As a freelance writer and business owner I’m always thrilled to speak with other people who share my entrepreneurial spirit. And on this journey, I’ve met other freelancers and work at home professionals who’ve been able to put their fears aside, take a bold step, and enjoy the freedom that comes with work at home life.

It’s not always smooth sailing, and obstacles are inevitable. But with endurance, a realistic attitude and confidence in one’s self and product, I sincerely believe that any business venture can be a success. We’ve got to give people what they want. And the more interesting the product…the better.

Nowadays, everybody’s going green (I know I am). And thanks to Tim and Elizabeth Fletcher, owners of EnviroVogue, we can all “Look good while doing good.” This husband and wife team (with the help of their two boys, Mitchell and Ethan) launched a line of eco-friendly tote bags last August. Their collection features an array of colors and styles that are fashionably chic for the gym, beach, or grocery store. And the fascinating part, the totes are made from reusable plastic!

Because of their unique business concept and family involvement, I thought the Fletchers would be the perfect entrepreneurs to interview.

1. Tell us about your family?

I have 2 boys who re-define the term “rambunctious.” Mitchell is 11, and Ethan is 13. He’s already much taller than me! They are smart and responsible. They spend most of their time punching each other. My husband, Tim, assures me this is normal. They are great friends too, so I try not to worry!

The family does everything together. We’ve traveled extensively internationally, and we all ski. We’ll at least I do, Tim and the boys snowboard!

When we aren’t busy working on the business, all four of us are training for our black belts in Karate and Hapkido.

2. How did you come up with the concept of eco-friendly tote bags?

I have always been outraged by the destruction of our environment. I’ve carried re-usable grocery bags forever, but boy were they ugly!  Plus, I wanted a bag that could do more, like carry beach or sports gear.

I was looking for a way to earn extra income, and I actually started with a jewelry business. Although I loved making jewelry I felt drawn to do something that combined creativity, helping the environment and helping others. Voila, EnviroVogue was born.

I am grateful for so many things. One of things I love about my company is that it gives me a great vehicle to return a part of that bounty back to the world, not only by helping to preserve the environment, but by helping out some of my favorite charities. Every sale makes a donation to one of my favorite charities: Susan G. Komen and the Maasai Association.

3. You used the word, “family-preneurs” to describe your family. Are you natural born entrepreneurs, or did your desire to work from home evolve over time? If so, what motivated you to start your own business?

I needed the extra income, but because my son, Mitchell, had special needs, a 9 – 5 office job was out of the question. So I tutored out of my home for a while. Then I started a jewelry business. But they weren’t scalable. I had big dreams. I want to one day take my business international!

My husband has always been involved with entrepreneurial endeavors, and when someone asks our sons what they want to be when they grow up, they say “I want to own my own business!” I’m proud of that!

4. What obstacles did you confront, and how did you overcome them?

Where do I start? Learning the business was tough. How do you design a consumer product? How do you manufacture it? How do you sell it, wholesale, retail??? I had to figure everything out with the help of my husband, and the encouragement of my two boys.

5. Did you ever feel like quitting? If so, what kept you motivated?

Early on I had some problems with our manufacturer and the quality of the products. It nearly killed me, but this business was so important to my family that I refused to focus on the worst, and I just had faith.

6. How do you juggle career and kids?

I don’t try to keep the two things separate… it’s impossible anyway! So I involve the boys. I get their opinions on my new designs, and they help with the web site and even shipping and trade shows.

7. What qualities do you think are necessary for people who want to work from home?

Dream big. Act fast. Believe.

- Thanks for your time!

For more information on how to get your enviromentally-friendly tote, visit: www.envirovogue.com