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.
“This business is something we’re very proud of, and we want it to be a lasting legacy for our families. Having those foundational financial tools puts us in a position to do that.”
This blog was written by Derek Shore
Derek Shore joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2024. As the Content Coordinator, Derek writes and edits content for CU’s print and digital publications, interviews key community members and clients, and translates information into engaging written content. He also secures photographs and creates videos of clients and communities, using drone technology to capture unique perspectives that enhance CU’s multimedia efforts.
Before joining CU, Derek was a Marketing Content Coordinator for Element 79 Media Group in Cassville, Missouri. He also spent two years as a Sports Reporter at The Joplin Globe in Joplin. Derek has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Missouri State University. He lives in Springdale, Arkansas, and works out of the Fayetteville office.
