Read Her Lipstick: Author Helps Women Entrepreneurs Succeed

Being laid off can be emotionally and financially devastating. But experts say that self-employment is becoming a more attractive option to people who suddenly find themselves out of work. <p>&quot;The economic downturn is causing more people to find new and creative ways to earn a living,&quot; says Stacey Smith, author of <em>Lipstick Ghetto: The Girls&#39; Guide to Escaping The 9-to-5 Rat Race </em>and founder of Phoenix-based danceyourabsaway.com. <span id="articleFlex1"></span> </p> <p>Smith wrote her book and started her online fitness company just months before leaving her corporate job in the telecom industry.</p> <p>&quot;One week (to the day) after I put my notice in, the office was notified that no one would have a job by the end of the year. So I was able to be ahead of the wrecking ball,&quot; says Smith.</p> <p>After the initial shock, experts like Smith say it&#39;s important to not get stuck in self-pity, but to take stock of what it is you really want. </p> <p>&quot;Losing a job forces you out of your comfort zone,&quot; says Smith of those who suddenly find themselves out of work. &quot;It causes you to take more deliberate action toward living the life you really want to live.&quot; </p> <p>In <em>Lipstick Ghetto</em>, Smith offers women tips and advice on topics such as self-image, confidence as well as how to turn their passion into profit. The book is set up to be completed in 10 steps over four weeks.</p><p>I would describe the book as being part &#39;Oprah&#39; and part &#39;The Apprentice,&#39; in that it shows women how to achieve health, wealth, and knowledge of self.<br> </p>