With the increased pressures of parenthood, and work commitments, many people find themselves without either the resources or time to indulge in long vacations or sessions at a spa to counter the stresses of everyday life. But what they are turning to in increasing numbers, is the personal, private pampering that can be had at home through skin care, aromatherapy, and other products that steep a person, even for a short while, in the luxury of scents and surroundings that provide much needed relaxation.

That makes today the perfect time to investigate starting up a business that focuses on some aspect of the pampering industry. That can mean anything from training as a masseur and operating a "traveling" service out of your home, with a portable table and supplies, or it can mean retailing the types of lotions, scented candles or other items that have a proven track record in sales.

First, you should investigate the sale statistics for your area of interest. Decide whether your business will be wholly local, or Internet-based as well. One does not mean excluding the other, and an Internet presence can help promote you locally, as well as providing a sales outlet for other areas. A majority of women surveyed on their Internet use, stated that the information they looked for most online, was health and beauty products. As of 2000, the average female Internet shopper spent $840 in 12 months, a figure that has risen steadily since.

Depending on the financial resources you have for the start-up, you may decide to go solo and research individual suppliers in order to carry diverse and unique items, bearing in mind that there may be local/state regulations on the sales of certain substances, particularly anything that is sold for eating or drinking. The alternative is to become a sales associate or consultant with an established company that may operate on the home party system, returning a portion of all sales to you and giving bonuses for performance and recruiting other consultants.