With the shrinking economy, cuts in working hours and layoffs, more and more people are looking to work from home. Perhaps it was something they always wanted to do, a creative hobby, a special service—something they thought about doing as an extra income—or the only income if it were successful. But, like most people, full time jobs with or without benefits offered more security.

Francie de Vos of Frank Expressions has been working from her home for many years. A bit burned out on traveling all over the country in the human resources profession, she turned to a more creative path and began working from home. What makes Frank Expressions so special? Frank Expressions is one of the most creative and fun services that make people happy—make an event extra special and it’s all due to the artistry in candy creations and the bubbly personality and loving heart of Francie de Vos. Every occasion is made more memorable through her creations of candy and floral arrangements. Weddings, showers, birthdays, Mothers Day, new baby, spa baskets—whatever the occasion---there’s a special custom creation that fits your wishes and your budget, and Frank Expressions has it all!

When first starting her business in 2001, Francie created candy bouquets and baskets for all occasions. Today, Frank Expressions has expanded to include everything from bridal bouquets (the traditional toss of the bride’s bouquet to the next bride-to-be becomes even more memorable and can be kept forever); chocolate shaped cowboy boots or skis for rehearsal night favors, wedding guest welcome baskets filled with trail mix, lip balm, water and even a visitor’s guide (a pleasant gift that welcomes the overnight guest before the wedding); the pet baskets with all your pet’s favorite treats, and baskets for kids too! “In February, I made candy corsages for the “Daddy Daughter Dance held the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. It was a huge success”. Francie also takes pride in using products from local providers west of Berthoud Pass—like the Rocky Mountain Roastery and local Arbonne representatives.

Although Francie’s cheerful, spirited personality sets the tone for all that she creates, she wants our readers to know that she is quite serious about her business—even though it is a great deal of fun! “I attend several gift shows a year --- in and out-of-state—to find the newest, best and most unique products for my baskets. I also regularly attend training seminars and conventions. targeted not only to business practices for continuing education but also specific basket-building training—all to stay on top of the latest trends and designs. She goes on to say, “I attended a great one in Arkansas the end of last year that gave me all kinds of terrific ideas and facilitated some great connections for me.”

Francie is a strong believer in staying active in the local Chambers of Commerce (Winter Park/Fraser Valley, Granby and the newly formed Hot Sulphur Springs Chamber of Commerce), as well as the Grand County Business Without Borders, a coalition of Grand County Colorado business owners believing that independent businesses build strong communities. Business Without Borders works to heighten public awareness of the value that small business bring to local communities. “It’s important to belong to these organizations to keep the local economy healthy and support one another through difficult times. Working together makes a better community!” If you’re looking to start your own business from your home, join one of the organizations that can lend their support through creative ideas and resources. In these changing times—who knows---today’s business from home may turn out to be tomorrow’s biggest success story. Look how successful Frank Expressions has become.

Visit Frank Expressions’ website at www.frankexpressions.com or call Francie at 970-722-7707. Open Mon.-Fri. 9-4 p.m.