2. HBN Member Success Spotlight: Creekside Soaps

This week's HBN Member Success Spotlight shines on HBN member Creekside Soaps, a New York-based manufacturer of Soap molds, cutters, dishes and other accessories.

Member Success Spotlights are one of the many benefits of HBN membership. To learn more about Country Herbals by Andrea and all of the other HBN members profiled in HBN's Success Spotlights, click here.

3. Handmade Beauty Trivia Question: The winner of last week's contest was Sue Newhouse of Louisville, Kentucky. Sue won a "Garden Song" aromatherapy candle (rosemary, eucalyptus and peppermint), courtesy of HBN member Greenridge Herbals.

Last Week's Question (submitted by HBN member Greenridge Herbals): This medicinal herb is effective as a skin conditioner for cuts, scrapes, wounds and burns. It has been called "marybud"
because of its blooming coincided with festivals celebrating the Virgin Mary. Other names for this herb include summer's bride, husbandman's dial, holigold and "poor man's saffron" because its color and mild peppery taste make it an excellent and inexpensive substitute for the Spanish condiment. It has also been used as a country remedy for the treatment of ulcers, and is invaluable in soaps and lotions.

Last Week's Answer: Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) 

This Week's Question: I am a white powder, a common filler used in foundations and color cosmetics. Since I am a naturally occurring and abundant mineral, my cost is low. I am easy to work with and my texture is soft and silky when I am properly prepared for use in cosmetics. Despite my benefits, there is a lot of controversy about me because studies have shown that I can contribute to ovarian and lung cancer.

To win this week, be the first to state what I am, and win generous samples of spearmint and peppermint essential oils, courtesy of Rainbow Gardens.

Please read the contest rules here before submitting your entry. Put "TRIVIA CONTEST ANSWER" in the subject line or your answer will not be considered.

While time does not permit me to respond personally to all entrants, the winner will be notified by email and their name posted at HBN's home page.

The First Mover Advantage
by Donna Maria

The discipline of economics, a theory called "the first mover advantage" is used to describe the benefit obtained by the company that is the first to market with a new concept, product or service. MCI, for example, was the first company recognized as going toe to toe with AT&T in the long distance market. What company was the second? Who cares? MCI paved the way for thousands of companies to come afterward. Another example ... Ann Bramson's book, "Soap: Making It, Enjoying It," was the first maintstream book on the topic of soap making for modern hobbyists. It was published over 2 decades ago, and, though hundreds of soap making books have followed, this book is viewed by many as the one that "started it all." I don't know of a soap maker who doesn't own an oil-stained
copy!

In any arena, the power of being "first" cannot be denied, making it well worth any business owners' while to find something they can be the first to market with. Here are some of the benefits of the first mover advantage:

1. Influence. Being first distinguishes you as doing something besides capitalizing on a great concept first marketed by someone else. It paints you as the "inventor," even the brains behind the success of the rest of the industry that follows you! You set the tone. You define the market. Everyone else is a follower!

2. Customers. Being able to market that you were "first" attracts customers. Who can resist buying a product, which has since flooded the market, from THE person who thought of it in the first place?

3. Publicity. For a small business, one of the best ways to gain the attention of magazine editors who may not otherwise look your way is to publicize your first mover advantage. Are you the first company to offer handmade eye shadow, customized to match your customers' eyes or skin color? Are you the first spa in your area to offer a unique treatment using skin-loving clay or other raw material imported from some exotic tropical island? Whatever the case, if you're the first, you are suddenly not issuing just another press release .. you're educating people about something new and exciting, and doing that is one of the best ways to gain attention.

One caveat ... even though it's great to be first, don't make the mistake of thinking that just because you're first, you
have it made in the shade. Quite the opposite ... you have to work hard to maintain the advantage, usually in the face of everyone else coming a long behind and trying to emulate your success. This means that, not only do you have to be the first, but you also have to be the best. And you have to continue to be the best in order to maintain the first mover advantage.

So, put you thinking cap on! What are you the fist at, and how can you work that to your advantage? If you are the first to offer something in your market, write and let me know at donnamaria@indiebeauty.com. It may be featured in a future issue!!

Designed to inspire, encourage and coach you to create the life you love! Tapes Now Available:

1. Legal & Regulatory Challenges Facing The Handmade Toiletries Industry Today: Applying Yesterday's Laws To Today's Marketplace. Includes the latest on cosmetics, trademark and Internet law. Perfect for online toiletries and aromatherapy businesses! 2 90-minute tapes. To order, click here.

2. Planning NOT To Fail: How to Preapre A Business Plan That Positions You For Success!! Handmade toiletries/aromatherapy centered business planning tape with tips for making the most of your small business. Selected by the College of DuPage for use in their continuing education aromatherapy course!! 1 60-minute tape. To order, click here.

3. Audio Tapes Of Several HBN Beauty Calls™ are now available, including Aubrey Hampton (preservatives & the FDA inspection process), Melody Upham (transitioning from manufacturer to supplier, general business tips) and Kristen Leigh Bell (selecting a logo and graphics artist, helpful marketing tips). For details on these tapes and how to order them, click here.

6. Handmade Beauty Product Recipe: Honey Sugar Hand Scrub

Apply this mixture to clean hands, and nourish and exfoliate at the same time! It's also a great cuticle softener, and the zesty lemon oil will help freshen your nail bed.

Ingredients

1 small egg yolk
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar (or brown sugar if you'd like)
2 drops lemon essential oil

Blending Procedure

Step 1. Place egg yolk in a small bowl and stir to break up. Add honey and oil and stir well to combine.

Step 2. Add the sugar and stir well. Add the essential oil last, and stir to mix.

Step 3. To use, massage into clean, damp hands. Be sure to massage between your fingers and around the nail bed and cuticle. Allow Honey Sugar Hand Scrub to remain on the skin for about 5 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with soothing moisturizer of your choice. Enjoy!!