I don't know about the hook because I personally do not crochet but I do know about the craft website - and there are a lot of them and some people make really good money making things for other people.

As you said, your mom did start an ebay store so you know that works. You could also post some of the items you make on some of the free craft classified websites such as http://craftersbuzz.com - you don't have to have a website to advertise your items - but you could try that and see how it goes :-).

Good luck!