Carol J. Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation, offers another reason. She says, "Men usually don't experience "Empty-Nest Syndrome" in the same way that women do. Women who have stayed home to raise children really miss that aspect of their lives when the children are gone."

Buck says, "Women who want to start a business are usually motivated by either the need for money to build a retirement fund or add to it; a need to back up their husband's income in case of a layoff; the desire to have extra money for the house; or the need to pay for the childrens' college educations. Some have always wanted to have a career or a 'shop,' use their accounting skills, etc., and now they feel they can without shortchanging their children."

Buck offers the following advice for anyone thinking about starting a business:

• Be sure there's a demand for your product or service, package it well and make sure it delivers on the promise. The American consumer will try anything once, but will only make a second purchase of what works.
• Don't start unless you're prepared for the long haul - ten years at least.
• Don't give up other sources of income until your salary and benefits match your expectations.
• Develop an excellent product that people really NEED.
• Be prepared to work at least two hours more per day than anyone else.
• Treat every call, letter and email with an open mind. You never know when a good idea or opportunity will be presented to you.
• Realize you are on a learning curve. Be willing to make changes.
• Get advice, but make decisions with your "gut." Your head will rationalize, but your stomach knows when something's not right. If you have a nagging feeling, pay attention to it and fix it.

Buck had a successful business career in the consumer products industry before raising a family, and, later, as a healthcare industry consultant once her children were older. She launched Xenna Corporation ten years ago, initially funding the business with family savings and a six-month loan from her father. High ticket items in the early days went to research and patent work on Xenna's natural line of personal care products for nails, skin and hair. Now Xenna's foot care products are in most drugstore chains, including Walgreens, Rite Aid, Eckerd, Longs, Brooks, and Duane Reade, and are also sold by podiatrists nationwide.

Xenna's bestselling product is its patented, diabetic-friendly NonyX® Nail Gel, which takes a unique, natural approach to the problem of unattractive yellow or discolored nails - especially toenails. NonyX is a topical, easy-to-use gel that breaks down and removes keratin debris - the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails that causes them to become discolored and unattractive. NonyX Gel softens keratin debris using natural ethanoic acid, which permits it to be scraped out from under the nail after about four weeks. Once keratin debris is removed, the gel keeps nails looking clear and attractive with regular use.

Xenna's newest foot care product is CalleX® Callus Ointment, which uses natural enzymes to exfoliate calluses and to smooth and rejuvenate dry, cracked heels. CalleX has been shown in consumer studies to significantly reduce callus, dry, flaking skin and cracking on soles and heels within 15 to 30 days. Acid-free and safe for diabetic use, CalleX moisturizes dry, rough or flaky skin, and exfoliates and thins callused areas, while leaving normal skin unaffected.

Xenna's foot care products can also be purchased online at www.drugstore.com, www.FootSmart.com and www.xenna.com.

Its newest product for hair, a natural curl relaxer called Curlaway® Gel, will be in beauty supply stores in May. "It has been a phenomenal seller on our website," reports Buck, a place where all Xenna products are initially test-marketed

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held company which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails.