Why I Traded My Online Store Chaos for a Simpler Way to Earn
Back in 1997, I was just hoping someone would find my new website. Google wasn’t even a thing yet. Yahoo was the go-to, and since they listed websites alphabetically, mine showed up near the top because it started with an “A.” I had built the site myself, taught by my husband in FrontPage and later Dreamweaver, and launched it while juggling babies, nap times, and a million daily tasks.
I didn’t expect much. But then one day, someone up north reached out.
After multiple contacts, image proofs, and product samples from our factory, they placed a single order that would change everything: 50,000 tall plastic apothecary jars filled with strawberry hard candies, all to be shipped to one location within three weeks. It was a custom job unlike anything I had ever processed before.
That one order made me realize the power of eCommerce. It gave me confidence in what I was building could truly support my family. It wasn’t luck—it was hard work, relentless follow-up, and a deep belief that this little idea could turn into something bigger.
And it did. We scaled up quickly. My husband left his job to join me full-time. We bought a beautiful home in a nice masterplan neighborhood. Our kids went to private school. I was proud of what I built.
But what most people don’t see is the complexity behind it all.
I didn’t handle inventory directly (we were a broker, not a warehouse), but I managed a small team responsible for overseeing hundreds of custom orders every year. Each order had to be entered into the system, artwork verified, customer approvals managed, shipping scheduled, and client communication handled with precision.
At our peak, we were processing between 40 to 100 custom orders per month—each with 8 to 9 steps from quote to delivery. And when you’re working with 14,000+ SKUs that constantly change due to factory updates, keeping everything current became a full-time job in itself.
Eventually, the calls slowed. Email became the norm. My staff got smaller. These days, it’s mostly just me, my husband, and occasionally our son. We continue to run a multiple six-figure operation with a lean setup, but the truth is:
I wanted more freedom.
Not just to sleep a little longer or have lunch by the pool (though I enjoy that). I wanted to explore something that allowed me to still earn a great income—without the constant coordination, without the multi-step order process, and without waiting for the next big deal to drop in.
That’s when I found affiliate marketing.
At first, I thought it wasn’t for me. It felt like something reserved for influencers with perfect feeds or massive followings. But the deeper I looked, the more I saw the truth:
Affiliate marketing isn’t about being an influencer. It’s about recommending products you trust, sharing helpful content, and earning a commission for connecting buyers with solutions.
Now, I’m building new streams of income in a way that feels lighter and smarter. I don’t have to chase orders. I don’t have to manage inventory. I don’t even have to be in my office every day.
I just have to show up, share what I know, and let the systems do the rest.
This isn’t about starting over. It’s about evolving. And if you’re in a season where you’re craving simplicity, flexibility, and income you can build from anywhere—you might be ready for that evolution too.
If you’re curious what this could look like for you, I’m happy to share what I’m learning—just reach out!
Commission Earned - This website contains affiliate product links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
