speaking to groups and organizations to get your word out are also good.
Did you have a mentor to help you get started? If so how did they assist?
ELAINE: My mentor is Ed Wolfrum of Audiographic Services. The Jedi Knights in Star Wars had Yoda, and I have Ed. He has the best set of ears in the business. Self-assured yet humble, a genius who is able to teach, and one of the most morally driven artists in the business. He has the patience of a Saint, too. Teaching me to learn the audio editing program was enough to drive me crazy, and I’m sure it nearly did him in. But he prevailed, and we have produced wonderful work. He’s worked with the best musical artists in the industry, yet he is willing to teach me the ropes. Sue Wolfrum, a very talented graphic artist, designed my brochure and logo. Her keen eye and obvious talent continually impress me.
Are you still working at your full-time job?
ELAINE: I work part-time as a writer and also pick up PR jobs. When a LifeTalk job comes in, everything else stops. Researching, interviewing, editing, recording, and production takes hours.
What tips can you give others who want to embrace their dream but, may not have the confidence?
ELAINE: Recognize your talent. Take small steps to realize your dream. Think it through, make a plan, and then take one step at a time. Before you launch make sure that you have the kinks worked out, and pay attention to detail. Be prepared. That includes a business plan, logo for your product, artwork, website, samples, demos, business cards, and all the items necessary to conduct business- including financing, location, copyright paperwork, domain name, etc.
What if someone who wants to be an entrepreneur but, doesn’t know what they want to do, or where to begin to get their idea up and making money?
ELAINE: Start looking at other people who run successful businesses. If you’re interested in a franchise, contact the company as well as people who run a similar business. Go to craft shows, see what’s selling. Research different age groups and markets. Find a need and fill it. Remember… expect the unexpected.
How do you juggle being a mom/wife/entrepreneur?
ELAINE: This area can be tricky! If you’re not careful you’ll wind up taking on more responsibility than you planned.
Be creative. Can you share childcare with a friend, carpool, or start a network with close friends to swap household jobs or childcare issues? If your budget allows it, hire help.
If you don’t have the budget, try to arrange for a Mother’s Helper or a teen in the neighborhood that will work for a reasonable rate.
Finally, have a family meeting and discuss how your new business will impact everyone. Ask for their help with chores, laundry, driving, and other issues that are unique to your family.
Make sure you hold a weekly family meeting to discuss how things are going and to address issues that come up.
When things are going well make sure that the entire family gets a reward – a quick trip, a movie, go out to dinner, a surprise of some sort. It really helps boost family morale.
Have you noticed any advantages or disadvantages to being an entrepreneur because you are a woman?
ELAINE: Funny, I never think of it that way. I’m colorblind, gender blind and age indifferent- but I am adamant about quality and integrity.
I’ve never felt that being a woman hindered my ability to move my business forward. Talent, drive, vision, sheer guts, sense of humor, and the ability to keep moving when you’ve hit a detour are critical.
The challenge is to convince your audience that they need your service or product once they hear about it.
Did you have a certain mindset to get your business up and running?
ELAINE: It was a pretty simple formula. I made up my mind that I wanted to create LifeTalk, and I did. Everyone has a story to tell, a memory to capture, and a lesson to share; my job was to get people to talk to me. I switched careers and landed in radio by knocking on the door of a small radio station. Somewhere at any given time there is another person willing to share their knowledge. If you start digging, you’ll find what you need.
Has the media picked up on your story?
ELAINE: Yes, I have been on Fox 2 News as well as four or five major market radio stations. One of my pieces was also picked up and featured on MLB.com (Major League Baseball).
Learn to write an excellent press release. A substandard press release won’t usually get you noticed.
What resources were most helpful to you when you were starting your business?
ELAINE: Do not settle for second-best. Get the best training and education available. I took classes at a local community college, studied and practiced editing on my own, and joined the local Chamber of Commerce.
Did reading this get you thinking about using the same skills you use at work to start your own business? Or, if you run your own business I’d love to hear about it.
Thank you for visiting and come back soon. I have more interesting interviews to share. In the meantime, leave a reply and let me know what’s on your mind.
~Michelle
This entry was posted on Thursday, July 5th, 2007 at 1:45 am and is filed under Work, Starting a Business, Work at Home Mom. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.11 Responses to “Doing What You Love & Loving What You Do”
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July 5th, 2007 at 10:26 am
This article has been quite inspiring. I don’t have the skills that Elaine has, but after reading thisarticle, I am inspired a believe that I can start a profitable home based business. I have been looking for a valid home based business for months now. I am not sure what I want to do. I am currently out of work now, so I have all the time in the world to do research. Can anyone point me in the right direction as far as researching valid business opportunities. Everything I have found screams, “SCAM” loud and clear. Any insite into researching and finding valid businesses or ideas would be very welcome. If anyone out there can give me some insite, I would really appreciate it immensely.
Inspired,
Nancy
July 5th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I hope it’s ok if a guy jumps in here! I visited this site for the first time and it can be an inspiration for all of us. Elaines journey with Lifetalk is a classic tale of the difficulty of starting from scratch with a new and innovative service. She has shown determination and faith in her product. What is not eluded to in the article is the importance of her product. She is filling a niche that until now has been relatively ignored and has brought to the public something that was, until now, available to those in the media. Three snaps for a great idea and the guts to see it through.
July 5th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hello Herb,
By all means it is OK to jump in and comment. In fact I welcome and appreciate comments from men. You make a good point. Elaine, like so many others has taken her talent and ability to create a winner. Like I always say if you get a lemon make lemon souffle. And that’s exactly what Elaine did when she was out of work and had to take control of her uncertain future.
Thank you,
Michelle
PS-visit soon and comment often :+)
July 5th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Elaine Hewitt and Life Talk interviewed my mother and it was a great experience for the entire family. We played the CD at my mother’s 90th birthday party. What was most remarkable is that we thought we heard all the stories of my mom’s life but Elaine had the ability to bring out additional memories we would have never known. I am starting my own business as a supplier of automation services to the auto industry and Elaine is an inspiration.
July 6th, 2007 at 5:32 am
Elaine Hewitt’s venture with LifeTalk provides the client with a legacy for future generations. What sets LifeTalk apart from others is how Elaine’s narration makes seamless transitions between the client’s own rendition of his/her precious memories. We teamed our CD with a photo presentation and the result was priceless. This is the type of enterprise that has endless applications, and Elaine is truly the creative talent behind it to find them all!
Sincerely,
Marcia Ricci
July 6th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Reading Elaine Hewitt’s story reminds me of how good and inspiring life can be, even when circumstances seem to be at their worst.
Being a fellow creative person, and having an outlet available is very important, without that outlet we can encounter depression, doubt, and defeat.
This story has shown me that through hard work and a fixed determination, anything is possible.
I’m also a former radio personality with definite ideas about a start up business utilizing my talents… your story has spurred me to action!
Thanks for being so phenomenal.
Any suggestions on where to find start up capital?
God bless!
July 6th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Dear Quintin,
My blog from June 20, 2007 called, “I Want MY Own Million Dollar Business!â€? has information about a non-profit organization that provides micro loans ($500-$10,000) and business education for women entrepreneurs. However, for men looking for financing I am not an expert in this area but there are resources out there. Websites are popping up like Prosper.com where people come together to lend and borrow money. I just checked out Prosper’s website and under FAQ, here’s what it says:
“Who can borrow? Any adult US resident with credit score of 520 or higher can create a listing for a loan on Prosper. After passing identity and fraud checks, borrowers can request unsecured loans from $1,000 to $25,000 at rates they select.”
Recently a Prosper lender was the guest speaker at the monthly networking breakfast I go to in Los Angeles. I was impressed with the information she shared and it sounds like an interesting option.
Let me know how things work out for you.
Good Luck,
Michelle
July 10th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I have heard Elaine’s work, and it is obvious that she spends hours researching in order to find just the right tone–the music and sound effects evoke the era she is trying to portray.
Great job!
July 10th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Where can I find more information about LifeTalk? Does Elaine have a website? It sounds like a great product and a great gift for my parents.
Thank you,
Rebecca
July 10th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Hi Rebecca,
Elaine’s website is www.life-talk.biz
July 20th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
[…] Sure there’s days that I’m not excited; days when owning my own business is a grind. What’s important is that the majority of the time, I’m excited to sit down behind my desk, flip on my computer and begin working for my clients. So I do what I do because I love what I do. […]