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Many people looking for a way to own a business without actually starting it from scratch by themselves and having to put an infrastructure in place choose the network marketing or direct sales route because the "system" is already in place and they don't have to start on their own. But some people choose a different option, favoring owning a brand of their own without actually starting it on their own. Such is the case with Janay Henry who purchased her business, Innerglo Home Spa, after a member of IBN decided to sell it last year. Here, in her own words, is her story.

Janay, thanks for joining me. Tell me a little about yourself.

Janay: I turned 40 just last week, and live in Fresno, Texas. I'm married and I purchased Innerglo Home Spa last year from Terina McKinney, a former IBN member from New Jersey. I actually heard about that the business was for sale when it was announced in this newsletter. My business focus is all natural bath and body products made fresh to order.

What sorts of things did you consider when buying Innerglo?

One of the main reasons I wanted to own a business of my own is so that when my husband and I start a family, I will have created a strong and sustainable business that I can run own my time. I am blessed already because my current job enables me to work full time at home. However, even though I'm at home, my role in the company will not allow me to sustain a business if I'm sill working full-time because I travel a lot. I also come from a family of entrepreneurs, so being a business owner is in my DNA. I believe the rewards of working for yourself are greater than when you work for someone else.

Why A Bath and Body Company?

I’ve always loved being pampered at spas, and for years had dreamed of owning one. I’m also a product junkie – I’m always trying new body butters, scrubs, and other bath and body products. About three years ago, I stumbled upon IBN member Lori Nova’s do-it-yourself classes at The Nova Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I used to live. This gave me a great foundation on making body products and sparked several ideas for how I could start making a living doing something I really loved. But as a busy professional with a full-time job managing human resources for a non-profit organization, I could never find the time to get my ideas off the ground. I stayed connected to my dreams by continuing to refine and test product ideas and by subscribing to the Indie Experience newsletter. In fact, this publication led me to Innerglo, when former owner Terina McKinney announced that it was for sale, and I made the decision to purchase it.

Are you still in touch with Terina?

I haven't spoken to Terina in a few months but I must thank her. As the founder and original owner of Innerglo, Terina helped me get the jumpstart I needed to move the business forward. She continues to be extremely supportive. Her consulting services for a period of time were part of the purchase agreement and she was a tremendous help. She has offered to extend it and has been an amazing resource. 

What sorts of things did you consider when buying Innerglo?

I had a fairly comprehensive business concept I had been working on when I heard about Innerglo being available for purchase. I still plan to incorporate those concepts into the Innerglo brand, but buying one already in existence made sense. Innerglo is not my first business, but it is my first business with physical products. At one time, I was an independent insurance broker for 3 years and also owned a network marketing business for a while. Entrepreneurship is in my family. My uncle owns one of the largest beauty shops in Houston. Another uncle owns a barbeque restaurant. My father who was a real estate broker strongly encouraged me to become an entrepreneur a long time ago, but I was too hardheaded - maybe too scared - to follow his advice back then. I guess I had to get my butt kicked in corporate America before I could take the plunge with confidence.

What advice do you have for anyone who might be interested in buying an existing business?

Do your homework to ensure the financials are in place and that they make sense for your situation. Be realistic about the time you can devote to transitioning a business. While it may be easier than starting from scratch in some respects, it's not as simple as it sounds. It can be just as complex and time intensive as starting from the ground up. Make sure the business speaks to your heart. This is important since it was birthed by someone else -- it has to make your heart sing too.

Your husband owns a business too -- what's it like being married to an entrepreneur?

Wow! Crazy busy. We're both in semi-start-up mode, so it's a real challenge, but we're leveraging what we're each learning and discovering about issues that impact both businesses, so that helps. He's extremely driven, so that helps me stay focused. I'm the computer person, so that helps him. It's a great partnership.

Who else helps you in the business?

I rely on the graciousness of friends and family, who connect me to important resources and give me great feedback. My husband is phenomenal; the first thing he did when I started the business was convert an extra bedroom to a craft studio, including built-in shelving. I am having some design work done on the website now to enable the site to have a more robust shopping cart feature to support more product offerings, and I’m excited about the upcoming enhancements. 

Tell me more about your products.

Innerglo products are pure and natural and are made fresh at the time of order. All of our products are made entirely by hand and are free of artificial fragrances and color. Only natural coloring, essential oils, herbs, botanicals and other natural elements of the Earth are used to create the purest treatments resulting in a luxurious bathing experience right at home.

What tips do you have for others who are considering purchasing an existing business?

Be open to the opportunity. It never occurred to me to consider purchasing an existing business until the opportunity to purchase Innerglo fell into my lap. When I inquired about the company and started doing my due diligence, I immediately saw how I would be able to incorporate my own original vision and ideas, while building on the great foundation that Terina had already built. For me, this was very compelling.

What do you like most about your business?

I love creating with my hands, envisioning and testing new products and filling orders. Experiencing the direct result of seeing the business grow before my eyes gives me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The idea that you control your own destiny has never been so real for me, and you just don’t get that on any job.

What are your biggest challenges and how do you overcome them?

My biggest challenges, by far, are marketing and time. I have so many ideas, and there’s no shortage of things to do for the business, but it’s difficult to fit it all in. There’s a constant frustration when you don’t always know how to do something. But there are so many resources available out there, many of them free, and lots of people willing to help. The key is to use your network of friends and family, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

Why do you love being Indie?

The Indie Experience newsletter is how I found Innerglo, and I will always be grateful for that. I really appreciate dM's vision and commitment to this industry. Reading stories in the weekly newsletter about the evolution of other businesses has kept me grounded and reminds me that success is a journey. I listen to Indie Business Radio – it’s a standing calendar entry for me – and the guests have been incredibly helpful and relevant.

What business book have you enjoyed lately that has helped you in business?

I’m enjoying reading Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth by T. Harv Eker. He talks a lot about mindset and reversing internal programming and beliefs about money that do not serve us. It’s truly eye-opening, and I’d highly recommend it.

When you're not working Innerglo, what are you doing? Any interesting hobbies?

My job and business keep my schedule fairly full. And since my husband is in the midst of building a thriving catering business here in Houston with a restaurant on the horizon, we stay busy. I do make time to travel, and I love the Caribbean where I met my husband five years ago. The islands feed my spirit, and I go as often as I can.

What's on the horizon for Innerglo?

In addition to the website changes, some great new products will be announced soon, and there will be some very cool product customization options. I’m also making some packaging changes. Several marketing opportunities have presented themselves recently, so the brand will be getting some good publicity. I’ve been laying low purposefully since I acquired the business in September, and am now poised for growth, and I can now say with confidence that I am prepared for it.

This is Indie Candy, so if you were a candy bar, what would you be?

Reece's Peanut Butter Cup. Chocolaty sweet on the outside, delectably savory on the inside.

Yum! Janay, thank you for sharing part of your story.

Janay's Business Works Because ...

1. Janay plans ahead. As a mother, I know how challenging it is to run a business with young children in tow. Like Janay, I started my business before I had children (even before I got married) in large part because I wanted to have something in place by the time they got here. I work with moms who start businesses after their children arrive and while it can be done, there are more challenges. If you are considering starting a family, try to launch before your babies get here so you have a platform in place to build upon. It's easier that way.

2. Janay paces herself. Janay is holding onto her full-time gig until she's ready to release it. Rather than giving in to the lure of "chucking it all," she is taking it one step at a time and not getting so excited about owning a business that she forgets to actually learn how to be in business.

3. Janay seizes opportunities and asks for help. Instead of feeling like she had to do everything herself from scratch, Janay saw a chance to buy something already in place. The business name, website, product line and other foundations were already established. Janay built on them, and took the former owner up on her offer of consulting so she could ensure a smooth transition. Janay gets help from her husband and family members when needed. I can't say enough about how asking for a little help can take a business from failure to success!

You can learn more about Innerglo products and their Cleanse, Detoxify, Exfoliate and Massage & Moisturize spa collections at their website.

Best & Success!!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Indie Experience
The Indie Beauty Network | www.indiebeauty.com

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