LIKE many modern mums, Port Macquarie mother-of-three Cara Starr was looking to earn a part time income while at home with her kids.

“Initially, I was screen-printing kids clothes and selling them on Ebay and then I moved on to sewing,” Starr told OurPatch.

“But in the process I found the Internet lacked two things – great selling platforms for small and hobby business and helpful resources for people wanting to work from home.”

And so Starr set about creating her own online selling forum – WAHMania – to plug the gap.

“WAHMania is not just a platform, but a networking solution and resource portal for work-from-home business,” she said.

“We have forums, online training and downloadable resources.

“Our selling interface is straightforward and easy to use, and no technical knowledge is required.”

For customers, WAHMania offers a range of quality homewares, jewellery, handbags and other accessories as well as a wide range of products for babies and kids.

“Our product range grows weekly and, because membership to our site is by application or invitation, customers can be assured the products are high quality.”

Starr is the sole owner of the business and does the majority of the work, although she does employ a web programmer for site development and technical issues.

She said business has grown exponentially in the past two years and, while it demands more of her time, she has remained true to her original intention which was to help herself, and others, balance the demands of family and paying the mortgage.

“I love setting my own schedule, being able to work a few hours in the morning and at night, instead of one block of 8 hours and I love the satisfaction I get from creating the site, improving it and growing it.

“Many women who had careers prior to having children lament the loss of stimulation from working so it is fantastic that I can combine the two without sacrificing time with my kids.”

In coming years, Starr aims to play an integral role in raising awareness and interest in both working from home and shopping from home.

“As the cost of living rises, so does the attractiveness of working and shopping online, to save transportation costs and avoid the extra overheads associated with physical shopping centres,” she said.