Gena Saunders of Fleecies

Name: Gena Saunders

Tell us a little about yourself:
I have 6 children, 5 of whom are still living at home and the oldest is in college. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I currently manage a Wound Healing Center as well as operate my home-based business, Fleecies.com. Fleecies was started 3 years ago while I was attending graduate school. I hope to make it my sole income source within the next 6 months.

What is your business name and web address:
Fleecies - http://www.fleecies.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
We needed more income while I was attending graduate school and it was a good opportunity to put theory into practice. I have always enjoyed (preferred) working for myself, and have owned several businesses over the years.

Tell us a little about your business:
Fleecies supplies blankets, patchwork and applique quilts, rustic bedding, luxury bedding, comforter sets, and children’s bedding. We have been in business on the web for three very successful years.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Pick your dream and go for it! Planning is important for success, but at some point, once you have a good plan, you have to jump in with both feet and do it.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
SEO and Google Adwords.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Since many of our products are drop-shipped, I had to very carefully and clearly spell out shipping terms and return policy after receiving several complaints from customers who had not read the shipping times on special order items. Never assume that just because it is on the website, customers will read it. You have to spell out your shipping times over and over again - in your FAQ, on a separate web page, on each individual product page, and on the receipt. We will soon be adding an order status option on our website so that customers can instantly see where their order is in the process and track it if it has been shipped.