Tell us a little about your business. 
Home Remedies TM is a Homeowner Referral Network (HRN)--an organized network of highly skilled professionals in every field from painting, plumbing and handy work to furniture refinishing, decorative painting and personal shopping. My business fills two important niches in the home improvement marketplace: 

1) it is a reliable source for homeowners seeking reliable home improvement contractors, and 

2) it is an outsourced sales and marketing force for contractors in the network. 

What makes your company unique?
The Homeowner Referral Network (HRN) is a new and innovative service oriented business which fills a universal need in the home improvement marketplace. 

We also market HRN Business Packages to individuals across the country looking for a viable home based business. The package includes a manual entitled The Complete Guide To Owning And Operating A Successful Homeowner Referral Network, along with a starter set of forms necessary to run the business and telephone consultation.

To date there are 27 HRN's operating in 16 states and they are all operating with little to no competition because no one has ever provided this type of  service.

Were any special skills/training required? 
A sales background, networking skills and organizational skills are all
helpful but not required.

What were the approximate start-up costs?
I invested about $5000 in the business to get started. Mostly for hiring lawyers and consultants to help me create a business plan. 

What difficulties did you encounter starting out?
Trying to balance motherhood and running a business is still a challenge. It was also difficult to separate my work life from my home life. You have to be very disciplined both while you're working and when you're not.

How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I work about 15 to 25 hours a week. (Spring is my busiest season.) 

What are some ways you market your business? What method has worked best for you?
Direct-mail and advertising

What has been most rewarding about working for yourself? 
I am no longer paying someone to do what I wanted to do - raising my child.

What advice do you have for others starting their own business?
Know yourself before you jump into any type of work at home situation.  Pick a business that maximizes your abilities and be sure that you have the discipline to follow it through.