From hanging out with Johnny Depp to starting a home-based business

January 30, 10:28 AMLA Successful Women Entrepreneurs ExaminerSusan Pascal

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Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, I was a film publicist in the“glamorous” film industry. I “hung out” with stars like Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford and worked on movies like The Fugitive, Se7en and Ed Wood.

I traveled the country on a moment’s notice for “location” work and attended wrap parties and star-studded premieres.  I was never without a job and barely spent more than a couple of weeks at a time in L.A.

In 2001, I willingly gave it all up to raise my two children, a decision my husband supported, and I’ve never regretted.

Cut to seven years later, and both of my kids are in school. Thanks to the current economic downturn plus accrued expenses, it became necessary for me to get back into the work force. However, I wasn’t interested in leaving home or working 15-hour days. That could potentially undo all of the good I’ve accomplished as a stay-at-home mom, not to mention the cost of full-time daycare. So, I decided to utilize my skills as a publicist to start a consulting business, working out of my home.

Love the idea of a home-based business but not sure where to begin? The Internet is an incredible resource. I have discovered through my research that there are a multitude of websites that provide all kinds of advice from “choosing a business that’s right for you” to “thriving in a slow economy.” There are also lots of forums to explore that give you an opportunity to speak with and ask questions of other like-minded women. Facebook is a great place to begin networking.

What I discovered to be an important aspect for operating a successful company is to maintain a mentally healthy drive and attitude. You must be able to separate your home life from your business world or it can’t work. Schedule your time wisely, like working when the kids are in school, and don’t let other distractions bother you.

You can do it! As an examiner for L.A.’s Working Moms, I will talk to experts and successful entrepreneurs, and we will explore all of the avenues, questions and concerns for starting and maintaining a home-based business. Keep checking here for new information.