Special Report: Mom Entrepreneurs

Now Joan is teaching women about Tupperware.

Kellee Twadelle finds time to own her own business while being a mom, "[I received] my masters through Northeastern University in computer science."

Now, Kellee is using her computer skills to sell jewelry she designs.

Both of these Massachusetts women changed their career paths when they became mothers.

Kellee said, "The hours weren't conducive they just weren't for moms."

"I had given so many years to so many children that i just wanted to be home with my own," said Joan.

It's an on-going struggle for moms: trying to find a good balance between work and raising children. But now more and more women are finding ways to do both. They're getting creative turning hobbies into careers that are making them lots of cash.

At first making jewelry was a fun experiment for Kellee, but it quickly skyrocketed into a financial success.

Kellee said, " You definitely, I think, can have a steady income off of it."

She spends a couple hours a day on her craft and the rest with her kids, she said, "it's the best of both worlds."

As for Joan, a couple nights a week she whips up tasty treats and sales pitches for her Tupperware parties.

But before she makes money she makes dinner and catches up with her kids, "you can work as much or as little as you want. The potential is to go up to six figure income very quickly," Joan said.

Here's how to be successful in sales and avoid a work at home scam.

Ask yourself would someone actually use this?

Check to see if the company will buy back unused products for at least 90% of the original cost -- this will protect you if you decide to quit someday.

In Kellee's case she started small to test the waters, selling at first to family and friends.

She said to, "find out are there other women or companies in the area doing something similar to what you want to do. Just so you're not saturating the market."

Taking these few smart steps can be the difference between a financial flop and a successful career.

You should always check out a business before going to work for them.

(Copyright 2005 by WHDHTV 7News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION

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