The Indie Experience
September 28, 2009
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 22
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1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive
Indie
2. Meet Our New and Renewing IBN Members
3. Where's dM?: Seminars and Events With dM!
4. Today's Indie Business Radio Show:
Thom McKinney, author of "Play The Game To Win!!"
5. Featured IBN Member: Marla Bosworth :: Back Porch
Soap :: Massachusetts
6. [VIDEO] Indie Business FaceBook Fan Page Drawing:
Enter To Win $100 In Beauty Products!
7. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie
Make It Yourself!: Foaming Oat Facial Cleanser
1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive Indie
This
past weekend, my family and I went to
Great
Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina. We originally planned a
last minute getaway to Asheville, but changed plans due to forecasts of
significant rain in the mountains. We had promised the kids a trip so we
quickly re-grouped and found Great Wolf. It was all we could have hoped for.
Not only did they have two spas, one for kids and one for grown-ups, but the rooms were comfortable and exciting for children. Our kids got to share a special "wolf den," complete with their own flat screen TV, bunk beds and nature-friendly murals. They were ecstatic. I snapped a quick video of how happy they were and shared it as a Bubble Tweet.
I was very impressed with my kids's willingness to tackle all of the water rides, even the "Big Foot Pass," a water challenge where kids guide themselves across 5 tree trunks as they hold onto netting above. Lots of people, big and small, were not able to do it. We watched lots of people fall into the water over and over again. We also watched people scoot across in just a few seconds.
At first, my kids were afraid they'd fall in. I told them that they might, but that was no reason not to try. We assured them that they could do it, and even if they didn't we'd be there to help them if they fell, and help them try again. After a few minutes, we got in line, and my kids went across, demonstrating courage, agility and balance. That's my daughter in the photo making her way across. I was very proud. My very tall husband made it across a few times too. And in case you're wondering -- well, someone had to hold the camera, right?!
True confession: I tried it and conked out half-way across. Maybe next time.
A good time was had by all and it's great to know that a fun getaway is close and affordable for the whole family. In addition to North Carolina, there are locations in Washington, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada, Wisconsin, Michigan and Virginia. You can find the Great Wolf Lodge closes to you at this page.
2. Meet IBN's New and Renewing IBN Members
Beauty With A Cause | Julie Ann Price | New York
* Member since 2007. Beauty with a Cause (b-cause) offers safe
cosmetic options. Our products are either hand-crafted or purchased from
small independent businesses. Products include mineral makeup, hair and face
care,, and lotions. Products have never been tested on animals. Wherever
possible, b-cause recycles, purchases sustainable products, buys from fair
trade companies, and minimizes packaging and printed matter. B-cause is also
committed to helping women heal. A portion of the profits from sales goes to
support the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Laura's Lucky Stars
(Ovarian Cancer Foundation) and the National Scleroderma Foundation.
Fundraising campaigns available.
Vital Earth Traditions | Kelly Lynch Ring | Washington
At Vital Earth Traditions we create retail and wholesale herbal remedies,
cleaning products, massage lotions & creams, natural bath & body products.
We also offer Aromatherapy Consultation, tailor made products, Massage
Therapy, Wellness Coaching, Reiki & Aromatherapy Classes.
Woodford Wicks, LLC | Patti Butler | Kentucky
Woodford Wicks candle line is headlined by our delightful
hand blown teapot containers, accented with accessory products including
Trifles and Trifle warmers. Every Woodford Wicks product is a sure-fire
conversation starter and a memorable gift. All of our candles are made with
a highly fragrant natural soy wax blend, that burn evenly and provides hours
of radiant light and expansive aromas. Woodford Wicks uses lead free wicks
in all our candles. Our natural approach to the art of hand-poured candle
making is a perfect fit for environmentally aware consumers and a favorite
choice of the best specialty gift shops in America.
Savvy Naturals | Maranatha Owens | Washington
Savvy Naturals is a family run health and beauty company
specializing in natural and organic body products and healing herbal salves.
You will love the way our products make you feel, with the peace of mind
that they are natural and effective.
Posh In Clover Bath and Body | Kristin Clark | Utah
* Member since 2008. Posh In Clover offers a complete line of
natural, handcrafted bath and body products. We offer products for everyone,
including men, children, babies, and even lovers. We pride ourselves in
offering products that are expertly crafted, beautifully packaged and second
to none.
Moonmaid Botanicals | Cynthia Johnston | Tennessee
* Member since 2007. MoonMaid Botanicals is an herb company
dedicated to providing safe herbal alternatives for the good health of
people and the planet. Since 1995, Cynthia Johnston has been creating a line
of products for women. We are currently expanding our line of to include
products for menopause, PMS, andropause, soap, bath and aromatherapy
products. Raw materials are organic, wildcrafted or grown in our garden.
Spaoshi Limited Co. | James Smoot | Florida
* Member since 2008. Promoting health care for you
and your pet with pure, natural products.
Flaming Maple Herb Co. | Alisa Andrews | Vermont
* Member since 2008. From our location in
beautiful, Huntington, Vermont, we handcraft and market very high quality,
all-natural herbal and aromatherapeutic body care products. We grow some of
the botanicals we use in our products ourselves, and source as many of the
others as possible, locally. Sustainability, organic agriculture, and
responsible wildharvesting are three of our most important values in
addition to our goal of providing the consumer with excellent, sensual,
herbal body care.
3. Where's dM?: Seminars and Events With dM
Here are some other exciting things coming up!
Today's Indie Business Radio: My guest will be Thomas McKinney, author of "Play The Game To Win." Thom joins us to pass along what he learned from his no-nonsense, take no prisoners single mother and his life in the military, and offers motivation for all who think that a successful business is just beyond their grasp. More about today's show here.
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.
Next Week's Indie Business Radio show: My guest will be Mike Michalowicz, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, on 10/5/09 at 1:00pm EST. Mike will share his best tips for cleaning up in business, even if all you have is -- well -- toilet paper. Details here.
dM on "WAHM With Vonetta Booker-Brown": 10/15/09 at 8:00pm EST. I'll be sharing my most insightful experiences and tips for working at home while also managing a home and a family at home! Mark your calendar so you hold the date. I'll have a registration link for you soon!
dM on "Online Marketing With RSS Ray". Ray will interview me on "The 7 Characteristics of Highly Effective Twitter Pages and the Importance of Twitter Follower Numbers" on 10/28/09 at 1:00pm EST.
4. Today's Indie Business Radio Show: Thom McKinney, author of "Play The Game To Win!"
<
--- Featured photo: Thom McKinney, author and today's radio show guest
Thom McKinney is a military man to the core, and perhaps that's one reason he's been so successful. That and being raised by a non-nonsense single mom ... Thom says discipline makes all the difference and in today's show, he'll offer motivation for everyone who needs to muster up an extra dose of it in order to achieve their dreams.
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 Chat: Once you activate your audio player (above), you can join us for the accompanying live chat on Savorchat at 1:00pm EST. Just click the link, sign in using your Twitter or FaceBook account, and you can join us live!
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 --
5. Featured IBN Member: Marla Bosworth :: Back Porch Soap :: Massachusetts
I
love meeting my members face-to-face. I guess that's why I was
such an early adapter of social media. Because I've been leading IBN for
nearly 10 years, it was natural for me to immediately latch onto any new
technology that could bring me closer to the people I serve. Even though I
just met Marla in person a few months ago, I feel like I've known her for
years since she's been a member of IBN for over 2 years!
Marla owns Back Porch Soap Company in Duxbury, Massachusetts where she designs, produces and distributes an evolving line of pure, high-quality bath and body giftware products in selected United States markets. The company's sea-inspired line is sold in upscale gift stores and spas, while its organic line is sold in natural health stores.
The photo you see here was taken in May at the 2009 Conference of Handcrafted Soapmakers where Marla and I were speakers. We have both accepted invitations to speak at the Soap Guild's 2010 conference in Denver. Marla will deliver an introductory blogging presentation and I will deliver an advanced social media presentation. We are already coordinating our efforts to make sure we present the most valuable and empowering information possible. You can enjoy my photo gallery (89 fantastic fun-filled photos!!) of the 2009 conference at the Indie Business FaceBook page here.
Here's a little about Marla, her company, and some of her tips for being successful in the beauty industry today.
dM: What is your 30-second elevator speech?
Marla: My business is Back Porch Soap Company, which specializes in handmade sea-inspired bath and body products. In addition, I teach entrepreneurs how to successfully launch and run a bath and body business.
dM: How did your professional background or prior work experience help prepare you for entrepreneurship?
Marla: I started Back Porch Soap in 1998 after ordering a soapmaking kit online from Mike Hubert and Anna Carter aka Creation Herbal. I worked full-time as a high tech market research analyst, and forecasted growth opportunities for Fortune 500 companies. It was a fast-paced and stressful job. One weekend I got up enough nerve to work with the lye on my back porch (hence my company name). After that first batch I was completely hooked on soapmaking. I held onto my full-time job for several years and started wholesaling through reps nationwide. In my early years I also sold retail through home parties and at craft shows.
dM: What are some of the things you did in advance of starting your business that have helped make it successful?
Marla: I started working retail when I was 14 years old in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a mountain tourist town. What I did not know at the time was how that retail experience would help me years later. I watched closely to how people shopped and started to understand niche marketing.
In the 1990's, my career at Forrester Research gave me to the tools to determine the size of various markets through forecasting and analyzing industry trends. I developed an eye for seeing opportunity and trends. It helped me determine my niche in the soap industry. In addition, I am an English/Journalism major, so writing for daily newspapers and industry publications helps in everyday communication.
I did best at doing my market research before jumping into the soapmaking business. It was easy in 1998. There wasn't much handmade soap on the market. I'm a bit of a risk taker, and learned a few lessons the hard way.
dM: What's your niche?
What makes your classes special?
Marla: In terms of product, I sell
sea-inspired soaps. My products are special because they are beautiful and
remind customers of their favorite seaside locales.
In regards to the classes I teach, my niche is showing entrepreneurs how to
start and run their own successful bath and body business. I'm in the
trenches with my soap company day in and day out, and offer students
perspective from this angle. I share the knowledge I've gained from 12 years
experience of owning a retail soap store, wholesaling, managing reps and
employees and running a website. I offer training on how to effectively
determine a niche, develop products, market and sell. In private and group
class settings we develop business and marketing plans. We also make a wide
range of products: cold process soap, natural baby care, men's products,
pets, liquid soaps and much more.
dM: How do you market your products and services?
Marla: I sell wholesale to more than 250 boutiques worldwide. I also sell retail online and at high-end art shows in New England. I've exhibited at the Atlanta Gift Mart. I've also been with the Boston Gift Show since 1998. One of my best retail shows is the Duxbury Art Association show which runs in November. It's in my town, so I get tremendous local support. There is a show in Boston called South End Open Market which I've participated in as well. Then a scattering of upscale art shows around New England.
dM: What is your most popular class and why do customers tell you they like it?
Marla: My one-on-one consulting classes have been a hit. Recently I had a mother/daughter team fly up from Venezuela just to take several days of classes.
Here's what they said: "We wanted to let you know that we loved all your classes. Every recipe, instruction, tip you gave us has a lot of value for our business. For us coming all the way from South America was absolutely worth it to sit at your table and learn from you. We really appreciate all your generosity and kindness throughout the classes. I am sure that we will have much success because of you! Thank you very much for having us in your class!" Ale & Fifi, Caracas, Venezuela
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Marla: I've added more business classes to my lineup based on student requests. A student from Israel wanted me to add "How To Make Babycare Products," and that class is running in October. Within the past few months I've had the pleasure of hosting students from Venezuela, Nigeria, Ireland, Chile, Peru, Israel and the Philippines.
dM: What forms of social media do you use in your business and why?
Marla: Well let's see, I was addicted to Twitter for a good six months. I still enjoy talking with people and promoting my business there. I've made new friends through Twitter and landed speaking opportunities for the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild conference as well as by being on Twitter at the right time and engaging with people.
I have to say that my favorite social media by far is Facebook. My friends and family live all over the U.S. so it's a great way to stay in touch. I've sold more soap to old high school friends! Facebook fan pages are a great way to interact with customers. I offer giveaways on a weekly basis on my fan page and keep it fun.
dM: What tips can you offer other home-based business owners?
Marla: Find your niche before you start your business. You'll save yourself time and money. Do research to determine that there is a demand for your niche. Many people jump into business, then spend several years with no focus and few sales. Set yourself apart from your competitors and offer outstanding customer service.
I can also recommend the book, "Web Marketing for Dummies," by Jan Zimmerman. It has great tips on how to do your own website search engine optimization and much more.
dM: Who helps your business be successful?
Marla: My first inclination was to say me, but it is really not me. It is more my students and potential students. I just keep showing up every day and listening to what customers want. So I really have to attribute it first to my customer. Then I get second place for implementing a strategy.
My biggest fan is my 82 year-old dad. He lives in Wyoming with my mom, and I am miles away in Massachusetts. We talk every day and I sound ideas off of him. It is a fair trade, because I get to listen to his gardening and wildlife stories. He was an entrepreneur for 45 years and I admire him immensely.
Then I have my 15 year-old daughter used to think that it was really cool that I made bath and body products. That was when she was 12 and younger. Now her friends are the ones who think that my business is all the rage. But she is there to pitch in when I need a hand. She may not realize it now, but when she is older, she will come to realize she can have her own business too. My dad passed the gift of entrepreneurship to me, and I hope to pass it to my daughter.
Donna Maria and the Indie Beauty Network is a huge support system that helps my business be successful. Other women that are business owners also inspire me.
dM: How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network and what do you think of your membership?
Marla: I have been a part of Indie Beauty for a long time, and joined into membership over the past couple of years. I love connecting with other entrepreneurs through the discussion forums. In fact, I recommend IBN to my all students.
I recommend the Indie Beauty Network to everyone that comes to my classes and on my website as a great resource.
dM: Why did you launch the "How to Launch a Successful Beauty Business" group at our social networking site?
Marla: I started "How to Launch a Successful Beauty Business" group to lend a hand with challenges that new and existing bath and body owners face. When we are so close to our businesses, sometimes we lose sight of objectives and opportunities. I am offering members a chance for unbiased feedback on marketing, websites, retailing/wholesaling, how to find their niche and more.
There are more than 50 members and there's a lot of good conversation going on over there right now. Other Indies are jumping in and giving advice, which is great. Itβs also great exposure for what I offer in my classes and through consulting as well.
dM: What do you think are the best things about being Indie?
Marla: As an Indie, I am steering my own ship, and there is nothing better than that! If I want to steer a little to the left or right, it is up to me. If I have a great idea on a whim, I can act on it. There is no red tape or corporate approval process at Back Porch Soap.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Marla: No regrets whatsoever. My business has afforded me the opportunity to meet and network with fabulous entrepreneurs. As a single parent, it gives me flexibility and freedom to schedule time with my daughter. Even as a teen, I love being home when she comes home from school. It's a luxury that not every person gets to enjoy.
dM: What has been your biggest business challenge and how did you overcome it?
Marla: I am a typical Capricorn, meaning I am so passionate about my business that I have to remind myself to have a personal life. That is my biggest challenge -- to go and have fun doing something non-business. Even when I am out in a social setting my mind often wanders back to business. Sometimes I drive my friends and family crazy. I actually have to schedule time to go out and have fun.
dM: How, if at, all is the current unusual economy affecting you and your business?
Marla: This is an interesting time, isn't it? I am one who loves change. It's a time to reposition and look for opportunity. It is also a great time to start a business. It's important, however, to go beyond status quo. There are so many stores/companies with mediocre customer service and so-so products. I tell my students to do their planning and come out of the gate strong with a focus and fantastic customer service.
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business?
Marla: I love travelling. I've been around Europe a bit. Greece was one of my favorite places. I'm an avid skier, volleyball and tennis player. Hanging out with my daughter is a favorite pastime. Really, hanging out at an outdoor cafe enjoying a latte and nice lunch is heaven. Tag sales and antiquing are great entertainment. And, oh yes, I love playing FarmTown on Facebook (okay, don't laugh!).
dM: (Marla, I'm *so* not laughing ...) What are your annual sales like?
Marla: Although I've been teaching classes for 10 years, I've put more emphasis on it this year and as a result my sales have been stellar. In terms of product sales, wholesale has been flat, but I expect holiday retail sales to be strong. I'm anticipating my 2009 gross sales to more than double over 2008 gross sales.
How to connect with Marla:
Blog
http://www.backporchsoap.blogspot.com
Indie Beauty Social
http://www.indiebeauty.com/profile/marlabosworth
Group: How to Launch a Successful Beauty Business
http://www.indiebeauty.com/group/howtolaunchasuccessfulbeautybusiness
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/BackPorchSoap
Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/BackPorchSoap
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/marla/bosworth
6. [VIDEO] Indie and Small Business Resources: FaceBook INDIES ROCK! Event: Share your good news and enter to win $100 in beauty products!
New!! Share your INDIES ROCK good news and enter to win $100 in IBN member Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup products!
I'm excited to announce INDIES ROCK, an exciting way you can be entered to
win $100 in Aromaleigh.com Mineral Makeup products by sharing your good
news! All you have to do to enter to win is post good news about how your
business ROCKS between now and midnight EST 10/2/09! You can share anything
so long as it shows how awesome your business is: a new product launch, a
new sales record, a new website -- anything that shows how incredible your
business is!
All Indie Business
Fans Can Participate!!
Here are the simple rules: (1) post here on the wall (one entry per person only) between now and midnight EST on 10/2 and include a link, photo or video (or all 3!); (2) let your Twitter friends know about your post and link to this page using http://bit.ly/HEvik, and use the #INDIESROCK hashtag; and (3) congratulate other people who post their good news here! That's it! The drawing will take place on 10/3 using Random.org. Thanks for participating and good luck!!
7. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie
<-- That's me on vacation with my kids last week
I am an entrepreneur, speaker, blogger and more. But I am also a mother, and as such, I understand the challenges associated with managing a business and a home without compromising either. I started my business before my first child was born, and for me, it was a good decision. For me, it would have been far more challenging to start a business after my child was born. My experiences have caused me to be very passionate about helping other women start businesses that they can run from their homes. I have helped thousands of women do just that, both before and after their children were born.
How can I help your women's group or conference gathering?!!
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, the Chief Executive Indie, helps small and independent businesses owners, mostly women, combine smart sales and marketing strategies with branded digital media tools 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.
