Rae Lynn Glispin of Raelynn’s Creations

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.

April Dostert of You Are Loved Children’s Resale

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.

Myrna McPhee of Sacred Weddings Specially 4 You

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..

Lisa Smith of GreetingCookie.com

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.

Cynthia Powell of Chicks & Cubs

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.

Cara Sonnier of The Dessert Box

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.

Kristine Higginbotham of The Natural Life Store

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.

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.

Jillian Vest - White Lily Candles

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.

Carrie Farrimond - Bear Hugs

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.

Patty Woods - Claydybug Creations

Name: Patty Woods

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a military wife on 19 years with three boys. I started sculpting over 20
years ago when I started making miniatures. I love visiting new places and
learning about the area I’m in, which helps when you move as often as the
military wants you to :c)

What is your business name and web address:
Claydybug Creations ~ Hand Sculpted
Portraiture and Gifts


http://home.earthlink.net/~claydybug_creations/

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I have always loved creating something with my hands and this enabled me to
stay home with my kids while contibuting a little to our fun money.

Tell us a little about your business:
I create hand sculpted portraiture and gifts. I love creating something from
nothing. My newest venture is in creating items for consultants to help
promote their businesses.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
Yes, time management. I have learned that the hard way and am still trying to
apply it when I get involved in my creations.

Paula Dodds - TheVirtualChoice.com

Name: Paula Dodds

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a WAHM to two adorable little girls: Brady, age 5 (after 9-15-05, age 6),
and Emma, age 3. I work from my home office as a Virtual Assistant, focusing
mainly on Writing and Editing, but doing a variety of administrative tasks for
small/home-based businesses. I also am a consultant for Kat’s Coffees & More.

What is your business name and web address:
My Virtual Assistant business is run under my own name and my site is at
www.TheVirtualChoice.com.
My Kat’s sales site can be viewed at:
www.TheCoffeeNut.com.

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Having my first daughter inspired me. I went “back to work,” helping the company
my husband worked at with a project they needed extra hands for. It lasted four
days (not even one full week). I couldn’t be away from my daughter! So I found a
job working from home and then expanded it into my own biz.

Tell us a little about your business:
I do a lot of web content writing and writing articles. I also
edit/type/proofread manuscripts and texts for a variety of authors. I get to
read a lot of interesting stuff!
I still offer my original services, too. Basically, I just take care of the
administrative “burden” that weighs small and home-based business owners down. I
follow up with their customers, answer emails (occasionally phone calls), print
information, organize direct mailings, coordinate their bookkeeping with their
accountants, interview new staff… Okay, I am a Virtual Girl Friday!

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women who are
interested in working from home:
DO IT! But first, do your research, find something you’re good at and you enjoy,
and have a financial “cushion” or some other source of income. Join groups
online/locally with other women who are looking to work from home and who
already work from/at home. Ask ALL of your questions!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
The most effective advertising method for me has been word-of-mouth and customer
service. It’s like the old business saying about upsetting one customer/client
and they’ll tell 10 people, make one happy and they’ll tell three to five
people. If you keep your clients and customers happy, they will promote you.
One great additional tip about keeping them happy: (shh, BIG secret) Find a way
to cross-promote whatever you’re offering with whatever they are!

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

After our second daughter was born, I had to go back into the hospital for
another surgery. I took on a small contract after my c-section but before my
gall bladder removal, and I ended up making SOO many mistakes on it. I really
ticked off that client and he hasn’t been back since. From that experience, I
learned that moms and business women DO need to take time for themselves.
Everything really does fall apart if you don’t. It’s much better for your
business (and your finances) to take a little time each day and really let
yourself heal if you’ve been sick or under the weather.

Julie Maher - Website Design Company

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a stay at home mom and an entrepreneur. I split my time with my family that
I love more than everything else and my online business.

What is your business name and web address:
WDCo - Website Design Company
http://www.websitedesigncompany.biz

I also have a special section for WAHM located at:

http://www.websitedesigncompany.biz/mompacksection.html

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Spending more time with my family was my priority. Now only one salary was not
enough so I decided to put my passion to work for us!

Tell us a little about your business:
I am a website designer. I create websites, banners, online newsletter, and so
much more! I now have a new service that will full launch on September 1st: It
is called Traffic for WAH. It worth a look!

http://www.websitedesigncompany.biz/trafficforwah.html

Into The Mommy Spot Section, Prices are near to nothing. I feel concern in
helping as much as I can other mothers that try to put their business off the
ground.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
You need to be persevering in your project. Putting time and money in it and
most important, having faith and believe in your products, and ideas. Being able
to be a super Mom working at home is not as simple as it looks like and it needs
forces and discipline!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
I tried several methods before deciding to open Traffic for WAH. This is the
main point why I created such an option. I tried it myself before opening it,
and results was amazing! Also, being a proud member of The Mom Pack has been a
revelation for me. So many helpful moms on this network, and a lot of them are
looking to appraise their websites and traffic.

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

There is bad customers in any kind of business. I didn’t met mine yet - lol! I
am quite lucky to meet only great and outstanding customers! Hmmm… maybe once,
someone wanted to promote my business through a network and sent the website
from one of my competitors instead!

Jill McAllister of Jill’s Original Artwork

Name: Jill McAllister

Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a wahm full time artist. married to my best friend for 12 years and
counting we have 3 kids 2 boys ages 8,5 and a baby girl 1 year old We have
english mastiff and a quaker parrot. We live in Florida. I started painting when
I was 13 and started selling my artwork when I was 14

What is your business name and web address:
Jill’s Original Artwork
http://www.jillsartwork.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
I always wanted to be a sahm and my business just kind of started on it’s own
and I’m just kind of along for the ride

Tell us a little about your business:
I hand paint one of a kind gift items, home decor, commissioned artwork etc.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women
that are interested in working from home:
It is SOOOO worth it. It’s a lot of work but don’t give up and don’t ever
let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.

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

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

To make sure customers know all the details because they never read everything
before buying.

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Michelle Suman - JamSum Limited

August 16, 2005

Name: Michelle Suman

Tell us a little about yourself:
I have an AAB in Applied Computer Sciences. I have been married to my high school sweet heart
since September 1999. We have to beautiful children a girl, Hannah(4 1/2 years old) and a boy, Riley (3 years old). Been a wahm since 2001 when my daughter was born and was laidoff to be a contractor at my job.

What is your business name and web address:
JamSum Limited, http://www.JamSum.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
Well after you weigh all the options and the cost. It is less expensive to stay
home and work. The best thing was that I would be able to see my children grow up.

Tell us a little about your business:
JamSum Limited is a small full service technical and creative business solutions company focused
on the small to mid-size business community. Our mission is to provide high quality technical and creative solutions to meet the business’ needs.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are
interested in working from home:
Make sure you doing something that you enjoy. If you are not doing something you enjoy it will not last. Make sure you do research on what you want to do.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
I do a lot of networking through HBWM.com and Ryze.com. I also advertise in newsletters and newspapers. The best advertising method I have noticed is word of mouth. Nothing says it better than a happy client.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Make sure if you are in business doing a service to make sure you get everything in writing. I was burnt a couple times in the beginning by not having a contract with a client. Now everything done at JamSum is through contract. I layout what JamSum will provide and what is the responsiblity of the client.

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Terri Seymour of Seymour Products

August 16, 2005

Name: Terri Seymour

Tell us a little about yourself:

I have been married for 23 years and we have two boys, Jesse 20 and Dustin 13. We are a very close family and enjoy outdoor activities. I love working online and having the opportunity to meet so many different and wonderful people.

What is your business name and web address:

Seymour Products
www.seymourproducts.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:

For most of our marriage I have been a SAHM, but due to the economy, I wanted to contribute to the family finances. I decided that I would rather be able to stay home and make money so I can continue caring for our home and family in the manner they were used to.

Tell us a little about your business:

We started Seymour Products to give everyone a chance to build their own successful home business. I know there are similar opportunities out there, but we try to offer benefits not available in other opportunities. Our goal is to help countless people become success and to be one of the most talked about home business opportunities on the net.

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

First of all, it does seem overwhelming at times. I know it did for me! It might take some time to get focused and start feeling organized, but it will happen. Do not let yourself get too frustrated, or discouraged. Stick with it and you can become a success. Network with other Moms who have been through the same thing. This will give you strength and encouragement to continue and achieve your goals!!

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:

By far it has been my articles. My articles have brought me visitors, sales, distributors, improved search engine ranking, respect, trust, and more. I have been writing articles for several years and I plan to continue as long as I am in business!

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

I have had a couple bad experiences with customers. What I did learn was you have to believe in yourself and your business and do what is right for you. Do NOT let a customer bully into doing something you know is wrong. The old saying, “The Customer is Always Right” is a crock. But ALWAYS treat them with respect. If they sink to name calling or other childish tactics, do not let yourself resort to the same thing. Remain firm, but respectful, polite and mature!

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Ellen LaFleche-Christian of Moonlight Creations Jewelry

August 16, 2005

A Vermont work at home mom shares her experiences.

Name: Ellen LaFleche-Christian

Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Ellen and I’m a WAHM of two children. Sarah is 12 and David is 8. My husband and I and our children live in a small farmhouse in the woods in Vermont.

What is your business name and web address:
I have a few.
Moonlight Creations Jewelry http://moonlight-creations-jewelry.com/
Holiday Mail Train http://holiday-mail-train.com/
and ellenlafleche Auctions & Sales http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/ellenlafleche

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
For years I had a very stressful job in our local government as an elected official. My health and my family suffered until I decided to become a WAHM.

Tell us a little about your business:
Moonlight Creations Jewelry specializes in affordable handmade beaded jewelry & accessories custom made the way YOU want. The Holiday Mail Train offers personalized holiday letters for children including letters from Gracey Ghost, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Start a new holiday tradition today. I also offer new and gently used items on eBay including books, crafts, VHS and more.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women that are interested in working from home:
Do something you love. Life is too short to spend it doing something you hate.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Word of mouth is the most effective advertising method for me. Thanks to all of my wonderful customers who have shared my website with their friends & family.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Make sure that you have your own style. So many jewelry makers offer all the same products. It’s best to be unique.

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