The Indie Experience
April 9, 2007
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 8, Issue 13
To subscribe, click here
1. Meet IBN's New and Renewing Members
2. This Week On Indie Business Radio: Sail Through Tax Season With Tax Tips For Business Owners
3. Indie Gift of the Month: Positively Pampered Lavender
Collection
4. Indie Live!: Network, Have Fun, Learn Something New
5. Indie Candy: Alan Halferty: Wholemade: Leveraging Your Talents in Life
and Business
6. Indie Calendar: Indies, Indies Everywhere!
Pamper
Yourself This Week: Natural Bug Spray
This week's recipe was submitted by reader Caraline. It's time to
get out and enjoy the sunshine, but don't forget to have something natural
to repel the bugs!
1. Meet IBN's New and Renewing Members
Welcome Renewing Members!
Sydney Esseential Oil Co. | Michael Samperi and
Daniel Galea | Australia
* Member since March 2006; Sydney Essential Oil Co. is
Australia's leading ethical aromatherapy wholesale supplier of Certified
Organic & 100% Pure Essential Oils, Massage Oils and Natural Raw
Materials. We also offer a range of unscented base products such as creams
& sulphate-free shampoo, clays, herbal extracts, vitamins and
aromatherapy accessories. Our product sizes range from small pack to bulk.
For volumes larger than those listed in our website or catalogue - please
contact us for a customized quotation. Our team of industry experienced
staff is able to assist with all levels of enquiry ranging from product
specifications, formulations, quotations and more.
Aroma Profiles | Maureen Wendy Dearborne |
Nevada
*
Member since February 2005; Specializing in the production of
individual handmade customized aromatherapy skincare solutions. Our
definitive approach to handmade skincare recognizes that “one product”
doesn’t suit every skin type and each individual has different needs and
requirements. Our unique Aromaprofiling Skin Analysis based on age,
physiological/psychological seasons, lifestyle, skin type and geographical
location generates a botanical profile from which we select our raw
ingredients and essential oils for formulations and customization.
Sandy's Sensations | Sandra Scott | Oregon
* Member since April 2006; Mineral Makeup: All Tag Makeup products are made with ingredients that are
either beneficial or harmless that make your skin look softer and more
beautiful, your eyes brighter, and your lips more smooth.
Welcome New Members!
Brenda Bay's Bath & Body | Tricia Millar |
Barbados
* Brenda Bay's Bath and Body was created by a skin care and massage
therapist to introduce customers to a natural approach to achieving pure
beauty. Our products are made from nature's own raw materials which provide
minerals, nutrients, and skin healing benefits to soothe, revitalize and
enhance the largest organ on your body. Visit us for a chance to experience
beauty the way nature intended. Who knew that pure beauty could feel so
good?
Voda Soap | Debbie McCormack | Connecticut
* By combining of the seamless worlds of nature, art and healing, the
soapmaker and herbalist behind VODA creates natural artisanal soaps and
herbal bodycare products that are deeply scented and nourishing on many
levels. Organic and wildcrafted ingredients are used whenever possible.
Angel Face Botanicals | Jessica Ress | California
* Angel Face Botanicals Aromatherapeutic Bath and Beauty products are
decadent & deliciously indulgent. Purely handmade with love &
natural ingredients, scented with therapeutic grade essential oils, and
naturally colored our products heal, nurture and protect while pampering the
senses. At Angel Face Botanicals we strive to bring daily joy to our
customers while honoring Nature’s Goodness.
Pure Mineral Essentials | Pamela M. Ernst |
Illinois
* Handcrafted soaps, lotions body scrubs, soap party favors, gift
basket and mineral makeup.
Pretty Please | Riley VanHorn | Arizona
* Natural and Arkansas made bath and body products.
crazie otter | Nancy Galway | Canada
* Crazie Otter manufactures its decadant products on
Canada's north coast, taking inspiration from the surrounding rugged
environment. Crazie Otter produces herbal shampoo and body bars, bath salts,
bath butters and also retails essential oils and Canadian Forest Tree
Essences. The otter represents balanced female energy and playfullness and
we try to bring that energy to the products. Remember to bring out the otter
in you!
Artemis Herbal Products | Juliette Coldreck | Maine
* Artemis Herbals creates lip balms using only all natural
ingredients, the end result is our products taste like they are fresh from
the source. We are a small Maine company committed to quality.
Learn more about Indie members and their exciting products, services and activities by visiting their websites through our Online Member Directory. You can search for your favorite Indie by state/country, business name, keyword or alphabetical listings.
2. This Week on Indie Business Radio: Sail Through Tax Season With Tax Tips For Business Owners
Indie Business Radio offers practical advice and workable strategies to achievement-oriented, independent entrepreneurs who are trading in the traditional corporate ladder to enjoy life and business on their own terms. Enjoy downloads and audio streams of recent shows at this link.
This
Week's Show: Sail Through Tax Season With Tax Tips For Business Owners
Guest:
CPA Tom O'Connor helps small businesses navigate the tax season. On this
show, Tom shares tips for businesses and how to take advantage of typical
business deductions -- and yes, what to do it you are going to have to file
late.
How to Enjoy the Show:
Click here to stream or download
audio from this and other 2007 Indie Business Radio shows.
I Love Indie Business Radio! "I've been listening to your show and each time is like a mini-class in itself. I love it! I've been soaking up all the information and just can't get enough. Keep up the good work! I am learning so much from you and your business" Indie Suzanne Gosh, The Washtub, Collins, MS.
Upcoming Indie Business Radio Guests
April 16: To Blog or Not to Blog?
Guest: Author (and brother of Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart) Jerry
Hart
Topic: Can and should you launch a blog, and how can it help you grow your
business and increase sales?
April 23: Capitalizing on Being Woman Owned
Guest: Author Janet Christy
Topic: Make being a girl work for your bottom line
3. Indie Gift of the Month: Positive Pampered Lavender Collection
Welcome to the first Indie Gift of the Month, where where you can enter
to win a gift set made by a member of the Indie Beauty Network. Each month,
I will purchase for a dear friend or colleague a delicious gift set made by
a member of the Indie Beauty Network. I will publish the feedback I receive
in the newsletter and when I do, you can enter to win the featured gift set!
Last month, I gave the Positively Pampered Lavender Collection to my college friend Terri Bynoe. Terri lives in South Carolina with her husband and 3 sons. She's a "stay at home" mom who is never at home, and when she's not shuffling her boys to and from sporting events, she's cooking up fancy meals for everyone or volunteering at the local hospital where her husband is an emergency room trauma surgeon. I thought my pal of 25 years could use some relaxing pampering, and she loved it. She said the packaging was beautiful, the products are decadent and the lavender brought back sweet memories of her grandmother.
To enter to win a Positively Pampered Lavender Collection of your own, all you have to do is join Monday's Indie Business Radio Show (log onto Global Talk Radio.com at 1:00pm EST) and call in your question or comment for today's guest. Monday's guest is an expert on blogging, and will share how you can use the medium to grow your business. If you call in with a question or comment, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win the Indie Gift of the Month. Your entry gives us your permission to share your name and home state, and tell everyone what you won.
Get Featured! If you're an IBN member with a fantastic product that you'd like to be featured as the Indie Gift of the Month, email me a link to a photo of your gift set and I'll get back to you!
4. Indie Live! Today: Network, Have Fun, Learn Something New
Indie Live!
is the place where IBN members gather to discuss the hot indie
business topics of the day and enjoy a presentation by an expert guest (see
below for today's guest)! One-on-one coaching from dM, IBN's founder and
president, is available, but in our weekly calls, we enjoy a fantastic group
dynamic where your questions are answered in an encouraging and
inspirational setting. Last week, two FDA attorneys in private practice
shared a great overview of the FDA's and other agency regulation of
cosmetics. This week, there's another great session with our very own
Packaging Diva! Members may feel free to email
any suggestions for future meetings and topic they wish to discuss
| This Week's Indie Live! | Topic | Presenter |
| If you missed it, you can enjoy the audio here. (member login required) | Using Email Marketing to Increase Sales. These days, if you don't stay in contact with your customers, you lose them. But all is not lost if you use email technology to stay in touch and remind them that you are always there to serve them. Today, we'll cover simple ways to launch a newsletter that focuses on informing your customers and increasing your bottom line. | Gina Watkins, Regional Development Director, Constant Contact |
5. Indie Candy: Alan Halferty: Wholemade: Leveraging Your Talents in Life and Business
I
love my job for many reasons, but the one that takes the cake is the people
I get to meet and tell you about. I get so much feedback from you, dear
readers, that when you read about the other Indie Candies around the world,
you get fired up and excited because it helps you to see what's possible in
your own life. This week, I'm back with another husband/wife business team
located in West Newton, Iowa.
Alan
and Kendra Halferty own Wholemade,
a company that uses natural ingredients to achieve "the best and
healthiest applications for your body." Their line of 4 products
creates a sleek package of goodies. Like always, there's a story behind how
these treats spring to life.
From Consumer to Manufacturer
Kendra and Alan used to own Synergy Salon, in Lake Villa, Illinois, where they received a lot of feedback from their customers about the products used in the salon. "We were inspired after listening to customers who inquired about using products with minimal preservatives, so inspired in fact that it ultimately became the basis for Wholemade," says Alan.
When Alan got a new job, the couple moved to Iowa. Kendra, a licensed cosmetologist,
rented a space at a
salon in town to cut and style hair. Kendra was unable to purchase some natural
products from major manufacturers because their minimums were too high and
they insisted that everyone in the salon use their products, refusing to
sell to just Kendra. This prompted Alan to look at formulating a line for
her.
"I chose the WholeMade name after a brainstorming session
with myself during a commute to Chicago in rush hour traffic," says
Alan. "I wanted a brand name that conveyed a personal and healthy touch to
our products and let customers know that they are good for the whole person
and the environment. I trademarked the name to protect it."
How it's Done
Kendra and Alan started Wholemade in the basement of their house in 2003. In 2006, they moved it to a larger space outside their home, and today, they are looking to expand again because the business is growing at a rapid clip.
Kendra and Alan manage to keep it together as a couple by sorting out their duties. Alan is the president and Kendra is the vice president. One of the best resources they have is the company that does their graphic design. "We use Art A La Carte, a design and development firm, for our website, logo and packaging design," says Alan. "I was such a happy customer that I eventual came to work for them." Today, Alan serves as Art A La Carte's vice president of product development. He has entered into an arrangement with his employer that allows him to continue to work there while also expanding WholeMade using Art A La Carte services. One of the photographers their took the product photos displayed at Wholemade's website and in their marketing materials.
Alan and Kendra make the bath salts, shea butter, scrubs, soy candles. Manufacturing of . shampoo, conditioner, lip balm and soap is done on a contract basis. Sugar scrubs and soy candles are their specialty items. Alan thinks the scrubs are popular because they contain different types of sugars which combine together to work on the skin without scraping it. Also, it's easy to tell customers how they can benefit. "Use the scrub once a week and it will help your skin," he says. How easy is that?
Wholemade's soy candles are made from soy, a renewable source, and Alan says this supports America's farmers because it's a relatively new use for soy. According to Alan, soy candles help the environment because they do not produce toxic fumes and produce 90% less soot than paraffin candles.
Business
as a Lifestyle
Alan says that he loves being in business for himself because it allows him to help people address personal health challenges and feel better about themselves. "I get to be creative and see immediately how other people react to what I have created," he says.
Alan says that if there's one thing that he's done to ensure his success, it is ignoring people who told him his business could never work out. "If you really believe in your product or service, then do it and don't listen to the nay-sayers. Well-meaning people told me that I was not thinking clearly when I first started WholeMade. Today, they are believers," he says.
Alan and Kendra have an 8-year old daughter who helps out in the business. One of the best things they do for their business is to involve Serena, who Alan says has already come up with some great ideas for Wholemade and will probably be an entrepreneur herself someday. "I find that if you involve your kids in your business, you have opportunities to help them understand how business works and they love that."
Their are benefits, but with them come challenges too. Says Alan, "Starting out and keeping organized while also working a full time job is a challenge. But I keep the faith, remember to spend time with my family and always have fun. I also have to be disciplined enough to do things that need to be done. I don't watch much television." Alan does try to stay well rounded and healthy by doing things he likes when he is not working, like playing the guitar, singing, exercising and reading. He also likes to play games with 8-year old Serena and take walks with Kendra and the dogs.
Love Being Indie
Alan
says he found Indie Beauty at a great time in his business life. (Wholemade
has been an IBN member since June 2005.) "Donna Maria is the best. I
use IBN's insurance program and some
of the suppliers that advertise at IBN's site. IBN is the best resource for businesses
like us on the entire Web!!! It's informative and useful -- just a huge
resource," says Alan.
Alan is really excited about how Wholemade is growing. "We were featured in Veg News and in Midwest Today magazine this year and recently, our products were added at Amazon.com. We want to grow, but we also want to control our growth. In the near future, we look forward to expanding our product offerings with a natural food line that incorporates soy.
A
Book That Inspires
Alan asked me to tell you to read all the books in the Rich Dad-Poor Dad series because they have been instrumental in helping him develop the mindset and wherewithal to launch and manage a business successfully. "They are great books and I wish I had read them years ago."
Alan and Kendra's Business Works Because ...
1. They Saw A Problem As An Opportunity. When Kendra couldn't
find affordable products to use in her cosmetology practice, the couple
could have tried to change the way of things by either trying to convince
other cosmetologists to buy the big company's products or trying to convince
the big company to make an exception for Kendra. Many people would have
chosen that route and while it's better than not trying at all, it can't
hold a candle to solve your own problem by using your own ingenuity to
create something that you can own and control. problem solved. New business
created. Endless possibilities. Priceless.
Indie Self-Examination: What problems do you see around you that you can solve by introducing a new product or service to the market?
2. Alan Leverages His Talents and Life Needs. Having been a customer of a graphics art company, Alan saw an opportunity to continue to use their services plus enhance his lifestyle in other ways by agreeing with them that he could continue to grow Wholemade while he also worked for them. This is a classic example of the adage that "everything is negotiable." Alan saw an opportunity to leverage his unique talents and lifestyle desires, presented his proposal and the company accepted it. You never know unless you try.
Indie Self-Examination: Where can you merge your talents and life needs to create a new win/win situation in your life?
3. Alan Paces Himself. Alan spends time with his family and doing things he enjoys personally. He also recognizes that while he wants to grow, he has to do it gradually. Limiting television is an easy goal to set, but it's harder to implement. It helps to have hobbies that keep your mind engaged and relax you that don't involve television. You can emerge from those things refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle the next business challenge.
Indie Self-Examination: What television show can you replace with a hobby or other activity that can help you feel revived and uplifted?
You can learn more about the Wholemade's products at their website.
6. Indie Calendar: Indies, Indies Everywhere!
As always, IBN members are everywhere doing their share to support and encourage other Indies to maximize success. Check out the chart below for an overview of upcoming events and if you think one in your area is for you, click on our Calendar for more details.
Members, listen up! This weekly feature is just one of the
ways IBN spreads the word about your business. Do you have an event coming
up that you'd like us to publicize? An open house? A special class? A sale
at your physical retail location? Add your event here
and I'll cue it up for the next newsletter!
| Date | Event | Location |
| April 9, 2007, 3:00pm EST | Using Email Marketing to Increase Sales. These days, if you don't stay in contact with your customers, you lose them. But all is not lost if you use email technology to stay in touch and remind them that you are always there to serve them. Today, we'll cover simple ways to launch a newsletter that focuses on informing your customers and increasing your bottom line. | Gina Watkins, Regional Development Director, Constant Contact |
| April 12-15, 2007 | Bath and Body Product Making Boot Camp, a special intensive workshop to immerse yourself in the world o making bath and body products. | San Francisco, CA |
| April 28, 2007 | Alive Expo! An IBN member has the inside scoop on discounted exhibitor tables in the spa area of this Expo. Check your Indie Live! update from April 9 or email IBN for details. | Atlanta, GA |
| May 12, 2007 | Intermediate Level/Big Batch Cold Process Soap Making to help you take your soapmaking to the next level. | San Francisco, CA |
| June 7, 2007 | Packaging Your Invention to Sell! IBN member Jo Ann Hines, the Packaging Diva, will share why it's so important to make packaging your first thought, not your last! | INPEX at the Pittsburgh Expo Mart |
| August 16, 17, 18 2007 | The Indie Business Conference (pictures from the 2006 conference) | Click here to register |
Best & Success!!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Indie Experience
The Indie Beauty Network | www.indiebeauty.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2007 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.
