Home-based entrepreneurs holding steady

NORFOLK, Va. - They are turning a passion into profits. Three local women who have traveled different paths, but who have ended up with the same title - entrepreneur.

Susan Morton said, "I never had any idea that I would ever start my own business. It was the farthest thing from my mind."

A decade ago, Morton left the banking industry and was able to turn a love of crafts into a full-time business.

She is essentially a teacher who sells products from her home through an affiliation with Stampin' Up - a Utah-based company.

For potential business-owners, cutting through the mass of home-sale ads takes some work.

The Better Business Bureau encourages you to ask questions before handing over money for a work-at-home opportunity.

For example, Stampin' Up requires a $199 start-up fee, which includes products and materials.
Legitimate programs will let you know in writing what's involved.

Teresa Hagedorn said, "You can turn it to whatever you want it to be, if you believe that you can."

Hagedorn says throwing parties and recruiting fellow salespeople for Pampered Chef cooking products has allowed her to stay at home during the day with her kids.

She said, "I thought once they were all in school, I'll go back to working full time like before.  No, it's too nice to be self-employed."

Some advantages of self-employment are the flexibility and low overhead, but this not a job that earns you an hourly wage. Compensation is based on meeting sales goals.

Hagedorn said, "You've got to take action and decide that for yourself and then turn your business into what you want it to be."

"Our team has doubled its sales last month in November, and tripled in October. I think more and more people are starting to eat in, and that is helping us," said entrepreneur Joyce Mallwitz.

Mallwitz, a part-time businesswoman with Homemade Gourmet out of Texas, arranges parties where her company's easy to make food, is the star.

This is her secret to success.

"Get something that is close to your heart," she said.

And right now, for these three women, that key ingredient is paying off.
  
The Better Business Bureau also encourages those interested in a home-based business to check the company out, not just where the company is based, but where you live.

Related Links:

Susan Morton's website

Teresa Hagedorn's website

Joyce Mallwitz's website