Although entrepreneurial success is sometimes the result of luck, most would agree that it is achieved through a combination of good business sense, planning, and wit. A great example of harmoniously executing these elements of entrepreneurial success is PMA member Maia Haag of I See Me! in Wayzata, Minnesota. Here are some highlights from my recent interview with her. Q: My Very Own Name is certainly an innovative book. What was your inspiration?A: I was looking for a product to start my own business with. I wanted something printed because my husband has a graphic design business and printer contacts. I kept thinking about the index cards, but nothing seemed unique. Then I received a personalized children's book as a gift for my son and the light bulb went off. I loved the book because it was about him, but the illustrations weren't very well done and the story wasn't very interesting. I thought I could write a more educational book, with better quality illustrations. I was on maternity leave at the time. Every day, as I walked my son in the stroller, I thought of ideas for the book. Every evening, I shared my ideas with my husband, and this one hit the mark. Q: Many books published over the years have used the child's name in one way or another. What did you do to make sure yours would stand out?A: I thought of this concept before I looked at all the personalized books on the market, which was probably a blessing because it allowed me to think outside the box. Then I ordered every personalized book I could find to confirm there wasn't another book like mine. I researched the industry as I began writing the business plan. Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What's your b...... middle of paper ......o reach upscale grandparents), and it was dismal. I have become very reluctant to pay for advertising that has an upfront fee with no guarantee of sales. Q: What’s next for you and your business? A: I am currently working on another book. This is the funnest part for me. I am also working on translating My Very Own Name into Spanish. I also have several ideas for spin-off products, but I need to be patient so that the company does not become financially overburdened. I plan to run this business for years, so I need to remember to take it step by step. Former PMA President and publishing consultant Bob Erdmann is a 40-plus year veteran of book publishing. He created the PMA's commercial distribution program, which generated more than $15 million in sales for PMA members' books and guided many independent publishers to success..