Holly Reisem Hanna is the founder and publisher of The Work At Home Woman. I recently had the privilege to interview Holly and here’s what Holly shared:
How did you get started working from home?
Since the day my daughter was born, I’ve been a stay at home mom. But after 9 months of play dates, mommy and me classes and a dwindling bank account, I felt the urge to make some money and exercise my brain. I looked online for different work at home opportunities, but the majority of my time was spent weeding through scams and sifting through various website to find all of the information that I was looking for – I was left feeling exhausted and defeated.
I had always enjoyed writing and dabbled with the idea of writing the next comedic novel; however I never considered blogging as a career option. I continued to look online for the perfect work at home opportunity when it dawned on me, “I need to create a comprehensive resource where women can find all of the information they need to work at home” and hence The Work at Home Woman was born.
How long have you been working from home?To fund this endeavor I started working part-time from home for a small publishing company managing their social media campaigns. During this time I researched and created content for my site. I hired a graphic designer to create a custom design for me and in March of 2009, I officially launched The Work at Home Woman.
I’ve been working at home since December of 2007 – almost 4 years.
Describe your website in 15 words or less.
The Work at Home Woman is a business resource for women who work at home.
If your business were ice-cream, what flavor would it be and why?
I’d have to say Ben & Jerry’s, Chunky Money – banana ice cream with chocolate chunks and nuts. Due to the fact that The Work at Home Woman covers all the nuts and bolts of working at home and running a business. The site has something that is going to appeal to everyone.
How has blogging helped your business?
I’ve been blogging for 2 ½ years and I absolutely love it! It has given me freedom, flexibility and financial stability and it has launched the business that I had only dreamt about. Beside the perks of being able to stay at home with my daughter, blogging has introduced me to opportunities and people that I would have never met else wise – and for that reason alone having a blog business is worth its weight in gold.
If you could do anything (other than your current business) what would it be?
I love to travel and I also love social media, so perhaps I’d work for a company in the travel industry, managing their blog and social media campaigns. Or perhaps I’d be a travel writer/blogger.
How has working from home changed your life?
Overall it has made me a happier person. I don’t dread Monday mornings or having to wake up for work. I love that I have flexibility to schedule my work around my life, not the other way around. And most importantly, I love that I can be with my daughter and watch her grow as I build a business.
Do you have a favorite place to work?
I do have a separate office space with my desk and printer, but I never work there. Because of wireless technology, I’m able to work in the dining room where I get lots of natural sunlight and I can look out at nature. Here I’m also able to keep an eye on my daughter while she plays during the day.
How do you spread the word about your business?
Social media has been a wonderful tool for helping me to spread the word and cultivate relationships. But I’d say that networking and collaborating with other mompreneurs has been my most successful method of getting the word out. The wonderful thing about being in the mompreneur realm is that everyone is so supportive of each other and they truly want to see each other succeed.
What do you want the CWAHM readers to know about you?
My current business has nothing to do with my background experience or education. I graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and a few years later I obtained my Associate Degree in Nursing. I tell you this because I want you to keep pursuing your dreams and your passions – you don’t have to settle for an unfulfilling mediocre job.
Any final words of wisdom?
Surround yourself with positive like minded individuals. When you’re stuck in a job that you don’t like, it’s so easy to get caught up in the negative energy. Find yourself a support group or network where you can nurture your entrepreneurial spirit and start to get the creative juices flowing. Eventually you’ll be able to make the leap and follow your dreams.
How to contact Holly:
The Work At Home Woman website
Twitter and Facebook