Crystal Martin - Latonia’s Dream Shoppe

Name: Crystal Martin

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a 27 year old SAHM/WAHM of two children, a son and a daughter. I have been
married for nine years to my highschool sweetheart. I love creating gifts and
crafts for my family and friends. I have really enjoyed designing my site. I
love learning new things. I hope to create a family atmosphere on my site and I
would love to include my children in my ventures. Church, Family and Home are
the most important things in my life and to carry that over into my business is
a wonderful feeling.

What is your business name and web address:
Latonia’s Dream Shoppe
www.latoniasdream.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
My mom passed away in 2003 and she always made my Easter Baskets and gifts for
me. She loved to draw and create crafts. She passed this love on to me and my
children and this site seemed like a perfect way to honor her memory. The chance
to do something I love to do and to stay home with my children in the process
was very appealing to me. it has strengthened our family in such a way that I
could never begin to describe, while also lettng me feel my mother’s spirit with
me in a new way.

Tell us a little about your business:
We create a variety of Beautiful Gift Baskets/Candy Bouquets, Handmade Purses &
Totes, Custom Candy Wrappers, Handmade Soft Sculpture Dolls and any more Gifts
and Crafts! We offer something for every occasion and strive to create
customized gifts for every customer. Our customers satisfaction is our goal and
together we can come up with a gift perfect for each individual. If you are
looking for something and we don’t have it, simply send us a request and we will
try our very best to create exactly what you are looking for!!!

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
Stay true to yourself and your instincts! Be Kind! Be Patient! Trust in the Lord
for He will guide you through! ‘Treat others as you would have them treat you’
is the best way to forge ahead to meet your goals. Don’t be afraid to try
something new because it may be your calling!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Free Samples and Word of Mouth. The MomPack has helped to get the word out. It
is a wonderful advertising/sharing experience.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:

Just because someone hurts your feelings or an idea doesn’t pan out, doesn’t
mean you have to change who you are or how you choose to handle your business.
Someone didn’t like my ideas but instead of giving up, I pushed ahead with my
ideas and have come such a long way.