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The Indie Experience
March 9, 2009

A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 6
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-- Check out our new Apprentice Program for startups! --

1. A Note From dM: Get Out the Static Cling!
2. Featured Indie: Katherine Corkill :: Sterling Minerals Cosmetics
3. Pick & Click: Choose your fun!

Make It Yourself!: Lavender, Lemon and Thyme Bath Salts

1. A Note From dM: Get Out the Static Cling!

Donna Maria The Internet is really shaking things up, and it's doing it at a dizzying pace. As Indie Business owners, while we all spend a good amount of time marveling at the rapid technological advancements (and, yes, sometimes whining about them!), we know that to fail to keep up with them is to doom our business to failure.

Remember when it was great to have an e-commerce website? Well, it's still great, but you can't do much commerce if your online presence is the same day after day, month after month, year after year.

So how do you get rid of static cling? By refusing to remain static. That's right! Keep things moving. Shake things up. The one thing you must do to remain relevant is to remain in constant motion.

You need to be alive, well and kicking online in order to capture your piece of the Internet pie. And that means that anything static -- read "traditional website" here -- must be supported and enhanced by the living, breathing Y-O-U!

The easiest and most rewarding way to keep things fresh and dynamic is through a blog. Keep it moving and full of interesting content to stimulate discussion among your audience. Encourage them to chat with you and with each other.

In addition to a blog, you may wish to add on other satellite sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Utterli. Your satellite sites should form a cohesive and consistent whole, and they should all lead back to a moving, breathing, alive and kicking Y-O-U!

So get out the static cling! Keep is exciting and invigorating and the Internet world will reward you with an increased sphere of influence, more fun and, oh yes, increased sales too! If you'd like to learn how to more effectively engage people and build relationships that expand your sphere of influence, then I invite you to attend "The Media Is You," a complimentary live video webcast on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. It's up to you to tell your story, and thanks to technology, you can do it better, more efficiently and more cost effectively than ever -- and I want to show you how to get rid of the static cling!! To learn more and register, click here!

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: Katherine Corkill of Sterling Minerals Cosmetics in Meridian, Idaho

Katherine Corkill You know they say there's a recession going on, but judging from what my Indie Beauties are doing, you would not know it. In just the past few weeks, 5 (that's right, 5!!) Premium Indie Beauty Network members have opened up retail stores. You can learn more about members with retail stores in your area at this link (I am in the process of adding more!). Not only are my Indies opening new stores, they are also launching new product lines. That's the case with 50-year old Katherine Corkill of Sterling Minerals Cosmetics and ONATI Skin Care in Meridian, Idaho. When I found that out, I just had to get the scoop. If you're thinking about puling back because of the economy here are some reasons why you may want to think again!!

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

I have been involved in holistic remedies for people and their pets for more than 20 years and me and my family have practiced this lifestyle as long. My most recent business venture outside of Sterling Minerals was as a wholesaler and distributor for an entire territory for a holistic pet care line of foods and supplements for over 12 years.

I began the creative process and development of my cosmetics line in 2005. My skin had a lot of problems, including sun damage, so I decided to create a makeup and skin care line to assist with healing my skin without causing further problems, and to help restore complexions to a youthful, healthy glow. Based on my background, I had a full range of knowledge about healthy, natural ingredients. It took years of research about what we should and should not put in or on our bodies then I put all of it into practice in my business. I prepared my website with excellent information while developing my mineral makeup line, and spent many waking hours for 2 years before we finally launched.

Who helps your business be successful?

My husband of over 30 years, Dan, and our 23-year old daughter, Frances, are very helpful with the day to day activities, and I retain a small staff of part time people when the load gets overwhelming. My husband and I also have a 28-year old son, Christopher. My tech guy is excellent at keeping my website live and my shopping cart working in a very timely manner.

How do you market your products?

I mainly do online sales and provide a weekly blog posts to my customers. I have pulled many clients from my blog!! Also, networking has been a source of customers for me, along with word of mouth. Currently, I am looking for a sales rep to grow into the wholesale market.

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

I am targeting everyone; however, my niche seems to have taken on a life of its own as my customer base has exploded with those that are age 35 and older and experiencing skin issues in their life as they mature. My minerals especially have provided excellent results for actually helping complexions to clear up from acne and calm erythema and rosacea as has been provided to me through testimonials.

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

My mineral foundations (pictured) since I provide 3 separate formulas for specific skin types. Women are singing its praises for literally transforming their skin to a healthier complexion.

What forms of social media do you enjoy using?

I enjoy Facebook, Twitter, Indie Beauty Network, MySpace to name a few. These are my favorites since responses are pretty much immediate and you meet some great people. When working in an office environment, the interaction has been great for small breaks away from the workload some days. (Editor's Note: you can read more about how Katherine uses Twitter (and get some of her tips) at my blog.)

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

I read motivational books rather than books that pertain specifically to business per se. But what I found to keep me going when things seem to get tough are You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor, and The Secret.

What do you like most about being Indie?

What I love most about being self employed is the ability to use my creativity to benefit others. Not only am I producing a product that I am proud of but I am able to use some of the profit to really make a difference in the world. Whether by donating to charitable causes, giving back to the community or offering someone a part-time job. It feels good to know that I am helping.

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

After over a year of research and testing, I have launched my ONATI Skin Care line. I am thrilled about these products since they are so great for the skin and so far since launch they are being well received as is evident through increased sales as women are excited to get the products. I am also offering them at an introductory price of 20% off retail until March 14, 2009.

ONATI is an interesting name, how did you come up with it?

My beloved husband thought of it by playing with descriptive terms used to portray what I wanted my line to possess and the results I was looking for my products to deliver. It was literally a succession of letters placed in just the right order, and the name finally grabbed us. It just sounded right! We later came to learn that the name is Basque for "place of many hills" in Spain, and this namesake also hosted our Boise State University students for the period between 1974 and 1980. My husband and I then know that ONATI was the name for us. It's unique and arbitrary, yet it holds meaning and is infamous to a small degree.

What are some of the challenges associated with launching a new line in these economic times?

There were days that were really tough to follow through, especially as things continued to decline in the stock market. But I just ignored that since not everything is adversely affected by stock prices. I simply continued forward and told myself to keep going no matter what.

I believe that fear perpetuates fear, and it can cripple you if you let it. I am overcoming the doom and gloom because I believe that, that which does not kill us makes us stronger. I know when our nation recovers, as it has in the past, my company will be larger and stronger. Since ONATI's launch, my sales have been fantastic. Better than I had imagined! So doom and gloom is a state of mind, and so is the media hype. I ignore both!!

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

I found the Indie Beauty Network through Google when looking for product liability insurance for my company. And I am so grateful to this network for all they offer which includes keeping an eye on marketing trends and things that are happening within the cosmetic industry. I also love being self employed and have been for most of my adult life. It allows me to be creative and to enjoy the satisfaction I get through interaction with my customers. They are what make it all worth while.

I also enjoy the friendship I have developed with a fellow Premium IBN member, Jeanne Kissman of Plum Hill Pure Body Essentials. We get together and visit when time allows. She is only one town over from me!! (Editor's Note: you can enjoy my feature on Jeanne and Plum Hill at this link.)

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

Never, Never Quit! No matter how difficult it can seem at times, trudge through to the next day because miraculously things resolve themselves and you can deal with the next goal. Also, whatever it is you enjoy, make yourself the expert in your field. Possess and grow your knowledge base since your customers require it.

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

Bringing any product to market can be daunting. It is fraught with struggle, mistakes will be made, and yet for all of that, it will be worth it as the fruits of your labor will be realized. You must simply allow yourself these things and press ahead to your ultimate goal.

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

When I am not working, which does not seem to be too often these past few months, I enjoy moments alone with my husband, working in my garden, taking vacations to sunny warm spots with beaches and sharing time with family and friends

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

I personally found this to be a scary thing when I thought government had the potential of shutting down small cosmetic manufacturers through the prerequisites put forth in the original draft. Fortunately threw the efforts of fellow Indies and the Indie Beauty Network spearheading the task to argue our side, the Draft has been amended to what seems to be something we can all live with. My heartfelt thanks to those who took on this difficult task.

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

New @ Indie Beauty: Our new social site now has well over 1,500 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:

Indies Strut Their Stuff!

Indie Business Radio Show: Today's guest on Indie Business Radio is David Silver, author of The Social Network Business Plan: 18 Strategies That Will Create Great Wealth. David's book contains 18 methods for generating income from social networking websites, none of which involve advertising and all of which work. He'll share some of his methods on our show, so don't miss it if you want to maximize your use of social networking! Join us live at 1:00pm EST today. You can listen to the show live at my radio show site, but if you really want to have fun, you can listen and chat at the same time at this link. (It's free of course, but login is required.)

Facebook: Share your thoughts on swapping out photos of yourself in social media at our Facebook Discussion Board by 5:00pm EST today, and be entered to win some Grapefruit Ylang Ylang handmade soap, courtesy of Premium IBN member Rachel Lane of Barcelona Bath & Body! (Remember, you'll need to join the group to comment, and the group is open to the public to make it easier for you to discover Premium Indie Beauty Network member products!)

Indie Cafe: Premium Indie Beauty Network members will gather gain for another Indie Cafe tonight!! This event is for Premium IBN members only. To join at 10:00pm EST tonight, just click here! (If you need access to the site, contact me at donnamaria at indiebeauty dot com.)

LinkedIn: Join me at the Indie Beauty's new LinkedIn Page, where I've started a discussion about the future of "natural" ingredients!

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.