EGG HARBOR CITY-- A business that began with two women setting aside $25 dollars of their grocery money to invest in sterling silver jewelry 12 years ago has transformed into a multi million-dollar direct sales business. Jennifer Husko finds out that despite the recession, sales are up and representatives are actually getting paid to party.

Like many people today, Deborah Michaels was looking for some extra income, but had a hard time finding a part time job that fit her schedule...that is until she fell upon handcrafted sterling silver jewelry company, Silpada Designs. "I was looking for something where I could have more control of my time…I thought this is it, the answer because it fit everything that I would want in a job," said Michaels.

While people are worried about companies downsizing and getting fired or laid off, the direct sales industry, where representatives sell their products at house parties, continues to be recession proof.

Why you might ask? Well, you're the boss. There's minimal start up costs and you can make your own hours because you get out of it what you put in. "If a hostess gets $350 in free jewelry, she puts $350 in her pocket...in a two hour, casual party…there are people making six figures selling Silpada jewelry," said Lori Carlin, Senior Representative for Silpada Designs Jewelry.

But best of all they're getting paid to party. "That's the best part, having fun making money," said Michaels.

Last year, Silpada said their sales force jumped and despite the recession they say sales continue to climb and they believe it's in part due to the fact that it's an affordable girls night out where you get to try on the jewelry to see what they have to offer. "You just get a couple of snacks together and invite your friends and let them come, cause girls are still wanting to get together and have fun!"

There's no long-winded sales pitch to listen to and no pressure to buy out of your price range... The only thing they encourage partygoers to do is play in the Silpada jewelry box. "Get dressed up, get out of the house and meet other people."

The more people you meet, the more parties you book, the more money you will ultimately make.

Silpada Designs said its sales force of both part time and full time representatives grew to 27 thousand last year, up 13 percent from the previous year. Revenue for the company jumped 8 percent to $270 million dollars.