The Indie Experience
August 31, 2009
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 19
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1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive
Indie
2. Where's dM?: Seminars and Events With dM
3. Today's Indie Business Radio Show:
Craft Your Way Up!
4. Featured Indie Beauty Network Member: Samantha Moore
:: Samantharoma :: South Carolina
5. Indie and Small Business Resources
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie
Make It Yourself!: Lemon Geranium Facial Toner
1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive Indie
< --- Featured
photo: Wife, mom, Indie Beauty Network member and entrepreneur Debbie
Chialtas!
Since I am a wife, business woman and mother of two young children, I am often asked how I "balance" it all. That's why I am so excited about sharing some of mompreneur Debbie Chialtas's story today on my radio show.
But I'm not so much excited because Debbie "balances" everything well, although she does. I'm far more excited because Debbie has a story to tell about what it's really like to make the choice to be a wife, mother and business owner at the same time. There are some serious lifestyle choices and issues involved and Debbie and I invite you to discuss them with us on today's show. (Instructions for joining the show live are here.)
As I prepare for the show, one theme keeps crossing my mind. It's this: success as a mom in business depends less on knowing how to "balance" everything and more on how to plan and manage a business. You can balance things perfectly, but if the business is not planned and managed well, balance won't matter because it will fail anyway. For this reason, Debbie and I will talk less about "balance," and more about how a wife and mother plans a business and then executes on that plan.
Debbie is clearly as master at it so whether you're a mother, a wife, an auntie or something in between (or none of the above), this will be a a great show for you. I hope you will join us!!
2. Where's dM?: Seminars and Events With dM
< --- Featured
photo: Me speaking on social media as PR tool at the 2009 Entrepreneurship
Conference at Morehouse College
Today's Indie Business Radio: My guest will be Lisa Nichols, author of "No Matter What, on August 24 at 1:00pm EST. Click here for information.
Indie Beauty Business + PitchRate.com Monthly Media Training: PR expert Drew Gerber joins us TOMORROW, 9/1/09, at Noon EST (Please note that the session is free for members of the Indie Beauty Network.) Click here for information. (For Indie Beauty Network members only!)
Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights - Things to Know Before You File!: IP attorney Andrea Hence Evans joins us on 9/17/09 at Noon EST (Please note that the session is free for members of the Indie Beauty Network.) Click here for information. (For Indie Beauty Network members only!)
How I Landed A Spread In Southern Living Magazine: Indie Beauty Network member Lisa Rodgers of Cactus and Ivy join us on 9/24/09 at Noon EST (Please note that the session is free for members of the Indie Beauty Network.) Click here for information. (For Indie Beauty Network members only!)
dM on "Small Biz Chat": 9/30/09 at 8:00pm EST. Along with my husband, I will be sharing on this Twitter chat some of our experiences working in a business together at the same time as we run our home and raise our children. It has some really incredible advantages, but for us, it has not been easy. We look forward to helping other couples who may be wishing to work together both in life and in business. You know me, I plan to tell it like it is! In the meantime, if the topic of being in business with your spouse interests you, you may enjoy Part 1 and Part 2 of How to Start a Couple's MasterMind Group.
3. Today's Indie Business Radio Show: Craft Your Way Up!
< --- Featured
photo: Debbie Chialtas at one of her soapmaking parties, and
sporting the cutest Soapylove tee!
Debbie Chialtas, wife, mom, magazine publisher, author, crafter, teacher, artist and Indie Beauty Network member (all for starters) joins us to share how she turned her love for soap crafting into a profitable brand, and how you can do the same!
Indie Business Radio airs live every Monday at 1:00pm EST. There are two ways to join the live show:
Listen Only: Click here at 1:00pm EST and follow the instructions to choose your audio player.
Listen and Video: Once you activate your audio player (above), you can join us live on Twitter via Savorchat! Just log in using your Twitter or FaceBook account to join the live chat while you listen to the show!
Visit the Indie Business Radio Show 2009 Archives to enjoy past shows. You can also subscribe to the show on iTunes by searching on Indie Business Radio.
-- Sponsor --
4. Featured Indie Beauty Network Member: Samantha Moore :: Samantharoma :: South Carolina
< --- Featured
photo: Samantha Moore, owner of
Samantharoma, at
one of her beauty booths
dM: When did you start your business and what is the inspiration for it?
Samantha: Samantharoma was born from a desire to switch to chemical-free products linked to the early passing of both of my parents at the age of 52. Finding numerous studies linking chemicals to cancer, allergies and other illnesses, I started reading labels and discovered that parabens and other toxic chemicals were in everything I used! At that time, chemical-free personal care products were not readily available so I started experimenting and making my own products. I began making products for friends and a small yoga studio and that turned into Samantharoma. The name is a blend of Samantha and Aroma – from aromatherapy. All my products are crafted with pure essential oils from nature.
dM: How did your professional background or prior work experience help prepare you for entrepreneurship?
Samantha: I come from a succession of small business owners, so running a small business of my own has always been a dream. After spending (a few too) many years in the corporate field and nursing my mother through breast cancer, I decided to give up the rat race and see a bit of the world. I think all my cumulative life, work and traveling experiences have brought me to where I am now. I draw on my passion and my commitment, to what I see as my cause, as much as the business skills I learned in college!
dM: What are some of the things you did in advance of starting your business that have helped make it successful?
Samantha: Researched the market, tested the waters on
friends and other willing human volunteers. What's your niche? What makes
your products special?
I believe that you should not have to compromise quality or spend a lot of
money to feel good about what goes on your skin. We make natural products
that are high quality and effective yet contain no harsh chemicals. We
disclose every ingredient on our labels and on our website and try to
educate customers to read them!
dM: How do you market your products? Wholesale? Retail?
Samantha: We primarily sell retail online. We have a couple of online wholesale customers. Locally we have a lot of word-of-mouth customers from farmers market, festivals etc as well as some local retailers. We are working on expanding our wholesale operation and internet marketing. Do you do any trade shows, craft shows or spring festivals regularly? Which ones? We started out doing several local farmers markets and festivals. Now we do 2-3 local festivals, mainly to get customer feedback as we don’t get that so much via the internet. I am considering doing a regional trade show at some point.
dM: What is your most popular product and why do customers tell you they like it?
Samantha: Our natural deodorant is our best seller -- I think it's because it works! Our second best seller is our Wrinkle Repair Complex, which has increased in market share despite the “recession.” I think because it is a very high quality crème at a very affordable price ($16.50).
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Samantha: We are pleased to be working with a
massage client on a custom line and we are just beginning to dabble in
social media. We are just launching on Facebook; Twitter will
be next. We do have a blog. The blog has been useful in reaching new
customers. We definitely need to do more in this area!
dM: What tips can you offer other home-based business
owners?
Samantha: Don’t give up when the going gets tough! Be prepared for a long uphill climb! Believe in yourself and your dream. I was almost ready to pack it all in at one point – I just didn’t seem to be getting anywhere- it was only then, when I basically “gave it up to the powers that be,” that things suddenly just turned around. I saw it as a sign and I’ve tried not to worry ever since.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Samantha: Zero regrets. Owning my own business has built my sense of self-worth. I am able to spend much more time with my family and when I work, I am doing something I love! How great is that?
dM: Who helps your business be successful?
Samantha: My friends are hugely supportive. My husband and daughter make it possible for me to follow my dream. We also have a loyal customer base and that helps a lot…especially in this tough economy.
Samantharoma is definitely “my thing,” however I sometimes take my husband and daughter with me to festivals because it’s good for them to see the public side of my business. I also take my daughter (Jordan) with me to see stores that carry my products. I think this provides a strong role model for Jordan. My husband is very proud of what I do and brags to his friends!! Jordan says she wants to take over from me one day and call it Jordanaroma (she’s 9). Ha, Ha!
dM: How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network and what do you think of your membership?
Samantha: I love being a part of IBN. I am so proud of how dM has adapted to grow IBN – that is inspiring to Indies like me! I initially joined for the insurance (essential coverage for liability) but I think I would still be a member even if I got insurance elsewhere. I would definitely recommend you, you are very in touch with marketing trends – which is a weakness of mine. Thank you for what you do!
dM: What do you think are the best things about being Indie?
Samantha: I love being so hands on with my job. I love not having to answer to anyone but me and my conscience! I am able to control my hours – to a certain extent.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Samantha: I totally LOVE the freedom we have.
Granted we do have deadlines to meet, orders to get out, reports, bills to
pay, etc... but we have a lot of free time to go and do what we want. We
even packed up the business and took it with us last year to Arkansas during
the hurricane Ike mandatory evacuation! Now that's flexibility ;)
We have absolutely zero regrets!
dM: What has been your biggest business challenge and how did you overcome it?
Samantha: Selling! I met with a marketing consultant, attended a couple of seminars, network more, use IBN resources.
dM: How, if at, all is the current unusual economy affecting you and your business?
Samantha: My sales are down for the year so far. Monthly sales are less predictable. WHAT sells has changed, so I have had to adapt to that. I have eliminated unnecessary expenses and have discontinued a couple of products that just tie up money in raw materials. I try to head off a poor month by offering some kind of special to my email list. I also increased my free shipping threshold to ensure that it was cost effective.
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business?
Samantha: I do yoga for my sanity! I am an active member of the PTA at my daughter’s school, heading up Fundraising this year (and I thought running my own business was a challenge)! Because my job keeps me inside and at the computer much more than I would like, I like to do stuff outdoors. Walk the dogs, go to the beach, canoe, camp. I also love to curl up with a good book and a glass of wine!
dM: What are your annual sales like?
Samantha: Last year my business almost doubled over the previous year’s sales. Our net profit last year was 26%, which I’m pretty proud of!
How to connect with Samantha:
E-Commerce
http://samantharoma.com/home.htm
Indie Beauty Social
http://www.indiebeauty.com/profile/samantharoma
5. Indie and Small Business Resources
<
-- Featured Photo: Indie Beauty Social Networking Site screen shot
Let's talk about the fun of connecting!:
I am so inspired by the conversations, collaborations and sharing that takes place every day at the Indie Beauty social networking site. Everyone is friendly and approachable, yet it's all about being successful in whatever business you are in. We continually encourage each other to step out more, to challenge ourselves.
This is not the time for shrinking violet business owners. Only those who proactively take the business bull by the horns will be able to thrive as business leaders in the coming decades.
Here are some of the invigorating discussions and activities going on right now at the site. All of them are open to everyone!:
-
Tons Of Upcoming Learning Events, including teleseminars and classes
on how to own and manage a successful business. These events are led by
some of today's most knowledgeable and passionate business leaders. If
you want to be successful, make it your business to connect with
successful people. These events give you opportunities to do that in
person and via webinars, teleseminars and more! (Some of the events, as
clearly marked, are exclusively for Indie Beauty Network members.)
- An
Intellectual Property Rights Scam, all business owners need to be
aware of this. Thanks to
Nicole Chase of Sulori for leading this important discussion.
-
Can A Recipe Be Copyrighted?, know what you can and cannot call your
own when it comes to your recipes.
- Tips & Tricks For Creating Graphics & Product Labels, led by Sherri Willson, this Group offers lively and informative discussion on how to make your products stand out and be memorable.
Me and 3,500 other tenacious small and independent business owners look forward to seeing you there!!
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie
<--
Featured Photo: My new blog draft
Things are progressing, albeit slowly, at my new blog draft. The designer has started the coding and I expect it to be ready early next month. In the meantime, I thought I'd share something about blogging that I think is vital for all online businesses to understand.
Blogging is the new SEO, sort of.
Now, I'm not saying that traditional SEO is not important, or that we can't benefit from engaging the services of an SEO specialist. But what I am saying is that, with a blog, you can do a lot to expand your customer base to supplement a professional's efforts, or, if you can't afford an SEO professional yet, you can use a blog to maximize your chances of advising increasing numbers of people about what you have to offer.
How do you do this? Well, by blogging regularly. That is, if you share the story of your life and your business regularly using a blog, and you distribute that blog's content via various outlets where your target audience can be found, then you don't need to worry so much about SEO as you get your business off the ground.
To be successful in business today, you don't have to touch millions of people. What you do need to do is be where millions of people are, so you can touch the ones that matter to you.
When you have a blog, you can share its content via different branded outlets such as your Twitter page, your FaceBook page and more. When you do that, you are opening the door for your target customers to step out from among the millions and connect with you personally. While that may not entirely eliminate the need to appear on the first page of Google, it sure does give you the ability to create an eco-system that can sustain your business until you begin to generate the income you need to reach beyond a target group of excited and enthusiastic customers.
How can I help your group or conference gathering?!!
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, the Chief Executive Indie, helps small and independent business combine smart sales and marketing strategies with new media to create relationships and expand their sphere of influence. Through her blog and weekly radio show, dM delivers helpful and entertaining content that inspires, encourages and informs small business owners worldwide. Known for her innovative yet friendly style, dM's expertise has been showcased in Entrepreneur, Global Cosmetics Industry, Working Mother, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, National Public Radio, ABC World News This Morning, WUSA-TV9 (CBS Washington, DC affiliate), Ebony and a host of other regional and national media outlets.
Whether the topic is integrating career and family, leadership, small business ownership or new technologies, dM has a life-changing presentation for you and your audience. Contact dM today at donnamaria @ indiebeautynetwork.com to discover how she can contribute to your unforgettable conference or gathering event.
If this issue of The Indie Experience has been useful to you, please feel free to hit the Forward key and share it with a friend, or you can link directly via URL to this issue here.
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 Social 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.
