Live Your Dream, Naples SCORE Can Help



Dr. Judith Kolva, owner of Memoir Shoppe

Dr. Judith Kolva
The Memoir Shoppe
Don’t abandon your dream!

While pursuing her PhD in the psychology of aging, Dr. Judith Kolva’s research focused on the unique value of life stories. She discovered that these stories not only give meaning to life, but link generations by passing on values, traditions, hard-learned lessons, knowledge and wisdom. Capturing these stories became a compelling vision for her but the need to put food on the table put things on hold. Now with 15 years as a Fortune 500 human resources director and 10 years of writing for professional publications she knew that she had honed the skills to be a successful personal historian, but needed help in pulling it all together.

As fate would have it, at this point she was offered a position as Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at International College. Being a professor was ideal as it provided her the opportunity to combine her love of teaching with the life long goal of starting her own business.

Again fate stepped in when she volunteered to assist SCORE in conducting their marketing workshop, and met SCORE counselor Denny Holland. Once she shared her dream he was able to assist her through the process of turning her vision into a business reality. And so, in June of 2005, The Memoir Shoppe was born.

The initial efforts were directed to developing a business plan, complete with clear objectives and time lines. Once this was completed the focus moved to the product and how best to convey The Memoir Shoppe in a clear compelling manner. An effective net worker, Judith used her writing and presentation skills to spread the word. She also made a key decision in selecting Scott McCormish, and his company, Exploritech, to work with her in developing her web site, www.memoirshoppe.com

“Denny’s wonderful listening skills, critical feedback and clear guidance were key ingredients in helping me finally launch my business dream.” Now The Memoir Shoppe is now a viable reality and Judith is able to blend a rewarding career with her life long passion.

SCORE's counseling services are all at no cost. SCORE offers counseling sessions on a one-on-one basis as well as workshops. E-mail counseling is offered as well to those who are out of the area, or prefer a cyber-meeting. SCORE is a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration with close to 12,000 members and more than 350 chapters nationwide.

The Naples chapter ran 13 workshops last year with a total of 303 business people in attendance. Additionally, the chapter counseled 480 clients in face-to-face sessions.

We can be reached by e-mail at score@scorenaples.org or by phone at 239-430-0081. Our Web site is www.scorenaples.org

SCORE Counselor Denny Holland