Keywords: disability, business, freelance writing, health challenges, entrepreneurship, personal growth, autoimmune conditions, writing career, self-employment, community support, entrepreneurship, disability, delegation, scheduling, business success, coaching, service-based business, profit psychology, value, nonprofit Summary: In this conversation, Maria Chapman shares her transformative journey from being a teacher to a freelance writer after facing significant health challenges. Diagnosed with CIDP and myasthenia gravis, she navigated the complexities of disability while building a writing career. Maria emphasizes the importance of valuing one's skills, seeking community support, and the necessity of collaboration in entrepreneurship. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of pursuing one's passion despite obstacles. In this conversation, Maria Chapman and Mitch Beinhaker discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on the challenges and strategies for disabled entrepreneurs. They emphasize the importance of finding one's unique strengths, the necessity of delegation, and the significance of scheduling life around priorities. They also explore the dynamics of service-based businesses, the psychology of profit, and the value of recognizing one's worth in the business landscape. The discussion highlights the role of nonprofits in supporting disabled individuals in their entrepreneurial endeavors and the life lessons learned through the entrepreneurial process. Takeaways Maria Chapman shares her journey from teaching to freelance writing. She faced significant health challenges that led to her diagnosis of CIDP and myasthenia gravis. Transitioning to freelance writing allowed her to adapt to her new circumstances. Maria emphasizes the importance of valuing one's skills and charging appropriately for services. She highlights the role of community and support in her entrepreneurial journey. Freelance writing provided a flexible work environment for her health needs. Maria's first writing job was for a parenting blog, which helped her gain confidence. She learned SEO and other skills to enhance her writing business. Collaboration with others has been crucial for her success as a writer. Maria encourages others to seek help and not try to do everything alone. Find your genius and leverage it in business. Delegation is crucial for success, especially for those with disabilities. Scheduling priorities can lead to better work-life balance. Service-based businesses are often more manageable for disabled entrepreneurs. Understanding the psychology of money can motivate better business decisions. It's important to take profits from your business, not just reinvest everything. Valuing your work is essential for sustainable business growth. Nonprofits can play a vital role in supporting disabled entrepreneurs. Life lessons from entrepreneurship can apply to personal growth. Good conversations can lead to valuable insights and connections. Titles From Teacher to Writer: Maria Chapman's Journey Overcoming Health Challenges in Business Sound Bites "I'm a paranoid attorney." "Find your genius." "Money is psychological." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:32 Health Challenges and Diagnosis 06:47 Transitioning to Freelance Writing 12:36 Building a Writing Business 17:06 First Clients and Growth 21:30 Learning and Collaboration 27:52 The Importance of Community and Support 30:03 Finding Your Genius 31:22 The Importance of Delegation 32:27 Scheduling for Success 39:18 Supporting Disabled Entrepreneurs 48:05 Service-Based Business Strategies 49:35 The Psychology of Profit 54:16 Valuing Your Work 56:24 Life Lessons from Entrepreneurship