New ideas intrigue me, especially ones with a win-win spin, so I was looking forward to Kaufman Million Cups this week as the presentation was from an entrepreneur who had formed a B Corporation.

But I was not prepared for her uncanny resemblance to a character in the book I’m writing!

In my latest book (now in the editing stage), I created a character named Liza. One of the first things the reader learns about Liza is that her life revolves around selling fashion footwear -- artisan made, eco-friendly, high end shoes. Later, it’s revealed that she seeks to give back to the world by donating specially designed, comfortable school shoes to children in need.

In real life, Bethany, the founder of The Rootcollective.com, was inspired by a visit to the slum of La Limonada in Guatemala and the poverty and desolation she saw there. Wanting to help create opportunities for people, she allied with a native shoemaker and now sells shoes handmade by artisans in Otto’s workshop using fabric hand-woven by women using the traditional backstrap methods.

Other similarities: Both Beth and Liza have a passion for their business, short dark hair and like sunflowers! (Ok, Liza prefers roses, but the rest is true.)

For more about The Root Collective story, please visit www.therootcollective.com.
For Liza’s story and the new book, watch the blog or join my mailing list at www.nancymaccreery.com

Thanks!