Chic Spotlight: Home-Based Business Gurus Sandy Godby and Tina Mason
Cincy Chic: Why do you think so many women find this type of career path attractive?
Sandy Godby and Tina Mason: We feel many women choose a home-based business because it offers them flexibility with regards to their business and personal life.
Cincy Chic: How did you decide a home-based business was for you?
Mason: I chose a home-based business because it allows the flexibility to work as much or as little as I want.
Cincy Chic: You have an expo coming up very soon. Tell us details about it.
Godby and Mason: The Spring Shopping Expo will be held on March 8 at the West Chester Conference Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We’ll be showcasing 55 home-based business vendors from the Greater Cincinnati area, featuring women’s accessories, jewelry, home decor, gifts, gourmet foods, cosmetics, skin care, healthy living and more. What more could women ask for?
Cincy Chic: Why did you decide to facilitate this type of event?
Godby and Mason: The Spring Shopping Expo came about when Sandy and I wanted to showcase the signed businesses of HHBS. It allows these businesses to be in the same place at the same time and physically show the community what they have to offer. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be going to Reach Out Lakota, a non-profit organization in West Chester that helps families in need.
This expo is actually an extension of our own home-based business, Helpful Homes Business Service (HHBS), which connects new residents with the businesses in the area through a “welcoming bag” filled with marketing materials provided by each business. Studies have shown that new residents usually spend as much in six months as established homeowners do in 12 months. Because they have a bag filled with “goodies,” we can help direct them to the businesses in our service and get them acclimated quicker.
Cincy Chic: How does your business work?
Godby and Mason: Businesses sign with HHBS for six months at a time and provide us with promotional material for the deliveries. In exchange, we hand-deliver 30 bags to new residents per month. We also offer a Business-to-Business Networking opportunity where our clients come together to get to know the other businesses in the service. In addition, all signed businesses receive a list of names/addresses of the recipients of their materials so they can do future mailings if they so desire.
Cincy Chic: What should attendees expect to get from the upcoming expo?
Godby and Mason: With the wide variety of products and services the vendors are providing, everyone attending can expect to have a great time. You could receive a make-over, new hair-do or buy a complete wardrobe, including jewelry and handbags. You will have the opportunity to not only purchase but sample items from a large assortment of health and skin care providers. You can even get a massage to relieve the stress of your busy week. And if you are looking for new ideas for your home, many vendors will be happy to assist you in that area. You could say we have a little bit of everything and something for everyone, even the smallest ones in your family.
Cincy Chic: What’s your favorite thing about Cincinnati?
Godby and Mason: We love the people. That is the main reason we do this. We love meeting new people and sharing what we do with them. We are always interested in what they have to offer as well.
