Name: Rae Lynn Glispin

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am the proud Mom of two toddler boys…Parker just turned 4 years old and Noah will be 3 in November. I am extremely happily married, and very lucky to have met my “fantasy man”…perfect Father and Husband.
In April, my position was eliminated at a company I had spent the better part of 19 years at. I am very motivated and a go-getter, so I was determined I was going to do something I enjoyed now. I would invent something, or start a business, or something!

What is your business name and web address:
My business name is raelynn’s creations! You can visit us at http://www.raelynnscreations.com or http://www.mydoudou.com to view our assortment of My Doudou™ child themed safety bed bumpers.

Tell us a little about your business:
Over this past Winter, I had been trying to come up with a way to keep my boys from resting against their bedroom walls while they slept, because I felt their walls were always chilly. Along with that, I was also concerned because they tossed and turned during their sleep like jumping beans. I came up with this bumper, and very quickly threw a couple together on my 38-year old sewing machine. When my position was eliminated, I started researching on-line to see if it was something with potential. I was amazed to find that no other bumper like this existed! I networked, researched, and I’m sure drove my Husband crazy. Within the span of two months, I became an incorporated legal business and have patent pending status on my bumper. I received so much support from the CWE, Center For Women in Enterprise. Through government grants I was able to become a successful business in just a few months.

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I always wanted to actually be able to raise my children without a five-day-per-week daycare. In this day and age, it is very difficult. It is nearly impossible to afford living expenses on one income. Luckily, I have a fire inside of me that has always driven me to try to over-achieve. Having kids has made me want to be a better person, and my Husband is the kind of person that makes me want to be a better person. I guess you could say they are my inspiration.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women on the path of working from home:
Don’t ever get discouraged. If you do, just shake it off the next day and plow on! We can do anything if we put our minds to it. On the occasion when I get a little discouraged, I just try harder, try a different angle, dig a little deeper and look for encouragement from the people that support me. Sometimes all it takes is a few encouraging words from a friend, family member or even a chat room.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
So far, I think it has been emailing other related business, magazines and newspapers. Letters to editors of area newspapers, related magazines, etc. Get articles out there. Most of these methods are free as well. You really need to promote yourself even if sometimes it may feel awkward.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
I was almost talked into buying a “list” of names and addresses to do some snail mail marketing…postcards and such. Their price quotes were very inexpensive and they had lots of info on how successful it could make me. I decided to research it from top to bottom, and come to find out, there were way too many other expenses associated with this method. I also learned that for my type of business, the success rate of this form of marketing is very low…under 1%. There are lots of people out there that “want to help”. Unfortunately, a large percentage of them are out for themselves. You need to do your research before making any financial decisions just based on one or two suggestions from contacts. Research, research, research…has been my best friend.

Name: April Dostert

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am 39 years old and married for 18 years to my wonderful husband. We have 7 children who are the lights of our life. I am very thankful to be a stay at home mom who gets to work at home too.

What is your business name and web address:
You Are Loved Children’s Resale
http://www.stores.ebay.com/you-are-loved-childrens-resale

Tell us a little about your business:
You Are Loved Children’s Resale is a Child & Family focused, New & Used or I like to say Gently Loved:) Online Store. I really enjoy selling children’s items and items we no longer need. I am always searching for unique and fun items for the family.

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Never been a question, from day one it’s been my children. This has made it possible for me to be here for them whenever they need me. I am able to work around anything that comes up and I can steal my hugs and kisses anytime of the day. It’s a great balance.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women on the path of working from home:
Keep thinking of ways to make it happen. Things always work out if you want it bad enough.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
I don’t know if anything has been the most effective but being active in wahms forums, using business cards and networking seem to work for me. I get my name out there everyday through some online venue.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
I’ve learned bigger isn’t always better. I jumped into this with my last business and it never took off. I started thinking more simple this time around and I’ve had more success. Keep it simple (as simple as you can) it makes for better work life and most importantly better home & family life.

Name: MYRNA MCPHEE

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a mother of 2 boys, Mickey 14, football player, pre- med student. Jordan, 18 months, born premature, had 3 surgeries so far. I have Muscular Dystrophy, wheelchair and ventilator. Graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice, M.ed in Elem. Ed is pending. I have certification as a Bridal consultant and Public Notary. I love the Bridal Industry and what it signifies to the couples I serve, I also do other events as well.

What is your business name and web address:
Sacred Weddings Specially 4 You
www.sacredweddingsspecially4you.com

Tell us a little about your business:
I help the brides make their dream come true within their budgets. From invitations to the little details.

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
After getting the ventilator, I was considered ” a risk” to be employed, so I decided to do something I really love helping others see their dream come true.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women on the path of working from home:
Good Service, and persistence. Home businesses take more time to develop but at the end all is worth it.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
link sharing, vendors spots, networking groups, myinbox program, visiting others mom’s sites and mom fillers works.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
I do a lot of free consultations and the return is very poor, specially in networking groups..

Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Lisa Smith and I am a 29 year old work-from-home mom. I have a 19 month old daughter named Braelyn & we have a 8 year old Golden Retriever.
My husband, Matt works for the Arizona Diamondbacks Professional Baseball team and we live in a suburb of Phoenix, AZ
called Surprise, AZ.

What is your business name and web address:
Our business name is GreetingCookie.com and our web address is the same!

Tell us a little about your business:
GreetingCookie.com started from an idea we came up with after becoming bored with traditional holiday and birthday greeting cards.
We wanted to come up with a greeting card that people could send to family and friends to celebrate holidays, birthdays and other special occasions that was different, yet simple.
We wanted to be able to write our own message, like a normal greeting card, but also wanted to add something special to the card, so we added cookies and who doesn’t like cookies?
We also wanted to make sure the cookies represented what the respective holidays and celebrations stand for and we think we have the right mix for each.
Our delicious, gourmet cookies are hand decorated, contain zero trans fats and are kosher.
We offer cookie greeting cards with cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes for most celebrations and holidays.
Our cookie greeting cards come in a clear, see-through, resealable package with the greeting card and individually wrapped cookie inside.
All of our cookie greeting cards allow you to write your own message and are better than traditional greeting cards or flowers because you can eat them!

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
My husband travels every other week for his job from March-October and then has October-February off so I didn’t want
to have to go back to a 9-5 job after I had my daughter. I wanted to be able to take time off when he is home and
travel with him when we get the chance. I couldn’t imagine putting my daughter in daycare all day and having someone
else spending more time with her, teaching her, etc. than I was.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women on the path of working from home:
Even though you are working from home, keep your boundaries. When it’s family time, dont sneak off to finish a few emails
or make an extra phone call. Keep things seperate; work during your established work time but when it’s family time,
enjoy that special time together. The work can wait until tomorrow!
What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Networking with my target-markets. Either through professional associations or online groups. Traditional advertising
doesn’t seem to work too well anymore, I really try to aim for word-of-mouth support.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Make sure that you get everything in writing from confidentiality agreements to supplier contracts to pricing. It’s sad but you
can’t trust that people are going to do what they say they will. Having things in writing and collecting proof of correspondence
can keep you from getting burned and can give you a course of action if something goes wrong.

Name: Cynthia Powell

Tell us a little about yourself:
Hi, I’m Cynthia Powell, 39, Christian, wife of 17 years, mom of 3 boys, and business owner. I was a Chemical Engineer (grad from GA Tech) before I came home to be a WAHM. What more can I say, my list here pretty much defines who I am on a day to day basis.

What is your business name and web address:
Chicks & Cubs
http://www.ChicksAndCubs.com

Tell us a little about your business:
My business started with Patty-Cakes which is mostly a local product (I take the impression myself, so it’s hard to do via internet). I added Baby Shoe Bronzing because of the natural fit with Patty-Cakes. I have used slings for years with my kids and love them. I started making keepsake boxes to give as wedding and shower gifts at church and thought that might be a product others would like. I added the child safety products because I believe in them and think that kids need help in todays crazy world.

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Well, I always thought I would be a work outside the home mom. Then I got hooked on listening to Dr. Laura on the radio and she and God changed my mind about that. I realized I needed to be home for my children. But I needed to convince my hubby a little more so I thought if I could come up with a way I could make money and still be home, he would be more agreeable. When my oldest son was just 6 weeks old we had his Patty-Cakes done in another state because I could not find anyone near me. When we did, I found out that it was a franchise type business and my wheels started turning. Less than a year later I had started my business and quit my “real” job.
I love being a WAHM. I love the flexibility and the challenge of it.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women on the path of working from home:
My biggest advice is that it is still WORK. Being a business owner means I work a lot and don’t get paid for it right then. You never know when that work is going to pay off down the road. If you really want to make money with a business you really do have to do work not just play around. Now the good part for me is that work can be flexed in around my family. I do shows on weekends when hubby is off. My kids are with me when I have customers in my home to do impressions. I work during naps and at night. But I work hard and long to be successful.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
One of the quickest profit turners for me was to do a short “show & tell” type talk at a Christian Women’s breakfast meeting – very unlikely but it really was a great success for me. For me, advertising is not a do this see this result. It is like making a big snow ball. You have to keep rolling the ball in the snow for it to get big. So I just keep trying things and the momentum builds into success for the business. I do shows, print ads, online ads, fillers, stuff mail boxes, put things on people’s cars…. you name it and I have probably tried it. The only other advertising advice I would give is to learn TRUE information about Search Engine Optimization. Being in the top of the search engines for the right keywords for your business can make a HUGE difference in your success.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
The one thing I have learned is that I don’t have to do it all, right now. When I started out I thought I had to look and be like a real store that had been in business for 20 years already. I mean – I thought I had to have a sample of everything I sold for the customer to see before they could make their decision. I thought I had to have business cards and name tags and table cloths and table skits that all matched my “theme”. I thought I had to do every show that came available. In hind sight I now see that I have to keep moving forward but I don’t have to have already finished the race. Take things a step at a time. Do what you can, but you don’t have to do everything all at once.

Name: Cara Sonnier

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a homeschooling mama of 2 great girls and married to my best friend.

What is your business name and web address:
I own The Dessert Box – an online dessert delivery store. You can visit us at http://www.thedessertbox.com/

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I’ve always wanted to own my own store, ever since I was a kid! I was inspired by a candy store owner from my childhood summers. Since becoming a mother and being lead to homeschool my children, taking my business online was the next best way to owning my own “store”.

Tell us a little about your business:
The Dessert Box is an online dessert delivery store. We carry the typical dessert gifts like cheesecakes, but also have unique ideas like fruit baskets, giant fortune cookies and caramel apples. We serve both retail and corporate clients looking to make their gift giving experience easy and enjoyable. Most desserts are shipped quickly and at reasonable prices.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women:
If you already own a business, make sure to balance your time well. I always schedule my kids and hubby’s events before deciding on trade shows or party events. That way nothing will be conflicting.

If you don’t own a business yet, or are just starting, do LOTS AND LOTS of research BEFORE buying anything. I’ve seen too many moms get swindled out of money for websites, domain names, hosting, etc. If you are tight on a budget, try learning it yourself. But if you must pay someone for a service, do your homework before spending the money.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Networking groups and word of mouth are my biggest methods. I’ve also done a lot of SEO (search engine optimization) work to get my website listed for certain keywords.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
When I first started years ago, I didn’t have a lot of policies listed online. After returns and complaints, I learned to make sure that policies are listed or linked to on each page. I also have a shopping cart set up so they must check a box showing they have read the pages about our shipping/ordering/return policies.

Name: Kristine Higginbotham

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a mother of a 2 and 4 year old. I love to read and go for walks.

What is your business name and web address: The Natural Life Store Inc.
http://www.thenaturallifestore.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Spend more time with my family
while promoting something I really believe in and could make a difference for
the future of our planet.

Tell us a little about your business: I offer natural and organic skin products,
tie dyed cloth baby items, Fuzzi Bunz diapers, organic coton crib sheets. I have
monthly articles posted about natural living posted.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are interested in working from home:

It is HARD work. Make sure it
is for something you really believe in so you do not get burned out. Make sure
you have a business plan and a budget.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Diaperpin.com

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you
learned from:
I bought a banner advertisement and they never posted it nor did I
ever get my money back. Be careful who you give money to on the web.

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.

Name: Jillian Vest

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a young mom of two wonderful little girls Kylie who is 23months and Allison
who is 8months and I am also a wife to a wonderful man who is a marine. We live
in Virginia and are getting ready to move to North Carolina this December since
my husband is being transferred down there.

What is your business name and web address:
I am a consultant with White Lily Candles and my website is
www.crazy4candles.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I have been a stay at home mom since the birth of my second little girl in
December 2004 and I wanted to still be able to help my husband provide for our
family so when I found White Lily and their wonderful products as well as their
great opportunity I leaped at the chance to become a consultant and I am so glad
that I did because now I can help with some of the little things as my business
grows.

Tell us a little about your business:
White Lily candles makes hand-poured soy candles, luxurious bath & body
products, hand-dipped stuffed animals dipped in your favorite white lily scent
and votive holders and there are always new products coming. We also hold
fundraisers for those in need of some financial help by making a candle in their
name and donating a part of the purchase price to them. The candles smell
wonderful and they burn until all that is left is the little metal peice at the
bottom and the body products smell great as well, leaving your skin soft and
smelling wonderful for hours after you applied it even after sleeping or washing
your hands numerous times!

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
The only advice I can see giving is to keep at it, do not give up! Your business
will succeed it just takes time and patience and lots of advertising to make it
grow. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing and when you have a wonderful product
such as white lily for example you will have customers for life, just keep at it
and you will do great!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Word of mouth from family and friends, link exchanges with other wonderful work
at home moms, being a member of the mompack which is a great group of moms who
each help promote each other and last but not least not being afraid to ask
someone you don’t know if they would like to try your product.

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

I am still so new at this that I do not have one of these experiences yet.

Mention that you were referred to me through this website and I will give you a
free gift with any order of $25 or more, this applies to orders sent directly to
me and not through the company website.

Name: Carrie Farrimond

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a 32 year old WAHM. I have been happily married for 5 years, and we have an
adorable 17 month old son. We have a Golden Retriever named Chewy, and a cat
named Boo Kitty. I enjoy scrapbooking, playing video games, reading and going to
movies.

What is your business name and web address:
Bear Hugs – http://www.carriesbearhugs.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I resigned my teaching position in June 2004. I knew I wanted to stay home with
him rather than have him go to daycare. Once I didn’t have the demands of
teaching anymore, I decided to focus my professional energy toward learning to
build a website and marketing products I love to create! VIOLA! Bear Hugs was
born.

Tell us a little about your business:
I am so excited about the new products on my site! They are pet announcements,
pet scrapbooks and recipe scrapbooks. I also create handmade birth
announcements, photo birth announcements, baby shower invitations and scrapbooks
& calendars for all occasions.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
Keep at it! Don’t give up, and remember it sometimes takes years to get your
business up and running the way you want it to be. I am still plugging along,
and it is almost a year after I started!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
By far, word of mouth. Well, word of my family’s mouth! Without my family, and
my in-laws, I never would have gotten started.

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

I didn’t do enough research on merchant accounts. Before you decide to venture
into anything, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Ask questions, look at many different companies
and ask others who may have experience in the topic you are looking into.

Do you have any specials going on that you would like to share with our
readers:
I always have specials! There is always something on sale on my site.