Future of AIAI

Surviving as a Solopreneur – AI is My Sidekick

By Lisa Sheppard, CEO, Comfort Diva and Memorable Marketing LLC

I’m not a techie. Yet, at 58, I built a website from scratch and launched my own brand, Comfort Diva. With a marketing background in the health and wellness space, including roles at Natrol and as a consultant, I wanted to pivot to something entirely different. Little did I know, AI would completely transform the way I run my business and go-to-market strategy. 

As a solopreneur, I quickly realized that running a business doesn’t mean going it alone. AI has become my silent co-founder, and here’s why I couldn’t imagine growing Comfort Diva without it: 

  1. Time Saver

AI is my secret weapon for productivity. From drafting emails to brainstorming marketing copy, I get more done in less time—without the risk of burning out. ChatGPT has been indispensable. On some days, I swear it knows my business better than I do! As any solopreneur will tell you, distractions are the enemy of growth. With AI handling repetitive tasks, I can stay focused on what truly matters and work smarter, not harder. I wish that AI had been available when I built my website. It would have saved me time that I can’t get back. 

  1. Money Saver

Building a brand on a tight budget means relying on AI tools that function like a full-fledged team at a fraction of the cost. One such tool is Sintra.AI, which offers virtual assistants for email marketing, e-commerce, SEO, social media, data analysis, and more. This all-in-one platform provides a 360-degree view of my business, helping me make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. 

  1. Creativity on Steroids

AI has turned my creative process into a rapid-fire brainstorm session. Whether I need a witty tagline, a fresh product idea, or 10 content hooks in two minutes, AI delivers without blinking. Tools like ChatGPT, Sora, and Canva are my go-to for quick copy and design. For video content, I rely on Google Vids and VEED, which turn raw ideas into polished Instagram reels in minutes. Need professional-looking product photos? Maker.ai has me covered, offering shots that look like I hired a photographer—all from the comfort of my desk. Even for quick, basic product listing images, Photoroom is a lifesaver. 

  1. Research on Tap

Market trends, competitor analysis, SEO data—you name it, it’s just a prompt away. With AI-powered tools, I can perform tasks like SWOT analyses and dive deep into competitive landscapes in a fraction of the time it would take manually. ChatGPT’s power-ups for marketing research and competitive analysis have been crucial in shaping my strategic decisions, keeping me ahead of industry trends and aligned with my target audience. 

  1. Strategic Partner

AI doesn’t just help me execute tasks; it helps me think through them. Planning product launches, refining messaging, and pressure-testing ideas have become daily routines, thanks to AI. Surprisingly, AI has encouraged me to work smarter, not harder. What used to take hours—like crafting a content marketing plan for social media—now takes mere minutes, leaving me with more time to focus on line extensions, brand growth, and long-term strategy. 

But as with any tool, your output is only as good as the input. Here are a few examples of how I’ve used AI to optimize my work (note that figures quoted are strictly for the purpose of providing an example): 

  • Goal Setting: “My dream is to make my business, targeting high-income women who love cats, a $1M/year brand. It currently makes $100K/month across Wholesale, TikTok, Website, Etsy, Instagram, and Google. How can I improve this?” 
  • AI responded with a detailed daily and monthly business schedule tailored to each channel, helping me grow my business step-by-step. 
  • Niche Research: “What is a fast-growing micro-niche in 2025, and how can my brand tap into it?” 
  • AI generated a list of opportunities, suggesting new products and strategies that fit within my brand’s core values. 

Beyond core business tasks, AI also assists with logistics. ChatGPT recently helped me book a hotel near a trade show, saving me time and energy. Soon, I imagine AI will be assisting with everything from recipe creation to dating! 

The Future of Solopreneurship: AI as a Game-Changer 

Being a solopreneur can feel isolating, daunting, and overwhelming. However, thanks to AI, the barriers to entry have never been lower. These technologies provide resources that empower me to scale, think strategically, and get more done with fewer resources. AI is no longer a tool—it’s my business partner. 

AI isn’t just for the big players; it’s for solopreneurs like me, who want to level the playing field. The future of solopreneurship is here, and AI is leading the charge. So whether you are thinking about starting a business in your twenties or in your seventies, you are not alone anymore. 

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