Checking out the ‘wares’ at PG WAHM Trade Show

Prince George, BC – From life skills coaching, to lotions to ‘spice up’ your life; from environmental solutions to pack up your life, to skilled photographers to lay out your life on canvas; today’s event at the Civic Centre had something for everyone.

It was the 4th annual PG Work At Home Moms and Dads Trade Show, featuring home-based entrepreneurs and their numerous offerings.  Amanda Wamsteeker, a volunteer on the PG WAHM organizing committee, says, "It’s been a great day, it’s been really steady and we’ve seen a lot of happy customers.  It’s been nice."

Wamsteeker says, "As a home-based business, you don’t have a lot of money to spend on advertising and that type of thing, so something like this really helps a lot."  Wamsteeker runs ‘Balancing Act Health and Wellness’, a health coaching business. 

"I help people work towards their goals of improved health – whether it be weight loss, or better nutrition, or becoming more active."  Wamsteeker works with clients to assess their often chaotic lifestyles, creating a program to incorporate changes that make a difference in their health.

Trish Farquhar of Just Clean Fun participated in last year’s show and came back this year because, in addition to the opportunity to sell her homemade soaps, deodorants and body butters, she finds connecting with other PG WAHM members vital to her business.

"The networking has been key – you get suggestions, you get help, there’s a few ‘mom cafe’ type programs that offer assistance with how to run your business, how to do it online," says Farquhar.  "It’s expanded my business and I’ve had lots of contact with other mothers that give you good suggestions."

Farquhar started making soap about 10-years ago as a hobby, it transitioned into a business five years ago, and she now has a booth at the Prince George Farmers Market from May to October, and participates in UNBC’s weekly Tuesday markets.