
September is here, and with it comes fresh inspiration from two exceptional business owners: Deb Mitzel and Liz August. As this month’s 17hats PowerPlayers, Deb and Liz have mastered the art of balancing the challenges of running small businesses with grace, determination, and the help of 17hats.
From different industries, but with the same passion for success, they are shining examples of what it means to thrive as solo business owners. Through a series of thoughtful questions, we had the chance to dive deeper into their entrepreneurial journeys, what keeps them motivated, and how 17hats has played a key role in helping them run their businesses smoothly.

Deb Mitzel: From Corporate Career to Creative Entrepreneurial Coaching
Finding Her Path:
Deb’s business journey started during her time balancing a portrait photography business alongside a corporate career. “I met so many talented photographers who struggled with the business side of things. I vowed to help when the time was right,” she shares. After early retirement, Deb dove headfirst into helping creative entrepreneurs thrive financially, combining her experience from both worlds.
A Moment of Realization:
Her “I can’t believe this is happening” moment came after transitioning fully into entrepreneurship. “I experienced an incredible sense of freedom—knowing I controlled my schedule was empowering.” That sense of control continues to be her driving force, creating flexibility for herself and the clients she serves.
Transformative Challenges:
Deb credits early business challenges with setting her on the right path. When she started her photography business, she knew she needed a CRM system to keep up with the workload. “That search led me to 17hats, which became a game-changer.” Over time, she’s used the platform to streamline her clients’ operations, allowing them to focus on their passion projects, just like she did.
The Power of Workflows:
For Deb, the backbone of her business is the workflow feature in 17hats. “Workflows, combined with lead capture forms and online scheduling, create a personalized automation experience that frees up time for meaningful client engagement.”
Looking Ahead:
Deb is now focused on creating passive income streams and digital products, such as templates and courses, with plans to launch a beta course in 2025. “Helping small business owners achieve their dreams is what gets me out of bed every morning,” she beams.
Watch Deb’s Full Interview For Our Cheers To 10 Years Series on YouTube
Liz August: From Teaching to Helping Women Simplify Their Success
From the Classroom to Entrepreneurship:
Liz’s entrepreneurial spark ignited while she was a Spanish teacher, organizing homes on weekends and holidays. By 2019, she pivoted her business, Simplify, Simplify, to focus on virtual assistance. Her knack for breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps attracted female entrepreneurs, and she found her niche in helping women streamline their operations.
Scaling New Heights:
Liz recalls a difficult phase early in her business when everything seemed to go wrong. “It felt like scaling a mountain sideways,” she laughs. But messages from grateful clients and support from her family kept her going. “Seeing the real impact we have on people’s lives is what motivated me through those tough times.”
Automation Brilliance:
Like Deb, Liz credits 17hats workflows for keeping her business running smoothly. “I never let anything fall through the cracks,” she notes, highlighting how automation saved her during a hectic vacation. “A client accepted a large proposal while I was away, and the system sent a questionnaire automatically, buying me time to get back to them. It was a lifesaver.”
Personal Fulfillment and Growth:
One of Liz’s greatest joys is the freedom her business affords her. “I get to help people every day, all while working in my pajamas and still picking up my daughter from school,” she says with a smile. Overcoming her fear of scarcity and embracing a mindset of abundance has been key to her success, allowing her to focus on what’s truly possible for her business.
A Brighter Future:
Liz’s next big step is scaling her business by further delegating team responsibilities. “This will free up more of my time for strategy calls with clients and business growth,” she explains.
We featured Liz August last summer In Our Small Business Stories. Check it out on YouTube!
The 17hats Impact
Both Deb and Liz rely heavily on 17hats to streamline their operations and support their clients. From organizing workflows to automating client follow-ups, they agree that 17hats is the “secret sauce” that helps keep everything running smoothly, even on their busiest days.
For Deb, workflows are at the core of her business, allowing her to spend more time doing what she loves—coaching small business owners. Liz echoes the sentiment, pointing out how the platform’s features help her ensure no lead or task falls through the cracks.
Final Thoughts
Both Deb and Liz have transformed their careers into thriving businesses by overcoming challenges, leveraging the power of automation, and focusing on what matters most—helping others succeed. Whether it’s through digital courses or simplifying complex business operations, they continue to inspire and support their clients and community every step of the way.
Congratulations to Deb Mitzel and Liz August, our September PowerPlayers! Here’s to their continued success and the incredible impact they’re making.
More About Our September PowerPlayers
A seasoned business professional with over 30 years of experience in the auto industry, Deb Mitzel has seamlessly transitioned into her role as a small business operations consultant for creative entrepreneurs. As a photographer herself, Deb saw firsthand the number of amazing photographers who struggled with the business side of their businesses. She vowed that she would do what she could to help once she had the time and bandwidth to do it. That time is now, and her mission is clear: to leverage her extensive knowledge and expertise to help small business owners not only grow and scale their businesses, but enhance their personal and professional lives at the same time.
A firm believer in the principles of hard work and determination, Deb also champions the critical importance of personal development and self-care. Her approach is characterized by a unique blend of expertise, passion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and ability to see the bigger picture make Deb a trusted advisor to those navigating the complex landscape of small business.
With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by small business owners, Deb brings a holistic and strategic perspective to her clients. Her proven track record in optimizing workflows, implementing efficient processes, and delivering exceptional customer experiences makes her a valuable asset to any small business looking to achieve sustainable growth and financial success.
Liz August is the founder of Simplify, Simplify, a Virtual Assistance Agency where she and her team help heart-centered female entrepreneurs streamline their businesses with strategy, tech solutions, and efficient systems. With a background in teaching and organizing, Liz is passionate about empowering clients to reclaim their time, stay in their zone of genius, and focus on what truly matters—growing their business and enjoying life.