Work at Home Moms make money while raising kids

(As seen online at http://www.springobserver.com/)

It is the dream of many mothers to work from home and make money while raising their children. However, the task can be difficult without proper support and guidance.

That is where Houston Work at Home Moms comes in.

For Holly Munsinger, founder of WAHM, sharing her experiences with other mothers working from home and helping connect them with women in the area just like themselves was something she felt was crucial to a home business's success.

"The group was created with the work-at-home mom in mind. As a mom, we understand what everyday life is about and we want to be able to share the best local resources available," Munsinger, who has worked in direct sales for almost 13 years, said.[

Launched in January 2007, the organization has grown to 44 members from different direct sales and work-from-home companies.
"I think we can easily double our membership," Munsinger said. "Women are always looking for ways to contribute to their household income. Being a stay-at-home mom, they can start their own business on the side while their kids are in school."

The Spring-based WAHM meets once a month and has a north chapter and south chapter, with a west chapter opening this month.At meetings, members share upcoming event dates, booking ideas and success stories.

"Not only do we network with each other, but we find out what has and hasn't worked for each other and brainstorm together to make things better for all of us," said Katherine James, south chapter coordinator, who sells bath and body products for Jordan Essentials. "It's very important to have a circle of peers who you can go to for questions."

So far, the group has held four different events, or "shopping extravaganzas," which are opportunities for the women to showcase their products and services. The last event was in the fall at the Spring Chateau.

Despite consumer spending being down all over the place due to the recession, Munsinger said her business hasn't been affected.

"Whenever the economy is bad most home businesses still come out ahead," she said. "People are always buying products, especially food products and beauty products. Those are probably the two most successful companies going right now because people have to eat and women always spend money on themselves."

Munsinger sells embroidered gifts for women and said she posted great sales numbers around Christmas. Seeing no slowdown in sales, Munsinger credits the WAHM network to thriving businesses for all involved and a way to avoid the stress of making money - because after all, raising kids is stress enough.

"I hope that through this organization we can help others, make friendships, share our products and spread the word on ways to earn some money while we are home with our children," she said.

http://www.houstonwahms.org/