The Indie Experience
September 7, 2009: Celebrating work in America!
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 10, Issue 20
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1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive
Indie
2. Where's dM?: Seminars and Events With dM
3. Indie Business Radio Show:
Enjoy Some of My Popular Shows!
4. Featured Indie Beauty Network Member: Tyrika Swails
:: maineelement: love :: Texas
5. Indie and Small Business Resources
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie
Make It Yourself!: Nutty Scrub For Dry Skin
Editor's Note: Sometimes, things just don't work out the way you want them to. For me today, the thing that's not working is my FTP server, which means that I cannot yet share some of the featured photos and graphics in the newsletter. Of course, my talented and fabulous IT assistant is on a fabulous vacation. I am taking it in stride though, and as soon a I can, the graphics will be added. Thank you for your patience.
1. Notes and Highlights From dM, the Chief Executive Indie
<-- Featured photo: the lovely Lynette Simmons, mom, graphics artist and entrepreneur (See the Editor's Note at the top of this issue for why there's no photo here)
Today is Labor Day, and that means something different to everyone. For some, it's just another day off. For others with a family and work history steeped in the traditions of once powerful American labor unions, it's a day of challenge and reflection. A few decades ago, labor unions were strong and solid. Today, as traditional American manufacturing gives way to inexpensively made imports, and as traditional job options dwindle, I am thinking about the word "labor" and its changing meanings. Two years ago today, IBN member Lynette Simmons shared with me her thought that "all work is good work." Her inspirational words and ways of life are just as relevant today as they were in 2007.
I am persuaded that every American can and should have a business of her own. Even with a traditional job, because of the power of the Internet, there are numerous ways to create an alternative income that provides the freedom and flexibility so many of us crave with the ability to create wealth on your own terms.
As we celebrate a new kind of labor today, I am pleased to welcome these new and renewing (in italics) IBN members:
Alma del Sol Aromatherapy | Barbara Lucks | Colorado
* Member since 2008. Alma del Sol Aromatherapy has proudly
offered quality essential oils and aromatherapy education in Western
Colorado since 1996. We specialize in common sense aromatherapy, including
green housekeeping concentrates and mindset blends. Our products are
designed to offer practical, cost effective alternatives for managing
household and garden needs. We are delighted to offer natural energy and
stress management options for navigating our changing world.
BellaPure | Fabiola Tercero | Washington
* Certified vegan skin care.
Benddetta, Inc. | Julia Faller | California
* Member since 2006. An artisan line of premiums skin & body
care preparation. Handcrafted in small batches using certified organic &
biodynamic ingredients. Our commitment is to produce holistic, vibrant
products.
Chandon Chic | Chandon Williams
* Member since 2008. Chandon Chic is owner and operated by an
acupuncturist that specialized in skin care. Chandon Chic offers handmade
facial and body products as well as custom orders to meet the specific needs
of the client.
Fields of Ambrosia | Deborah Jasien | New Hampshire
* Member since 2002. FoA was developed in a search for
cleansing, nourishing and therapeutic body care products that would be earth
friendly and beneficial to the human body. Combining the life force energy
of plants with the healing powers of pure essential oils gives each creation
a signature fragrance which can help to enhance health and psychological
well-being. All formulas are tested, (on willing family and friends) to
ensure that they are functional, safe and effective. These products are free
from synthetic, petroleum, and animal derivatives and they are handcrafted
and packaged here at Intervale Farm using recycled glass, plastic, paper and
cork and locally harvested timber.
Flour Sack Creations | Leisa Carle | Florida
* Member since 2008. A Handmade Natural Body Company
specializing in handmade soaps, lotions, massage oils, cremes, body/pillow
sprays, shea butter, soy candles, and gift baskets made with high quality
essential and fragrance oils. 100% women owned and operated.
Flower Essence Energy | Maggie Smith |
Flower Peddler | Michele Keiper | Virginia
* Member since 2007. Flower Peddler is a manufacturer of
high-quality botanical skincare for the entire family. We offer an extensive
line of unique handmade soaps and luxury bath and body care for women, men,
and children. We take pride in making items that are body & Earth-friendly
and affordable. We proudly serve the needs of independent retailers, spas,
and salons by offering competitive pricing and outstanding sales support
while maintaining a personal touch.
Haute Beauty Brands | Cheri Tracy | Illinois
* What’s more important, quality or value? I say both and that’s exactly
what you’ll get with every one of my products: the highest quality and the
greatest value compared to mega beauty brands. Haute Beauty creates
artisan-crafted products that are made with superior ingredients and housed
in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Over the years, Orglamix, Candy Glam, Urban
Apothecary, Eau My!, Mama Glam, Stinkerbelle, & Haute Tub have built up a
cult following and a luxe mix of beauty favorites.
Gifts From the Earth | Marianne Wilson Stein | Washington
* It is our belief that exquisite beauty surrounds us all and resides inside
each individual. We offer a full line of skin care products including our
luxurious luscious lotion, body scrubs and muds and a full face care line.
All products are made fresh to order in small batches. Custom formulations
are our specialty. If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.
Graham-Caswell Design | Emily Caswell | Maine
* Member since 2006. GCDSpa.com combines fruit and flower
essential oils, fragrances, and flavors with sugars, sea salts, moisturizing
oils and butters to create spa products that smell great and feel wonderful!
Our handmade sugar scrubs, bath salts, and other products will help to
pamper your loved ones (and yourself) with natural ingredients that are good
for the skin. Say a special thank you with our personalized lip balms,
decorated for all occasions.
Keen Kandles & Kreations | Anita Miller
* Lotion, soap, bath salts, essential oils, room fresheners, fire starters,
candles, melts, powders, masks and scrubs.
Natural Grace | Heather McCoy | New York
* Natural Grace is dedicated to offering you the finest selection of natural
skin care products made with high quality plant derived ingredients, natural
preservatives and essential oils. We are a small, family owned company
passionate about healthy skin. We believe in the purity and quality of our
products as we bring to you “Essentials for Healthy Skin.â€
Pure Body Treats | Donna Sohr | California
* Hydrating body oils, creams, bath salts and massage lotions for baby
boomers.
Scentsibility | Lisa Browder | Nevada
* Scentsibility has custom-blend essential oil lotions, massage oils and
inhalers.
Sterling Minerals Cosmetics | Katherine Corkill | Idaho
* Member since 2007. Sterling Minerals Cosmetics are unique in
formulation and are unlike any other loose mineral makeup brand you can find
on the market today. Our age defying mineral cosmetics may actually improve
the condition and texture of fragile skin since many of the ingredients we
use are still used today in the Ancient Art of Ayurveda. Out of a desire to
reclaim our natural beauty, we created the exclusive Rose Petal Lineâ„¢ of
crushed minerals and soothing botanicals.
Strawberry Fields Candles & Gifts | Jenny Murphy | Texas
* We specialize in hand poured soy candles and melts. We carry a big variety
of tart/candle warmers. You will also find hand blended potpourri.
2. Where's dM?: Seminars and Events With dM
<-- Featured photo: Intellectual property attorney Andrea Hence Evans, Esq. (See the Editor's Note at the top of this issue for why there's no photo here)
Here are some other exciting things coming up!
Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights - Things to Know Before You File!: IP attorney Andrea Hence Evans joins us on 9/17/09 at Noon EST (Please note that the session is free for members of the Indie Beauty Network.) Click here for information. (For Indie Beauty Network members only!)
How I Landed A Spread In Southern Living Magazine: Indie Beauty Network member Lisa Rodgers of Cactus and Ivy join us on 9/24/09 at Noon EST (Please note that the session is free for members of the Indie Beauty Network.) Click here for information. (For Indie Beauty Network members only!)
dM on "Small Biz Chat": 9/30/09 at 8:00pm EST. Along with my husband, I will be sharing on this Twitter chat some of our experiences working in a business together at the same time as we run our home and raise our children. It has some really incredible advantages, but for us, it has not been easy. We look forward to helping other couples who may be wishing to work together both in life and in business. You know me, I plan to tell it like it is! In the meantime, if the topic of being in business with your spouse interests you, you may enjoy Part 1 and Part 2 of How to Start a Couple's MasterMind Group.
3. Indie Business Radio Show: Enjoy Some of My Most Popular Shows!
<--
Featured photo: author, success coach and Indie Business Radio Show guest Jack Canfield
I'm taking some time off today to be with my family, but a little R&R will never keep me from bringing you some of the most useful and inspiring experts to help you grow your business! I've been hosting and producing the Indie Business Radio show since 2005 and all of my guests have been smashingly generous. Of course I do my best to ask all of the questions you would ask! Here are 5 of the most popular shows I've done. You can stream or download them at the links provided. Enjoy!
Jack Canfield, author of "The Success Principles and other books
Bob and Mel Blanchard, married co-authors of "Live What You Love"
James Arthur Ray, author of "The Science of Success"
Tim Berry, author of "The Plan As You Go Business Plan"
Rieva Lesonsky, former editor of Entrepreneur Magazine
--> Next Week's Show! On 1:00pm EST, my guest will be Sramana Mitra, author of "Bootstrapping: Weapon of Mass Reconstruction." Check the radio show home page for details on this and other upcoming shows to help you enjoy your life, build your business and have your way!
-- Sponsor --
4. Featured Indie Beauty Network Member: Tyrika Swails :: maineelement:love :: Texas
<-- Featured photo: Tyrika Swails (a beautiful smile of a bride-to-be; just imagine it!! (See the Editor's Note at the top of this issue for why there's no photo here)
Tyrika owns maineelement:love (because love is the "main element!) in Houston, Texas. Here products are make and packaged by hand, and the ingredients (Tyrika calls them "elements" are carefully selected to ensure that what you are giving is good for the body, and in turn good for the mind and spirit. Tyrika can customize just about anything you want, and her ultimate goal is to provide quality favors and gifts that you and your guests will love. Here is some of Tyrika's story!
dM: When did you start your business and what is the inspiration for it?
Tyrika: I was inspired to create mainelement: love after a series of life events. Within the course of one summer I freed myself from chemically straightening my hair with a relaxer and started a 6 month round of a harsh medication to deal with a five year battle with adult acne. Both of these situations required major skin and hair care changes. I began creating my own skin and hair care products out of need and desire to have complete control over what I was putting into my body. I immersed myself in everything having to do with developing products that worked for me and discovered that I had a passion for it. My vision for a bath and body business evolved from an everyday bath and body company to specializing in gift sized products after creating scented bath salt shower favors for a bridal shower I hosted. I received numerous compliments on the favors, and I realized others might like an alternative to the typical favor and gift offerings.
I’m often asked how mainelement: love was named. The company is founded on
having a love for myself ,my body, and my health. I have always said that I
put lots of love into my products. Because I put so much of myself into the
business and into my products, I wanted a name that was reflective of my
personality. I wanted to incorporate what I feel is the most important
aspect of life, of what makes brings light to people’s eyes and a smile to
everyone’s face. So I named the company after the number one ingredient in
every product: Love.
dM: How did your professional background or prior work experience help prepare you for entrepreneurship?
Tyrika: mainelement: love is my second entrepreneurial venture. The first was a speed dating company. Bringing the business lessons learned from the first venture have helped me a lot. Capital is key! Also, familiarizing myself with the current market is important, as is having a well defined niche. In addition, knowing my own strengths and weaknesses in managing my own business makes a huge impact on how my business was launched.
dM: What are some of the things you did in advance of starting your business that have helped make it successful?
Tyrika: Lots and lots of research. I’ll never call myself an expert, but I felt that I couldn’t begin to consider going into business without having a better that average understanding of what makes a ‘natural’ product truly natural. I immersed myself in every resource both online and in print I could get my hands on. As soon as I had an inkling of an idea that I wanted to take my love of creating products and turn it into a business I became an Apprentice Indie and inhaled everything the Indie Beauty Network had to offer.
dM: What's your niche?
Tyrika: mainelement: love sets itself apart from most bath and body companies because we specialize in allowing each and every client to customize their gift items. Customers are practically able to almost create their own product. They select their scent, they design their labels, and I present them with a finished product that they can give to friends, loved ones, or event clients to display the amount of thought, care, and Love went into the gift.
dM: How do you market your products? Wholesale? Retail?
Tyrika: Marketing is an ongoing, ever evolving process. My primary focus at the moment has been partnering with planners to help promote my products as a unique offering to their clients. I’ve also been marketing to direct sales consultants as they often have a need for guest and hostess gifts for their parties and shows. Both are shaping up to be been great at creating long term exposure. Event planners, brides, and business owners tend to have a need for smaller quantities of individual items for favors, promotional items, and client appreciation gifts; however, I have a growing number of clients who wish to have their own product line and have wholesale contracts.
mainelement: love is less than a year old so I’m not yet on a regular circuit. I am considering in the near future to take part in a number of upcoming health and womens expos, as well as bridal shows. My preference would be to participate in smaller scale bridal shows because it allows me to interact more with the guests, which is very important to the custom offering of the business.
dM: What is your most popular product and why do customers tell you they like it?
Tyrika: le’amour body butter is my top selling product. The most common comment I receive is that it is the perfect consistency, not too thick, not too thin and the scent lasts much longer than expected. I have a customer who tells her everyone she knows that she smells like a tropical, edible plant when she uses her Mango Berry buddy butter! I think people love having it in a size that they can carry around anywhere has something to do with it also.
dM: What's new and exciting with your business these days?
Tyrika: I’m working on a few fun things. We’re getting ready to launch a subscription service that will allow customers to have a new bath set show up in their mailbox every month. A new scent every month to keep a little fun, spice, and variety in their shower. I have a fun contest running on my blog this month to allow customers to have a hand in my new lip balm line and create the first five scents released. I’m also working on developing two new scents for the holidays to leave warm fuzzy memories of family, friends and love.
dM: What forms of social media do you use in your business and why?
Tyrika: I am a social media junkie and am constantly
working on wrapping my head around more and more ways to incorporate it into
my business every day. I am primarily on Facebook and Twitter, but I also
connect with professionals via LinkedIn as well. I love Facebook because it
allows me to interact with people on a more personal level. I want people to
know the woman behind mainelement: love and Facebook allows me to do that.
Twitter allows me to easily meet and learn from people from all walks life.
I’ve encountered articles and resources that I would likely have not come
across on my own had another person not shared it. In turn, I aim to share
information on Twitter on a range of topics from aromatherapy, to favors and
gifts, to skin and hair care tips. I delve off topic from time to time
though, sometime on accident, sometimes just for fun.
dM: What tips can you offer other home-based business
owners?
Tyrika: Find your unique place in the business world. Everyone has a talent and a passion that no one else can duplicate and it allows you to stand out and in turn your business to stand out. People’s decision to buy has more to do with who you are more than from what you offer, so let them see You! That is what will last and make them buy from you versus ‘the other guy’.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Tyrika: Being a business owner has been a life changing event! I think I pay more attention to pricing and products, and where my money is spent than ever before. Bootstrapping your way through business teaches better spending habits that improve the quality of every aspect of life. More importantly, I have more time to take care of my family which is the driving factor in my entrepreneurial goals.
dM: Who helps your business be successful?
Tyrika: My family inspires, encourages, and motivates my success. I am blessed to be a full time Indie so their support and approval drives me farther and harder everyday.
dM: How did you discover the Indie Beauty Network and what do you think of your membership?
Tyrika: I stumbled upon the Indie Beauty Network as I was researching products, companies, and ingredients. I noticed the Indie Beauty Network badge on a number of websites and wanted to know why so many companies displayed the badge. Anyone considering starting a business in the beauty industry, those that have the passion to provide products that are for the better good of customers overall health should include membership in the network as a requirement for maintaining their business.
dM: What do you think are the best things about being Indie?
Tyrika: Being an Indie is a representation of my stand on quality products that are the best there is to offer to those who have a higher standard of wants and needs. Joining and participating in the network, gives me a sense of pride and I display my Indie badge proudly on my site.
dM: How has owning a business enhanced your life? Any regrets?
Tyrika: I totally LOVE the freedom we have.
Granted we do have deadlines to meet, orders to get out, reports, bills to
pay, etc... but we have a lot of free time to go and do what we want. We
even packed up the business and took it with us last year to Arkansas during
the hurricane Ike mandatory evacuation! Now that's flexibility ;)
We have absolutely zero regrets!
dM: What has been your biggest business challenge and how did you overcome it?
Tyrika: Maintaining the highest quality of products at reasonable costs has been the greatest challenge. The media has hyped up our recession economy scaring the public making the consumers more cautious now than ever before with their spending. My focus has been on keeping prices low while consistently education those interested in knowing what the value of not only my products, but of healthier alternatives in skin care as a whole.
dM: What are you doing when you're not working in your business?
Tyrika: My free time is split between my family and my reading addiction. I have a 9 year old son that loves sports so I’m a football/basketball/baseball mom. I’m also preparing for my wedding this coming February so that’s fairly time consuming. I’m an avid reader so I read almost anything I can get my hands on. I’m currently reading "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo. It is an inspirational fable that encourages those who read it to live for and go after your dreams and desires, something that as an entrepreneur I always need constant reminder and reinforcement of.
dM: What are your annual sales like?
Tyrika: Sales have doubled in the past three months. While that is partially equated to normal business growth trends, a larger factor is a new found time and devotion to mainelement; love before. Having been laid off from my corporate job three months ago, I have had the time and energy to build relationships and increase our exposure which directly affects growth. I’m blessed to be able to devote my heart and soul into the company.
How to connect with Tyrika:
E-Commerce
http://www.mainelementlove.com
Indie Beauty Social
http://www.indiebeauty.com/profile/mainelementlove
Twitter
http://twitter.com/mainelementlove
5. Indie and Small Business Resources: Take the Indie Business Pledge Today!
<
-- Featured photo: Indie Business Pledge Twibbon Collage
Take the Indie Business Pledge and display the Indie Twibbon on your Twitter avatar!
As you know, I recently released the Indie Business Movie sharing the compelling stories of four dynamic, independent women business owners. If you missed the movie, you can watch it here, and while you're there, feel free leave a comment showing that you've taken the Indie Business Pledge as displayed there.
Right now, as we speak, those of you with businesses are holding up the nation's economy as you work to manage profitable enterprises so that you do not have to depend on a traditional job to secure your future. Like the Indies featured in the movie, you are creating wealth on your own terms and building a legacy that can outlive you if you want it to.
The collage pictured here features 4 of the first Indies to take the Indie Business Pledge and display the Twibbon on their avatars. They are Alana Rivera of Etta + Billie (California), Selena Cozart of Salome's Simply Delightful Creations (Virginia), Grace Antares of Pure Bliss Essentials (Oregon) and Christine White Stanton of Scandle Candle (Texas). There are dozens more and the movement is growing. Why not join us??!
All you have to do to get it is click here and follow the simple instructions where you see "show my support now!"
You can remove it at any time. Join the Indie Business Revolution today! The more people displaying the Twibbon, the easier it will be to use the groundswell to position ourselves to educate Congress and regulators about who we are and what we do so that they are encouraged to craft laws that are not unreasonably burdensome for small business owners. Get your Indie Business Twibbon now and join the revolution!!
6. About dM, the Chief Executive Indie
<-- Featured product: Hemp & Crushed Rice Body Lotion from Lillian Skincare (See the Editor's Note at the top of this issue for why there's no photo here)
There's no better way to tell you about me than to tell you about an IBN member's product! This week, I am enjoying this wonderful lotion. The scent I have is White Grapefruit & Orange and, let me tell you, it is perfect for this time of year as the season changes from summer to autumn. Orange for the fall. Grapefruit for the summer. Made with hemp oil, olive butter and macadamia butter, this lotion is rich and creamy. Other available scents include Lavender Chamomile, Lavender Anise, Sandalwood Rose, Rosemary Mint and Unscented. 8 ounces is $16.00. Get some! It's delicious!
How can I help your group or conference gathering?!!
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, the Chief Executive Indie, helps small and independent business combine smart sales and marketing strategies with new media to create relationships and expand their sphere of influence. Through her blog and weekly radio show, dM delivers helpful and entertaining content that inspires, encourages and informs small business owners worldwide. Known for her innovative yet friendly style, dM's expertise has been showcased in Entrepreneur, Global Cosmetics Industry, Working Mother, the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, National Public Radio, ABC World News This Morning, WUSA-TV9 (CBS Washington, DC affiliate), Ebony and a host of other regional and national media outlets.
Whether the topic is integrating career and family, leadership, small business ownership or new technologies, dM has a life-changing presentation for you and your audience. Contact dM today at donnamaria @ indiebeautynetwork.com to discover how she can contribute to your unforgettable conference or gathering event.
If this issue of The Indie Experience has been useful to you, please feel free to hit the Forward key and share it with a friend, or you can link directly via URL to this issue here.
See you next week! In the meantime,
Enjoy your life, build your business and have your way!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Indie Experience
The Indie Beauty Social Network | www.indiebeauty.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2009 by The Indie Beauty Network (IBN) and Donna Maria. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction is prohibited. IBN does not necessarily endorse any product, event or ideology featured in this newsletter or on IBN's website. All information is provided on an "as is" basis and no express or implied warranties are given. Any use of the information contained in this newsletter or on IBN's web site, including recipes, is solely at your own risk. IBN and Donna Maria disclaim any liability in connection with the use of all recipes, products reviewed and other information. Except for sponsorships, this newsletter refuses compensation from companies to feature or mention their names or products. Opinions expressed in any Product Review are personally those of the reviewer and do not represent the views of IBN, Donna Maria (unless she is the reviewer) or any other person or company.
