Heather Trent

Creative Communication Skills Lead to Business Idea

Already a talented writer and photographer, Indianapolis native Heather Trent would like to add business owner to her resume. The Howe High School graduate has exhibited her work throughout the state. Through her business start-up, Awareness Creations, she hopes to develop and self-publish chapbooks that are smaller than a novel and would include her poetry, prose and photography.

Trent honed her creative communication skills through course work at Martin University and the Indianapolis Art Center and by working on local cable television programming. Her writing and photography was selected for inclusion in "Tell Me a Story", an Indiana Historical Society traveling exhibit that focused on local landmarks. Trent's literary and photographic contributions to the exhibit focused on a natural waterfall, drive-ins and historic homes in Indianapolis.

Trent describes her work as "insightful, humorous and thought provoking." Her work focuses on such themes as race, gender relations, inspiration and humor. The themes reflect her experiences. "I've been around a number of cultures and ages. I'm a very aware person. I'm attuned to conversations."

Trent believes her work appeals to readers of African American poetry and pose, and readers who are open to new authors and styles of writing. She hopes to begin marketing her chapbooks at poetry readings, bookstores, art fairs and festivals, writers groups and at local colleges.

Small Business Training

To further her business knowledge Trent enrolled in the Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana's (BOI) Business Beginnings course. The topics covered in the course attracted her. The course covers such topics as goal setting, business planning, marketing, legal forms of business, insurance, product and service pricing and financial management.

Trent found the BOI course helpful. "I enjoyed meeting other people with ideas. The relaxed environment was great. The course exposed me to people I would not have met. I really enjoyed it."

Business Pros and Cons

Describing herself as "a person who likes to work at things I really enjoy doing," Trent appreciates the freedom that operating her own business brings. As she begins Awareness Creations she's developed the following guidelines for her efforts: "Pace yourself. Try not to think so much about profit. Try to create a good product. Create support systems. Understand your strengths and weaknesses."

While she enjoys business, Trent points to the responsibilities of business start-up. "You have to do many things. You don't really have a lot of support. You have to mange your time. You make many sacrifices. You have to organize your life around the business. It has to be more than a passion."

Advice for Others

Based on her experience starting Awareness Creations, Trent offers much advice to potential entrepreneurs. She recommends that anyone contemplating starting a business give it some serious thought. "Is this really what you want to do? Are you willing to commit to the business?" Once you've committed to starting your business Trent suggests, "Find all the information you can on the type of business you want to start. Network. Get a support system. Allow others to help you. Enjoy what you're doing."