Thanks, that is a good answer to start with! I hope others will chime in as well. All opinions will be SO appreciated, if anyone at all wants to comment!
I think it is a case of, she knows -nothing- about machines, and is vulnerable perhaps in over-spending because it could well be that a$50 solid machine could do her well for a year or more, and if the business goes well, then she can shell out hundreds for a more industrial one. (But, to spend hundreds now would negate all of her start-up profits, if there are any to begin with.)
(My hunch is that a hearty old Singer or Kennie will do it, but I also do not want to lead her astray.)