The Indie Experience
December 22, 2008
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 9, Issue 46
To subscribe, click here
-- Media Partner --
1. Indie Beauty: Connect, Collaborate, Succeed @ Our Social
Media Site!
2. Indie Shopping Network Update!!
3. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
4. New at the Blog: Is the Four-Hour Workweek Obsolete?
5. Featured Indie Business Radio Show: Repackaging Is
Everything
6. Indie Candy: Kelley Madison :: PRIIA Cosmetics
:: Pennsylvania
Make It Yourself!!: Peppermint Cucumber Whipped Body Cream
1. Indie Beauty: Connect, Collaborate, Succeed @ Our Social Media Site!
If
you're a member of IBN and you haven't checked out the
new site, you're missing out on tons of great discussions, blog posts,
questions, answers and tips. Here are some highlights happening now!
- Tomorrow's member call with the editor of Cosmetics & Toiletries
Magazine
- Conversations about successful selling using an etsy site
- Discussion about cosmetics ingredients and growing interest in the
importance of correctly informing consumers
- and so much more!
If you're not a member, once you join the Indie Beauty Network, you can join the networking site and the fun right away! Once you're a member of IBN, just click here and complete the quick application!
2. Indie Shopping Network Update!
We've added a new site design and invite you to join in the fun and discussions at Indie Shopping.TV.
The site is designed to connect Indie product makers with the people who love to enjoy their products in their everyday lives.
The site is a work in progress! Join me and 100+ people who are connecting, learning, sharing and enjoying each other and the wonderful world of Indie! If you'd like to be a guest on a future live show to share your products with the world, email me at donna maria @ carolina dot rr dot com. We're nearly full for January and have a few February slots at the site where you get everything but the Big Box!
3. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
Welcome Renewing Members!
TwoSisters Soap Company | RosaMaria Geonnoti |
Arizona
* Member since December 2006. TwoSisters Soap Company is a
small family owned business. Members of 4 generations create and produce
handmade soaps, lotions, salts and other bath products. We use only the
finest oils and botanicals in our products. Wholesale and retail available.
Possets | Fabienne Christiansen | Ohio
* Member since December 2007. Unique perfumes in oil
base. 2 lines: 100% Natural Possets and Classic Possets. Many seasonal scents
created during the year.
TLC Farms Goat Milk Soaps & Sundries | Caroline
Lawson | Texas
* Member since December 2007. Located in the heart of the
Central Texas Post Oak Savannah, we use the milk from our herd of pampered
Nubian dairy goats, combined with the finest of food grade oils and variety of
skin nourishing butters to create soaps and lotions that are good for your skin
and a pleasure to your senses. Indulge yourself with our goat milk products -
your skin will thank you! Retail and wholesale.
Aromahead International | Andrea Butje | Florida
* Member since April 2006. Aromahead.com provides both
Essential Oil Education and an on line web store for purchasing high quality
essential oils in small and bulk sizes. The 200-hour certification program
through Aromahead Institute is approved by the National Association for Holistic
Aromatherapy. Weekend classes and the certification program are approved for
National and Florida Massage Therapy CEU's. The Web store is for individuals and
businesses that want to buy high quality essential oils that are imported
directly from the distillers that make them. All the oils are GC/MS tested and
either organic, unsprayed or wild crafted.
Grubbyland Candles | Sherry Hoppe | Illinois
* Member since December 2007. Manufacture and sale of
candles and bath & body products.
After the Rayne | Nikie Brown | Texas
* Member since December 2005. Need to be pampered or know
someone who does? Using Fair Trade Shea Butter and other fine oils from around
the world, our handmade soaps and bath products will be sure to please. We cater
to all lifestyles from our wonderfully blended organic line to our unique
essential oil blends and our nearly natural exquisite fragrance oils. We know
once you've had the After The Rayne experience, you'll be glad you stopped by.
Ahhh Bathworks | Carol Walck | Colorado
* Member since February 2003. Ahhh BathWorks is located
on the front range of Colorado, we are a small company that makes luxurious
handcrafted cold processed soaps and related products. We use only the finest
butters and oils in our products. Also included in our ingredients are essential
oils, botanicals and cosmetic grade fragrance oils.
Moon Sisters Studio | Niki Knowlton | Alaska
* Member since December 2006. High quality, handmade
candles, bath salts using Dead Sea Salts and artistically molded
moisturizing soap. We invite you to treat yourself or someone you care
about!
Welcome New Members!
Bodimage Health & Skin Care | Susie Blattner |
Canada
Specializing in skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis, Bodimage
products are high in quality and really work.
Born Again Skin | Susan Nathan | California
Born Again Skin formulates and manufactures skin care products under the
brand name 'Skin Nutritionals.' Products are created with bioactive ingredients
such as powdered forms of vitamins, minerals, herbs and extracts in addition to
other ingredients that improve texture and radiance of the skin.
Dragonfli Skincare & Cosmetics | Giselle Palacios
DelMundo
Dragonfli's mission is to create natural skin care and beauty products
for diabetics, because maintaining a healthy body is easiest path to a positive
self image.
Lexington Candles | Jenna Arvin | Kentucky
Natural soy candle company based in the heart of the Bluegrass region of
Kentucky. Product line includes our charming and rustic Brownstone collection,
an essential oil based Spa collection and a colorful Firefly candle. We
specialize in fundraisers for nonprofit organizations.
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.
4. New At the Blog: Is the Four-Hour Workweek Obsolete?
Here
are some current new and 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!
Prayer of the Week: Recognition of Talents and Gifts: why and how to appreciate what you bring to the party
Is the Four-Hour Workweek Obsolete?: lots of comments on this post from people with opinions about whether doing what you love can ever be called "work"
New Technologies Are Key to Indie Success: Indies have all the leverage when it comes to using new technologies -- are you using your leverage?
Indie Shopping to Feature Award Winning Illustrator: fun and exciting to introduce Indies!!
Help! I Need a Blog, but I Don't Know What to Blog About!: now, you have no more excuses!
Getting to Know You: Leesa Barnes: a fun and interesting person to know
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.
5. Featured Indie Business Radio Show: Repackaging Is Everything
Featured
Indie Business Radio Show: How Packaging Your Products With Information
Increases Sales, Business Opportunities
Today's show, my last of 2008, features Anthony Quinones, author of Repackaging Is Everything. Anthony shared the importance of delivering useful information to your customers as a way to supplement and increase sales. He suggested using blogs, article marketing and other forms of social media to do this. The show will be available for stream or download as soon as Kevin the Editor does his magic. In the meantime, enjoy a summary of my interview with Anthony here. You can also log onto Indie Business Radio, where all of my 2008 shows are stored for your listening pleasure 24/7!
-- Media Partner --
6. Indie Candy: Kelley Madison :: PRIIA Cosmetics :: Pennsylvania
I met 36-year old Kelley Maddison of PRIIA Cosmetics earlier this year when she was contemplating starting a mineral make-up business. Like many aspiring Indie Beauty Business owners (and business owners in general!), Kelley was a little nervous about the economy. Was this a good time to launch a new business? Should she wait? Of course, no one can ever really say in advance, but today, about six months after our first meeting, I am happy to say that not only is Kelley on track to launch her dream business in just a few months, but she will do so with a substantial social media following and a celebrity endorsement of her products. All of this in just six months and a full two-and-a-half months before she even opens her shopping cart for business. How is she doing it? Let her tell you!
How did you start your business and what was the inspiration for it?
My business will launch on March 1, 2009. The inspiration stems from the fact that I have always loved makeup and dreamed of owning a cosmetics company for as long as I can remember. I have pictures of myself when I was five years old, digging through my mom’s makeup bag and applying the products to anyone who would sit still long enough!
My background is in the fashion industry. I have a BS in Retail Fashion Merchandising and I worked as a Senior Merchandiser at Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation in Bridgewater, NJ.
While my work was in fashion, at every fashion shoot, I'd stare intently at
the makeup artists working on the models. I am a color makeup junkie. It's
just who I am.
After having my daughter, Lauren (who is now 7-years old), I left Van Heusen
and took some time off to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I found out that in order to practice makeup artistry in
Pennsylvania, I needed to have a cosmetology license. So, off to school I went in 2005. I passed my state boards and successfully earned my esthetics license. After that, I opened my own private skin care practice called Esthetically Yourz, Inc. and have been in business since February
2006. I also have extensive mineral makeup sales experience.
How did your professional background help prepare you for launching your own venture?
I think my background has equipped me to launch my own makeup line and I am ecstatic. As an esthetician, it’s my job to teach clients how to care for their skin properly. I couldn’t imagine giving someone an incredible facial treatment only to apply chemical-laden and comedogenic cosmetics on their face afterwards. I decided to bring a private label mineral makeup line into my practice so that my clients would have healthier choices. I have to say that, even though the makeup was natural, it just didn’t seem to hold up well for myself and a lot of my clients; especially those with acne and oily/combination skin. I knew I needed to learn how to make these products myself with ingredients that would meet the challenges of problematic skin types. At this point, the idea of PRIIA Cosmetics began to take shape. I also think that the fact that I’m esthetician gives me an edge in this industry.
What are some of the things you are doing in advance of your starting to make your business successful?
The most important thing I did to begin establishing a successful foothold in the cosmetics industry was to start a blog. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing business coach, Donna Maria of Indie Beauty (wink, wink), who prompted me to start blogging
immediately back in June of this year. At first, I couldn’t see the point of blogging before I had any products to offer, but now I get it! I am establishing a level of expertise in my niche because of who I am and the experience I have. I have also begun to align myself with other experts in the industry such as celebrity makeup artists, beauty bloggers and media personalities.
Visit my blog at
this link.
What other forms of social media do you enjoy?
As a matter of fact, I think I was participating a little too much in social media so my business coach, Donna Maria, stage an intervention! I'm doing better now. I truly love how social media opens up opportunities to meet and connect with people you may not have otherwise had a chance to get to know. My favorite outlet thus far is Twitter. (You can follow me on Twitter here.) I’ve met amazing people through Twitter and consider the connections I’ve made there priceless. Some of my other favorite social media outlets are LinkedIn, FaceBook, TwitterMoms and the Indie Beauty Network, of course.
Who helps your business be successful?
My biggest supporters are of course, family and friends. However, individuals such as Donna Maria from and Jamila White have been paramount in helping me get on the fast track to success. I also have to mention that I am blessed to have found an amazing mentor and friend who lets me bounce ideas off of her and helps me with my formulations. She’s honest and patient and lets me know when a product is superb and when I need to re-formulate. I thank God for her everyday.
What is your planned target market, your niche?
Finding a niche in the world of mineral makeup and natural skin care was not an easy task. I needed to find something that would differentiate my business from the myriad of other natural cosmetic brands on the market. I decided to tap into what I’m really good at and what I specialize in as a licensed esthetician, which is treating problematic skin types. It has always been my belief that blemishes and fine lines should not be on the same face! Before becoming an esthetician, I suffered for years with acne. I wish MY products were available to me back then!
My line of natural cosmetics and skin care is specifically geared towards meeting the challenges of those with acne, rosacea, oily and combination skin. My standards for the ingredients I formulate with are really stringent because of my niche. For example, I love cocoa butter but I can’t use it in my skin care formulas because it can cause problems for those with acne. Everything I make is completely non-comedogenic, non-acengenic and must work well on my skin before I consider putting it on the market. PRIIA’s products are about helping a person’s skin get back to natural state of balance and harmony. Everyone wants a healthy beautiful-looking complexion and my products can help people achieve this.
How do you plan to market your products?
I plan to market PRIIA Cosmetics mainly online. However, many local salons and spas have expressed an interest in carrying my products. Besides retail, I will be offering wholesale prepackaged private label products, as well as bulk cosmetics. It’s amazing what a positive attitude and handing out a few samples can do for you!
What book have you used that has helped you start your business off on the right foot?
The book that has helped me the most in business is called Birthing the Elephant by Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman. I just love this book! It’s like having your own success coach right there in your pocket. Plus, it has a fantastic business resource guide as well. (dM's Note: You can enjoy my interview with Karin Abarbanel at this link.)
How do you market your products?
I have a great word of mouth marketing team, I also have a blog, Trade shows and I have a newsletter. I will have an e-commerce site after I launch on March 1, 2009.
What are the best things about being Indie?
To me, being Indie means that I get to work my business around my life
and family and not the other way around. Ever since taking a class in entrepreneurship in college, I knew I had it in me to be a successful business owner. I love the fact that I’m building my dreams instead of building someone else’s. I wouldn’t trade my lifestyle choice for anything in the world.
How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network, and do you enjoy your
membership?
I heard of the Indie Beauty Network from other natural beauty businesses I found on the Internet. I’d see the logo on web sites and needed to know what this was all about. I’m so glad I clicked on the banner links!
I decided to become a member once I knew that I was going forward with PRIIA Cosmetics. Joining IBN was one of the BEST decisions I have made so far in my business. It was an investment that has paid itself back 10 times over. The sense of community and support that’s available through IBN is simply priceless. I would highly recommend it to any Indie business owner who wants to be a part of something that is bigger than
themselves.
What tips do you have for others starting a business?
The best tips that I can share with others who are starting a business would be to follow your dreams. Never give up and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something- do it, do it well and prove them wrong. Also, because others
(I call them "dream stealers") may be critical of what you want to do, you’ll need to develop
thick skin right away. Put your blinders on and keep moving forward.
I also suggest hiring a business coach if at all possible. A business coach can give you perspective and direction that you may not have had otherwise. I really feel this is a necessary expense and definitely a worthwhile investment in yourself and in your new business.
Lastly, never stop being open to learning something new. I’m constantly researching and I love to expand my knowledge whenever and wherever possible. I feel this has helped me successfully grow as a woman, mother, wife and business owner. I simply can’t ingest enough information…I’m a walking sponge!
What has been your biggest Indie Business challenge so far, and how are you overcoming it?
What do you think has been your biggest start up challenge so far? My biggest start up challenge so far is the actual formulating of products. Like I said earlier, I have always had a passion for makeup and skin care, however, I never once thought about physically making it! So, the amount of research and time it’s taken me to make a product that really works is staggering. PRIIA has been in development for over a year now. There have been many late nights making a formula over and over again until I get it right. But, when it’s the way I want it, I throw my head back and let out a loud laugh like the mad scientist that I am!
The amount of pride I feel when I use and wear the products that were made with my two hands leaves me speechless (which is a hard thing to do!) The best validation that all my hard work and sweat equity is worth it, is when a complete stranger walks up to me and says, “I love that lip gloss color! Where did you get it?” I simply smile and say, “Thank you…I made it.” These 5 words open the door for me to share PRIIA right there with that person. I always carry business cards and samples with me wherever I go.
What are you doing when you're not working in your business?
Hmmm, that’s hard to say because I am always working! But seriously, my downtime is usually spent with my husband and daughter. However, I also make it a point to regularly enjoy a fun "girl's night out." It’s always great to re-connect with people who mean so much to me, plus it’s an opportunity for me to decompress and let my hair down. I also love pedicures and massages. You’ll find me getting at least one of these services every month. I’ll never give these up!
What do you think of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008?
My feeling about the FDA Globalization Act is that in its current draft form, it’s completely unfair to micro-cosmetic businesses such as PRIIA. It will make succeeding in business nearly impossible for so many people. The playing field is definitely not level when it comes to this proposed legislation. However, I’m not going to let fear takeover and keep me from working toward my goals and dreams. I’m thankful to be a part of the Indie Beauty Network because through this organization, micro businesses like PRIIA now have a voice against the FDA Globalization Act and we are being heard.
Learn more about PRIIA Cosmetics and wish Kelley great success at her blog.
If you enjoyed this issue, please feel free to share the link with others! See you next week. In the meantime
Enjoy your life, build your business and have your way!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Indie Experience
The Indie Beauty Network | www.indiebeauty.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2008 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 this newsletter 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 this newsletter 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, this newsletter 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.
