Mothers of invention: as home-based businesses grow, moms find their creative niche Gifts Portal BR

Mothers of invention: as home-based businesses grow, moms find their creative niche

WHEN Donna Maria Coles Johnson left her job as an attorney at a reputable law firm, it was to start a family, a decision she was convinced that corporate America wouldn't fully support.

In January 2000 she began the Handmade Beauty Network, which offers a wide range of services, including products liability insurance, logo design and legal options to small businesses. Two years later (and a few months after the birth of her first child), Johnson, who once charged $400 per hour, was operating her business from her home office in suburban Washington, D.C. "I trademarked the term 'lifestyle CEO' to describe people who start businesses, not solely for financial gain, but also to enjoy the personal rewards of entrepreneurship, independence, flexibility and fun," says Johnson, 42. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Darryl, and they have two children, daughter Vanessa, 3, and son Brooks, 18 months.(Continue Reading)

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