What prompted you to work from home? I lost my job in December 2008 due to a layoff at my advertising agency. I loved my job. I had an infant son and my husband had just gone through a complete career change too, but I longed to be home with my son. When I was out with a friend of my hubby’s one night, he (yes HE!) asked me if I’d heard of Stella & Dot. I said,”No, but I can’t sell a thing!” And here I am!  I knew God had put this opportunity in front of me for a reason. Every day I see that reason and I know this is the best thing that could have happened to me.
 
How are you balancing work and home life? Honestly, this has been a bigger challenge for me than getting my business going! I have to balance my work and my family life so that work doesn’t overcome the importance of my family. Since our son is a toddler—a very active one I might add—now and he is home with me every day, sometimes 10 hours a day, I just have learned to manage my time and prioritize. Sometimes that means not answering emails for several hours, but  that is just part of it. Family is first.
 
What does a typical “work-from-home day” look like? I wake up and feed the kiddo, make dad’s lunch and let the dog out. I usually jump on the computer to get some emails out of the way. If I have too many, I have to prioritize and get to the rest later. I then try to organize my day by writing a to-do list for the day or sometimes the week. This really helps. At naptime if I am not exhausted I work. Then after nap it is mommy-Kelton time and we play, read, go run errands. Wash Rinse Repeat. On trunk show days/nights we have a sitter if Dad is still at work and I go out to work!
 
What resources do you recommend for other moms wanting to get started in a home based business? I can’t tell you how important networking is. I can’t stress enough about getting out from behind your desk. Just get out there. Look for wonderful networks and groups like ReallyWorkingFromHome.com, MommyPerks, Living My MoMent, ReferMyBiz.com, The Work at Home Mom…and look on Meetup.com for local networks as well. It is all about getting your name out there and getting exposure.
 
How important is it to have your family’s support when you start a home based business? It is one of the most important things you can have. It encourages, motivates and inspires you each day.

Visit Tracy’s Sites:

http://www.stelladot.com/tracybennett

http://trendytracy.blogspot.com/

Filed under: Direct Sales, Interviews with Christian MOMPreneurs, monday's mommy minute