Single parents are always looking for ways to make extra money. It is simply not easy to make ends meet in today’s economy with one salary, especially when there are children to raise. Many single parents try “party” businesses like Mary Kay or Pampered Chef; others try catalog businesses like Avon. Still others attempt to find part-time jobs in addition to their full-time job. Furthermore, internet enterprises are on the rise and seem to offer that convenience and freedom that many single parents need in order to keep up with their busy schedules.

The key to success with any of these ventures is basic - marketing. Regardless of the time that you have to put into your new business, marketing can make the difference. In fact, the smaller the amount of time you have to invest, the more crucial marketing becomes.

Take, for example, the owner and proprietor of Andre’s Amazon – Barbara Huggins. Barbara started off her web site to gain attention for her reptile rescue program and to increase awareness for her reptile education workshops. There is an amazing wealth of information at Andre’s Amazon. In addition to the web site, Barbara hosts reptile workshops or “shows” for schools, libraries, and scout troops. There is also a great demand for her reptile friends at birthday parties!

Along with the wealth of educational information comes the interesting facts and the tales and advice of a woman who is has become a local expert when it comes to reptile rescues. Along with that reputation has come the opportunity to expand her business in another wonderful direction. Barbara is also a local artist whose work reflects her passions.

While at first she simply carried a line of prints and small artistic endeavors, she has expanded her offerings to increase and enhance other aspects of her business. She has introduced party invitations that showcase the reptilian guests and has expanded the card line to include note cards of endangered species. Various reptiles also show up on tile paintings, wood burnings, etchings, charcoal drawings, dice/trinket boxes, cloth items (such as sweatshirts) and various other mediums.

But Barbara has not stopped at her passion for reptiles. She expanded her offerings to include plants, herbs, some mammals and insects, and other areas of interest include Star Wars memorabilia. There is truly something for everyone featured on her web site!

I have no doubt that Barbara will continue to expand her business because she realizes that diversity gives her a claim to an ever-widening market for her products. Also, while potential customers may enter her site based on their interest in other mediums, they cannot help but be exposed to her first priority – the well-being of the reptiles.

Barbara’s site is a great example of how a single parent can take their passion and turn it into a business without sacrificing parental responsibilities. Whether you have youngsters in your home that are interested in reptiles and their care, or perhaps you have an interest in reptiles and/or art, Andre’s Amazon is THE place to browse through the jungle and enjoy the sights! Visit Barbara and her reptiles at https://andres-amazon.tripod.com/.