Let’s see, why I started my home business?   Well, it all started with the sound of a heart beat through a sonogram.  I realized then I wanted to be more than a part-time mother but, I wanted to be a major part of my child’s life and working outside of the home was just not going to help meet that goal.  It has taken 6 years, but finally I am pursuing my dream of working at home full-time. 

Here’s where I began…

In 1992, I contacted an organization to purchase about 6 home businesses I could operate right out of my home.  Well, I gave them my money and started operating a few of those businesses I thought I would like.  I was disillusioned into thinking I was going to make a lot of money.  What I really ended up doing is making money for someone else.  That lasted long enough for me to realize this was not for me.  It wasn’t something I really enjoyed doing, so I didn’t stick with it.  Later, I tried some of the other "business opportunities" and pretty much failed at those.  It was usually something to sell that I had little or no knowledge about.  I hadn’t caught on that if it wasn’t something I liked to do, I wasn’t going to stick with it.

Meanwhile,  I had been writing on different subjects, not really doing it as a business, just writing because I enjoyed it. Writing was something I just did.  I didn’t think I was really good at it because I was not one of those writers who elaborated on things.  I was pretty straight-to-the-point when it came to any subject.  This drove my English teacher crazy.  She would always write on my papers "tell me more, elaborate!"   The classes I took encouraged me to broaden my statements to give my readers a visual picture of what I was writing about.  I did well in those classes , but it was a struggle for me to give details on what was in my glove compartment.  Which was one of our many assignments.

A few years ago,  I saw some booklets for sale through a mail order catalog and the light went on.  I ordered a few, read them, and realized I had the talent to do the same thing.  There were a few fields in business I already had working knowledge of, so I had a few ideas of what I could write about.  I discovered I could write on "business" related subjects where my style of writing is excepted.  This was something I liked to do and could draw an income from.  It wasn’t long before I started reading up on writing and self-publishing booklets.

Now, I have my own forum for writing my straight-to-the-point style.  This I enjoy!  I currently have written three booklets (and one on the way) I self-published in my home office.  They are "How to Develop a Business Plan For Your Small/Home-based Business", Tax Tips For Your Home Business", and How To Start A Home-Based Business In Six Easy Steps!".  The one on the way is "How to Self-Publish Booklets".  I also do the marketing for these booklets through the internet and mail order catalogs.  Soon to come is my website where you can purchase my booklets and obtain the knowledge and inspiration you need to start a home business and self-publish your own booklets. The key is do something you truly enjoy and you will stick with it. 

I now enjoy the privilege of  taking my 6 year old daughter to school.  We actually have time to eat breakfast together, not rushing her out the door with a Pop-Tart.  There's no amount of money that could replace seeing her smiling face when I pick her up.  No longer does she have to spend 3 hours in the after-school program.  We sit down and go over her homework, read, and discuss it.  I don't feel stressed or pressed for time anymore.  I'm also able to be home with my 3 year old daughter and watch her grow and learn.  I'm cherishing every moment I have with them.  I consider this opportunity to be a blessing from God and plan to make the most of it.  The question was "Why did I start my home business?"  The answer is simply to spend quality time with MY CHILDREN.

©1999 LaDonna Vick