Start a Work-From-Home Business

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Susan Welsand, The Chile Woman, grew her plant-propagating hobby into a full-time business.
Susan Welsand, The Chile Woman, grew her plant-propagating hobby into a full-time business.
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Ohio Pork and Poultry, owned by Shawn Dostie, raises animals for clients on contract.
Ohio Pork and Poultry, owned by Shawn Dostie, raises animals for clients on contract.
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Fran Kwiecien’s crocheting helps pay the bills.
Fran Kwiecien’s crocheting helps pay the bills.
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A job loss led David Capocci to open Paca Pride Guest Ranch, which offers yurt lodging for hikers.
A job loss led David Capocci to open Paca Pride Guest Ranch, which offers yurt lodging for hikers.
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“Find a niche,” recommends Bambi Iles, who makes and sells equipment for working goats.
“Find a niche,” recommends Bambi Iles, who makes and sells equipment for working goats.
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Wendy and Ken McKenzie did careful research before they began selling goat’s-milk soap.
Wendy and Ken McKenzie did careful research before they began selling goat’s-milk soap.
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Always have a Plan B for your home-based business, counsels Christine Faith, who runs a CSA program and teaches urban farming skills.
Always have a Plan B for your home-based business, counsels Christine Faith, who runs a CSA program and teaches urban farming skills.
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Ducks at Ivywild Farm, operated by Christine Faith in her urban backyard at Colorado Springs, Colo.
Ducks at Ivywild Farm, operated by Christine Faith in her urban backyard at Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Dr. Wyatt Mangum uses sunflower stalks to make inexpensive beehives, which he rents to farmers.
Dr. Wyatt Mangum uses sunflower stalks to make inexpensive beehives, which he rents to farmers.
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Elias Keim’s toys are a hit with Lehman's shoppers who are looking for unique, handmade items.
Elias Keim’s toys are a hit with Lehman's shoppers who are looking for unique, handmade items.

Self-employment is a dream shared by many people, but finding the right work-at-home job can be daunting. We asked our readers to tell us their successful home-based business ideas. Despite their different ways of making money, these home-business veterans offer similar advice: Be creative, be patient, listen to your customers, learn from your failures, and have a backup plan for dealing with the inevitable setbacks.

Their stories provide inspiration for other start-ups. Many of our readers’ home-based business ideas grew out of a hobby, and these entrepreneurs urge you to choose something you have a passion for. They’re convinced that a work-from-home business will be rewarding if it provides a way to do what makes you happy.

Exotic Vegetables

I always describe my home business as a hobby that grew out of control. When I bought my current home, there was a handmade greenhouse that had become a giant litter box. I cleaned it up and started a huge garden. Friends began buying my pepper and tomato plants, and they encouraged me to sell the extras at the farmers market. So, I did.

People are always passing through Bloomington because it’s a college town. Out-of-towners asked how they could buy my exotic chile and tomato plants from their homes, and my mail-order business was born. I’ve operated it for more than 20 years, shipping pepper, tomato and tomatillo bedding plants across the country. My business, now at The Chile Woman, grew beyond my dreams and has become my full-time occupation. There is nothing more satisfying than the one-minute commute to my greenhouses.

  • Published on May 13, 2013
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