The Home Biz Notes post, My Mother, The Country Grocer, won this round of the b5 Business Channel’s “Apprentice” type challenge, an ongoing 8-week contest, with a different version each week.  This week we were to tell the prototype business owner, Kay, a success story. 
I chose to relate the story of my mom, who influenced many people throughout her years as a country grocer, and hoped this would inspire Kay and others.  As I wrote about Mother, I realized (as I said in one of my comments at the post):
I think we all can find inspiring stories within our families. I …read more

In the apprentice challenge this week, we’re to relate to Kay, our prototype entrepreneur, a success story that might inspire her.  I discovered recently that success isn’t always what you think it is, Kay.
My Mother, the Country Grocer
When I consider business success stories, I now think of my mom, who, with no experience, took over the operation of a small country grocery.  She’d been a school teacher, then farmer’s wife and mom to four children.  When a grocery store, built on a corner of our farm property by my dad and a friend, was in need of a storekeeper due to the …read more

         
Eleanor Burns, the quilter who started Quilt in a Day, the home business that has grown into an internationally recognized one, is featured in a story in the NC Times of San Marcos, CA, Quilt in a day owner builds business piece by piece.
“Although Quilt in a Day started out as a way for Eleanor Burns to support her family, it has evolved into a multimillion-dollar corporation in nearly 30 years.”
She writes quilting books, produces videos and has a show on PBS.  Quilters will enjoy reading her fascinating story (link above).
However, home business owners may find inspiration and ideas …read more