Jacqueline Oddo of It’s Just Us Girls

Name: Jacqueline Oddo

Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a 38 year old single mom of two daughters 11 and 8 currently living in New
Jersey .I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC for design and
painting is my passion so I’ve turned it into a WAHM business. I believe you
have to do what you love in life.

What is your business name and web address:
Its Just Us Girls -
http://www.itsjustusgirls.com


What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
My Mom suddenly passed away 18 months ago and she was always encouraging me to
sell my artwork - I just kept putting it off. . As a single mom I needed the
extra money so I started my website in my mother’s memory. (Two of my designs
are named after her) Since being diagnosed with MS a couple of months ago, I can
no longer work full time outside the home. I’m trying to make this my full time
job so I can work from home when I feel well, do what I am most passionate about
and be home for my daughters when they get home from school.


Tell us a little about your business:
I sell hand painted apparel and accessories for infants and girls up to size 6.
It makes me feel amazing to see little girls smile when they feel beautiful.
It’s called "Its Just Us Girls" since its just me and my two daughters in the
house. They help me as much as they can calling it "their company" too. I don’t
advertise any new design or ship any order without their seal of approval

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
Do research and find your target market and then DON’T GIVE UP!!! I’ve had so
many times when sales aren’t good or advertising doesn’t pay off but I believe
if you work hard enough it has to pay off sooner or later so just keep trying.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Displaying in craft shows has helped alot with word of mouth advertising. My
daughters wear alot of jeans and jackets I paint for them so when their friends
see them, they send their jackets and jeans for me to paint as well. I also do
well with home parties. I have a product that looks good on the web but even
better in person so it helps when my customers see the product first hand to see
the detail

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

This is funny - I don’t know how but a man stumbled upon my site and wrote me a
nasty email telling me how "pathetic" my products were. I emailed him back
telling him at least I had the guts to start my own business and that if he
didn’t have anything nice to say he shouldn’t say anything at all. He emailed me
back again apologizing and complimented me for having alot of "guts". What I
learned was don’t back down and don’t be intimidated. Not everyone will like or
want your products but there are those that will.

Do you have any specials going on that you would like to share with our
readers:
I currently have a clearance sale on select sizes and styles starting at 30%
off. I’m also adding (this week) hand painted boutique bows for Halloween,
Christmas and everyday, new little purse styles and PERSONALIZATION on baby bibs
and baby blankets. I’m always adding new designs so check in frequently.