Tell us a little about your business.
We sell business suits to career women.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
The business was started to allow professional women to have affordable, suitable and powerful business attire.

How did you get started?
Personal savings of $5,000.

What makes your company unique?
Only sell fully-lined suits at just above wholesale prices.

Were any special skills/training required? Where did you get this training/experience?
Have worked in similar types of business for over 10 years.

What were the approximate start-up costs?
$5,000.

Did it require any special purchases (equipment, inventory)?
Computer, printer, fax, apparel racks and inventory.

What difficulties did you encounter starting out?
No difficulties.

How many hours do you work in a typical week?
Est. 30 hours.

What are some ways you market your business? What method has worked best for you?
Word of mouth has been okay. A small amount of newspaper advertising a year or so ago.

What has been most rewarding about working for yourself?
Flexible hours. Get my suits at wholesale prices.

What has been most frustrating?
Nothing, so far.

How do you separate work from home?
Have separate room in house for the business and separate line for fax machine

What advice do you have for others starting their own business?
Must be willing to spend a lot of time and effort.