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The Indie Experience
February 23, 2009

A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 4
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-- Check out our new Apprentice Program for startups! --

1. A Note From dM: There's No Such Thing As Unemployed
2. Featured Indie: Jean Lazoda: Jeanie Naturals
3. Pick & Click: Choose your fun!

Make It Yourself!: Beautiful Oil

1. A Note From dM: There's No Such Thing As Unemployed

I recently exchanged email messages with a young lady who wrote, in part: "I hope we can connect as I'd like to learn more and keep in touch with what you do, especially since I'm currently unemployed and developing my crochet business during this time."

Here's part of my reply:

"There's no such things as unemployed. That's last decade talk. Labels are not where it's at anymore. You have a crochet business in start-up mode. Now say that instead. It's a great way to lift your message for yourself and everyone watching you. Now go forth and chain stitch with purpose!"

If you have a talent, you have a business!

I could have been talking to anyone who has recently lost a job. If you have a talent or gift, and any kind of work and educational background at all, you may be unemployed in a traditional sense, but if you consider that you have at your disposal all the God-given things you need to support yourself in a non-traditional way, then "unemployed" is a deflating word that's reflective of a limiting mindset.

Don't limit yourself. Use the power of your words to help change your own situation. Instead of saying, "I'm unemployed," try saying, "I lost my job and I may look for another one, but I'm also putting my talents, gifts and background to work and starting a business of my own."

You are how you think you are

What a difference a mindset makes. It was not that long ago that my own family was hit with a layoff. Back in 2004 when our son was just over a year old, my husband's birthday present was a pink slip with no severance, no notice, no nothing. We lost over 60% of our family household income in one day. But like so many others -- even more now than back then when it happened to us -- we put our minds together and created new ways to enjoy life. Today, we are in a position to help others who find themselves in the position we were once in.

We do not always know why things happen, but we can rest assured of this: everything happens for a reason, and one of them is so that our triumph over adversity can be used to help someone else down the road. We are thankful for the opportunity to encourage other people that, while being laid off may be out of your control, what happens next is your choice alone. If these words of encouragement help you or someone you know, then our experience has not been in vain. Please pay it forward by sharing this newsletter with someone else who may need the uplift today.

Thank you for having me in your inbox again this week. I hope you have a fantastic week as you enjoy your life, build your business and have your way!


-- Media Partner --

2. Featured Indie: Jean Lazoda of Jeanie Naturals in Platte City, Missouri

At the Indie Beauty Network, we're family. That may sound sort of corny but I don't care because it's true. Since 2000 when I formed the organization, every member who joins becomes my sister or brother, and their family members become a part of my extended family. I feel this in the pit of my soul, and one of the reasons I know it is true is because of people like Jean Lazoda of Jeanie Naturals, who has been associated in one way or another with Indie since 2000. A few weeks ago, I sent her a DM (in case you don't know yet, DM stands for "direct message" using Twitter) asking how she was doing because I had not seen a Tweet from her in a while. She replied that she had changed the name of her business and was launching a whole new brand and website. How wonderful when a quick 140-character or less message can result in learning someone's good news! You know me, I just had to tell you about it!

How did you start your business and what was the inspiration for it?

My first bottle of Loves Baby Soft perfume is where my love affair of fragrance began. I have always enjoyed using lotions and sweet smelling perfumes. I used to combine the perfume and the lotions to create different scents. The love affair almost ended due to skin irritations from the products. I started to research the ingredients in the products that I was using and realized that I had no idea what I was putting on my skin. I decided to become informed so I started researching natural ingredients that were gentle and beneficial to my sensitive skin. The year 2000 was a great year. It was the beginning of a beautiful love story of “being at one with nature” and the birthing of my company.

How did your professional background help prepare you for launching your own venture?

My background is in sales. I was also a realtor and sold residential properties. Having a background in sales has helped me at trade shows and with my interactions with customers when I meet them in person.

What are some of the things you did in advance of starting your business that have helped make it successful?

I did lots of research. I am dating myself here but when I started my business the internet was not nearly as popular as it is now. There was not a lot of information on natural beauty. In the beginning I used networking events, word of mouth and more guerilla marketing techniques. I had the product on hand in my car. I handed out samples. I had a product focus group but did not realize back then that was the proper name for the group. I also blog and use social media.

How do you market your products?

I market my products at trade shows and online.

What's your niche? What makes your products special?

A great thing I learned from dM is the importance of a niche, something that separates you from the rest. I took it to heart when I decided to re-launch the company. Our niche is Natural Skincare made from tea. Our products are formulated with a special tea blend. We chose tea because of our love of drinking tea and because it has antioxidant properties which help fight free radicals that can cause damage to skin.

What is your most popular product and why do customers tell you they like it?

The bath teas (pictured) are very popular. My customers like them because they are presented in a unique fashion, with a stainless steel tea ball. Once the tea ball is filled, you drop it in the tub and forget about it. There is no messy cleanup after your bath. Customers also like the benefits of using tea for beauty.

What's new and exciting with your business these days?

We are excited to announce that our company has re-launched!! We changed our name, our logo, we have a new website, a new blog, we revamped our product line. Most of all we have a new and refreshed attitude and outlook on our company and are optimistic about the direction we are heading in the future.

What forms of social media do you enjoy using?

I participate in social media because I feel it is a great way to gain more visibility for my company and brand. The best thing is that most of it is free. I like Indie Beauty Network best of all because these are my roots. I started my company back in the late nineties when the Indie Beauty Network was just getting started too! I also Twitter!

Who helps your business be successful?

I feel like I am at the Academy Awards as I write this. My husband, Angel, helps me a lot with his unwavering support and he is always there for me to bounce ideas off and to celebrate my successes and a shoulder to lean on if need be. He handles the financial and technical stuff so that I can soar and do what I do best which is create. My neighbor Dawn helps me with labels and anything else that I need. I have a few more neighbors who are willing, ready and able to help me if needed. I am blessed to be surrounded by a great group of people and have a wonderful support system.

What book have you used that has helped you start your business off on the right foot?

Mommy Millionaire by Kim Lavine has helped me tremendously. She takes the reader on a journey from product inception to becoming a success, and explains a lot of different business processes. There are lots of resources, information and website links for further study.

What do you think are the best things about being Indie?

One of the many things I like about being self-employed is that I don't have to ask permission to try new things, or try to convince someone else that I can do something. If I think I can do it, it's up to me to make it happen. There's such freedom in that!

How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network, and do you enjoy your membership?

I found the Indie Beauty Network a long time ago, back when it was called the Handmade Toiletries Network -- long time ago! I think I found the site back in 1998 or 1999. dM and the Indie Beauty Network are the reasons I am where I am today as far as my business is concerned. There is a wealth of information within this great network and I am humbled to be a small part of it. I always recommend Indie Beauty whenever I get the opportunity.

I have an awesome relationship with many other Indie Beauties, but especially with Pennie Mills of Ladies Blend. Pennie is a doll. Not only does she make fabulous jewelry, she is a giving and helpful person. She has helped me with my business and I am forever grateful to her.

What other tips do you have for others looking starting a business?

Research your particular industry well and weigh the pros and cons of starting a business. Identify the reasons why you want to start a business. If it still seems like a good idea after all of the checks and balances, go for it. Work hard, accept failures and move on. Be flexible. Never let anyone tell that you can’t. Most importantly, never give up on your dreams. Reach for the stars! Believe!

What has been your biggest Indie Business challenge so far, and how are you overcoming it?

Organization has been my greatest challenge. This year, we are placing some processes in motion to help in this area.

What are you doing when you're not working in your business?

When I am not working I like to read, write poetry, and when I am not doing that I try to learn Spanish from my Husband.

What do you think of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008?

I am not an expert on this topic but what I do know is that one-size-fits all is generally not a great option. It will cause hardships on some companies and may cause some businesses to close altogether. I do agree that there should be some sort of standardization as far as safe cosmetics are concerned.

Jeanie, congratulations on your new brand and site launch! We're all very excited for you and look forward to many more exciting things. We'll see you on Twitter, and here's my contribution to your Spanish lesson today: Muy Bien Jean! Muy Bien!!

3. Indie Happenings: Connect, collaborate and have fun!

New @ Indie Beauty: Our new social site now has over 1,300 people, all of them thirsty to connect with people who make and sell natural, handmade, artisan, Indie products. Here are some of the latest activities, discussions and fun things to do at the site. (Login to enjoy the fun!):

Indie Business Radio Show: Yesterday's show was a fantastic and lively discussion with Andrew Sherman, author of Road Rules: Be the Truck, Not the Squirrel. If you missed it (and the live chat we had at the same time!), you can catch the audio in a few days at the radio site. In the meantime, enjoy this overview and find out how to be a truck, not a squirrel on the roads of life and business!

Facebook: Join me at the Indie Beauty Network's new Facebook page!

Indie Cafe: We had a ton of fun at Indie Cafe last night! If you missed it, you can stream the entire fun time at this link.

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 - 2009 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.

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