Sometimes the best business to start is the one you are most passionate about. And that's what Michelle Ruble, of Mic's Maternity, Inc. discovered when she started a business that caters to pregnant women. It's not easy running a successful business from home-or anywhere for that matter-but Michelle makes it work and she tells you how, in the interview below. Enjoy...

I understand you own an online business geared towards pregnant women. Was there anything particular in your life growing up, or as an adult, that helped lead you down this career path? If so, can you explain?

Yes, when I was pregnant with my first child I had a hard time finding maternity clothes. Then after Taira was born I wanted to stay home with her, but it wasn't possible financially. After our third child was born it seemed silly to be working to pay for a babysitter to raise our children.

Babysitting costs for three children took most of my pay check. I brought home $60 a week after paying the babysitter. Working 40 hours a week for $60 was simply not worth it to me.

Before starting your own Internet business, did you have an internship anywhere? If so, when, where, and how did it help you prepare for your own business?

I did a lot of research at the local library and online. I also took a ten week class at Upper Valley Joint Vocational School. The class was on "How To Write A Business Plan." Then I talked to a lot of people who already own businesses and asked them what they recommended. I have to admit though, I have really learned more by being in business and experiencing things first hand. I researched the idea of starting a business for 5 years before I even tried to do it.

Once you decided to become your own boss, how did you find the capital to start your business?

I used our savings and credit cards.

Do you have any suggestions for new start-ups when it comes to finding the initial capital to start a small business?

Run your business after work in the beginning because it will help with the cash flow. Look for a business or personal credit card with 0% interest for one year to fifteen months and a low interest rate because you will need a credit card to order supplies.

With capital in hand, what was one of the first things you did to get your business off ground floor and how did it turn out?

I spoke to my accountant to make sure I had all the paper work done and then I began advertising my business. Even though my business is on the Internet I still needed to advertise in my local area so I made fliers and asked local businesses to put them in their stores.

What was the most difficult thing about starting this particular business venture?

Time management! I have three children ages 6 years, 4 years, and 15 months so I don't get to put in a full eight hours of work. I have constant interruptions and have to work around my children's schedule. Plus, I still have to do the laundry, dishes, and keep the house picked up.

Over time, I have learned to multi task. I usually have three to five things going on at the same time so I can get to bed before midnight.

What method of advertising have you found works best in regards to not only getting the word out about your business, but helping you turn a profit? Why do you think this works so well?

My first recommendation is to find all the free advertising you can when you first start out. Use press releases, link exchanges in directories and related sites, banner exchanges, article submissions, and join networking groups.

I just started using Submit Solution (http://server2.myebiz.com/postoffice/horde-3.0.2/services/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.submitsolution.com%2Fterms.html) for paid advertising. They have really been a blessing for me. My site is number 1, 2, and 3 on most of the major search engines under certain keywords, and I have seen my sales improve by 25%--in one month. It is very pricey, but I believe it is worth it.

Most people tend to forget about advertising in their local area. Get your name in your local paper as much as possible by donating prizes, getting involved in community events, and joining the local Chamber of Commerce.

Having been in business for awhile now, one year to be exact, what lessons can you instill in others with regards to customer service?

Treat the customer like you would like to be treated-a Queen!! Go out of your way to do anything you can to help your customer-even if you do not get the sale. The customer you help will remember everything you did for her and tell a friend about you, and word of mouth is the best advertising you can receive.

Could you take one week of your business and mix it up to give us a broad overview of what a typical day would be like as an Internet shop owner?

This is a hard question because I am a full-time mom, not just an Internet shop owner. A typical day for me would look something like this:

Get up at 6:30 to get the kids up.

Take Kelsie to pre-school at 8:30.

Prepare breakfast for Taira and Joshua.

Start a load of laundry.

Turn on the computer and check emails. Answer emails.

Make phone calls.

Work on monthly newsletter.

Babysit from 11:45 until 4:00

Prepare lunch at 12:00.

Get Taira ready for Kindergarten at12:45.

Add email address to mailing list.

Put Joshua down for a nap at 1:30.

Add new products to website while the house is quiet.

Pick up Kelsie from school at 2:30.

Prepare snacks.

Design maternity clothes, write contracts and price list for wholesale and drop shipping orders.

Fix super.

Finish laundry.

Give baths to kids.

Read a book to the kids before bed time.

Work on whatever else needs to be worked on-and there is always something to work on.

Visit her at http://www.micsmaternity.com/