Ann Vogel of Ann’s Personalized Books and Gifts

Name: Ann Vogel

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a single mom of a 12 year old boy living in Austin, Texas. I have owned
many retail businesses over the years and have been looking for something
that I would be proud to sell on the internet. I found personalized
children’s books about a year ago and keep thinking of more personalized
products that I can do and do well - I just can’t find the time to get them
all up on my websites.

What is your business name and web address:
Ann’s Personalized Books & Gifts
http://www.anns-personalized-books.com/
http://www.anns-personalized-gifts.com/

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Being single, my son needed to know I would always be there for him for
whatever and whenever he needed me. Now I am available to pick him up after
school, and it makes a huge difference in our lives.

Tell us a little about your business:
Ann’s Personalized Books & Gifts is growing faster than I can keep up. I
offer the personalized books that many other people are selling, and my son
designed all of the coffee mugs on the website. I love puzzles, so I found
some that can be printed on and that are more special than just the
rectangular puzzles - they are heart-shaped and have the letters “LOVE” as
puzzle pieces - and I can print anything on them for you. I am working on
many other personalized products including personalized picture frames,
Christmas Ornaments, wedding favors and gifts, personalized graduation
gifts, greeting cakes and color-a-cookies.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
Find something you truly enjoy doing, and then at least sometimes it doesn’t
seem like work.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Word of mouth and repeat customers.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Always get samples of products before you decide to sell them (even if you have to pay full price).