Wendy Kennedy
Canadian Country Gifts

Tell us about your home business:

Canadian Country Gifts is a mail order business with an online catalogue. I sell a variety of items that fit a country theme; candles, folkart, handmade soap and tapestries as well as gourmet food, gift baskets, scrapbooking & rubber stamping. I've always thought a mail order business would be an ideal stay at home business & would also provide after school work for teenagers with flexible hours. The startup costs were too high until the internet. Another advantage of an online catalogue is it can be changed as products come in or go out of stock. I didn't however expect this to get as big as it has - the inventory keeps growing and the time commitment is huge. I love being able to set my own hours. I can be involved in the kids activities. I can be available when my husband (a farmer) needs help or decides to take a day off. I have made lots of new friends online from all over the world which has been a fun and unexpected benefit. I enjoy 'shopping' for new products but that's also kind of scary - wondering if I'm the only one who will like what I pick!

Best Parenting Tip:

Be available when your kids need you & be interested in what they are interested in.

Best Business Tip:

Delegate - there really are people who can do things as well as you (or at least well enough!)

Best Marketing Method:

Ezine advertising & contributing prized to well publicized online contests have worked best for me so far.

Best Thing About Being HBWM Member:

Ideas, support, knowing there are others out there going through the same things you are.

Wendy Kennedy
Canadian Country Gifts
Number Of Children: 3
Ages of Children: 12, 16, 18 years
www.canadiancountrygifts.com
wendy@canadiancountrygifts.com
Phone: 403-652-7318