Ashley Behn: Creator of beaumontbuzz.com

What's the background story of your site? I met many small business owners that wanted a better way to connect to their customers and drive traffic into their stores. Traditional forms of advertising just weren't cutting it- too expensive and too vast of an audience for specialty women-targeted stores. I then met business owners just like me — stay-at-home/part time working moms who wanted to start their own business showcasing their talent and passion, but having no idea of where to start. So, after much thought, beaumontbuzz.com was born.

What is the idea behind the site? To create a sense of community amongst the women of Southeast Texas, to promote locally owned businesses, to help newcomers find their way around town and to create pride in those who have lived here a long time

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How much time did it take to get the site up? I thought about it for at least 6 months. Once I decided on the "what," the designing and initial set-up of the site only took about a month.

Is this Web site a hobby or a full-time gig? Full-time gig that I work around my kiddos.

Do you do your own Web design? Where did you learn how? I do the design, but not the coding. I learned graphic design in college (SFA, of course!). My minor was in art.

What are your future plans for this site? To take over the world! Not really. I just want it to be a staple for SETX women. Something they just can't live without.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own Web site? Research, research, research. Find sites you like and ones you don't. Be focused in the purpose of the site, and use that as your guide. If you get too crazy and offer too many things right off the bat, you'll find yourself biting off more than you can chew. Always go back to "what was my purpose for creating the site?"

You attended SFA, how do you give back to your alma mater? I keep in touch with the Greek community and give support there. The leadership skills I gained in a sorority have been a major contributor to my professional success.

What are the important things in your life? Well, I'm the mother of two children and one husband. Oh, and baby number three is expected in July. That will make three kids ages 3 and younger. Yes, I'm crazy! Naturally, they are on the top of my important things in life. But, above them is my relationship with Christ. I love the phrase, "Crisis is the absence of Christ." Working from home with two small children at my side can be, (OK, is) pure chaos 99 percent of the time. But, when I keep my eyes on Christ first, there is peace in my life's circus!

What is your favorite quote? I've already given you one so here's another. This one was told to me in class once by Dr. Tim Clipson at SFA and I use it nearly everyday. I tell it to my clients. "Think you can, think you can't, either way you're right."

What advice would you give a woman who is about to graduate college and doesn't really know what she wants to do? Move to Tahiti. KIDDING! I would say to take one thing she loves (even if it's shopping!) and start working in that field. Don't be pressured to find a "career" right out of college. Don't wait to "find yourself" either. You are a special creation that is constantly evolving and your interests will change. Whatever you do, always present yourself with your best foot forward because you never know when opportunity will knock. For this current graduating generation, I think it is important to clean up your myspace pages! You know the ones I'm talking about. As a business owner that hires interns, Myspace and Facebook are the first places I look when doing research on applicants. If the photos and language on the page are inappropriate, then I will not hire that individual.