Owning your own business and working from home is a growing industry, but it's difficult sometimes to separate the legitimate business offers from the scams. A weekend event in Omaha is trying to help point us in the right direction for home-based businesses.

Jenni Richards is not a pressure seller. The stay-at-home mom was looking for a way to make a few extra dollars and conventional employment wasn't the answer.

“My husband was going back to school so we decided it would be a good thing if I did something flexible.”

So Jenni decided to give Pampered Chef a try. Now she's sharing her business success with others at the Westroads Mall Home-Based business Expo.

“I usually touch base with people who want to be contacted and if they want more information we sit down and chat about it.”

Many of the vendors have similar stories. Some, like Inspiranza Designs, are offering immediate opportunities. “There are only three of us in the whole state of Nebraska so we are looking for extra people to sell our jewelry in the home,” said Donna Carleton.

A hobby can become a home-based business. “Anything you can scan and you can get into a computer,” said Carol Evans, who started scrapbooking when her daughter was born. “There are actual pictures of my family from back in the 1900s.”

As her daughter grew up, her business interests also grew. “Once I started meeting a lot of friends who were also into scrapbooking and you know, it’s a fun way to help others preserve their memories.”

Personal interests can help find a business niche. “I'm a very creative person and I like working with my hands so making something that someone else buys is just incredible.” Bettina Johnson's business is handmade jewelry. She was able to quit a full-time job after starting her own business last year.

“I have wholesale orders going to Canada and even here in Nebraska, downtown in the Old Market, and its just grown so fast.”

A chance to network at this show helped everyone's home-based business grow. “It really helps me to get the word out and people get to know me.”

The Westroads Home-Based Business Expo continues until 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.