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5 Questions: Tracy Paulson
Single mom, business owner

February 12, 2007

Tracy Paulson's dream is to someday be the next Doris Christopher.

More than 25 years ago, Christopher started the successful home sales business, Pampered Chef, in the basement of her home. Paulson of Naperville started her own company from her home two years ago. Instead of selling kitchen and cooking tools, she is selling fashion accessories.

Since then, Creating Your Style has grown into a successful enterprise that offers some 1,800 items, most ranging in price from $5 to $50. Her merchandise includes scarves, jewelry, handbags, hats and belts. More than a year ago she moved her inventory to showroom at 116 S. Webster St., which is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. And, like Pampered Chef, she also sells her accessories through independent consultants. Currently she has 80 consultants in 10 states.

Paulson grew up in St. Louis, the second of three children. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in sales and marketing in 1988 and headed for Florida. For the next 15 years worked for several companies including Brio Toys, Anheuser Busch and Colgate.

She and her husband moved to Naperville nearly 10 years ago. For most of that time she has been a stay-at-home mom to her two sons, Ben, 8, and Tim, 6. But after her divorce three years ago, Paulson decided to start a home-based business that would allow her to earn an income yet still be available to her sons, one of whom has aspergers syndrome, a form of autism.

Active in the community, Paulson has used her business to help in numerous local fundraisers and charitable causes. She has sponsored three United Way sculptures and has been a speaker at and donated items to the Arabella House, a home for those recovering from eating disorders.

1. What is it like being your own boss?

It's an amazing feeling and it's a lot of hard work. I work seven days a week. It offers the flexibility to be able to work around your family schedule. That has been the key for me. It doesn't mean when I leave here at three my job is done. I typically work at home all evening. The sense of empowerment that it has given me, I feel so inspired everyday by the other women who have started their business with me. I welcome anyone to take on the opportunity and the challenge. It's a lot of hard work, but the rewards are just amazing.

2. When did you begin having an interest in fashion?

I would say it probably started in sixth grade when I wanted to wear glasses because I loved the accessory of wearing glasses. It's funny, because in college, I wore glasses. They were fake. And now I think I'm actually ready and I'm fighting it because I turned 40 and now I need glasses. I have definitely always loved to accessorize and organize and build relationships. I think, for women, we struggle with self-esteem issues. When you put on a fashion accessory - whether it's a new belt, a necklace, or it can be just a plain black T-shirt - you're going to feel better about yourself. And it's going to help your day. I would like to promote that to other women and, certainly, young ladies. It makes you feel good about yourself. I change things out. I like to carry different handbags, get my hair cut at different places. I always liked variety of different things. I think if you can change things up a bit, it offers variety and a little excitement in your life.

3. What are your favorite accessories?

I do not leave the house without a bracelet and a watch everyday.

4. What advice would you give other parents raising a special needs child?

Recognize and acknowledge the signs early on. That's probably the most difficult part. From there I would seek out your opportunities within the state and the schools and I would say to get in some sort of support group. Because whether it be a support group with families going through similar situations or just a support group of moms that you've met when your child's going through therapy, get some kind of support so you know you aren't the only one going through this. ... The other thing is you cannot sit back and let anyone take care of what (your child) needs. You are the child's advocate and at the end of the day you are the decision-maker. It's just like starting your own business. It's constant monitoring, checking out new things.

5. What is your philosophy of life?

Take one day at a time. Take time for yourself, then you can give to others. Set a good example. I think that's what we all are trying to do for ourselves and our families. ... Just try to wake up everyday and be happy. I don't really think there is anything we can't do out there.

Previously in the Sun...

Single mom finds success
with home businesses

By Ann Piccininni, 2/9/5:

The goal was a sustainable, enjoyable way to make a living and still take care of her two young sons.
The solution for Tracy Paulson was to become a consultant for two home-based businesses.
"It has helped me in my situation being a single mom," she said.
The Naperville woman, who has a 6-year-old son, Ben, and a 4-year-old son,Tim, began selling jewelry for Cookie Lee, a direct sales company based in California. She also began selling Southern living products.
Most of her selling is accomplished at at home parties, she said, though she also attends trade shows and bridal shows.
"My ex-hus]band has the boys on the weekends, so it allows me to do the parties on the weekends," she said.
When she works during the week, she said, she can get most of her tasks done while her children are in school or at night, when they're asleep.
Before she gave birth to her older son, Ben, Paulson worked as a pharmaceutical representative.
Later she moved into selling children's toys. Before she dropped out of the work force to raise a family she also worked in sales for Anheuser Busch Co. she said.
So when her personal financial situation dictated that she resume earning an income, she naturally gravitated toward sales.
Her sales background helped her, she said, with "the knowledge of how to set up the business and the actual avenues I wanted to go down."
Much of her Cookie Lee inventory, which includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants and pins, is available at parties, so customers can purchase them on a cash-and-carry basis. Items that are not in stock, she said, can be ordered and usually arrive within a week.
Paulson said her two businesses, launched last June, have proved highly successful. In December, she incorporated Creating Your Style, her own direct sales company that offers handbags, belts and scarves.
"While juggling three business ventures may sound daunting," Paulson said, "the direct sales format allows her to simultaneously attend to her sons' needs and earn a good living."
"It's totally flexible. It's awesome. It's such a great opportuni-
ty," she said.

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