A couple of days ago, I put out a call for work at home moms and was excited to get several responses (including one from a dad, more on that later). Mary Lutz, a work at home mom of 4 was among the first to respond and she sent her interview back so quickly I wondered if she even had time to read the questions!

You might recognize Mary from her comments right here on At Home Mom, she`s been a reader for some time now and she runs a VA business. If you ever need VA services, you might want to check her out.

1. What is your business? Professional Virtual Business Solutions

2. How did you get started? I always wanted to work from home, and in the winter of 2008, I was laid off from my job, so I researched every VA site I could find. I finally decided that VA Networking was the way to go. It is a complete kit to get you started and keep you on track. It also comes with a 45 day money back guarantee! I couldn’t pass that up! I spent all the time I had working from the book in the kit and reading all I could about being a VA.

3. What mistakes did you make when you were starting out? What did you learn from them? I’m still making mistakes, lol, but seriously I think I the biggest thing I’ve learned so far is finding my niche. I also recently learned that I’m a pretty good writer. I think you should figure out what you’re good at, unless you already know, and do that. It should also be something you LOVE.

4. How long have you been working from home? (was this your first business or have you had others where you worked from home?) I officially opened my VA doors June 1, 2008, but was still working from home part time. I recently was laid off again in December of 2008, so officially since then have I been working from home full time.

5. What are your tricks for balancing work, kids and household chores? Chores? Oh I’m supposed to do those?! Just kidding. I have to set a work schedule. I’m still adjusting it. My husband works a rotating shift and I tried working when he works, but I’m not sure I am cut out to switch schedules like he does. But, definitely setting a work schedule is key. The great thing about working from home is being able to set your own schedule so you can arrange it around the family.

6. How many children do you have? How old are they? I have 4 children, ages 16 to 25. I also have 2 grandsons (the cutest ever!) ages 4 months and 2 years old.

7. When do you usually work? I usually work whenever I’m not cleaning or running the kids around…I love what I do, so putting the lap top down is a challenge sometimes. My hubby has to remind me now and then that he’d like me to spend time with him (ya think!) Often he will get out his laptop and we will sit and do our thing while watching TV. My kids tease us and say we are such geeks!

8. What is the best part of being a mompreneur? And the worst? The best? Everything! I love it!!! The worst is being patient while you build your business, waiting for the money to start coming in. But once it does, and you figure out what you’re doing right, then it’s so exciting and makes you want to do even more!

9. What are your plans for the future of your business? Just to keep writing. I am contemplating writing a book!

10. What advice would you give new work at home moms? Figure out what you love to do and do it. Set a daily work schedule around your family, church, etc. And be patient, but keep plugging along. Eventually it will all come together and your efforts and hard work will pay off.

Update: A HUGE apology to Mary for mispelling her name as Luft instead of Lutz, I`ve updated the post to correct the mistake.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• 10 Things Your VA Can Do
• 5 Ways to Find More Time in Your Day
• Motivational Monday: Interview with Ann Westby
• Get Your Work at Home Questions Answered by Experts
• Motivational Monday: Interview with Leslie Haywood