Monday, November 16, 2009

Family Based Businesses

When we made the decision to work towards a family-centered homesteading lifestyle, our family did it without having money in the bank. However, we did have the advantage of not having much debt. We had paid off credit card debt and paid off our car payment and had begun to learn to live on a small income after my husband lost his high paying, salary position.

~ branches on our front porch, to be cut into toys and hangers

As a result, we did not have money to invest in our handcraft business and we certainly did not want to go into debt to build our business. We did not have a workshop, very few tools and no money to invest in advertising. We simply made-do and worked daily seeking local and online outlets to sell our natural toys.

~ my knitting projects on our phone/laptop counter in the kitchen, overlooking the living area


~even now while we just put a foundation in under our home, we still would like to frame in a workshop... here are some of the tools on our enclosed front porch


We have been blessed with a thriving, growing business. We will never have lots of money, but that is not our goal. Our goal is to live and work together, to work with environmentally friendly materials, and to provide quality, affordable toys that children will enjoy. In the process we have "branched" out to offer products for the home made of tree branches or knit with wool.


~ Abraham helping to fill a hand crocheted bag with branch building blocks



I want to share with you the story of another family that has similar goals. Suzy at Hip Mountain Mama is a sweet, talented woman with a beautiful family. You can read about her story here.


Warm wishes.

16 comments:

  1. This is a great post! I am so thrilled that your business is thriving. You are such an amazing Mama and you deserve the best!

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  2. Life is so much better enjoying the simple things! So much more fulfilling when you learn to see the little things that get overlooked, instead of focusing on making more money. Wonderful post!
    The Girl in the Pink Dress

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  3. I'm happy that you are living your dream! Life is too short not to!
    Love from Sara

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  4. Hello again!

    I've finally put your blog link on my blog, so I'll be sure not to miss any of your lovely posts :). I love what you and your family are doing. That is what we (well, I and a lot of husband-nudging) are working towards, as well, whenever the Lord will bless us with a little home in the woods. I want to live more self-sufficiently so much~I think it helps to ground us and to help us to appreciate just how much we depend on the Lord for our "daily bread".

    Blessings to you,

    Marqueta

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  5. What a beautiful crochet bag. We also made homemade wooden blocks for our boys when they were little and they were very well loved. Lovely to hear about a family living well and simply while creating handmade goodness.

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  6. It is a beautiful thing to follow your dreams!
    So lovely to hear more of your families story!

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  7. What a gorgeous post. living with what we need is such a lesson, as is simplicity.

    I recently purchased a pencil holder from Suzy that you created, and it has already brought so much joy to our art table, as your needle felted heart has to my nightstand.

    Thank you for the beauty that you share.

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  8. You are a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I love this post. We're trying to instill these same beliefs in our son. Living simply, thankful for what we have. Blessed to love each other.

    I'm so happy to hear your business is growing. Wishing you many happy successes.

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  10. I really enjoy reading about the way your family chooses to live. We are happy to live a more simple life, with peace in our home, being together. Thank you for sharing.

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  11. I love how you shared that your goal isn't to make a lot of money but to work together...that's so refreshing. Best of all to you and your family!

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  12. I love the crochet bag for the branch blocks. Do you sell those bags?

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  13. Awesome Tonya. Love these stories. Especially when the product/service is so high quality made with lots of love and care.

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  14. You are an inspiration :) Having just spent the morning in town, mind boggled by the array of 'stuff' , I can relate.
    Good luck to you on your journey !

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  15. I look forward to following your journey!

    God Bless,
    Jackie

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  16. Thanks so much for this post! Best wishes to your family!

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