Short Profile and Interview with Frances Thiessen
| Program: | M.A. Biographical and Creative Writing M.A. Gender Studies B.A. Social Work |
| Business Idea: | • Working with my dog Abby in educational settings (dog clubs in schools or daycares) • Founding a bookstore as a place for community and exchange (with workshops and literary initiatives from the neighborhood) |
| Target Group: | Children (dog) and children, adolescents, adults (Literary Neighborhood Center) |
| Form of Business: | Sole proprietorship / Dream of a team |
What are your business ideas?
I came to EXIST with two different (social) business ideas. First, I want to work with my dog Abby in educational settings (dog clubs in schools or daycares), as working with dogs and children is important to me.
As a second, more long-term project, I am pursuing the idea of founding a different kind of bookstore. Since neighborhood bookstores are third places for community and exchange, my bookstore will focus on the social aspect of reading and writing. In addition to the classic bookstore offerings, there will be workshops for people aged 1 to 99, led by various writing educators. There will also be open times and space for literary initiatives from the neighborhood, such as book clubs, the distribution of neighborhood zines (offered for donation), and more.
What do you hope to gain from participating in the EXIST-Women program?
I applied to EXIST to gain more confidence in starting a business and to collect structured information on self-employment. I hope that discussions with other female founders in the social sector will spark stimulating conversations about the specific questions we face as social entrepreneurs.
What are you currently working on? What are your next steps?
I am working on improving my time and project management, networking, and being motivated to further refine my offerings. Next, I will write proposals and concepts for dog clubs in schools.
How did your project or business idea come about?
For me, the rethinking and reevaluation of my work situation also came about due to the COVID crisis. I want to engage in various activities that are not easily compatible with a job of 30 hours or more.
Do you have a role model? Who inspires you?
Women in my environment who are satisfied with their self-employment and flourish in their work.
What does self-care mean to you, and how do you integrate it into your daily life?
Nurturing intellectual interests and friendships, taking walks with my dog, and of course, Yoga with Adriene.
Interview from 29.05.2024