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Direct Selling Makes Comeback in Down Economy

After becoming the victims of corporate layoffs and downsizing, some women are choosing to become the boss of their own business.

An expo Thursday in Henderson is aimed at connecting women with products they can sell on their own.

Beside her elaborately laid-out table, Debra Weiss shows off her treasures of scented wax and warmers. For Weiss, this is not a hobby, but a passion -- one that has helped her thrive in a down economy. “I would say now it is paying my mortgage, which surprised me. A little side business just took off,” she said.

Working in real estate for the past 15 years, Weiss says she fell into direct selling. “I don't think anyone can't use the extra money. Real estate has been quite volatile, so getting the extra money has helped me do those things that I could not have if I just depended on that one job,” she said.

Women looking to earn extra money, or even start something of their own, are turning to the opportunities of direct selling. It's something the Women's Business Center is encouraging, because it doesn't require starting from scratch. “Something out there that is already branded, already in market, and is low cost to get in so that they can subsidize their income,” said Anna Siefert with the center.

Siefert helped plan the Direct Selling Expo, a one stop place for women to learn about more than 20 companies who offer direct selling products and also learn how they can start their own successful business. “Many women that come to us come in and say, ‘I have an idea. I want to go into business and I do not know how to do this. How do I do this?’ We take them and help them from A to Z,” she said.

If you are interested in attending the expo it begins Thursday at 1 p.m. the Henderson Convention Center on Water Street. It is free to attend.