The Indie Experience
July 28, 2008
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 9, Issue 27
To subscribe, click here
-- Media Partner --
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
2.
New At the Blog: Flex Your Media Muscle and more!
3. Today on Indie Business Radio: Using White Papers to
Expand Your Reach and Increase Your Bottom Line
4. Indie Candy: Soapylove ::
Debbie Chialtas :: California
5. New at Indie Business Forum: FDA Globalization Act
of 2008
Indie Beauty Ritual: Ginger Citrus Body Emulsion
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
Welcome Renewing Members!
A Rare Treasure | Cynthia Bonnette | Illinois
* Member since July 2007; Our soaps, lotions, scrubs, balms, cremes, candles, etc. are hand crafted in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. We strive to bring you products made with the finest quality ingredients.
Ally Kats | Colett Bigler | Washington
* Member since July 2007; Children's bath and body products, such as bubble bath, shampoos, and hair detanglers in two scents - Lily Grapefruit and Green Apple. Also supply sparkly 'powder puffs' (nonscented) and adding new products all the time! All products are gentle and safe for babies' and toddlers' skin.
Body Divine | Michelle Hurd | Texas
* Member since July 2007; Body Divine natural skin products have been developed over the years to promote healthy skin. Our ingredients and essential oils are selected for the benefits they bring to you through your skin and
aromatheraphy. We also provide workshops to help you make better choices about your skin care products. Soaps, bath salts, moisturizers, scrubs and masks are available. Let our high standards and beautiful products take care of your skin. You will feel better and have healthier skin!
Creative Soy Candles | Elizabeth Partee | New
York
* Member since July 2007; Creative Soy Candles is a wholesale/retail manufacturer of soy candles, aromatherapy soy candles, and massage candles. We also offer our wholesale clients private labeling options in addition to custom jars and/or fragrances.
Liz's Soothing Solutions | Elizabeth Kingston |
California
* Member since July 2007; We specialize in glycerin soaps,
bath salts, bath fizzies, body creams, body butters and other inexpensive herbal
body and bath specialties. All of our products are hand crafted and where
possible, we use botanicals from our own garden. We are firm believers that
quality bath products can be affordable.
Muti Oils | Melina McCall | New Jersey
* Member since July 2007; Muti Oils offers truly natural and organic, unique therapeutic aromatherapy products. Full lines for mothers and babies, skincare, cancer care, and a wide range of every day essentials, spa and luxury items for use in the home, for travel and spas. All products are formulated by a clinical aromatherapist to bring therapeutic benefits with a pleasing aroma. Muti Oils is dedicated to sourcing fair-trade and eco friendly ingredients and recyclable packaging.
The BaSix and Beyond | Sharon Prendergast | New
York
* Member since July 2007; The BaSIX and beyond is located in New York City. We provide personal care and wellness products to consumers worldwide. Our natural and organic bath and body products offer all the goodness nature has to offer..
Welcome New Members!
Astral Scents | Valerie Chenevert | Maine
* Astral Scents are hand crafted scents blended in
small batches using high quality therapeutic grade ingredients. The essential
oils used in these products are 100% pure, high quality essential oils and
absolutes. Product line consists of: natural rollon perfume oils, natural
aromatherapy massage oils and bath salts, hand and body lotions.
Candles and Country Treasures | Marie Jacobs | Virginia
* Candles and bath & body products.
Devorah Naturals | Deborah Seewald | Pennsylvania
* We make soaps, lotions, balms and more with natural and organic ingredients. Our goal is to make fresh, natural products that will nourish your skin while pampering yourself.
Drippin' Nectar | Jannell Green | California
* Drippin' Nectar Body Products are created to nourish the skin & enhance the beauty you already have! I have created creamy body butters, silky body oils, delicious sugar & salt body scrubs and much more! Smooth skin and sensuous scents await you at Drippin' Nectar!
Jiade Organic Cosmetics | Eva Savova | California
* Luminous Wicks makes candles from soy and palm
waxes. We have made and tested our candles for almost 2 years before we decided
to offer them to the public. They burn clean and have an optimized throw of
scent.
Katherine Botanicals | Kimberly Ferraro | Pennsylvania
* Katherine Botanicals offers a unique aromatherapy experience, by utilizing pure essential oils, botanical extracts and herbs, to produce the highest quality in handmade skincare.
Waterbourne Spa and Candles | Heather Scott | New Jersey
* We make hand milled soap, lotion, salt and sugar scrubs, all natural lip balm, bubble bath, shower gels, spray on lotion, body buttters and much more.
Pretty Natural | Willette Monk | Virginia
* Pretty Natural specializes in high quality, natural and organic hair products for people of color. Pretty Natual's line includes shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, pomades, oils and specialty hair products.
Under Your Skin | Beth Shisler | Pennsylvania
* Under Your Skin – The Art of Skin Care where Nature meets Science. Our company was developed to address mature skin issues with natural ingredients combined with the most recently developed skin care actives to promote healthy, youthful and vibrant looking skin. We are proud to market affordable, high quality products that produce desirable results by approaching skin care from both natural and scientific perspectives.
Learn more about Indie members and their exciting products, services and activities by visiting their websites through our Online Member Directory. You can search for your favorite Indie by state/country, business name, keyword or alphabetical listings.
2. New At the Blog: Flex your Media Muscle and More!
Here
are some (well, really one!) current popular blog posts. Enjoy and feel free to
make your opinion known. And don't forget to leave your blog or website address
so we can learn more about you, your products and your services.
Do you have something to say? Post a comment and join the discussion!
Next Indies In The City: August 5, Washington, DC. Special guests: Lela Barker of Bella Lucce and Anne Marie Faiola of Brambleberry! Join us and have a drink on me!!
Passion,
Purpose & Profit: A No Fail, Winning Combination
Flex
Your Media Muscle: Save Time, Money and Take Control
Indies
In The City: video from a great time
Tips
to Help You Love Your Customers
Want more great information to help you grow your business? Then click here to get my blog posts automatically delivered directly to you through our RSS feed. If you prefer email, provide your email address at the blog, upper right corner.
3. Today on Indie Business Radio: Using White Papers to Expand Your Reach and Increase Your Bottom Line
Today's Show:
Using White Papers to Expand Your Reach and Increase Your Bottom Line
Search on your favorite search engine for just about any topic and you're likely to uncover at least a few links to White Papers on the topic. Why so many White Papers? What are they? How do they get to the top of organic search engine listings? Shouldn't yours be there too?
Today's guest is Mike Stelzner, the undisputed royalty when it comes to White Papers and he'll be on hand to answer your questions about how you can use them to increase your search engine rankings and generate more recognition and sales.
Call us at (800) 773-0355 and share your thoughts, questions, comments and concerns on this important issue.
-- Media Partner --
4. Indie Candy: Debbie Chialtas :: Soapylove :: California
When I first laid eyes on 33-year old Debbie Chialtas' beautiful soapsicles at the Soapylove website, I was mesmerized. First of all, I'm thinking, "Why didn't I think of that?" Then I remembered my limited creative talent and concluded that, the fact that I thought of it wouldn't have helped me since thinking and doing are two very different things. But combine passion with a background in design -- now that's a winning combination just crying out to create something beautiful that sells.
How did you start your business and what is the inspiration for it?
I started Soapylove very innocently in 2005 when I was pregnant with my
son. I got really into handmade body products, searching for the perfect
(and inexpensive) cocoa butter cream. I never found that, but did stumble
into glycerin soapmaking and got totally obsessed. By the time my family
threw a baby shower for me. I had piles of soaps, including some soapsicles.
I decided to give them away to the shower guests and created some labels for
them, and Soapylove just popped into my head!
My life before Soapylove was in the fashion industry. I went to art college
and got a fine arts degree with a major in fashion design. I found a niche
in Product Development which became my specialty, but that is a very
technical aspect of fashion. My creativity was not going to good use. When
I started making soap, it was like my artistic nature came pouring out after years of being bottled up.
My business is second to raising my two kids. I have one day a week dedicated entirely to Soapylove. Otherwise I squeeze in work when I can. For example, right now my kids are napping (miraculously at the same time!). I left my full time job in apparel when I went on maternity leave last year to be a work at home Indie Business owner.
How did you discover the art of making soap?
I discovered M&P when I was experimenting with other body products. I was really drawn to the colorful and creative possibilities it has. I guess you would say it's a natural talent since I didn't take any classes. I have just been playing around, learning from trial and error..
What inspires you where new fragrances and ingredients are concerned?
I'm inspired by new challenges. If I see a design - in fabric, glass, ice cream - I want to find out how I can execute it with soap. When I'm working on a new soapsicle design, I find inspiration in holidays, seasons,
fragrances, and real ice cream flavors. It's a super tough market, since there are so many other soapers out there.
What's new with your business these days?
It feels like there is so much newness right now I can barely keep up! I had
fun teaching a soapmaking class at IBN member Bramble
Berry last week. I am working on a new Soapylove how-to book, which will be published
in Fall ' 09. I have a new line of soaps with a
totally modern look called The Soap Lab, which I'm really
excited about. Starting next month, I will be the new Featured Guest
Designer on Brambleberry's blog, creating new soap
tutorials each week. It's a lot going on, but I am so passionate about soap
making that it's exactly what I want!
How do you juggle being a wife, mother, retail store manger, soapmakers, entrepreneur, etc.?
My husband and I have a 3-year old and a 9-month old and it is so tough! My baby still wakes up several times at night, and my son is getting old enough to not nap every day, so I work whenever I can. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm doing a good job with Soapylove, and sometimes I don't feel like the best mom. It's a daily struggle. But without my husband's help and my assistant, there would be no Soapylove. I found help with production quite a while ago since I was working full time until recently. The rest of the business tasks can be done in short bursts of productivity.
What's your niche?
I think my soaps are special because they're so unique and many of them are extremely labor intensive (and hard to copy). I try to capture bright colors and/or adorable-ness as much as possible. My niche seems to be "a soap that's a gift in itself." They're very affordable gifts and work for so many different customers! My soapsicles are all $8.00 each retail, regardless of complexity. I do custom designs but they're rare. The design needs to fit the Soapylove aesthetic.
What are your most popular products?
My most popular style is the Clearly Lovely Soapsicle. My items seem to appeal to older girls and "tweens" and this one has a big heart, bright pink, and glitter. What more can a girl ask for?!
How many stores are your soapsicles in?
I have shipped to 111 stores just this year, worldwide. Some of these are
wholesalers so there are even more stores that carry my soaps!.
Who helps your business be successful?
I have my loving husband and talented assistant to thank for Soapylove's existence. My husband packs all of my wholesale orders and helps with the family whenever possible. He tolerates my obsessive email checking all day long, too! My assistant, Erin Pikor of Naiad Soap Arts is not only an amazing soapmaker for her own line but produces my soapsicles and ships my retail orders. We've been working together for over a year and it's the best thing ever. I can't say enough about "SoapyErin" (our loving nickname for her)!
How do you market your products?
That is such a tough question. I think it's mainly my active online presence that keeps people aware of Soapylove. I used to sell on Etsy which was awesome - I got lots of wholesale inquiries there and opportunities for more exposure (such as my appearance on DIY Networks' Craft Lab). I now have a sales rep and some very strong wholesale accounts that keep me very busy. I'm constantly seeking a strong marketing approach, though. I feel like I have a lot to learn before the true potential of Soapylove clicks.
What business book has helped you grow your business?
I'd like to skip this question if possible because I haven't read any. I just don't have the time to read!
What is your advice to others who are interested in starting a business of the own?
I have never borrowed any money for Soapylove. I use a low interest credit card and pay it off as quickly as possible. SoapyErin is an independent contractor so I don't have employee costs to manage (but she often earns more than I do!). My main advice to people regarding money is to be very real about the costs of doing business and let your product price reflect that. I have raised my prices several times over the years and even though some people think my price is high, the cost is what it must be.
How did you find the Indie Beauty Network and what do you think of it?
I found Indie Beauty Network through Brambleberry's blog. I wanted to get liability insurance since my items are primarily bought for children. Yikes! I am now benefiting from all of the amazing, super-relevant business advice I get there. Love it!
What do you love about being Indie?
I love being my own boss and doing whatever I want, when I want! I've been in the corporate world since I graduated college and this is such a great experience. I'd love some more money, though! ;)
What is a challenge you face, and how do you overcome it?
Business growth is my biggest challenge. I often feel like the universe is deciding what will happen with my business, regardless of the marketing efforts I make. But I just keep going - asking for advice and trying new things. I try to make my photos bright, stylish, and professional, and my soap designs new and exciting.
How do you use social media to spread the word about your products?
When I have a new soap to promote, I shout it from the rooftops through all of my online groups such as Flickr, Twitter, The Switchboards Forum, and my 2 blogs. I also use Constant Contact to send out newsletters to my buyers and general mailing lists.
What are you doing when you're not working?
Soapmaking is my hobby and I do it when I can. The kids and Soapylove really dominate my time, though.
What can you tell us about your overall philosophy of Indie Business?
I think that being Indie means you can constantly reevaluate your situation and find what's working and what isn't. Be a go-getter and approach people about opportunities like collaborations. Ask for help when you need it by being involved in business networking forums. Keep trying new things. Keep your eyes open for inspiration. Be involved in a community whether it's online or in craft shows where you sell. Push yourself to design better and better, and always present yourself professionally. And most of all, follow your dreams!!
What are your annual gross revenues?
Along with many other parts of my business, my record keeping has evolved a lot, and I don't have great records of early 2007. However, I would say that my sales have increased about 50% over last year.
This is Indie Candy, so if you were a brand of candy, what would you be and why?
Oh! I would be Lollyphile! Have you seen their site!? It is so great! I check it out all the time. It has style, humor, and smarts. Everything they do is cool. If you hover over their banner... well, I won't tell you. Go try! I haven't tried their candy yet but I want to. They have Absinthe and Bacon Lollipops. Isn't that the best!??
5. New At The Forum: FDA Globalization Act of 2008 and More!
We
have collected well over 1,000 signatures to the Petition opposing the
draft of the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008! You, your
friends, colleagues and customers are to be applauded!
Funny, I realized this morning that I have not yet signed it!! How ironic! Anyway, I am off to do my part once this newsletter is published. If you have not shared it with others, please do so today. Indie Business owners really do have to stick together. It takes a village, not only to raise a child, but also a business.
Watch the video and sign the Petition against this law!
Also, check out great forum discussions to help your business grow!
Is
all press good press?
Tips
for getting products into Whole Foods Market
Help
an Indie find quality Texas cedarwood essential oil
Is
new "sunscreen" soap bogus?
Get
your free inventory tracking spreadsheet!
Meet
other Indies, and introduce yourself -- and your business of course!
Share your thoughts and questions at the Forum!
Best & Success!!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Indie Experience
The Indie Beauty Network | www.indiebeauty.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2007 by The Indie Beauty Network (IBN) and Donna Maria. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction is prohibited. IBN does not necessarily endorse any product, event or ideology featured in The Handmade Beauty Connection (HBC) or on IBN's website. All information is provided on an "as is" basis and no express or implied warranties are given. Any use of the information contained in the HBC or on IBN's web site, including recipes, is solely at your own risk. IBN and Donna Maria disclaim any liability in connection with the use of all recipes, products reviewed and other information. Except for sponsorships, HBC refuses compensation from companies to feature or mention their names or products. Opinions expressed in any Product Review are personally those of the reviewer and do not represent the views of IBN, Donna Maria (unless she is the reviewer) or any other person or company.
