Work-At-Home Success Profile: Sally Silagy

Sally Silagy

Gardening Greetings

Phone: 719-686-1472

FAX: 719-686-0343

Email: GardinLady@aol.com

URL: GardeningGreetings.com


How did you decide on your business? A couple of years after losing my 15-year-old son, I realized that I could not venture out into the working world again.  I was overwhelmed with grief at unexpected times, therefore needed the comfort of home to work. Gardening Greetings then came into play and was established in 1997.

What steps did you take to start your business? Because I was a bereaved Mom, keeping BUSY was the only way to survuive.  I drafted guidelines for myself and worked on each item daily until they were all accomplished.  I devoted lots of time to research and afterwards was able to bring Gardening Greetings into existence within four months.

Do you have a business plan? Yes

Do you have a marketing plan? Yes

What marketing techniques do you use? Marketing my greeting card line was the most challenging, yet rewarding as well.  I kept an ongoing list of potential retail speciality shops and then devoted an entire day cold calling...approaching the sotres with display and cards in hand!

I also put together a Presentation Folder and mailed them out to several out-of-area gardening gift shops and nurseries.

One year after Gardening Greetings was up & running, my oldest son designed a website for me, and this has genereated additional sales.

What costs were affiliated with starting your business? My start-up cost were minimal (approx. $800.00) as I already had my computer, printer & scanner.
My hubby was the one who funded Gardening Greetings, and I am pleased to report that I was able to repay the loan within the first month of business!

How do you keep focused on your business? Since I have dedicated Gardening Greetings in memory of my son, by utilizing his birthday, age and heaven day as a part of my numbering system for my cards, I am determined and willing to do whatever it takes to keep my home business running for as long as I am able.  Therefore, keeping focused and motivated come easy for me.

What resources would you recommend to people? Being that Gardening Greetings has "bloomed" way beyond my expectations, I have also devoted my time in putting together a "Home-Based Greeting Card Kit" to help others pursue their own at-home greeting card operation.  Details may be found on my webpage at www.GardeningGreetings.com

What advice would you give to others starting a home business? I recommend this home-business to those who are somewhat creative, and organized.  The profit are their, but it truly depends on how much energy one puts forth.