When sisters Tristan Towns and Lacey Howard launched DeSisso Publishing in Memphis, Tennessee, they set out to write children’s books that celebrate confidence, culture, and joy. That shared passion has since evolved into a fully formed business — and now, a long-term wealth-building plan.

Over two years after first connecting with the Entrepreneurship Team at Communities Unlimited (CU), the co-founders have taken a leap forward. They’ve strengthened their financial systems, sharpened their long-term strategy, expanded professional networks, and positioned their company for sustained growth — all while finishing the manuscript for their third book.

And as their business matures, so does their vision: they’re not just writing stories anymore. They’re building a legacy.

From Creative Passion to Data-Driven Publishing

In just two years, DeSisso Publishing has gone from a creative passion to a professionally run business operation. With guidance from CU Senior Management Consultant James Custer, the sisters now use software to track spending, monitor revenue, and measure performance.

And the results are showing. DeSisso Publishing is on track to grow revenues by approximately 15% this year — an exceptional outcome given the broader decline in consumer spending and confidence. That momentum is being driven by a mix of targeted sales strategies and high-impact community engagement events.

They’ve implemented Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that help them track book sales by title, understand monthly cash flow, and set realistic targets for growth.

“We can clearly see what’s coming in and what’s going out now,” Lacey said. “That has made a huge difference in how we operate.”

This structure has allowed the business to scale intentionally. The sisters are no longer guessing their way forward; they’re managing their company with clarity and purpose.

Expanding Their Catalog — and Their Audience

With two titles already released, Tristan and Lacey are deep into production on book number three. They’ve hired editors, secured an illustrator, and begun building momentum ahead of its launch. Their goal moving forward: publish one to three books each year.

To support long-term growth, they’ve traveled to new markets, participated in conferences, and expanded their network of fellow authors and publishers. They’ve also worked with CU to refine timelines and productivity practices — helping them stay consistent through the creative process.

The sisters love writing, but now they’re thinking like entrepreneurs — planning releases, tracking results, and building a repeatable model.

Investing in the Business — and Themselves

As part of CU’s Wealth Builder program, Tristan and Lacey earned incentive payments by completing key business milestones. Instead of treating the funds like extra income, they approached the opportunity with strategy and intention. They used the money to pay their editors and illustrator for their upcoming book, travel to industry events to grow their professional network, and even begin planning for retirement — something they hadn’t prioritized before. They also invested in legal guidance to ensure their company is protected as it expands.

Rather than short-term spending, every dollar went toward strengthening their business and future. For the sisters, this shift is about creating generational wealth and laying a foundation that can benefit their families for years to come — a turning point in how they think about both storytelling and economic opportunity.

A Foundation Built to Last

For Custer, who supported them across a few engagements, the transformation has been inspiring to watch. He said the sisters stepped into the entrepreneurial journey with enthusiasm and humility — eager to learn, willing to test new ideas, and determined to build something that reflects their values.

They now track their finances with confidence, understand their business drivers deeply, and have a strategic growth plan in motion. Most importantly, they see themselves as business owners — not just authors.

“Thank you so much for your help with everything,” they wrote to James at the close of their engagement. “You’ve truly helped make a difference for us and our business.”