Ariel Schiffer, Founder and CEO of Dreampro, is an expert in developing learning experiences that sit at the intersection of impactful, fun, and life-changing.
Over the span of a decade, Ariel has designed world-class corporate leadership and professional development programs. After shifting into the world of entrepreneurship and purchasing a subpar course for her own use, Ariel uncovered her calling of ensuring that courses of the utmost of quality existed. Thus, Dreampro was born, enabling business owners to provide more innovative and effective course products. Simply put: Dreampro is the solution to creating better development courses.
We had the opportunity to speak with Ariel about the inspiration behind Dreampro, how her definition of success has evolved throughout her journey as a founder, and her plans for the future of her company.
Q: Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Dreampro?
A: My career began during graduate school as I was getting my Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. I began working for global companies as an instructional designer and consultant to develop professional and leadership development programs, and I absolutely loved how creative and impactful my work was. After years of working with some of the world’s top brands, I decided I wanted to build something for myself. I actually started my company as a career coach since, being in a human resources function, I was always helping employees, family members, and friends make transitions within their careers. I quickly realized there was a booming industry of course creators in the online business world, and many lacked the skills to develop programs that actually helped to transform their students’ lives. Buying a not-so-great course myself, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring my instructional design skills to this industry. Dreampro quickly grew from being a one-woman show to a women-led agency.
Q: What makes Dreampro different from other, similar companies?
A: There aren’t many companies that specialize in course creation for entrepreneurs and small businesses. We not only understand the business side of developing, marketing, and selling online courses—we are a team made up of true instructional designers with adult learning expertise. We understand that long-term revenue and impact comes from creating a high-quality digital product, and we work best with clients who not only want to create an additional stream of revenue through courses but want to be incredibly proud of what they’re selling. Although we have a proven process we use with every client, each course we create is unique and custom to that specific person or brand.
Q: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
A: Yes. For as long as I can remember, I have always been a visionary and a creator. I have always enjoyed pushing the bounds of what is possible while creating something that I could be incredibly proud of. Throughout my professional career, I always dipped my toes in different entrepreneurial ventures. Reflecting back, finding something that I felt extremely passionate about and excited to share with others helped me really dive into it.
Q: What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?
A: One of the hardest yet most rewarding aspects of growing my agency has been turning my solopreneur vision into a true company. Having a team of employees and contractors who I get to help develop is extremely rewarding. At the same time, it can feel like a lot of pressure. I’m no longer just showing up for myself. Not only do I do it for our clients and students, our brand provides for so many incredible women and their families. I take my role as a leader and our company culture seriously, as I see Dreampro being an incredible place to work and grow.
Q: Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?
A: I remember when I first started my business, my goal was to be able to replace my income from my job. At the time, success for me was being able to work from wherever I wanted and spend my time however I pleased. Four months later, I was able to quit my job and my dream kept growing. Now, I have a team and a more clear vision than ever. Success isn’t just about me. It’s about our community, our clients, our team, and the impact we’re making on the world through our work.
Q: What’s next for you and Dreampro?
A: Although our agency is a huge part of our business, Dreampro isn’t stopping there. We are continuing to add to our own course offerings, we’re creating more high-touch ways to work with larger companies and brands, and we have a couple of SaaS products we are excited to reveal very soon to help course creators protect their intellectual property. If you’re a course creator or future course creator, join our community to become a world-class educator.
Ariel is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Other Topics
Entrepreneurs
Gesche Haas
Gesche Haas is the Founder/CEO of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies the entrepreneurial pursuits of extraordinary women through visibility opportunities, resource exchange, and collective support.
Read Gesche's Bio