It isn’t nearly as easy as it sounds to turn a homegrown hobby into a business, but for successful Mompreneur Beki Hastings it has been an outlet for her overflowing creativity.

Beki, who was a flight attendant before having children and choosing to stay home, lives in an old farmhouse in the country outside of Wichita with her husband and three children.

Six years ago Beki decided to pursue her hobbies of jewelry designing and outdoor portrait photography. With her skill and creativity, it didn’t take long for Beki’s spare-time activities to turn into a full-fledged business. The Rusted Chain, the name of Beki’s online jewelry store as well as the name of her photography business, has grown quickly since that time.

“For me personally, it’s a creative outlet,” said Beki who spends about 30 hours or more a week working. “It’s something challenging and productive. For the family, it’s great because it’s a family-run business. I can work from home and be with everyone rather than leaving to go to work.”
Though the business has grown and Beki’s jewelry is being worn by celebrities, featured in magazines and even Pediped shoe ads, it hasn’t come without hard work.

“Be prepared to work hard for it,” is Beki’s advice to anyone looking to start an in-home venture. “It won’t just fall in your lap. Don’t forget why you’re wanting to work at home in the first place, to be with your family. It’s a constant balancing act, but very rewarding.”

Online advertising and customer word of mouth along with Beki’s personal and entertaining blog, www.blog.therustedchain.com, drive business to the online jewelry store. The blog also is a great place to see Beki’s photography, see the latest jewelry designs she’s come up with and find out about any deals she’s offering in the store.

“The blog is a great place to stop while you have your caffeine each day,” said Beki. “It may make you laugh, cry, nod your head in agreement or be inspired to tackle a new project. There are also frequent giveaways and sales on jewelry offered there.”

Her popular blog recently landed her an invitation to New York City where she was a guest at a Martha Stewart blogger cocktail party.

Beki also has taken advantage of her blog’s popularity by giving back to charities she and her family are passionate about. The Rusted Chain’s blog sees about 50,000 to 60,000 unique hits per month.

For $20 a month, fellow bloggers or online shop owners advertise their information on the sidebar of Beki’s blog. The advertisements benefit not only the advertiser. Thanks to Beki’s generosity, 100-percent of the ad revenue is donated to Compassion International, a Christian organization that sponsors children living in poverty around the world.

“I just felt like it was a simple way to give back to kids who desperately need help,” said Beki. “Businesses get good exposure and kids get needs met which is a win-win.”

Jewelry prices start at about $23 and can be viewed and ordered online at www.therustedchain.com.