This is another article in our series on families who find ways to work together, following the biblical model of Proverbs 31 and Titus 2. We hope to interview many more families from all walks of life to demonstrate that biblical economics work!

We're delighted today to introduce you to the Crawford family of "Hearts for Family." Homeschooling parents of six children, Aaron and Kelly Crawford are entrepreneurs who love to encourage other families to work together. We've asked Kelly to share the background of their "Nurtured by Nature" skin products and tell us a little about what it's like for the entire family to work together.

LAF:  Your family runs a homemade skin product business called "Nurtured by Nature." Where did the idea come from?

HFF:  One Christmas when our funds were particularly tight, I decided to make as many of our gifts as I could. I surfed the Internet to see how hard it would be to make bath products—things like bath salts, and such.  The more recipes and ideas I found, the more excited I got about making them.  Then I started thinking, “people would buy this stuff.” And lately, with all the craze about natural products, I just thought there was a lot of potential for a home business. So on a shoe-string budget, I ordered a few supplies to get started, and the rest is history!

LAF:  What type of products do you make?

HFF:  We make a Brown Sugar Scrub, Shea Body Butter, Goat's Milk, Honey & Shea Lotion, and homemade soap.  We've thought about adding other products, possibly even a baby line, but we're still streamlining the ones we have.

LAF:  What do you find to be the most challenging about running a home business?

HFF:  Balancing time and resources is probably the most difficult thing.  When you are the whole company, there are a lot of things to keep going, and for us, it is important that the business never rob our family of time and energy.

LAF:  How have customers responded to your products?

HFF:  Honestly, I have been amazed.  I knew we had some good products, but I routinely have customers tell me things like, “I just can't live without....”  And some have been thrilled to find that our products have eliminated certain skin disorders they were dealing with. The response has been more than I ever anticipated.

LAF:  Has the business benefited your family in other ways besides financially?

HFF:  Absolutely.  The business creates all kinds of teaching opportunities for our children. My oldest daughter (12) actually does most of the work of making the products, while I work on keeping inventory ordered.  The younger children occasionally get a hand in tying bows around baskets or helping with the labels.  And my husband is such a great salesman; he sells gift sets to the men at work!

But probably even more importantly, others have witnessed how a wife can find creative ways to be a help meet to her husband.  Seeing our financial need, but with the strong conviction that I would not leave home to pursue a job, the Lord gave me this idea, allowing me to contribute to our finances without forsaking my family.  I want my children to know that there are other solutions than what the world has to offer. I often comment to them (counteracting what they hear from the “world”), that being a stay-at-home mom has given me so much freedom...and we could never have all this fun with the business if Mommy had to leave home every day!

Another financial benefit besides the actual income we make from selling the products is the money we save by giving the products as gifts.  Since we get the supplies at wholesale, the value of the product is more than the actual cost.  So Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day, hostess gifts—you name it, we usually have a gift for it!

LAF:  What advice do you have for someone who is interested in beginning a business like this one?

HFF:  First, of course, would be careful prayer and consideration of husband and wife. If you feel the Lord leading you forward, I would recommend talking to other people who have done something similar. In fact, in my e-book, I offer my e-mail address to answer any questions someone might have as they pursue a similar business.  Talking to other people is a great way to avoid potential pitfalls.  The Internet also offers quite a bit of information.  Getting a clear picture of what you want to do before you get started—your image, your style, your market—will also be to a great advantage.

LAF:  How can our readers find out more about your business?

HFF:  All our products are available for sale on our website at www.heartsforfamily.com   Also, anyone interested in this type of business will find my e-book very helpful, which is also for sale on our website. I will be glad to talk to anyone about it and help in any way I can!

Right now, we also have a special for LAF readers. If you mention this article, you will receive 15% off your order. Our family looks forward to serving you!

The Crawford Family together at home