Her first online business began in 2003, after returning from China with her second adopted child.
As a proud and loving single parent, she began networking with other online moms, sharing her adoption journey story. Little did she know, that was the beginning of her successful entrepreneurship, and her first online business.

How it started:
I started The Red Thread Trading Company in 2003 after I bought my first Italian Charm Bracelet from an internet website. This site was taking a personal photo and putting it on the Italian charm! I immediately saw another way for me to share my family’s story and brag about my children at the same time with a custom photo Italian Charm bracelet.

What do I sell?
Today my business has evolved to creating sterling silver charms of Chinese characters with words or sayings like Mother, Grandmother, Forever Family and Mother/Daughter. These charms can be put on a necklace, bracelet or earrings. In the China adoption support groups Red Thread Bracelets are reminders that our children are destined to be with us, so I also offer several styles of Red Thread Bracelets for men, women and children. With the popularity of charm bracelets returning, I have added Adoption Themed Charms to represent the wait, travel and experiences while in China. Even though Italian Charms popularity has slowed, customers can find a large variety of hard to find charms and of course an emphasis in Asian charms.

The name:
Over the years many people have asked how I chose the name for my company and I refer them to the ancient Chinese proverb, “An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break.”

Tips for success:
• Select a product or service for which you have passion
• Plan, plan and then plan some more
• Research your market, niche, competition, customer demographics
• Set goals and deadlines and stick to it so that you do not fall behind and get off course
• Keep a journal of ideas, lists and contacts to keep track of where you are and where you want to go.
• Network:
o Find local networking groups, it is a great way to meet other moms who are in business and support each other.
o Online support groups

Promotion and advertising:
o Blog Reviews that hyperlink back to your site
o Social Networking; Twitter, Facebook, Stumble Upon, Squidoo,
o Plan out your promotions a year in advance, such as for Mothers Day, Grandmothers, and Fathers Day.
o Offer Free Shipping or shipping discount randomly, let your customers know by posting the special on Twitter, Facebook and your blog.
o Newsletter to current customers
o Monitor your keywords often and adjust page content accordingly
o Beware of marketing companies promising first page ranking

Business goals for 2009
For The Red Thread Trading Company, it is to continue to add products that amaze and meet my customers’ needs. Believing that education is important to success, I will continue to donate to Love Without Boundaries, Mama's Love Program that supports young Chinese women in their educational goals.

Closing Thoughts:
I started The Red Thread Trading Company because I am motivated to provide a life for my children that are based on an entrepreneurial spirit and culture. I am grinning from ear to ear with joy and happiness for my children as I know through The Red Thread Trading Company and our other many business opportunities, my children will be exposed to great successes and values that all adopted children from China will experience in America.

www.TheRedThreadTradingCompany.com
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