What about Pampered Chef.  A very good friend of mine is one of their consultants and is doing very well.  She had to put a small amount of up front money to purchase their started kit, but that was all.  She makes around $900.- per month by hosting two parties a week.  It is definately an at your own pace business.   Since she has two young children she gets a lot of her business through her daughters school, classmates, teachers, etc.  Check out their website, maybe you could fine more info there. 

HTH!