Debra's Story
Debra describes her experience with Momentum as "life changing." As a set painter in the film business, Debra had been doing work she enjoyed. However, the work was sporadic, with busy times and slow times that added up to maybe four months’ work out of the year. Not enough to get by on. So Debra, like so many of her fellow artists, was forced to take on odd jobs to make ends meet. "But I did always have this idea in the back of my mind," says Debra today. "And that was to start my own business as a mural painter. I envisioned doing everything from massive murals you see on the sides of buildings downtown, to painting the wall of a little girl’s bedroom. I just had a feeling there’d be a market for that type of painting, and it was a type of painting that I was good at and that I loved to do."
But while Debra had the skills as an artist, she was not, by her own admission, a business person. Nevertheless, a friend had told her about Momentum and the small business programs they offered, and suggested Debra check them out. Debra did exactly that, ultimately enrolling in Momentum’s ABCs of Small Business program. "Right away, I felt my life was about to change, and that something special was about to happen," says Debra. "I felt so good about everyone at Momentum, and right away, too. The instructors and facilitators, the administrative staff, my classmates, the guest speakers who volunteered their time to come in and speak to us. Everyone was so wonderful, and I just felt very welcome, and very at home."
Since completing the program, Debra has since set up her own corporation, and has begun to work on her own and pursue her dream. "I even have a business coach," she enthuses. "Through Momentum, I can give this person I call when I need advice on my business. That’s just one of things about Momentum that I think is amazing—they continue to help you in any way they can, long after your course is finished. That’s pretty special. And it’s just one of the many reasons why I’m so grateful to them for all the help they’ve given me."