The Indie Business Experience
February 1, 2010
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 11, Issue 4
To subscribe, click here
-- Click to Join IBN Today!! -
1. "How To" Monday: How To Attract
More People To Your Fan Page!
2. Meet Our New and Renewing IBN Members
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show:
Mystery Guest!
4. Featured Article: Gina Rafkind | Veda Sun | New
Jersey
5. Indie and Small Business Resources: Featuring
Wonderful New Indie-Made Products!
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help
You??!
Make It Yourself: Honey Salt Scrub Masque
1. "How To" Monday: How To Attract More People To Your FaceBook Fan Page!
Last week, we discussed all the super easy things you can do to spruce up your FaceBook Fan Page, including Reviews Tabs. In case you don't know what Reviews Tabs are, here's mine. As you can see, a Reviews Tab makes it easy and fun for your fans to share testimonials about the products and services you offer. Step-by-step instructions on how to make yours are here.
This week, it's all about attracting people to your Fan Page. I know it seems like it takes forever, but each day, you should see new people at your Fan Page, even if it's only a few. As you engage people there, and as you also join other people's Fan Pages and participate generally on FaceBook, more people come to know a bit about you naturally. As this happens, you'll get more Fans without even trying.
But a few simple things can increase your Fan Page numbers, and the level of engagement there. I published the details in my blog at this link!
And don't forget to click the above link to "become a fan" of my Page!
HOT This Week At Indie Business Blog:
- 6 Ways To Attract More People To Your Fan Page
- Mr. President, I Don't Think You See Us (this is my commentary on last week's State Of The Union Address)
- Sunday Soup (if your questions aren't answered elsewhere, ask them here!)
- Be Everywhere Your Customers Are
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!
Website links are included where appropriate. 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!
Footbridge |
Dora Martin | California
IBN Member Since January 2005. All of Footbridge's products
contain shea butter and a combination blend of skin beneficial oils. Our
handcrafted products are designed to melt as they are rubbed into your skin
to moisturize really dry spots such as feet, hands, elbows and legs.
Orignally developed for gardeners' hands and dry cracked heels, every
Footbridge lotion product leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized.
Check our website for a store near you.
Shambhala Soaps | Robert Ungemach | Texas
IBN Member Since January 2007. At Shambhala Soaps we create
natural handmade soaps, lotions, as well as other bath and body products. We
use essential oils and herbs gathered from around the world. We work to
limit the use of synthetic fragrance oils when ever possible. The oils we
choose are naturally sourced whenever possible. We use real imported Dead
Sea Salts in our Bath Salts and Sugar Scrubs.
Manor Hall Soap Company | Susan Mann | Massachusetts
IBN Member Since February 2006. Natural olive oil soaps for
sensitive skin, scented only with essential oils, herbs and botanicals.
Mostly vegan, all vegetarian, all natural. Fresh, clean and wickedly mean.
Harmnious Essentials | Elizabeth Kryszan | Ohio
IBN Member Since October 2003.
Organikah Bath & Body | Pansy Bonner | Georgia
IBN Member Since January 2009. Organikah’s unique product line
has been handcrafted with the finest ingredients from Mother Nature. We use
moisturizing oils and butters, healing herbal extracts and mood enhancing
scents that will truly pamper you and moisturize your skin from head to toe.
Harvest Glow | Sandra Cadenhead | Missouri
IBN Member Since January 2008. Our candles are made with pure
soy wax, non-toxic dyes, and fragrances formulated for soy wax. We carry
container candles and melting cubes available for retail or wholesale
purchase.
Velvet & Sweet Pea's Purrfumery | Laurie Stern | California
IBN Member Since February 2007. Velvet and Sweet Pea’s
Purrfumery is where artisan natural perfumer Laurie Stern creates her unique
collection of rich botanical perfumes. These luxurious crème and liquid
perfumes are hand blended with the most luscious natural and organic
ingredients. Indulgently packaged in fine French crystal bottles and
glorious jeweled boxes, all perfumes come tucked into lush silk purses with
their own whimsical Victorian scent cards. They make exquisite gifts for
yourself or anyone who deserves a special pampering treat.
Scandle LLC |
Christine White-Stanton | Texas
IBN Member Since January 2008. Scandle LLC is the creator of
The Scandle Body Massage Candle - the first candle that's healthy for the
skin & environment. We also specialize in private labeling & wholesale spa
products.
Spirit Circle & Wise Woman Products | Cara Steichen | California
IBN Member Since March 2007. Original jewelry and homemade all
natural bath products. Salts, scrubs (salt & sugar), body butters, powders,
lotions, gels and bubble bath, soap (melt n pour), lip balms & bath
bursts(bombs).
Joan Morais | Joan
Morais | California
IBN Member Since January 2008. Joan Morais teaches classes,
workshops and consulting on How to Make Natural Skin and Body Care Products.
Lotions, Creams, Body Butters, Cold Process Soap Making, Facial Skin Care
Products-milk cleansers, scrubs, masks, serums, toners, eye balm, lip balm,
body balm, bath salts, milk baths, bath fizzies, aromatherapy massage oils,
natural baby products, lotion bar, essential oil natural scents, soy candles
and others. Available from her website, How to Make Lotions and Creams
Manual, Natural Baby Products Booklet.
Samfo Organics | Susan Kushnatsian | California
IBN Member Since January 2009. At Samfo Organics, we ask
our customers one simple but very important question. What are you feeding
your skin? Then we let them experience our Bee Gorgeous skin care line and
listen to their comments, which begins and ends with WOW.
Dragonfly Dreams | Pamela Guest | Texas
IBN Member Since April 2005. Dragonfly Dreams has been a
home-based business in Plano, Texas since August 29, 1997.
Specializing in luxury handcrafted products for your bath and body. Using
only the finest ingredients to pamper and soothe your body and senses.
Client favorites include herbal tub teas and Spa Shea Scrub. Retail &
wholesale.
Earthwind Botanicals | Kristy May | Tennessee
IBN Member Since September 2006. All natural, high quality
aromatherapy products for bath, body and home.
Mountain Lights & Luxuries | Michelle Davidson
IBN Member Since January 2008. Featuring handcrafted products
for yourself, your home and your life. We offer a growing selection of hand
poured soy-based candles and quality bath and body products featuring Mango
Butter, Shea Butter and Essential Oils.
Skin Dharma | Jill Kirscher | California
IBN Member Since February 2008.
Least Likely 2 Breed
| Leigh Stevens | Pennsylvania
IBN Member Since February 2008. We create balms for better
enjoyment of parenthood
Yoli Enterprises | Yvonne Suber | New Jersey
IBN Member Since January 2007. Yoli offers handcrafted
lotions, scrubs, body butters and balms to nourish and feed the skin. Our
products are made with the best botanical herbs, flowers, natural oils,
butters and essentials oils.
Juvenis Body Works | Renee Villanueva | Pennsylvania
At Juvenis Body Works we are dedicated to making your precious time both
relaxing and enjoyable, whether you’re alone or with that special someone.
We offer handmade artisan soaps and body care products using quality
ingredients such as shea butter, mango butter, goat’s milk and meadowfoam
seed oil.
Premium Minerals | Deb Karr | Missouri
IBN Member Since January 2007. Retail and Wholesale mineral
makeup, skin care products, accessories, packaging.
The Answer For Skin | Ellen Holder | Kansas
The Answer for Skin: Perfectly natural solutions for slightly imperfect
skin. Featuring the PMS System for peri-menopausal skin, the ultimate answer
for both anti-aging and hormonal breakouts together in one skin care system.
Moana Beauty | Diana O'Donnell | Florida
Luxury skin care and bath products handmade with pure ingredients from
Tahiti.
Keilove Botanica | Dorothy Green | Washington, DC
Keilove Botanica manufactures and wholesales natural, handmade, essential
oil-based, skin care products that are sold to primarily spas, salons, and a
massage school. We manufacture body misters, lotions, body butters, massage
oils, and aromatherapy stones. Finished products do not contain
preservatives. Our spa products are excellent for all massage modalities.
Our mission is to provide the finest natural aromatherapy skin care products
in the world while maintaining uncompromising excellence as we expand.
Pink Bow Bath Boutique | Amy Ruble | Arizona
Luxury handmade bath and body products. I a self-proclaimed, lifelong, bath
and body products junkie! Starting my own line of bath and body products is
a dream come true to me.
Epiphany Products | Stephen Markham | New York
Epiphany Products and Development LLC, a 2010 start up out of Schenectady,
NY has a newer version of an existing product. We call ours MB3 Personal
Hygiene, and it is used with toilet paper, as an eco friendly and convenient
alternative to wipes. No parabens, artificial coloring, fragrance or animal
testing. Over 100 applications possible from 20mL size! Personal care for
your derriere! It will leave you clean and confident!
Personally Perfume | Melissa Williamson | Alabama
Personally Perfume, LLC is a custom-blending perfume service.
Scentuosity | Leah Alston | North Carolina
Handmade therapeutic body care products that are inspired by the power of
nature to enhance our daily lives. These products are created with the
finest natural, organic and botanical ingredients to give your
mind...body...soul the purest and most natural experience.
Double Dare | Jacqueline Buisman | Oregon
DoubleDare is a pioneering socially responsible cosmetic company that is
dedicated to providing therapeutic products with all-natural, superior
ingredients that deliver genuine benefits for mature skin. The Initial line,
Delayed Gratification, consist of therapeutic skin creams for men and women
that are absorbed slowly into the skin while moisturizing dry, troubled
areas. We believe that through intentional self-care, a world that embraces
and celebrates the natural process of aging can be realized. A new paradigm
for future generations will be created.
Dave's Homemade | David Barrash | Maryland
We are a husband and wife team using our individual and unique talents to
create fresh, fun and practical products for you to enjoy. Dave's candles
are the BEST full scented candle you'll ever burn. Each made by hand, by
Dave, from the highest quality ingredients.
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show: Mystery Guest!
<
--- Who Will It Be?
This weird I suppose, but I have decided to publish today's newsletter before I know who today's radio show guest will be. I wish I could say it was due to some grandly planned marketing scheme, but it's not. Instead, I simply don't have a guest yet. But wait! There's more! (LOL!)
I think I will have a guest by 1:00, and like always, it will be someone who can help you be successful in your business. As usual, you can listen in while you're working so you don't have to slow down your day to enjoy my show!
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 all of last year's informative, business building shows. You can also subscribe to the show on iTunes by searching on Indie Business Radio.
-- Sponsor --
4. Featured Indie: Gina Rafkind | Veda Sun | New Jersey
I first met Gina Rafkind when she joined IBN in May 2005. At the time, her company name was Shakti. This always fascinated me because I had no idea what it meant. When Gina and I finally met in person (via phone), it was because she needed to change her business name. I had fun consulting with her to create something new, and when she finally settled on a new name, it fit her like a comfortable pair of jeans. Veda Sun is the name and Gina is the brilliant soul behind it. She's also a wife and mom to a beautiful Bullmastiff named Roxy. Roxy has become quite the canine star on FaceBook. More about that later. For now, here's a little about how Gina launched, and now owns and manages her business, and how she can help you.
dM: What was your inspiration to start Veda Sun?Gina: I officially started my business in February of 2005 when I formed my LLC. What inspired me to start this business was a health challenge that showed itself. I had an auto-immune issue that developed in 2003 and the search for natural ingredients is what lead me to initially create my business. I have also dealt with panic attacks in the past after my father passed away and I was amazed how essential oils helped me with this issue. I believe the power of our senses, especially that of smell, is an amazing tool to use when it comes to bringing us into the Present Moment which I feel is the only true way to transform anxiety and find our center. The world of Aromatherapy still intrigues me and I still get excited today when I'm about to create new blends.
I love my business name, VedaSun! It has great meaning to me. First of all, dM helped me in creating that name when I had some trademark issues with my first business name. Secondly, there was no coincidence that this name ended up becoming the name of my business. I knew I wanted 'Veda' in it because Veda means 'knowledge' in Sanskrit (and I am a huge fan of Ayurveda - ayur means 'life' and veda means 'knowledge'). And it was dM, during one of our business consultations, that came up with the second part of that name 'Sun'. In life, everything needs the sun to survive and grow. So what my business name, VedaSun, has come to mean to me is I supply the knowledge and warmth in order to inspire others to grow as they journey through the empowering, challenging path of Self-discovery.
dM: Do you have a formal business plan?
Gina: I did not have a formal business plan. When I first started up my business, I did not research that end, but I would recommend to others to research the whole business side more before starting a business. I just dove right in and then learned the business side more as I went along. Since then I have taken quite a few online workshops to learn more about how to operate a business. I also worked with some business consultants, including dM which have also helped tremendously in learning this other side of business since I enjoy the creative end so much more. I also learned so much about the business end through the Handmade Beauty University.
dM: What's your niche?
Gina:
My business is currently undergoing a transformation which is a result of my
own personal transformation that is happening. VedaSun will continue to
support others by offering holistic and inspiring products for those on a
journey of Self-discovery. However, I will be supporting others in a much
bigger way! Essential oil blends will be a huge part in this process in
combination with guided meditations, chakra work, crystals and teleclass
workshops to enhance this experience. This product combination is special
and differentiates itself from others in that the product includes me and my
life experiences and journey, which no other product has :). We each have
our own special gifts to bring into this world and I believe this is what
differentiates one company from the next.
dM: How do you market your products?
Gina: I market my products through my website, my salon, my email newsletter, blog, the All Natural Beauty Mall site and social media. I have written many articles and have submitted 4 of them to ezinearticles.com but would like to submit more this year. I also started doing some teleclasses last year which I'm going to continue this year. I have recently started partnering up with other like-minded individuals by swapping articles on each other's blogs and newsletters. I've added an affiliate program as well at my website and have signed on to be affiliates with some other like-minded people as well. I only do this with companies and people I resonate with and feel proud to support.
I believe my newsletter is most effective for me right now. The people on my newsletter list are those who chose to be on that list by signing up for it. They let me come into their lives via their inbox about 4 times a month, on average. I consider this a privilege and I am very grateful to them and try my best to provide them with information that will serve them in the highest way. I feel they support me as well by showing up for my teleclasses and purchasing my products. I've come to know a few through some email dialogue and I have to say they are just so amazing and have offered me some very useful feedback.
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Gina: I have become a member of a joint venture group with 6 other women. We all met in an online business program that we were all a member of. This group has developed into a mastermind group where we bounce ideas off of each other and give insight to help each other grow in our businesses. We put a free teleclass series together last fall and we are in the middle of creating our next one which will be starting March 1st. This has not only been a huge influence on getting my name 'out there' but it has allowed me to expand my business in ways that I could not have accomplished alone. It has also been a great experience in learning the workings of putting on these type of programs and has made me see the unlimited opportunities that are out there.
dM: How are the virtual telecalsses coming along?
Gina: I'm loving the virtual events. They are extremely helpful in accomplishing my goals of reaching more people, expanding my visibility and living my passion! My list has grown from these events and this usually has the nice outcome of making more money. One thing I have learned is if your really do follow your passion, the money will follow - it's all about being in alignment with your inner Self and what feels right for you.
dM: How do you use social media in your business?
Gina: I really enjoy FaceBook and Twitter too. I have a LinkedIn account but don't use that one as much. I have my newsletter linked to my twitter account and my Twitter account linked to my FaceBook account (and the iPhone FaceBook and Twitter apps too). This really helps in time management :). I think the benefits are you can help more people by getting your message out to more, thus connecting to those you are meant to serve. Plus it's fun connecting to others and seeing what they like and comments that are left. I also have a fan page for VedaSun so if anyone wants to be become a fan, look me up!
dM:
What is your best selling product and why?
Gina: My most popular product is my body oil, in both Shanti and Balance blends. Both scents sell very well. Body oils were one of the first products I ever created and I am such a huge fan of them myself! My customers like my body oil because I tell them the right way to use it so that it sinks right in. They love that it does not leave a greasy feeling and I also get a lot of compliments on both scents I created.
I made the
base of the product after studying Ayurvedic principles and I believe the
combination and amounts of the bases I chose is another main reason why
people love this body oil. I have a couple clients at my salon that say I
can never stop making it because they are totally addicted to it - that's
always so nice to hear. :)
Who helps your business be successful?
Gina: The people that help my business be successful are my husband, my web designer, my family, my colleagues, including both my business mastermind group and business consultants, and online networks. I wouldn't be where I am without any of the above people, but I have to say my husband, my web designer and the IBN have been three main forces in the growth of my business. My husband is so supportive and gives me amazing feedback on all levels of my business - even the ones I'm not crazy hearing about :).
And Chev, my web designer, is just the best. She responds quickly, gets the job done when you need it done, gives great advice when I need it and is just a kind person and I'm so grateful that I found her - plus she has a great sense of humor. And the Indie Beauty Network is such an amazing resource with all kinds of information that is pertinent and crucial to business success. I get dMs blog entries delivered right into my inbox and the amount of information she supplies is tremendous (I still don't know how she does it all :)! (Editor's Note: You can subscribe to my blog here.)
dM: What are the best things about being a small and independent business owner?
Gina: It's definitely the freedom! The freedom to wake up and take my dog for a walk and do yoga before I start work. The freedom to work as hard as I want (or not). The freedom to meet a friend for lunch. The freedom to take a day off during the week and work on a weekend day if I choose and on and on. The biggest freedom though is just doing what I love, and in being in alignment with what I am truly here to do.
dM: How did you discover IBN, and what do you think of your membership?
Gina: I spoke a bit about IBN above, but it's worth talking more about :). I can't remember how I initially discovered IBN.....it might have been through a web search. I highly recommend being an IBN member, plus being able to get (affordable) product liability insurance is a true bonus! dM is just amazing with all she contributes to this industry. As long as I own my business, I will be an IBN member!
dM: What tips can you offer other small business owners to help them be successful?
Gina: (1) Spend some time alone with yourself and discover what it is you truly love to do and that ignites that fire within. Your business is an outer manifestation, and if your outer world is not in alignment and partnering with your inner energy, then something will surely be missing. (2) Mastermind and connect with yourself and others, who will support, you with how you can create a business doing what you love. (3) Research your market and develop a business plan, whether formal or not and connect with people who can help you bring your business into form whether that be a business consultant, business or life coach, business workshops or other mentor.
dM: What book have you read that has encouraged you in your business?
Gina: Well, I'm not sure if people will consider this a business book, but a book I highly recommend is The New Earth. It's a book of 'Life' and to me, my business is an extension of myself - of my life. It helps us to discover what it means to be in the Now, in the Present Moment. If we can live life in the present moment, then life flows with ease, peace and leads us to the ultimate quality, which is freedom.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Gina: I have no regrets owning a business. It has
greatly enhanced my life in the amazing connections I have made and in the
fact that I can share my
gifts and passion with others. There are many things, looking back, that I
could say I would do differently, but I wouldn't change a thing because
every experience and challenge I have faced has brought me to where I am
today and that, in my eyes, is a perfect place. ;)
dM: What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a small business owners, and how did you overcome it?
Gina: My biggest challenge is time. There are so many ideas I want to implement and products I want to create and things I want to learn about that it can sometimes get me frustrated. But, I have tools that I use to manage my energy and bring me back to center. If that's my biggest hurdle, how lucky am I? I remind myself that it's all about the journey!
dM: How, if at all, has the current economy affected your business?
Gina: My business has been growing each year, including
this past year so I don't feel that the economy has affected my business in
a bad way. I believe
now is a great time to start a business because it's never too late to do
what you love. There are so many people in this world that are in need of
your special and unique gift that you were put on this earth to deliver and
it's a dis-service not to discover and share this gift with those people.
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business?
Gina: When I am not working in my business, which is very rarely, I kind of sound like a throw-back to another century. Here are some things I really enjoy doing:
I don't know if there's enough space for this question, (smiling). I love so many things.....ok, I'll try to give you a condensed version. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for the past 18 years. I used to have a huge challenge with anxiety (which still shows up occasionally) which is one of the main reasons I am on the path I am traveling today. I am also grateful for this anxiety because of all the great things it has lead me to. I'm a certified reflexologist and love giving and receiving reflexology. I love massages and get one once a month. I love sound healing and have taken the first 2 levels of the Acutonics coarses (tuning forks).
I have taken the first 2 levels of Reiki and plan on
taking level 3 this year. I listen to new age music pretty much every day as
well as guided meditations. I study Ayurveda and have taken a foundational
course in this subject. I read new age books and an occasional fiction book
(The Notebook is my favorite so far.) I do some form of movement at least 5
days a week, including yoga, yoga, and more yoga.....ok, I also take walks
with my dog, do some weight training, dance or create my own workouts, one
of which I call Chi Yoga. I love learning new stuff and try to learn
something new every day.
What are your sales like?
Gina: Since I started my business, it has been growing every year. It's still not where I can rely on it to pay all my bills, but I feel this year and the transformation I, and thus my business, is going through, will make a huge difference in this respect. I'm finally paying attention, real attention, to what it is that ignites the fire within me. And since I have been doing this inner work, opportunities and people have been showing up in my life with much less effort and that are in alignment with my inner goals and outer vision.
How to connect with Gina:
Website
http://www.vedasun.com
Twitter
http://www.ginarafkind
FaceBook
http://facebook.com/GinaRafkind
(And look for that beautiful canain FaceBook start Bullmastiff -- she will
steal your heart right off your status update! Check her out
here,
here and
here! Gina spoils here rotten and she's absolutely adorable!
5. Indie and Small Business Resources: Give 'N Take @ Our Social Networking Site!
<--
Featured photo: our home page screen shot, featuring the pretty smile of this
week's Featured member, Karrie Welch of Fortunate Face Minerals in Westfield,
Ma!Valentine's Day is coming! Here are some fantastic new offerings from IBN members! You know you want it all!
Taylor Made Organics Whipped Body Souffle: organic shea, coconut and more
JoAnne Bassett Love Inspire Dream Gift Boxes: natural fragrance box collections
La Isha Orange Coconut Face Polish: gentle sugar crystals
Cactus and Ivy Valentine's Day Goodness: Chocolate Strawberry Body Suffle and Red Hot Chai Tea Body Rub
The Bead Dreamer's Fern Necklace: fresh water pearls and crystal in amber and olive tones
Hothouse Botanicals Chocolate Almond Truffle Body Butter: with organic Sapote fruit oil and cocoa absolute!
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help You??!
I
would love to speak at your next 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!!
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.
