[mommy4ever]

I dream, and plan to have my own full fledged business. Currently it's little more than a hobby. It is profitable, but not consistent yet.

My goal is to build something that my family can work at and build more. Although the kids are young, they do show an interest. Since my target market is in their age group, I've got consultants at hand. They will learn the trade. DS is learning skills currently, as are my 2 oldest girls. The youngest is only 3, but she already shows interest in wanting to help. I hope that once our dumb debt is paid off next year, we'll get the equipment we need to pursue this more seriously, paid by cash.

I did an experiment this last year, and earned just over $2k in 2 weekends on my seasonal products. Now I'm workign on ideas for year round. Also I am working with sport teams. I've been approached by a few, and may even have some adult teams next year as well.

I'm dreaming big, and planning for it. While I have competition, I've found a niche too, so I'm hoping to grow it, and use my kids ingenuity to build on it. They are already giving feedback..lol. Ds graphic art is near the point of being usable. The younger girls is usable as kid art for it, but needs lots of refinement.

Anyone else?

 

[Missy]

you've piqued my interest.

Currently I sell adult novelties, see my siggy.

 

[mnmarty03]

mommy4ever - what do you make? I'm curious, but you never actually say what you make.

My fiance wants to open his own restaurant someday. While the dream started out as his (and still is), over time it's become a part of my dream as well. I'll be working as a zookeeper after college (that's my dream job), but i can see myself either working with him full time or helping out part time when we open the business eventually. I love the idea of us working towards that goal and then accomplishing it together.

 

[Hollyhandi]

My fiance is starting to get quite and interest in his BBQ business
I am planning and working on starting my own unique gift basket business

 

[mommy4ever]

ROFL.. Hmm... what do I make?

I've made cloth diapers, clothing, Christmas ornaments, personalized embroidery, some jewelry. I've done alot of different things. The focus is becoming embroidery, but that isn't always stimulating my creative juices. I draft and design as well. Dressmaking. If see it and like it, i can usually make it.

Here's a couple things I've made. As I said I am focusing on embroidery. I have a niche locally that does very well..lol

 

[wanderlusting]

momm4ever- those clothes are so cute!

 

[FrugalMomof3]

The clothes are adorable! WOW I am totally impressed.

 

[Missy]

love the ruffles at hteir feet, too cute!!

 

[yankeegal]

I love the ruffles as well-you do have a talent!

I am in the process of owning my own cookie business. It just seems to be taking forever to go through the legal steps. My planning board meeting is finally here-the 17th-I have been waiting a long time. My hope is that even though my residence is not zoned for a home business, they will grant me a variance.
Keep your fingers crossed, please.

 

[Missy]

I have my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for ya yankee gal!! You have the coolest cookies ever! bet you do great!

 

[Cricket1]

Wow! You are some talented ladies!!

 

[mom2three]

I am thinking of starting my own nutritional counseling/research company. I have a Ph. D. in Biochemistry and am looking at what else I might need to do this.

 

[homemaker66]

I have my own housekeeping business. I have been doing it about two years now and since then I have two part time ladies that help out. My client list keeps growing all the time. The nice part of this is there were really no extra cost to get started. Everyone supplies their own products for their homes so then I don't have to buy them. Word by mouth keeps the business growing. My family also helps out when I need the help. Right now is a busy time of year because of the spring cleaning. This is a business that you can start really cheap and it will grow like crazy! Also keep in mind this is very hard work because you can clean up to three houses a day or more if you have the time or energy. I only work from 8:30-1:00 which this is around my kids school hours.

 

[yankeegal]

I have my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for ya yankee gal!! You have the coolest cookies ever! bet you do great!

Thanks Missy!!!

 

[Ceashels]

I see that some are going thru the process of having a business that is legit. I have been doing housekeeping as well, but haven't gone thru the paper work of making it a bonafide "business" in the eyes of the taxman. I know they will eat 50% of the earnings for my hard work and that won't make it equitable for the time I invest. Any opinions or ideas? How are others handling their home businesses?

 

[mommy4ever]

I have thought of doing housekeeping, but right now I still have a little one at home. But ultimately I want to create, channel the creative energy, it's what I love to do

How did you get started with housekeeping?

 

[YankeeMom]

Someday dh & I would like to own our own business. Two sided, his being a hobby shop, mine being yarn/knitting arts shop

 

[Ceashels]

For me it housekeeping started with one of my Mom's friends. It has slowly grown over the past 3 yrs which has been a nice pace. All of it through Word of Mouth. I filled in at Church for the custodian when he had his bypass surgery and that netted me a few more clients. I am now getting to the point where I don't want to add any more clients. I work about 4-5 hours a day 4-5 days a week. I try to leave enough time for me to take care of the house and yard before my spouse comes home. So the time we have together is not interupted by "who wants to mow and who wants to weedwack."

I charge per job and what it entails. Initial cleanings cost more as I find I do a more thorough job than previous cleaners (especially the franchised ones). I tailor to fit the needs of the client.... hands and knees on the floor... is not a problem. One time full cleaning, the next just vacuum and change the bedlinens. It has worked out very well for me. And I hate to say I can't to the future customer.

I have been very happy with how my small enterprise has grown and am now at the point where I need to think about making it a legit business. I hate throwing money to the taxman, but want to be fair and equitable. I know that after taxes, I won't be bringing home half of what I make. It is a delicate position right now. Do I slow my bussiness growth down to keep my earnings or pay uncle sam to throw my money at things that I don't support.... *sigh*

 

[Laurie in Bradenton]

Dh and I have had our own business for the last 20 years. We've been big and been small. Had over 20 guys working fulltime and now just the 2 of us.
We like it small fewer headaches. As for the taxman and the insurance buzzards figure them in and give them their due or they will eat you alive. Learned these lessons the hard way!! Been under IRS superviosion for 10 years.
Things we like about our business: Freedom to set hours and schedule as much as possible. We figure vacations andd trips into the schudle and plan funding for them. Begin respondsible for a finished product. Nothing like going by one of the resturants we've painted and see a line out the door.
Things we hate about our business; The amount of insurance monies we have to pay t be in our field. The amount of money the governement takes and the way they spend it.
A word on family! Over the years we have had good and bad expernices with family and our business. Sometimes its best not to include family. We are hoping to someday turn our businss over to our son but right now he's not ready.
About money pay your bills first, your retirement second if there is anything left over save half. Enjoy the rest.

Laurie in Bradenton

 

[melissa&austin]

I also have do housekeeping. I lost my full time job last April and have been doing this ever since. I love it! Being my own boss is definetly so worth it and I typically do once house a day, but could easily do 2. As stated, it is hard work but I enjoy working on my own schedule, not having co-irkers and generally having more time to be a wife.

I learned how to clean professionally in college. I put the word out and had people start calling immediately. I do provide the supplies(I have gotten more business this way) and my clients provide the vacuum, mop, bucket, etc. I have found that people are more interested in a private contractor cleaner then a large business. I charge less and do more and business is good!