At DandMcustomcreations.com we specialize in personalized embroidered gift items. I love to get creative & really work with a customer to create the perfect gift for those "hard to buy for" people. I have literally thousands of embroidery designs, so it's fun to help design the perfect fit. I work from home on my days off from my "regular" job as a Critical Care nurse. D&M Custom Creations is brand new; my site has been active since June 2007.

2. How did you decide on your business name?

Well, my husband's name is Danny & I'm Mary so D&M Custom Creations just seemed to fit.

3. What were the first things you did to get your business going?

I thought about what I wanted to do & then contacted my fabulous web page designer & manager - Debbie Goodrich at FaithfulFriendsOnline.com who guided me through those critical first steps. Of course, I had to get a resale business license & file papers with the city, county & state of California. All the paperwork was surprisingly easy. I did it in a day.

4. How long did it take you from the time you decided to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?

Only a couple of months. Things went pretty fast.

5. What was the best thing you did to get your business going?

I was advised by just about everyone to network, network and network. This has proven to be very good advice. I also told everyone I know about my business and handed out business cards and added a banner to my email.

6. What was one thing that you did that you would advise others not to do?

Don't expect to quit your day job over night. It takes time and patience and a lot of networking to get going.

7. How do you network? What do you find works the best?

I've done a lot of link exchanges & joined email groups and internet forums. I think the best way of networking is word of mouth. I try to make sure my customers are really happy by throwing in a little extra something with their order and going the extra mile. I make sure I send orders out quickly & follow up.

8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising works the best for you business?

I've found inexpensive advertising site's which help, but the best advertisement is a happy customer!

9. Do you have any advice to give someone thinking of getting into their own business?

Go for it! Try to focus on something you really enjoy and keep working until your business takes off.

10. What type of products do you find are 'hot' right now?

Anything personalized. People love to see their name on an item that they will use and their kid's names on keepsake items.