The Indie Experience
November 16, 2009
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 28
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1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive
Indie: Indie Business Revolution: Portland
2. Meet Our New and Renewing IBN Members
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show:
Michael McLaughlin on " Winning The Professional Services Sale"
4. Featured IBN Member: Charlene Sevier :: The Bead
Dreamer :: Virginia
5. Indie and Small Business Resources
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help
You??!
Make It Yourself!: Nourishing Lip Salve
1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive Indie: Indie Business Revolution: Portland!
The
day couldn't come fast enough for me! Another revolution in another city
filled with inspiring, tenacious small and independent business owners! The
group shot here is all of us taking a moment to cheese before heading back
to business of planning our success for 2010!
Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale spoke about how her company is using the current economy to find deals on equipment that would cost a fortune in better times. She also talked about how her participation on Twitter led directly to her being published in a new book about moms in business.
Monique Hayward, author of "Divas Doing Business" and a former Indie Business Radio Show guest, shared intimate details about how she wrapped up the award winning Dessert Noir restaurant she owned for several years in Beaverton, Oregon. The business lessons Monique shared were priceless and her openness and transparency about running a restaurant helped everyone there.
There were many evening highlights, but I think one of them would have to be when Monique shared some advice from Deborah, her mother, with us: "Even if you fall flat on your face, at least you have fallen 5 or 6 feet forward."
How can you not love advice like that??!
And since you can't plan business success on an empty stomach, I'm so thankful to Bay 13 Restaurant really delivered on the food. We had California spicy tuna and vegetable rolls, wild mushroom crostini, goat cheese and olives, grilled flatbread, crab cakes on cucumber wedges and chicken satay on skewers with spicy peanut sauce.
If you were not there, you can enjoy a flavor for the event and my introductory opening remarks at my blog. You can also enjoy Monique's summary of the fun we had at her blog. This was the last Indie Business Revolution of 2009. I'll host more in 2010 and hope to see you there!
Thanks for allowing me into your email boxes and have a great week!
2. Meet IBN's New and Renewing IBN Members!!
Here is a listing of the new and renewing IBN members! You can see an entire official membership directory at our flagship website. You can also meet members who are active in our social networking site here! Welcome one and all!
Soapylove | Debbie Chialtas | California
IBN Member Since November 2007. Soapylove is home
of the soapsicle! With many adorable designs to choose from, soapsicles are
fun to give and use. They are handmade with skin pampering glycerin soap.
Each one is the same size as a real popsicle and have wooden sticks, which
are helpful with slippery hands! Soapylove can be found in many countries
and welcomes all wholesale inquiries. Check us out and "Feel the Love!"
Tres Spa | Janice Summers | California
IBN Member Since November 2008. Tres Spa offers artisan bath
and body products. Our products are carefully handcrafted and designed using
some of the finest natural ingredients available. We offer skin softening
gentle body scrubs, bath salts, fizzing bath bombs, tub teas, and body
lotion. Our handcrafted soap has a light exfoliation layer and is scented
using only pure essential oils. We also offer a partner shampoo,
conditioner, and aromatherapy candles scented with matching essential oil
blends.
The All-Natural Face | Crystal Clark | Massachusetts
Handcrafted, pure, vegan mineral cosmetics and more.
Juventas, LLC | Marla deNiord | Minnesota
*
IBN Member Since November 2008. Juventas sells
lotion and unique bath products that have soft scents that last throughout
the day.
Birch Hill Happenings | Alan and Penny Keay | Minnesota
* IBN Member Since November 2004. We provide
100% Pure Therapeutic essential oil for use in aromatherapy. We have
developed our own BHH Massage Oil blend for use by massage therapists.
Several essential oil synergy blends are available for a wide range of
health concerns and massage applications. Free consultations provided.
Unscented personal care products are available for personalize scenting.
Savon Claire | Jennifer Bahney | Ohio
French for clear soap, SavonClaire creates exceptionally mild,
highly fragrant transparent soaps using the hot process method. For every
soap sold, we donate one to a person in need through our Suds With Love
program.
Winfield & Associates | Francenia Askew | Georgia
IndulgeInScents | Renee Sherman | California
Making small batches of body care products is my passion.
Threla, LLC | Tseh-Hwan Yong | Massachusetts
Threla combines a passion for natural goodness with a trained
scientist’s eye to create body and skin care products for your worry-free
indulgence. Every ingredient in our products, whether natural or synthetic,
is carefully selected. Our philosophy is to begin all formulations with
fresh, natural ingredients and only complement with safe and efficacious
synthetics when there is a tangible benefit to the product and the user.
AYU, LLC | Vibha Makwana | Tennessee
Manufacturer of highquality sunless tanning solutions,
lotions, pre and posttan enhancing products, exquisite spa, skincare and
hair care products. Also offers private labeling and consultation for
cosmetic formulation.
Cerise | Mary Avery | California
* IBN Member Since November 2006. Cerise offers wholesale and
retail natural bath fizzies. Our unique 1-ounce golf ball sized versatile
fizz is available for spas, hotels, b&b's, fundraising, nail salons, gift
shops, gift giving, gift baskets, and fillers of all sorts. The
possibilities are endless. We offer a virgin line created with essential
oils, a indulgence line created with fragrance oils, a virgin virgin line
created with avocado oil, color free, and botanicals. Private label is
available to create to your heart's desire. We ship within 3 days.
Three Seeds Naturals | Sarah Maloy | Connecticut
Three Seeds Naturals creates natural scrubs, lotions, and lip
balms. In addition to our Signature Pomegranate line, our scents inspired by
the seasons. No parabens, no pthalates, and no propylene glycol.
Frangipani Body Products | Tracy Land | Indiana
Peaceful, natural skincare.
Natural, Organic N Things | Mahatane Toupe | North Carolina
Natural skin care and bath products.
Hothouse Botanicals | Stephanie Reynolds | Arizona
* IBN Member Since November 2007. Tired of seeking out bath
and body products free of harmful preservatives and synthetic
fragrances/perfumes and colors, we decided to make our our line of natural
and organic products that are beneficial not only to the skin, but also the
mind. All of our products contain simple natural ingredients,
aromatherapeutic essential oils, are 100% Vegan-friendly, and are housed in
recyclable containers.
Feel Good Products | Claudia O'Malley | Washington
* O'Malley & Potter Feel-Good Products are Aroma-Therapeutic lotions,
synergies, balms and mists formulated to help relieve pain or symptoms
assiciated with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Injuries, Stress, Headaches, Colds
and Flu, Eczema and Itch, Women's issues, and more. We are also now a store
since 2006 in Country Village, Bothell WA.
Mohea Natural Beauty | Margaret Helm-Duell | Oregon
* IBN Member Since October 2006.
Mohéa Natural Beauty LLC (formerly Natural Indulgences LLC) not only
has a new name, but also a whole new product line, retail boutique & studio.
We specialize in using exquisite ingredients from around the globe,
particularly from the South Pacific, Morocco and other regions in Africa.
Luxurious shea butter soap, decadent body butters, healing balms, creams and
lip smacking lip balms available for retail and wholesale purchase.
The Turquoise Dragonfly | Sue Roberts | Wisconsin
The Turquoise Dragonfly offers Artisan Bath and Body products.
Handcrafted Vegetarian or Vegan formulas. Only scented with Essential oils
and the natural scent of unrefined oils and butters. All natural and Organic
ingredients used to sooth and pamper your body and spirit.
Circled Bark | Shirley Marc | Maryland
Apprentice Indie.
Absolutely Fabulous Soap Co. | Susan Laycock | Oregon
Formulating with the best ingredients available from both science and nature
since 1999: Goat milk soaps, lotions, tonics, serums, balms, butters,
scrubs, botanical mists and more. RIFM approved fragrances and essential
oils. Cruelty free. Wholesale only.
The Aromatic Way | Donna Lang | California
IBN Member Since November 2008. The Aromatic Way was founded
by Donna Lang, a certified aromatherapist, and trained graphic artist.In the
late '90s, Donna began formulating her own creams and body care products.
She noticed that the occasional red irritated patches of skin on her face
disappeared, and her skin quality improved. In 2001 she made her first batch
of soap and gave it away for Christmas gifts. It was a hit, and soon the
Aromatic Way was born.
Locstyle Lifestyle | Roxanne London | North Carolina
We have endeavored to live in a unique fashion that always
require creativity and harmony. We work with our clients and customers to
refocus their energy starting with all natural products for the skin and
hair. We also provide aromatherapy services by custom blending essential
oils.
Michael Meiko Cosmetics | William Mansker | Arizona
Manufacturer of topical treatments for acne, sunburn and
shaving irritation.
Sunrise Coap Company | Judy Michaelis | Missouri
This isn't your Grandma's handmade soap! Our soaps are all
made with a high percentage of olive oil, other great skin-loving oils along
with color, fragrance, and fun!
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show: Michael McLaughlin, author of "Winning the Professional Services Sale"
<
--- Featured photo: Michael McLaughlin, today's Indie Business Radio Show guest
Michael McLaughlin, author of "Winning the Professional Services Sales," joins me today to share unconventional strategies to reach more clients, land profitable work and maintain your sanity!
Indie Business Radio airs live on Mondays at 1:00pm New York Time. There are two ways to join the live show:
Listen Only: Click here at 1:00pm New York Time 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 New York Time. 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. Featued Indie: Charlene Sevier: Bead Dreamer Jewelry :: Virginia
dM: When did you launch your jewelry making business?
Charlene: It has been quite a while now. I applied for my first business license as The Bead Dreamer in 1992; however I was making jewelry long before that. I think I was always meant to be an entrepreneur in a creative field. As a child, my favorite Barbie had a boutique and I sold doll clothes that I made using dolls that belonged to my sister.
dM: How did your professional background or prior work experience help prepare you for launching your own venture?
Charlene: I have a background in technology and it is incredibly helpful in dealing with graphics, different file formats, utilizing various software packages, etc to assist me.
dM: What's your niche? What makes your products special?
Charlene: I personally handcraft each and every piece with a focus on quality, originality, and beautiful design. The vast majority of my pieces are one-of-a kind. I think each woman is an original and I love that I can offer women original pieces of jewelry at prices most can afford.
dM: How do you market your products? Wholesale? Retail?
Charlene: I market my products both wholesale and retail and find both to be rewarding.
dM: What is your most popular product and why do customers tell you they like it?
Charlene: Because my pieces are primarily
originals, I do not have one most popular product. My customers love owning
very original pieces. I have heard more than once how they are stopped in
airports or in the streets and asked about a piece they were wearing.
Another customer tells me she gravitates towards my pieces when she opens
her jewelry box. I love that a piece of my jewelry can make someone feel
special.
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Charlene: I am excited to introduce more metal working into my jewelry and to incorporate found objects and non-traditional materials. I believe in life-long learning and each year, devote time to expanding my skills and learning new techniques. This past year, I had the opportunity to attend Penland School of Craft and study under Robert Ebendorf. It was an incredible class and I loved the growth that came about as a result.
dM: What forms of social media do you enjoy using?
Charlene: I have a blog and am on Flickr and Twitter. Participating in social media has been a learning experience for me and I love that it allows me to connect with my customers and also with other artisans, jewelry designers, and independent business owners. I think it has helped me see both how big the world is and how connected we all are at the same time.
dM: Who helps your business be successful?
Charlene: Primarily me, but as they say, no man is an island. I am helped and uplifted by the community of artisans and independent business owners and I try to do my part to help others. I also have a wonderful family and dear friends who are there for me.
dM: What do you think are the best things about being an
independent business owner?
Charlene: One huge benefit is that I can go where my spirit and values lead me. I do not have other people trying to influence me to alter my designs, substitute less expensive parts, or make changes that would diminish the quality that is such an important part of my work. An example of this is my Nadia Bracelet, which incorporates as a focal point a key I took from a jar of keys I keep for no particular reason. I blogged the creative experience here.
dM: If your family is involved in your business?
Charlene: My family is not involved directly, but they have been very supportive. Whether it’s been battling the elements at a craft show, helping me recover from a bead spill, or just providing a listening ear or shoulder to lean on, I have had their true support.
dM: How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network, and do you enjoy your membership?
Charlene: I discovered IBN by accident, during a Google search. I initially participated without a paid membership and would periodically review the chart of benefits to determine if it was worth it to me. After participating for a while, I decided it was and not only do I enjoy my membership; I know I have gotten true value from it.
The two biggest reasons I would recommend it to others are these: (1) The quality of the network. I have participated in a few others and from my experience, IBN is the best when it comes to being a true community of people trying to help each other and work together not just push their wares. It is not spammy like so many sites where even the hellos feel false because they are done with a bunch of advertising. (2) The amount of solid content that is available to members - blog posts, phone calls, radio shows, chats, etc and amount I have learned from all of this.
dM: What else would you like to see IBN provide?
Charlene: Maybe some ways for members who are not at a point to do certain things on their own to join forces. I am thinking of things like jointly putting out a newsletter, building a mailing list, or jointly doing some advertising. Many members already have these items in place, but I’m sure there are others like me who are not quite ready to tackle it on their own but could contribute to a joint effort.
dM: What tips can you offer for people who are looking to start a business?
Charlene: I would say follow your heart but back it with a solid business plan. I am following my heart because jewelry-making is what I love to do. There are areas I probably could have researched and planned more and I am working on these. One of these is my approach to advertising. I am working on my 2010 strategy and not winging it as I did a little in 2009.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Charlene: I think anyone who has a passion in their life has joy and fulfillment as a result of it. This is true for me. Also, I have found that following my heart had led me to meet similarly-minded people who have become dear friends. Regrets? We always wish some things had gone differently in life and I am no exception. I try to learn from my experiences and move forward with renewed energy.
dM: What has been your biggest Indie Business challenge so far, and how are you overcoming it?
Charlene: Being seen and being heard in a world where the noise level of stuff coming at people is overwhelmingly high. I do not have the budget larger companies do, nor do I have the staff. However, as an IBN member, I do have information available to me to help me move my business forward with the resources I do have.
dM: How, if at, all is the current unusual economy affecting you and your business?
Charlene: Despite the current economic times, people have continued to buy my jewelry and for that I am extremely grateful. I try to be careful with what I buy and keep a sharp eye on inventory levels. I also strive to give my customers true value for their money when it comes to design, workmanship, and materials.
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business? What are you hobbies?
Charlene: Jewelry-making is what I love to do, so it occupies most of my time. When I am not working on jewelry or my business, I enjoy gardening and cooking.
dM: Please give an idea of your annual sales.
Charlene: Business has not grown this year, but I have held my own in a difficult economic period. I’m excited about the 2009 holiday season and making plans for an even more successful 2010.
How to connect with Charlene:
Blog
http://thebeaddreamer.wordpress.com
Twitter
http://twitter.com/thebeaddreamer
Indie Social
http://indiebeauty.com/profile/thebeaddreamer
6. Indie and Small Business Resources: Give 'N Take @ Our Social Networking Site!
<--
Featured photo: our home page screen shot, featuring the
pretty smile of Terri Simmons of Mangoberry Botanicals in Georgetown, Texas!Each week, I make additions to the site so you can enjoy it even more. Each day, a new IBN member is featured and there's also a fun new poll where you can share your favorite fall fragrance oils.
There are also some brand new fun and informative discussions going on all the time. Here are some recent highlights -- join us with your thoughts and experiences, and find out what other people in your industry are doing!
Question of the Week: How did you decide to take your hobby to the next level?: what did you do to go from hobbyist to professional?
Indie Website Re-Launch Is Coming!: share your ideas and suggestions for what you'd like to see included!
Why IBN Member Bella Lucce Has Withdrawn Support For the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics: one member's detailed account
Meeting An Agenda and Using Fear To Promote It: Katherine Corkill shares important commentary about how some companies are using fear to promote their own personal agendas
7. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help You??!
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, combine smart sales and marketing strategies with integrated, branded digital media tools to create relationships, expand their sphere of influence and increase sales. Through her blogs 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 Newsletter
www.IndieBusinessBlog.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2009 by 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.
