Over 200 women attended the first women's expo held at The Meeting Center in Elkin on Saturday.

Those who did attend found information on the best bra to purchase, water filtering systems, home security systems and part-time home based business opportunities, as well as samples of delicious treats.

Linda Greene, of Tastefully Simple and Tammy Cox of Signature Home Styles organized the event to promote both their businesses and to host an event for women in the area.

"I've participated in several similar events throughout the area, but we have not had one in Elkin," Greene said. "We are very pleased with the turnout we've had today. There has been a constant flow of women throughout the day. Women were here as soon as we opened and we've seen over 200 customers visiting with us.

"Our participating vendors have had great comments from the customers and from themselves. With the success we've had today, we're hoping to have another expo prior to Christmas to offer area shoppers alternative gift ideas and opportunities to begin their own home-based businesses."

Customers mingled through the booths of the 17 participating vendors, viewing the products being offered. Tammy Prevette, of Just Jewelry offered classic jewelry items to fit any woman's desire.

"I've been to other expo's, and this one has been very good," Prevette said. "There has been a steady stream of customers all day. If the ladies organize another one, I would definitely be interested in participating again."

Brooke Smith and Mandy Grose, of Thirty-One Gifts were pleased with the turnout in Elkin also.

"I will definitely be participating in the next women's expo in Elkin," Smith said. "This has been a nice event."

Other vendors who participated in this first women's expo were Cottage Waters, Kagnen Water, Longaburger, Mary Kay, Miche, Pampered Chef, Premeire Designs, Princess House, Pure Romance, Scentsy, Security Force of Wilkes, Silpada Jewelry and Tupperware.

Greene is a local sales and party representative with Tastefully Simple, a company based out of Minnesota that began in 1985 when founder Jill Blashack Strahan was looking not only for additional income, but a way to make women's life simpler when making choices for meals, snacks and flavors. The company offers items that when pared with two ingredients or less, becomes a full meal, snack or dessert with homemade taste. Soup mixes, spices, entree selections and flavorful dip mixes are just a few of the items available for purchase.

Home parties are booked where the hostess can earn free or reduced product themselves just for inviting a few friends over to sample the flavors of the products.

Greene says that the products are made with quality ingredients and very popular once the cook in the house tastes a sample of the offerings.

Cox, is a sales and party representative for Signature Home Styles, based out of Illinois. A mother and daughter team began their home-based business to give consumers an alternative choice in making their house into a home while providing the customer the comfort of their own home while selecting the quality products to fit their individual style. Being mothers themselves, they wanted to be able to provide an income in their home while having the time to spend with their family in an environment that was welcoming to guests and comfortable to live in.

"It's a great way to provide my family with additional income," Cox said. "The products are quality and the selections are attractive and those that any woman wanting to make her house a home can find choices with."

Anyone wishing to participate in the next expo, tentatively planned for later in the fall, should contact Greene at 336-984-7412 or Cox at 336-902-1448.