Clever Mamma Profile: Diamondlites (an independent PartyLite business)

This week we have another fabulous Clever Mamma in biz for you all to meet. It's Kim Wood from Diamondlites, an independent PartyLite business specialising in scented candles and exclusive decor.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... PartyLite and I met in 2003 via a lot of recommendations form a very dear friend to truly have a look at what PartyLite had to offer.. Once I had tried the candles, I was in love with the smokeless burning, the awesome fragrances and the value for money burning results... there was nothing left of anything once completely burnt!! I was sold!! - it was awesome to come home, snuggle up with a cuppa, enjoy the fragrances and soothing candle light every night without having to clean up dripped wax or dig wicks out of pillars!

2. How did your business begin? I moved down from Brisbane in 2002 and found myself in a dreadful spot of being utterly "broke" with an out of work husband, 2 teens and 2 cats to feed. A year later after trying the candles and loving them a girlfriend suggested I join the company to make extra money rather than pursue an additional job. As I was already working 60 hours for less than $600 in my pocket and had just been offered the option of working an additional 12 - 14 hours in a hotel to boost our finances - I was happy to consider opening a PartyLite Account in addition to what I was currently doing, but could not afford to either "pay or pay back" any type of "kit"! I was delighted to learn that there was no investment or "payback" and I could take Partylite on a test run! So I approached 6 people to be Hostesses in exchange for free candles and/or accessories of their choice. I was really nervous but it turned out to be the best decision I had ever made. By doing 2 shows (3 hours each) per week over 3 weeks, I had earned more than $800 and I was in heaven - we had more money for less effort and time away and I made new friends!

3. The bits I love... I love the "gifts" of the heart that PartyLite brings!! I was able to quit my 60 hours a week and continue my PartyLite career around my family commitments, share the gift I had been offered and taking people with me on a journey that has delighted, uplifted and provided many other Mums with income, recognition, growth and rewards like bonus payments, free product and international "free" holidays WITHOUT taking the focus off the family!!

4. The bits I not-so-love... I honestly cannot think of any.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Before I looked at PartyLite, I was thinking of taking on another job with no flexibility, adding another 15 hours a week out of the home away from my family, for less money again was not an ideal. I discovered that being a "Clever Mamma" surrounded the needs of my family whilst having the flexibility and control of my working hours! It was easy to invest a little time each week to create less "away time" and still earn a full time income with very part time hours in a fun and rewarding atmosphere, doing something I loved and being able to "pay it forward" to other "Clever Mamma's", so they could enjoy the same rewards.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Both! They are equally lovely shared with someone who is wanting to "take control" of work, income and family needs.

Thanks for stopping by the Clever Mamma Blog Kim. It's been great getting to know you and your business better! To find out how to contact Diamondlites, just sneak a peak at the listing on the Clever Mamma Directory, where you'll find more info, a link to the website and direct contact details. Another great business run by a mum! Stay tuned for even more amazing mums and their businesses!