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The Indie Business Experience
February 15, 2010

A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 11, Issue 5
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Indie Business Roll Call!: Check in at our FaceBook Fan Page if you are present and accounted for to start a new week of service, success and profitability!

1. "How To" Monday: How To Get UnStuck!!
2. Meet Our New and Renewing IBN Members
3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show: Rebecca Bollwitt on "Blogging To Drive Your Business"
4. Featured Article: Sheri Lee Pierce | Paradise City Herbal | Massachusetts
5. Indie and Small Business Resources: Encouragement, Inspiration and More!
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie: How Can I Help You??!

Make It Yourself: Grounding Herbal Oatmeal M&P Soap

1. "How To" Monday: How To Get UnStuck!

Birds In Laptop From time to time, I read posts at the social networking site and elsewhere that are indicative of the anguish and frustration people experience when they are "stuck" in a job. Look at the birds in the picture -- a perfect illustration of what I mean. Some birds are stuck in the computer screen while others are soaring free! That's where I am now, but it has not always been so.

I remember feeling stuck in my job many years ago. I was grateful for employment and I make some good friends on the job. But at the end of each day, I knew I had served my employer well, yet I was not being compensated in ways that I felt reflected my contribution. Not only that, I knew that my management was not at all concerned with my personal and professional growth. I was a number. I billed hours. As long as I billed an appropriate number of hours, no one cared whether or not I ever reached my full potential.

But I cared. And I had to make a choice. Like the birds in the photo, I could remain stuck in the laptop. If I made that choice, I'd be forever watching all of the other birds soar. Oh sure, I'd be safe, warm and well fed. But I would not be free to express my full potential, to make my best contribution to the world.

I had to choose between allowing my employer to define my future, or defining it myself. I chose the latter. I was the bird that decided to fly free.

While it has been more challenging that I ever imagined it would be, the choice I made to define my destiny was the best one for me. As a wife and mother today, it also turns out to have been the best decision for my family too.

Whether it's a job, a relationship, a neighborhood or a dress size, remember that the first step toward getting unstuck is recognizing that you're only stuck if you choose to be stuck!

HOT This Week At Indie Business Blog:

Thanks for allowing me into your email boxes and have a great week!!

2. Meet IBN's New and Renewing IBN Members!!

IBN Members Only 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!

If it's time to renew your membership, click here! To join and start putting IBN to work for you today, click here!

From Nature With Love | Kibby Mitra | Connecticut:
** This company is one of IBN's first members, and this marks it's 10th year in a row of membership and sponsorship support! Thank you FNWL! IBN Member Since July 2000. 1,750 products with no minimum order requirement. Small & bulk sizes sold wholesale. Our selection includes ingredients, supplies and accessories for soap making, hair care, skin care, aromatherapy, toiletries, cosmetics and spa products. Our line includes butters, vegetable and fixed oils, essential oils, hydrosols, fragrance oils, cosmetic clays, bath salts, sugars, herbs, muds, color additives, preservatives, milk powders, exfoliants, melt and pour soap bases, skin care bases, soap molds, equipment and packaging supplies.

Natural Selection Bath & Body | Jean Vavra | California
IBN Member Since April 2003. Luxurious handmade soap made with silk fibers. We specialize in silk. Our lotions, lip balm, bath salts and salt scrub are all made with silk. Indulge yourself and your little one. Our line also includes a baby line. Pamper that special little one from the start with our Zen Baby line. Products made with chamomile, comfrey, and rosemary extracts. All natural powder that is talc-free. So much for moms, dads, and babies.

Dropwise Essentials | Donya Fahmy | California
IBN Member Since July 2001. Established in 1999, Dropwise Essentials makes exceptional quality aromatherapy and all-natural bath and body products designed to nourish the body and feed the senses. We hand-craft an exquisite line of aromatherapy lotions, body oils, body washes, misters, lip balms, and soy candles that make you feel and smell great! Made with 100% pure essential oils. No synthetic or petroleum ingredients. Earth-friendly and cruelty-free.

CNaturals | Sahana Barade | New Jersey
IBN Member Since January 2007. Beauty products of all kinds.

Piper Tate | Valerie Rice | California
IBN Member Since February 2009. Welcome to PIPER TATEтАж pure, luxurious, organic skin care for the modern family. In creating all natural body products, we are passionate about using local, sustainable and organic ingredients, whenever possible. All our products are uniquely formulated and are an antioxidant rich, deep moisturizing gift to your skin. Our sublime blend of organic essential oils will leave you delicately scented and soothed.

Lisa Ann Skincare | Lisa Kennally | Connecticut
IBN Member Since January 2008. We provide natural bath and body skin care products using simple, plant based ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals. Our products are designed to provide smooth, glowing, balanced skin. We sell to spas, botiques, health food stores and online!

Soap Dance | Patricia Ehaney | Wisconsin
IBN Member Since October 2008. Soap Dance is a natural body care company located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Founded in 2000, we specialize in natural, homemade soaps. We also create other body care items including lotions, creams, fragrance mists, lip butters and glycerin soaps. Our products can be found at local retailers throughout the Northeastern Wisconsin area, my retail store, various national outlets and at our local, seasonal farm market.

Scrubz Body Scrub | Roberta Perry | New York
IBN Member Since October 2008. Scrubz All Natural Sugar Body Scrub is four body care products in one! It is a Body Cleanser/Scrub, Facial Scrub, Preshave/Shaving Oil and a Moisturizer! We blend pure cane sugar with 9 natural oils, then use a mixture of essential and fragrance oils to create 20+ scents! We use no alcohol, artificial preservatives or color so it is safe for daily use on body and face! We're Softening The World One Jar At A Time.

Samara Botane | Marcia Elston | Washington
IBN Member Since February 2008. Founded 1988, trusted importer/supplier of aromatic raw materials and aromatherapy supplies; manufacturer of natural spa and bodycare products; natural products business consultation; product development; private label. Wholesale and retail. Educational programs and conferences. Industry Nonprofit Blog: http://www.aromaconnection.org

Zorica of Malibu | Zorica Denton | California
IBN Member Since February 2008. Zorica of Malibu products are about beauty and well being, it's about looking and felling your best. Our products are designed to create the luxurious Spa experience in comfort of your home, made with organic and natural ingredients, scented with 100% pure essential oils, paraben free and cruelty free. Zorica products are ideal for any health mind individual, especially for the consumer with chemical sensitivity and allergies to the fragrances.

Victorie, Inc. | Marilyn Boerner | Washington
IBN Member Since February 2008. We are a retail and wholesale supplier of church anointing oil supplies, inspirational gifts, natural perfume & skin care products, therapeutic grade aromatherapy ingredients, apothecary supplies, perfume bottles, glass vials, and alternative health products for the wellness industry.

Green Dragon Herbals | Judy Roberts | Oklahoma
IBN Member Since February 2008. We've found that returning to nature aids in the search for peace. We incorporate Mother Nature's finest quality herbs, botanicals, and essential oils in our products. We integrate the concept of "Mind, Body, and Spirit are ONE" into the formulation of our entire line of natural products. We take pride in creating the finest quality natural products in our massage oils, sachets and aromatherapy products. All are created with the "whole you" in mind.

Innerglo Bath and Body | Janay Henry | Texas
IBN Member Since February 2009. Innerglo is a luxury collection of natural spa treatments hand-crafted from Mother Nature's finest essential oils, herbs, sugars, salts, and butters. StudioInnerglo gives customers the opportunity to choose from a variety of essential and fragrance oils to add to Innerglo's base scrubs or butters, creating a customized product designed to meet the customer's specific needs and preferences.

Bar-Maids | Kismet Andrews | Washington
IBN Member Since February 2009. We have been making natural and organic moisturizers since 1991. Handcrafted in small batches, we strive to create high quality products at affordable prices using local suppliers. Our green philosophy extends to our packaging and business practices. We pay forward 10% of our profits to Kiva. Customers love our moisturizers, salt scrubs, and lip balms.

Wild Woozle Soap Co. | Daria Ross | Washington
IBN Member Since May 2005. Located in the lush Pacific Northwestern United States, Wild Woozle Soap Company creates temptation in the form of luxurious, tropical bath and body products for home and spa, crafted with inspiration from the rich cultures of the Pacific. These products combine traditional, natural ingredients and fragrances from Tahiti, Hawaii, and around the world with a unique, modern delivery and a sassy twist.

Samantharoma | Samantha Moore | South Carolina
IBN Member Since February 2008. At Samantharoma we care about what goes on your skin. Our products are free of alcohol, harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances & dyes. Wherever possible we make products from sustainable ingredients, we use recyclable packaging. We disclose ALL of our ingredients on our website & labels. We are proud signers of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Our products include skin & personal care, a household cleaner, yoga mat cleanser, oils, butter & sprays for the body.

Nouveau Designs | Denise Marks | Michigan
This company is an IBN Sponsor
IBN Member Since February 2009. Mold Market designs and manufactures quality plastic molds for all occasions. Our 200 plus designs are suitable for hot and cold process soap making, melt & pour soap making, candle making, and ceramic crafts. You'll find our customer service impressive and shipping turnaround time fast. Our ever expanding mold line tips the scale in quality. There's always something new in the works at Mold Market!

Taylor's Corner Bath & Body Boutique (music plays) | Jane Benjamin Bonner | Georgia
IBN Member Since January 2009. Taylor's Corner Bath and Body brings to you homemade, all natural bath & body products which include Bath Salts, Body Butters, Massage Oils, Lip Balms, Salt Scrubs and more. All of our products are made to order to ensure quality and freshness.

Cozy Cabin Soy Candles (music plays) | Diane Poleon | New York
IBN Member Since February 2009. Cozy Cabin Soy Candles brings you handpoured 100% natural soy wax candles. I give you that special handmade touch by pouring each candle individually with 100% soy wax and natural wicks to provide a long lasting, clean burn. I then add only the best and strongest soy based fragrance oils/essential oils that bring the wax to life and fill the air with irresistible aromas.

Clean Glow Candles | Jennifer Tallmadge | New Jersey
IBN Member Since November 2006. Lighten Up Naturally with Clean Glow Candles. Every Clean Glow Candle is hand poured using only the finest ingredients including soy and palm waxes, premium fragrance oils, and lead free wicks.

Raw Element | Julie Lutz | Illinois
Raw Element - bringing you body care products made with organic and natural elements raw from nature.

Classic Cycling Essentials | Bradley Ford | Pennsylvania
Made by hand with care, Classic Cycling Essentials product include embrocations, chamois creams, shaving creams and mustache wax.

Shepard Moon Concoctions | Makena Phillips | Washington
Therapeutic Bath Salts, Lotions and Massage Oils using therapeutic grade organic materials produced for wholesale to reatail outlets. Also available for purchase on-line.

Alter Aura | Dave Cover | Kansas
Our aromatic candles are made from soy wax and premium fragrance oils for a superior scent.

Bamboo Jade Candles | Debbie Alcazar | California
Bamboo Jade Candles offers handmade Soy Scented Candles and Body Massage Candles. We strive to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Aleish Aromatics | Shela Kern | Virginia
Hand blended skin care products for face, body and scalp specializing in organic jojoba, carrier oils and high grade pure essential oils. We give weekly seminars in the use of essential oils and have been in direct sells and mail order for 13 years. We strive to create new and specialized formulations each year. All hand blended with love, passion and consciousness for the plants as well as the earth. We have built a loyal client base and continue to always offer a personal element in our business by getting to know our customers. We care about quality and will only use the best ingredients that we have researched.

The Bath Nook | Dusty Warren | Tennessee
The Bath Nook creates bath and body products made with natural ingredients that make you feel good and nourish your skin. Experience our bath and body products made with extraordinary fragrances.

Solace Essentials | Carol Walter | Washington
Solace Essentials is a Seattle-based Aromatherapy practice offering Essential Oil Healing sessions, and we are also a purveyor of natural, hand-crafted, essential oil bodycare. Our exclusive synergies blend only the finest ingredients, including 100% organic essential oils, and are designed to nourish both your body and soul. Our bodycare is also sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free

Mimi's Bees | Jimmy Joyce Anderson | Texas
We began as beekeepers but now also produce and sell natural bath and body products.

Anti-Body | Steven Moser | California
Natural body care products all produced using fair trade ingredients!

Sniffle Sleeve | Wendy Piret | Louisiana
Aromatherapy "sleeves" for children and adults.

Crater Lake Company | Sharonn Itliong | New York
Crater Lake Company offers luxurious bath and skincare products and unique fragrance blends to please every beautiful body. We specialize in providing you with all the essential luxuries that transform the bathing experience into a joyful treat and soothing retreat. With a discerning eye to detail for the ingredients we use, a keen nose for unique fragrances and a finger on the pulse of the market, we are pleased to present a palette of high-quality bath and skincare products in a fun and exciting way so that you can create your own work of art in your bath!

Sinfully Sweet Soap | Sindy Anderson | Georgia
I make wonderfully scented, colorful soaps, bath bombs, lotions and scrubs and candles for your bathing pleasure.

3. This Week's Indie Business Radio Show: Mystery Guest!

< --- Featured photo: Today's radio show guest! Rebecca Bollwitt, co-author of Blogging to Drive Business: Create and Maintain Valuable Customer Connections (affiliate link).

Rebecca Bollwitt, a seasoned blogger and podcaster, co-owns Sixty Four Media, a website development and social media consulting service. She's been blogging since 2004 and is all Indie! This is a great opportunity to enjoy listening and chatting with someone who has grown a business from scratch almost entirely because she's blogged consistently through the years!

Join us for today's 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 2010 Archives to enjoy all of this year's informative, business building shows. Click the "Older Archives" to enjoy hundreds of other fantastic shows -- all free, all for you, all the time!

-- Sponsor --

4. Featured Indie: Sheri Lee Pierce | Paradise City Herbal | Massachusetts

Sheri has been a member of IBN since 2006. While I have never met her in person, through her business at Paradise City Herbal, she never ceases to amaze me with her gentle and sincere approach to business. A few months ago, Sheri will be turning 42, and from the looks of things, she's in the midst of a very exciting time in her life and her business. She and her husband, Hawkeye, just took in their third cat. Sheri also recently put her money where her mouth is when she severed her relationship with a national natural products chain because she discovered something she felt did not complement her particular style of business. While you may not agree with her assessment of the chain or her thought provoking decision, it's clear that this is one Indie who stand up for what she personally believes in and puts her money where her mouth is. I'll let her tell you all about it, in her own words.

dM: What was your inspiration to start your business?

Sheri: Paradise City Herbal' officially started in November of 2005, but I had been testing my herbal creations at craft fairs for about two years before that. I became interested in herbs over fifteen years ago, around the same time I started formulating my simpler, greener living plan. I garden and study herbalism and aromatherapy, as well as the energetic and elemental aspects of herbs in Plant Spirit Medicine. As I studied and gardened, the knowledge I was gaining led me to become hyper-aware of unnecessary and sometimes even harmful ingredients in things I was buying, how little choice there is for truly all-natural products, whether for bodycare or even for food! The only way to find what I was looking for was to make it myself :)

I named my business after my hometown, whose nickname is Paradise City. Here's the back story -- in 1851, while on her honeymoon, opera singer Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale," declared Northampton, Ma to be the "Paradise of America." "Paradise City" has a deeper meaning for me too. I believe that Paradise is more a "state of mind" than a "place", and that you can make it Paradise wherever you are.

While I do not live in a truly urban environment, it sometimes feels that way to me! The busy state road in front of my house is always full of noisy traffic~ It's maddening to never have quiet! Also, because of being in a valley, which traps air pollution, and a nearby coal-fired power plant, we actually have a similar air quality to Los Angeles! And light pollution, water pollution too. But when you come around to the back of the house, and walk down the hill into the garden, you can smell the flowers and hear the birds, and it suddenly feels like you are in Paradise :)

So many people remark on the transformation they feel when coming into the garden. It is like a whole different world from what is out front. It is "my Paradise", and I work to keep that vibe in everything I make and in how I operate as a business.

dM: What's your niche?

Sheri: I came to bodycare-making through my study of Western Herbalism, which also is what inspired me to begin gardening. Being part of the whole process, from the time the seed is planted until the time the label is put on the jar, gives me a unique perspective I think, a bigger vision of the impact of my actions.

Because of this, I'm extraordinarily careful when choosing ingredients I can't supply for myself, careful (and caring!) when handcrafting my products, careful to use only recyclable packaging, and adamant about not using any animal products in my bodycare.

But even though I'm vegan and certified cruelty-free by both PETA's Caring Consumer program and the Leaping Bunny program, I want to move beyond the idea of "cruelty-free" and explore my concept of "love promoting". This is more than just a tagline for me -- When you use my products, I sincerely want you to "Feel Good in Your Skin". To me, this means, besides feeling and smelling good, my products have to be good for you and be good for the planet too.

dM: How do you market your products?

Sheri: I have an e-commerce website and also sell wholesale to local stores. I have done craft shows in the past and always felt they were successful, so I may start again this Summer if I can make the time. Craft shows are a wonderful way to meet people, have them try your product, get feedback, get newsletter subscribers, and make direct (retail price) sales.

My newsletter and blog seem to be the best tools right now to get my message out and make contact with people. They generate a lot of email conversations, and hopefully as people get to know me better, the conversations will start to migrate online.

dM: I know you recently withdrew from Whole Foods Market. Why did you make that decision? Any fallout?

Sheri: It wasn't a difficult decision to pull my skin care from Whole Foods Market because I knew in my heart it was the right decision for me. The more I learned about their business practices, the less good I felt about being there. When I couldn't *feel good* about telling people I had my product there, I knew I had to go.

But yes, there has been a BIG fallout. I would have made the decision anyway, but at the time, I believed I'd be picking up another grocery store account which unfortunately never materialized.

This venture, though, is part of a larger adventure I'm on with my husband as we work towards sustainable living and transition into full-time farming. We believe this business will grow way beyond the income I was making with Whole Foods, and will also be supplemented by selling herb plants and herbal medicines as well as our garden veggies and mushrooms.

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

Sheri: I'm so happy to announce I've just launched a new line of bodycare for babies called "Bud": Truly all-natural baby oil, baby powder, and diaper rash ointment, based on time-tested herbal remedies so you know it's gentle, safe and effective.

dM: How do you use social media in your business?

Sheri: Twitter was the first form of social media that I used and it's still where I'm most comfortable. I meet so many interesting people and learn so many things there! I have a FaceBook page now for my business but I'm still learning how the whole FaceBook thing works.

Who helps your business be successful?

Sheri: My husband is my biggest ally, always there for moral support and never failing to run to the post office for me when I need to get a package out and tend a creme at the same time! Family and friends are also invaluable, offering up not only their encouragement but even their skin for me to experiment on.

Of course, I couldn't do any of this without my garden. It has more than just my raw materials -- it is my teacher and my inspiration.

dM: What are the best things about being a small and independent business owner?

Sheri: My favorite thing is the ability to explore whatever catches my interest. No limits! I can drive this train in whatever direction is the right one for me.

dM: How did you discover IBN, and what do you think of your membership?

Sheri: I discovered IBN thru an Internet search. At the time, I was looking to connect with people doing the same sorts of things I was, not having anyone to share stories and compare notes with. I'm so grateful that IBN offers liability insurance, but beyond that, being a member gives me a sense of comradeship and security, too, knowing I have a whole network of people to fall back on when I have questions or need advice. I would definitely recommend joining IBN to people with similar businesses, and actually, often have.

dM: What is your best selling product and why?

Sheri: Aromatic body sprays and olive oil soaps are always popular, but the hands-down favorite is my Summerlands Eye Creme. It's light-textured but very luscious. Customers love how quickly sinks in to the delicate skin around the eyes while giving a moisture boost that helps minimize the appearance of tiny lines.

The secret ingredients? Violet leaf and cucumber from my garden plus organic rosehip seed oil and unrefined shea butter. Talk about Paradise!

dM: What tips can you offer other small business owners to help them be successful?

Sheri: (1) Research. You hear it over and over again, but you've got to know your market. Know what you're selling and who you're selling to. (2) Join a group like IBN or a woman's business circle. The support, wisdom, and advice is invaluable! (3) Learn about all aspects of your business. Formulation, Marketing, Design, Accounting, etc. are things that are easy to outsource, but I believe a basic working knowledge in every area of your business is essential to stay ahead of the curve.

dM: What is a favorite business book, and why do you recommend it?

Sheri: You know, I used to enjoy reading business books but these days my head is buried in herb cultivation guides! I'd like to recommend an old book (1999) that hugely influenced me. It's called The Brand You 50 : Or : Fifty Ways to Transform Yourself from an 'Employee' into a Brand That Shouts Distinction, Commitment, and Passion! (affiliate link) by Tom Peters. He first introduced the idea of branding to me, and specifically, how to become "Brand Me," someone who is independent, savvy, informed, always learning and growing, who knows how to sell herself, and - most important - does work that matters.

I tend to get more business info online now, and am inspired today by both Karen Skidmore (@candocanbe on Twitter) and Shalini Bahl (@shalinibahl on Twitter). I love their insights into mindful marketing and using social media.

dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?

Sheri: Owning a business has given me a sense of ownership of my life. Not only do I control how i spend my time, I'm also able to give back, whether by donating product or by sharing my knowledge and the plants I grow with my local herbal Meetup group. No regrets at all! The only thing I might do differently is not move so slow! But it's all a process, learning as I go....

dM: What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a small business owners, and how did you overcome it?

Sheri: Being a solo-preneur, it's time - never enough time to do everything I dream of. I'm always trying to get more streamlined, better organized, but it's an ongoing challenge.

dM: How, if at all, has the current economy affected your business?

Sheri: It seems that money is definitely tighter, people spending less. I strive to keep my prices reasonable but recognize that organics cost more. To minimize loss, I offer non-luxury items (or luxury you can rationalize) like soaps. I'm also branching out into new markets like the baby care, and hope to begin offering men's skin care later this
year.

I think anytime can be a good time to start or expand a business, depending on your market! I wouldn't want to be in a market where I was competing on price alone right now, but since I'm making herbal/vegan products, I know I'm in a market that's growing..

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

Sheri: When not "working", I'm herb gardening and herb researching, but that is really part of my business. Luckily, it's what I love to do!

When I do take time off from the plants, I like to draw and paint, go for walks, cook, play mandolin, and go out on the town to see live music with my man, Hawkeye.

What are your sales like?

Sheri: My sales were way down this year, because of leaving Whole Foods. I've lost over 50% of my revenue, but I'm optimistic for the coming year! I've been making good contact with my retail customers and am starting to develop new wholesale accounts with independent stores.

How to connect with Sheri:

Website
http://www.paradisecityherbal.com

Twitter
http://twitter.com/herban_paradise

FaceBook
http://bit.ly/9vlrjx

5. Indie and Small Business Resources: Give 'N Take @ Our Social Networking Site!

Here's a sampling of some of the fun discussions, photos and blog posts happening at our social networking site!

1. How to prepare for a trade show: great tips from Jim DeBetta

2. Efficient merger of shipping and PayPal?: Stephen Markham could use some tips

3. What makes a candle green?: "eco-commentary" from Laureen Falco

4. Lessons from opening a kiosk at the mall: Part 1 in a series, from Funlayo Alabi

5. Recommended fragrance oil suppliers?: Merilyn Thompson could use some help!

6. A lousy raise has dampened my spirits, can you help?: a good opportunity to lift up a fellow traveler

7. Wellness, balance and success!: a fantastic post from Joan Morais -- don't miss this one!!

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.