Lesley Spencer, Founder of HBWM.com

After becoming pregnant with my first child in 1994, I originally planned on going back to my full-time job. In fact, anticipating a two-income household, my husband and I had just bought our first house just two months prior to the birth of our daughter.

We knew that we could not afford it without my income, but when the time came to go back to work, I had a very hard time leaving my baby. Within a week I gave my notice to quit. It was a *very* scary time for us. We cut our budget in every place we felt we could, but it wasn't enough. So I started a home business in public relations overnight basically and immediately went out soliciting for work (something I would have never done otherwise). The first year was very hard. We managed to make enough to help pay our bills but very little extra. Going out for ice cream was a big luxury.

During this time, I talked to many other moms who were very interested in working from home, but weren't sure how to start or what to do. I felt there was a need for a network to help parents share information, network and support one another. With this knowledge and my past association experience, I launched Home-Based Working Moms in November 1995.

HBWM now has over 700 members nationwide. I continue to learn and grow and constantly strive to keep what's important, God and my family, in focus and at the forefront of my life.

Congratulations on your website and business, Kelly. It's great to see moms
overcoming the many challenges and finding something that is right for them ;-)

Lesley Spencer, MSc; Founder & Director; HBWM.com, Inc.
Home-Based Working Moms - Helping bring working moms closer to their children