College Mall expo shows off local home businesses

Bloomington’s College Mall is home to an assortment of nation-wide shopping franchises and food vendors, but Saturday, it opened its halls to a number of home-based businesses.

The College Mall’s center court played host to the Home Business Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event was dedicated to a myriad of companies, ranging from jewelry to legal services to weight loss supplements.

Home-based businesses account for 51 percent of all American companies, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Apple Computers, Hershey’s and Mary Kay Cosmetics were all originally run out of their respective owners’ homes.

Not all home-based businesses are individually owned. Some Internet-based companies hire consultants from across the U.S.

These consultants then sell the company’s products from home and at events like Saturday’s expo.

One of the businesses present was Legal Shield, a business that connects people with major law firms for a cheaper price than a personal attorney.

“Attorneys can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per hour,” said Anna Ivey, a representative from Legal Shield.

The company also offers identity theft protection in addition to legal services, she said.

“I had a friend who had her identity stolen,” Ivey said. “It was a major hassle and it could have ruined her life.”

Most of the other kiosks were dedicated to selling more tangible products.
Magnabilities sells jewelry with interchangeable magnetic pieces, said Shelley Raines, a consultant for the company.

“It’s important to have matching jewelry, and Magnabilities allow customizability,” Raines said.

Most of the vendors at the event were attending the business expo for the first time.

“I’ve been in the business since November, so I’m fairly new,” Raines said.

Another business present at the expo was Saba, a company that produces health and weight loss supplements, such as digestive aids and antioxidant formulas.

Among the group of vendors, Saba representative Sue Caldwell said she was the only veteran of the business expo.

“This is my second time at the Business Expo,” Caldwell said. “It’s a wonderful business, and I enjoy the camaraderie that we share.”