Mom Entrepreneur : Natural Wonders Soap N' More

I think it is a fair assumption to make that most stay at home moms would love to start their own home-based business. And of course, so many women are doing just that. If you are in this category, but need some ideas on what business to start, take a peek at this mom's story. She was able to take a need in her family, and from that, start her own business to fill that need.

Jenny Reynolds young daughter developed eczema, and in finding a soap that would help her daughter's skin,  a new business idea was born.

After first trying the non- steroid cream her daughter's doctor prescribed, Jenny researched the ingredients and found that some of them may not actually be safe. So the Lafayette mom decided to try natural soaps that she found on a site for natural mother. And she was hooked.

Reynolds continued to research natural soaps and found hat she could make these at home with ingredients she chose.. Chamomile tea, tea tree oil, organic avocado oil, and cosmetic grade olive oil were the ingredients used in making the first soaps, and Reynolds credits her natural soaps for curing  problem skin for the entire family.

Reynolds has now turned her hobby into a business called Natural Wonders Soaps 'N More. It takes her about an hour to make 100 bars.

After  her two kids go to bed, Reynolds and her husband get to work, mixing and pouring.

"We had a lot of laundry soap to start out with because it didn't work so well the first time. When we first started it took us hours and hours, but we've got it down pretty good now," she said.

"You just take water and lye together, and then you take your mixture of oils and blend them together," explains the mom entrepreneur. After pouring them into molds, next comes the waiting game. The bars take up to six weeks to firm up completely.

And  Reynolds has found a market for the products. She is a regular at the Lafayette Farmers' Market where her bars of soap, foot scrub, lip balm, and lotions sell quickly.

"We have the essential oils for the people who like people who like things that are more natural. We do a lot of tea tree oil, peppermint and we have our fragrance oils that are more highly scented but they aren't as natural," she said.

Reynolds says lemon and almond are very popular. People also like the coffee soap that can be used in the kitchen to get rid of strong odors like garlic. She said she enjoys helping other families go green and more natural.

Read more about Jenny and her business, and get inspired to create your own home business!

Check out: Women-Owned Businesses - Changing the Face of the Workplace
and also: 12 ways to make money from home

Source: 18 WLFI.com

Weekend Business Idea-- Starting a Pet Taxi Services

So here we are at Friday again, which means some home business idea brainstorming, and a new TGIF drink recipe!

Pet services are always needed by busy pet owners, even in not so great economic times. As a matter of fact, the need for these services may increase more as pet parents that used to be stay at home parents, go back to work.

If pet sitting, dog walking, or a doggie waste pick-up service doesn't thrill you...get creative and think of another service you could offer pet owners, such as a Pet Taxi Service.

Airport pick up/drop off service, veterinary visits, pet grooming visits, service to drop off and pick up pets from kennels, even doggie daycare pick up/drop off services are all things a Pet Taxi Service could be needed for.

You can start word of mouth advertising, leave business cards with veterinarian offices, pet grooming businesses, doggie day care facilities, pet stores, etc. Advertise on Craigs List and local newpapers in your area.

You would need to purchase different size crates, harness and leashes need for this work from home pet job. A leash hook is a nice option to have in your car for pet owners who do not want their animal transported in a crate. Just make sure the animal is wearing a leash that is attached to a secure hook.

When starting any business, you need to find out about permit and licensing requirements from your state's licensing board.

Insurance coverage also will need to be checked to ensure it covers your liability should a pet become injured while in your care.

Brainstorm and research this weekend if you love animals and a big car/van (LOL). And don't forget to enjoy this week's TGIF drink recipe while you do!

Business Idea / Franchise Possibility?

In my daily cruising around the Internet, I came across "Grins To Go," a mobile photography business that also offers franchise opportunities. The Franchise King blog has picked this company as the number one franchise for May 2009.

The idea is simple -- photographers go to you--to your events, parties, home, sporting events, etc... And we love our pictures. Everyone does. After our kids and pets, pictures are right up there on the list when trying to grab things to take with you if there is a fire, right?

So I thought it was worth passing on this business franchise here....if for no other reason than to perhaps give inspiration/motivation to enthusiastic picture takers who make photography a passionate hobby. Maybe think about turning the hobby into a business. Start your own mobile photography business. Maybe make it more specialized at first to keep things simple. Like mobile pet photography. Or focus on children's birthday parties.

And if you are in the market for a franchise, you might really want to look into this one as well.

Got camera? Get a business. Check out the Grins2Go...and maybe find inspiration for starting your own home business!

Live Ops Current Home Based Agents Openings

Live Ops is continuing to grow and expend their home based agent opportunities. They have several different openings listed on their website that you may want to check out:

Financial Services Agents
Inbound Sales Agents
Outbound Consultative Sales Agents
Bilingual Agents
Casual Dining Service Agents

Live Ops Agents are Independent Contractors, set their own hours and basically are running their own business.

Mainly what is required is a computer, high-speed Internet access, a phone line, strong communication skills, and the motivation to be successful.

If interested in learning more about Live Ops Home Based Agent Opportunities, visit their website where you can also start the application process online.

Good Luck!

$1,000 Giveaway Contest

To celebrate the release of his new memoir, 1000 Dollars and an Idea American entrepreneur Sam Wyly is having a $1,000 giveaway contest. The winner will get $1,000, and the winner as well as 20 runner-ups will receive an autographed copy of the book.

Want to enter? Fill out an entry form online and answer a question correctly...good luck!