Tell us a little about your business.
I publish a recipe newsletter for busy moms. Each issue is like a mini cookbook. It contains 5 recipes from 5 different categories. They include: 1) Breads, Rolls; 2) Soups, Salads, Vegetables; 3) Main Dishes; 4) Cakes, Cookies, Desserts; 5) Mom's Pick Of The Week. All of the recipes are quick and easy.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I am a stay-at-home mom and I wanted to do something that I enjoy and bring in extra income at the same time.

How did you get started?
I compiled recipes that I have collected over the years and wrote my first issue. Then I made a brochure and flyers using my computer and printer. I placed them in local grocery stores, car windows, etc. I also placed an ad in our local paper and started advertising on the internet. Within a couple months I got my own web site.

What makes your company unique?
I had never seen a business that offers this service. Being a busy mom myself, I knew that this was something all moms could use. It saves you the time of looking through all of your cookbooks, spending time surfing the net for recipes, and gives you "new" ideas for that age old question....."Hey Mom! What's For Dinner?"

Were any special skills/training required? Where did you get this training/experience?
I only had to be able to use Word Pad on my computer and be able to design the brochure and flyers.

What were the approximate start-up costs?
When I started this business I already had the computer and printer. The only other cost was the cost of paper, print cartridges, and the monthly fee for my web site.

Did it require any special purchases (equipment, inventory)?
I had to get a post office box to use for the business mail.

What difficulties did you encounter starting out?
The biggest difficulty is getting the word out about my service. There is a lot of competition on the internet these days.

How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I usually spend about 3-4 hours a day on the computer, answering e-mail, placing ads on different sites and search engines, typing recipes into my computer, and printing out newsletters. I also spend quite a bit of time sorting through all of my recipes. All in all, I am not sure of exactly how much time I spend working on my business.

What are some ways you market your business? What method has worked best for you?
Brochures, flyers, ads in newspapers, web site, ads posted on message boards, profiles such as this, home business sites, and word of mouth. I also recently had guest columns on several different web sites during the holidays. Three addresses where they are located are: 1) http://www.mommytimes.com/mt971201.htm 2) http://homeparents.miningco.com ( Located under The Archives - 12/3/97-The Holidays On One Income 3) http://www.parenthoodweb.com/parent_cfmfiles/pros.cfm?n=663

I feel that any place where I can reach "busy moms" is the best place for me to advertise.

What has been most rewarding about working for yourself?
Knowing that I can take a business idea of my own and make a success out of it.

What has been most frustrating?
All of the long hours spent on trying to spread the word about it. It has been very time consuming.

How do you separate work from home?
My kids are both in school so I really don't have a problem there. I do most of my work while they are in school. When they get home, I have to be there to take them to their after school activities, help them with homework, etc. If I have to do any work in the evening it is done after they go to bed.

What advice do you have for others starting their own business?
Find something you enjoy, work hard, and try not to give up! It may be slow going, but the benefits will be worth it in the end.