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Heather Nolte's home business has blossomed.

DALLAS — Moms, have you ever thought about starting your own business so you could stay at home with your kids?

Heather Nolte did, and now her clothing line is making a big splash—from Japan to Hollywood.

Nolte's business began by accident, right after her first child was born.

The Austin native said she was looking for something she couldn't find in any store: cute baby clothes!

"I started sewing onesies, and making outfits for him, and was really overwhelmed with the response I was getting," Nolte said. "I was having strangers come up to me on the street wondering where they could buy them."

Three years (and three children) later, Nolte's Glamajama line of couture baby, toddler and mommy clothes has really taken off. Her products can be found in more than 500 boutiques worldwide, including Baby Bliss in Dallas.

The line has caught on with celebrities, too. Lisa Rinna wore a Glamajama T-shirt on "Dancing With the Stars" last year. "She fell in love with our 'mommy' tee," Nolte said.

It's quite a success story when you consider that Nolte started out with a needle and thread and $5,000.

"I started selling locally, and I got a lot of my start right here at the Dallas Market Center," she said.

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Glamajama clothing is popular with celebrity moms.

Nolte said you, too, can start your own business; it's not as hard as you think. Here are some tips:

• Ease into it. If you currently work at a company that lets you work from home part-time, find out if it's right for you.

• Consider the type of business you'd like to start.

• Don't get ripped off; there are three classic work-at-home scams: medical billing, assembly and envelope-stuffing.

• Create clear boundaries for yourself; you're going to need a space with a lockable door.

• Keep options open; look for opportunities and believe in yourself.

"It's not how many times you are knocked down; it's how many times you get up," Nolte said.

E-mail jhyland@wfaa.com