Who is Pure Baby Joy?
Pure Baby Joy is an online store that supports natural parenting. Behind Pure Baby Joy is me, Wendy. I work outside the home and out of my home and am the mother of three little girls. My girls are my inspiration. I have a very supportive (and patient) husband, Dan, and we live in Cleveland, Ohio.

What do you sell?
I sell cloth diapers, baby slings/carriers, nursing accessories, and all natural & organic bath and body products. Helping the novice cloth diaper user is my specialty.

Why did you decide to start a business?
Although the web market is overwhelmed by baby boutiques, there really is no one in my local area that offers these types of products. Although I do not have a storefront, I do meet with local customers for cloth diaper and baby wearing consultations and participate in local venues to showcase my products.

How did you get started?
I started looking into cloth diapers for my daughters and got hooked. Once I saw that there were no local resources supporting cloth diapering, I decided to start my business.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?
I would have done a little more research into the financial aspect. I did not obtain a loan, but used all my own personal funds. I did not realize how much money it would take to get going.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?
If you are getting in a business with lots of competition, don’t forget your local customers. Customers like knowing that there is a real person behind a web store and once they meet you and know that you take the time to introduce yourself or are willing to present your products in person, they often form a loyalty to you.

Who is Kickshaw Confections?

Kickshaw Confections is me, Heather, my husband Karl and all my little taste testers. I’m a work at home mom and confectioner/chocolatier. Candy making is in our blood and we love being in the business of satisfying sweet tooths.

Why did you decide to start a business?

We started Kickshaw to help supplement my husband’s income so he can eventually work less hours and spend more time with his kids. I also needed a creative outlet. My mind is always running and it needs to stay busy. I guess 4 kids doesn’t keep it busy enough.  :0)

How did you get started?

We purchased a little lollipop e-store and then decided to take on the family tradition and expanded to a full line of confections. My inlaws have been confectioners for over 20 years.

What do you sell?

We sell a full line of handcrafted from scratch confections. We do not use dyes or preservatives. Our chocolate is very fine and we are so proud of that and our best selling gourmet almond roca.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have bought the little lollipop shop. I would have just went straight on with our other confections. I was nervous to have people try my treats, because even though my family and I loved them, I was so nervous what others would think. I would have put that fear behind me instead of hiding behind it for nearly 8 months.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?

Don’t let fear stop you. Look at it straight in the face and tell it to move on over. Go straight to your dreams and when you face a hurdle, don’t stop, go over it, even if it takes a while.

Who is Georgie Designs?

Georgie Designs is a handcrafted jewelry business. But who is it really? It’s me, Robyn Klauer, the owner, marketing manager, money manager, researcher, secretary, and oh…I design and make jewelry, too!

Why did you decide to start a business?

I have always been crafty. Jewelry making has been my favorite of all things tried. I had been making it for years and giving it away. I decided it was getting too expensive so I started selling it on the side. Then after I had my daughter, it just seemed the perfect fit to work from home doing something I loved while still getting to give 110% to my daughter.

How did you get started?

I first sold on eBay. But eBay is difficult. There are so many jewelry people selling that it is hard to make any money. So I decided to have my own website. My current website is actually my second attempt. I had a site back in 2005 but gave it up because it was too expensive to maintain and I was discouraged by how hard it is to get Google to find you. I was working full time as a School Psychologist at the time so I didn’t really give it my all.

What do you sell?

Handcrafted jewelry using quality ingredients such as sterling silver and semiprecious gemstones.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

I would have not given up so easily! It is a lot of work, but the harder you work and the longer you’ve been doing it, the smarter you get. It takes a lot of time to get it right, in my opinion.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?

Don’t get discouraged when things are slow in the beginning. It is a learning process that takes time. And just because you have talent and put up a website, doesn’t mean people will buy from you. Marketing is the most improtant part of the business. If you don’t have an image, and people can’t find you, you won’t be successful! Oh, and don’t be afraid to tell everyone you meet that you own a business. Word of mouth is huge!