This week we are talking with the creator and maker of Book Boxes, Diane Thodos. Book Boxes are real books with fabric lined boxes inside them. Here’s what Diane had to say about starting her Cottage Industry:

1. Tell us about your business: I make Book Boxes – hollowed out books lined in velvet to hide small valuables on a book shelf. They are designed to blend invisibly with the books on your shelf and are the perfect place to safeguard jewelry, cash, watches, collectibles, coins, stamps, small antiques, letters, documents, credit cards, keys, cell phones, TV remotes, and other small valuables with simplicity and convenience. The price of Book Boxes average between $14 and $24 per book depending on the size.

2. Why did you start this business? To have independence. I wanted to have freedom to move my time around for my main career and also I wanted to earn effective profit from my labors, not share the money with someone else.

3. What is your background? I have an art degree.

4. What skills did you need to acquire for your new endeavor? You need to be good with your hands and good at listening to customers needs. I learned a lot about new uses for my product this way and could expand my reach.

5. Biggest challenges? Affording individual health coverage. Also you need physical energy and stamina for this labor-intensive business.

6. What have you learned and advice to others: To take the road less traveled and you can find new freedoms and well as responsibilities. Thinking outside the box can have minimal risk with good rewards.

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