Work At Home

You really don't need a lot of space or cash to start a home business.

Says Baughman “You have to get creative! Look around at what resources you have available and do your homework. Networking can be your best friend. Make contact with people that have the same interests as you via message boards, groups etc. Share what you know and have learned, that karma will come back around to you.” She continues, “Don’t let lack of space discourage you. A corner that once housed dead space can be lined to the ceiling with shelves. Under the bed can be home to more than just dust bunnies. Rearrange closets for new found storage, and at the same time gather up unwanted items to sell online or at garage sale to help fund your dream!”

Baughman currently runs Candles made from Soy out of the apartment she shares with her new husband, 15-year-old son & 12-year-old stepson. The kids work off game rental money by helping attach candle wicks to jars, and when asked “really don’t mind” that they eat dinner right in the heart of the candle factory.

The bookkeeper turned chandler adds, “It’s important to keep business income & expenses separate from personal funds. Also plan on re-investing any sales revenue you bring in. Soon you will get to the point where you can purchase supplies needed with the income that venture already generated. That’s a good indicator you’re doing something right. Later down the line, make sure to pay yourself as profits allow. You deserve it!”

Re-investing profits has allowed the young mom to debut a new product line without dipping into the family funds. BeSassay Bath & Body offers luxurious personal care items with fun names such as You are soo Whipped! Body Cream, Wishy Washy Shower Gel and Pass me the Salt! Natural Salt Scrub. The homemade goodies are such a hit; Baughman hasn’t had a chance to give them their own home. For now they are showcased right along side their coordinating scented Soy Candle sisters.

A true believer in giving back, Baughman plans on creating a new website to help moms who want to start their own home based business but have no idea where to start. Look for sassaymoms.com to debut later this year.

Melissa Baughman is a wife, a mother and owner of Candles made from Soy. Her Scentsationally Soy Candles can be found on the World Wide Web at www.candlesmadefromsoy.com Future plans include a brick & mortar boutique to showcase her soy candle creations along with her new Bath & Body line "BeSassay", as well as a website geared towards helping other moms achieve their dreams of running a successful home based business.