A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 7, Issue 25
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1. IBN Member Update: Welcome New & Renewing IBN Members!
2. Handmade Beauty Business Magazine: Tell Me Your Soap Stories!!
3. Lifestyle CEO Report: Get Your Products In Holiday Media Stories
4. Handmade Beauty Trivia Question: win something wonderful!
5. Feature Article: In Full Bloom
6. Here & There: Calendar of Upcoming Events

Handmade Beauty Recipe of the Week: Citrus Ginger Body Oil

Here's what one reader said about the new issue!

"Two of the articles have confirmed feelings with which I've been struggling and helped me "get real" about whether I want to be serious about growing my business. Lisa Espenmiller, Potion Queen, Oakland, CA

Our magazine is sent to all IBN members as a benefit of membership! To join and get yours, click here. If you'd like to subscribe as a non-member, you can do so here!

Work is underway on the 2Q issue -- The Soap Issue -- due out early this summer! As we speak, the photographer is setting up to photograph dozens of soaps for the cover. If you haven't discovered soaps made on a small scale -- mainly handmade cold processed soap -- you're in for a treat. Look forward to Handmade Beauty On Display as only IBN can do it!

Please visit our magazine sponsors who make it possible for me to bring you this unique publication!

\Life.Style CEO\n. A person who owns and manages a business, not solely for financial gain, but also to enjoy the personal rewards of entrepreneurship, independence, flexibility and fun.

And visit the Lifestyle CEO website book page to get the scoop on my newly released book featuring several members of the Indie Beauty Network who are the ultimate examples of successful Lifestyle CEOS!

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's name will be announced in the next newsletter!

"I made a batch of orange patchouli soap to give as holiday gifts one day," says Jen Denslow. How much more playful and innocent could that day have been? For those of you who understand the art of soapmaking, you also know how "dangerous" such a sweet activity can turn out to be. Not dangerous in a physical sense. But dangerous in the sense that soapmaking changes lives, and so it was with Jen. "All my friends came back for seconds," she says. Sound familiar?

After she made soap for the first few times, Jen says she found herself waking up in middle of the night thinking about the great ingredients she could add to her soap. "I was completely taken with the alchemy," she recalls. And so began the journey toward the creation of Blooming Lotus, a member of IBN since May 2002

"I don't remember the specific a-ha moment for the name.  I love the lotus as a symbol of compassion, joy, and unconditional love," says Jen. "Scientifically the lotus is a truly amazing plant.  Rather than choosing lotus blossom or something else lotus related, I believe in the concept that we are constantly blooming in life, open, but never fully bloomed until this circle closes and we begin anew.  I hope I am studying and taking on new challenges, blooming at 80!" she exclaims.

Fashion and the Healing Hoop

Jen holds a degree is in Textiles and Fashion Merchandising and despite being steeped in the handmade beauty world, she admits to a continued weakness for shoes. She has also landscaped and worked as a florist.  She worked in natural food stores and in sales for a natural food distributor. Jen is also a part of the Healing Hoop, a path of unconditional love and healing in the sacred circle of life, which she says has no beginning and no end. "We try to feed compassion, love, respect, generosity and positive vibrations into the circle," says Jen. "When we nourish and contribute to this universal pool of energy, it becomes available to all who need it, including ourselves. The Wise Woman tradition is the oldest healing tradition practiced by our foremothers. It is a tradition of nourishment, interconnectedness and transformation," explains Jen. Jen describes things like lemon balm, oatstraw, motherwort and nettles as some of her "dearest friends."

Nor surprisingly, you can find some of these ingredients in Jen's products, such as the Fairy Dew Hand & Body Lotion made with nettles. Says Jen, "I have a full line of bath and body products, including cold process soaps made with organic base oils." Jen says that customers really like her aromatherapy misters which she says are an easy way for men and women alike to incorporate aromatherapy into their daily lives. This time of year, she says that people like to buy a lot of her insect repellent and poison ivy soap and salve. (You might also enjoy reading my review of Jen's Chocolate Rose Body Polish, pictured above. Decadence in a jar!!)

An "Ingredient Snob"

Jen describes herself as a bit of an "ingredient snob" because she uses organic ingredients in every instance where they are available. "It is the right thing to do on so many levels.  Our health and a healthy sustainable future for the planet depend on it.  We also strive to be truly toxin-free.  I am constantly researching ingredients and their potential for toxicity," she says. " We also incorporate gem essences into our body care collections.  These carry the vibration and unique healing properties of the crystal," says Jen.   

The Opening of the Retail Store

Jen opened her retail store just over a week ago. Located in the "Crossroads Arts District" in Kansas City, the Blooming Lotus store joins the rest of the retail community on the first Friday of each month when they all stay open late and artists launch their new works. Jen says that they were packed all night during their first night open. "There was music in the streets and thousands of people came out to play, and I had a ball talking about herbs and aromatherapy for hours. You can see a display shelf with Jen's misters in this photo.

Business and Motherhood

Despite Jen's busy schedule as a business owner, her first priority is to her son, Harper. "I have loose hours at my store, which is really a natural extension of my manufacturing space and a way to have some fun with merchandising and creating a fun stop for people to see the manufacturing take place while also making sales fast and convenient," she says. Most of Jen's business is wholesale to the retail trade so she has the flexibility she needs to be with Harper. "If he is feeling extra snuggly, I don't want to feel like someone is waiting for me to unlock the door to the store," she says. She also points out that if she did not have flexible store hours, she could not take a vacation whenever she sees an opportunity.

Jen knows first hand the challenges of growing a business and mothering a toddler at the same time. "It is definitely a challenge to grow a child and a business at the same time, but I have an amazingly supportive "Mr. Mom" husband, and I couldn't do it otherwise," she says. Jen says she doesn't like to brag but that she comes home nearly every night to a delicious gourmet meal. "I feel so lucky," she smiles. "I don't have to drop my child at daycare at 6:30AM and clock in.  We are able to flow through life at a human pace.  I like to say that I am building a business and we can build it in any shape we like.  When I begin hiring, flexible schedules will be a must," she says.

Jen loves the flexibility and freedom of being her own boss. "Right now, I choose to spend the mornings with my son and come in to work around 11:00. I usually work until 7:30PM or 8:00PM," she says. Though Jen is sure that will change when Harper starts school, it works for now as Jen enjoys being able to run a business and her life at the same time. She also enjoys being able to personally experiences the lives of the people who love her products. "It's fulfilling to know scar serum, boo boo salve or poison ivy soap really made a difference for someone," she says.  "My favorite aspects of the business are harvesting herbs, playing with essential oils, and formulating.  When I am able to have a full day formulating I truly feel like a kindergartener!" she exclaims.

Advice From Jen

Jen's advice to anyone considering starting their own handmade beauty business:

"Be honest with yourself about your level of commitment. Formulating (or whatever your favorite aspect of your business is) is only a small portion of making it happen. Know and develop your niche. Be open.  Find your point of comfort with protecting your intellectual property and sharing your knowledge and lessons learned.  I like to think there are a lot of bodies out there on the planet -- almost all of them using soap and products of some kind!  There is enough room for all of us to prosper. In your every decision, answer with your heart and walk with compassion."

IBN Inspires

Jen on the Indie Beauty Network:

"I love the Indie Beauty Network!  It is so inspiring to know there are sisters (and brothers!) all over the world making a living, creating, and doing what they love. I think the media opportunities are a fantastic way for us to get a shot at some PR.  The magazine is right on target. I am truly convinced that Donna Maria does not sleep! We are so blessed to have such a knowledgeable and passionate advocate."

It's clear to see that Jen and her business are in full bloom for now and into the future! Jen welcomes all inquires about her products, especially from retail store seeking to stock her brand. You can get your own Blooming Lotus goodies at the Blooming Lotus website.

Best & Success!!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Handmade Beauty Connection
The Indie Beauty Network | www.handmadebeauty.com

Copyright (c) 2000 - 2006 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 The Handmade Beauty Connection (HBC) 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 the HBC 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, HBC 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.