The Indie Experience
October 15, 2007
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 8, Issue 41
To subscribe, click here
-- Sponsor --
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members!
2. New At the Blog: Enter to win prizes, awards; parenting skills that make
for good business
3. Today On Indie Business Radio: How To Pitch Your Book To Publishers
4. Indie Candy: D'Anna Catterson | Lily Gulch Soaps
5. Indie Live!: Taking High Quality Photos That
Translate Into Cash
6. Question of the Week: How Do I Find Supplies At
IBN's Website?
7. Sponsor This Newsletter: Indie Candy connects you
with your target customer
Indie Beauty Ritual: Honey Pumpkin Spread
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
Welcome
Renewing Members!
The Shanti Project | Jessica Gulati | California
* Lotus Love Beauty products.
Wayward Winds Lavender | Marilyn Kosel | Oregon
* Wayward Winds Lavender handcrafts a wide range of products which
include personal care, sewn comfort pacs, sachets, gourmet foods and much
more. Everything is made from lavender we grown on our farm. We market our
products wholesale to a wide variety of gift and specialty stores and on the
web. We can also provide private label services and custom packaging and
formulation. Wayward Winds sells bulk lavender and distills lavender
essential oil. We are proud to be a community based business providing high
quality products all produced in a socially and environmentally responsible
way.
Patti's Potions Natural Soaps | Patti Eder |
Wisconsin
* Patti's Potions is your reliable source for natural, handcrafted,
environmentally friendly soaps, lotions, balms, and home fragrance products.
This is a woman-owned and family-run business.
Ladies Blend.com | Pennie Mills | Florida
* Natural and Organic beauty & body care products for health,
wellness, special pampering and everyday enjoyment.
Welcome New Members!
Rose Petals | Deena Brock | Canada
* Rose Petals - Natural Skin Solutions - Our elegant and exotic
products are created from scratch using the finest natural and organic
ingredients from all over the world employing the effects of aesthetic,
holistic and psychoaromatherapy. These products are especially effective for
skin conditions, sensitivities, allergies or ingredient concerns, gentle and
effective for even the most problematic skin condition. Products are
researched and developed by a certified aromatherapist with over 20 years
experience.
Advance Cosmetics USA | Elizabeth Ramos | Florida
* Apprentice Indie.
The French Elements | Barbara Hamon | Arizona
* Who could say no to softer, smoother, more comfy skin? The French
Elements offers an exquisite collection of body care products in the
European tradition. The line is reminiscent of products I used to find in
small European markets. From Almost Sinful Sucre Scrub to Truly Decadent
Goats Milk Body Creme, they all perform brilliantly. With heavenly scents and
effective formulas you will experience luxury at an affordable price.
Lotioncrafter | Jennifer Welch | Washington
* Lotioncrafter is a wholesale supplier of fine cosmetic ingredients,
packaging and equipment dedicated to providing you with the best in customer
service, fast shipping, and after sale support. Featuring fine cosmetic
ingredients, actives and cosmeceuticals, preservatives, silicones, scales
and formulating equipment. Visit our website for accurate information on
ingredients, formulating, regulations and more.
Paradise City Herbal | Sheri Lee Pierce |
Massachusetts
* You can feel good about my handcrafted organic herbal bodycare,
soaps, perfumes, and incense. I use herbs fresh from my own garden and never
any synthetics, chemical preservatives, or petroleum products. All the
ingredients are natural and are listed on the label. Vegan blends available.
And of course, there's never any animal testing. Everything I make is tested
by volunteer humans and is unconditionally guaranteed. Packaging is reusable
and / or recyclable. Also featuring bulk herbal supplies you need to DIY!
Jenulence | Eugenia Bushmich | New Jersey
* Jenulence offers loose mineral makeup for retail and wholesale as
well as all natural skincare and body products. All products manufactured
without use of synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, talc or dyes.
CT River Candles | Brenda Hunter | Connecticut
* CT River Candles makes Hand Poured Natural 100% Soy Container
Candles. The inspiration for these candles has been the scenic Connecticut
River. Each candle label features seasonal photos of the river and the
candles have been scented and colored with that in mind. We currently offer
a diverse variety of fragrances including bakery, floral, fruit and holiday
scents. We use natural dye in our candles however candle colors may vary
slightly by batch due to the characteristics of working with a handmade
product.
Southern Soapers Fragrance | Kelly Bloom |
Virginia
* Southern Soapers Fragrances supplies soapmaking supplies,
soapmaking kits, and fragrance oils suitable for all soapmaking processes as
well as candles. All our fragrances are skin safe and IFRA certified.
Southern Soapers supplies quality bath & body formulating supplies and
ingredients. Additionally, you will find unique packaging solutions
unavailable elsewhere.
Dixon Candle & Bath | Sonya Dixon |
Pennsylvania
* We manufacture handcrafted scented soy candles, olive oil soaps and
natural bath products. We also carry various gift sets for all occasions.
Our products contain natural ingredients such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter,
JoJoba Oil, Coconut Milk, and Dead Sea Salt just to name a few. Our Soy
scented candles are made with cotton and/or paper wicks. Take a bath, relax
and enjoy our scented goodies!
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. New At the Blog: Blogs of Interest to the Indie Community
Blogs
of special interest to the Indie Beauty community:
Raising
Kids and Profits: 7 parenting skills make business successful
MakeYour
Business Dreams Come True: Enter to win cash to launch your business
Blanket
Coverage: Indie mom turns sewing habit into thriving business
Indie
Gets Her Own TV Show: Aromatherapy comes to the small screen
The
SBA Wants To Honor You:: I won; you could too!
... and this is just a sampling. Start at Indie Business Blog for more informative and entertaining tips that you won't find anywhere else on the Web!
3. Today on Indie Business Radio: How to Pitch Your Book to Publishers
Live Calls Are Back! Starting today, you can call your questions in live via a toll free number: (800) 773-0355!
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.
Today's
Show: How To Pitch Your Book To Publishers
Guests:
With all the Indie experiences you've had, there's got to be at least one
book in you. If you want some tips from a pro about how to properly pitch it
to publishers and not end up on the editorial room waste basket, tune in
today for Deborah Balmuth, editorial director at Storey
Books, publishers of my book and lots of other "how to" bath
and body care books!
How To Enjoy the Show: Enjoy Indie Business Radio live at the website. Call your questions in at (800) 773-0355.
Upcoming Shows:
October 29: Shannon Kilkenny, author of The Complete Guide To
Successful Event Planning on how to plan a holiday product party (confirmed)
-- Sponsor --
4. Indie Candy: D'Anna Catterson: Lily Gulch Soaps
D'Anna Catterson had always suffered with the results of using mass produced soap. Tired of the dry, itchy skin, she decided to take a soapmaking class to see if naturally handmade soap would ease her suffering. After becoming hooked on the creative process, the 44-year old mother of three was surprised to find that it helped her skin too. After becoming known as the soap lady in and around her suburban Denver home, she decided to go from donating all the soap she made to selling it. Two short years later, Lily Gulch Soaps is a thriving business and D'Anna's skin has never been healthier.
How did you start your business and what was the inspiration for it?
I began making cold-processed soap in 1995, after taking a soap making class with my sister in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was a hands-on lesson straight out of Ann Bramson's book Soap, Making it, Enjoying It. Even though I was pregnant, I happily drove 2 hours each way from my home in Colorado to attend that class. After years of personally suffering from skin sensitivities to commercial soaps, dyes and synthetic fragrances, I was excited and hopeful to find a natural soap alternative.
I was hooked after being able to use handmade soaps from class without any problems. I found making soap to be really enjoyable, with endless creative possibilities, and I loved the final product. After working in an office job in downtown Denver, Colorado for many years after college and going through the daily grind I knew I needed a much more fulfilling and creative outlet and more flexibility that would allow me to be a stay-at-home mom. Being a soap maker was the answer for me. From that day forward, I made my own natural soaps from scratch, not only for my personal use, but for family, friends, teachers, church members, and whoever else my enthusiasm wore off on! I donated soap to every community or school fundraiser that came around, gave them as gifts throughout the year to teachers and office staff, donated to troops overseas, a local food bank and yearly holiday fundraiser for a local charity. It didn't take long for me to known as the "soap lady".
Demand for my handmade soaps helped me launch Lily Gulch Soaps, a sole proprietorship officially in 2005. All three of my children were finally in school full-time, and I now had the convenience of a newly built soap making studio next to my home, thanks to my husband, Ron, a builder. I've been happy making soap ever since.
Is this your first business?
Lily Gulch Soaps is my first business venture. It's a sole-proprietorship owned and operated by me. As a one-woman enterprise, I'm the owner, sole employee, and resident soap maker! I'm good at wearing many different hats during the course of one day. Being able to multi-task is a definite advantage!
Tell me about your life as a wife and mom with a thriving company, and how manage all of that?
Maintaining flexibility and a reasonable balance between work and home life is a constant challenge, especially with three active children, but I have found it very doable. Once the kids are in school for the day, my work with Lily Gulch Soaps begins. I try to make batches of soap and other products in the morning, fill orders and ship in the afternoon. I often prep for the next day the night before. Taking even one hour to do this helps jump start my mornings. My husband has been more than supportive, as have my children. They understand that I'm doing something that I love, and am good at it.
When Mom's happy, everyone's happy, right? My family appreciates the flexibility my business allows us as a family. I'm always working but available in my soap studio at the end of their school day.
How many products are in your line?
For twelve years, I have focused on making 100% natural cold-processed soaps. Soaps have been the main product for my business, along with a selection of natural bath accessories and gift baskets to compliment them. I have been increasing my selection of soaps to now include approximately 60+ different scents, with many new soaps going online in time for holiday sales. I've found that people love a larger selection, including unusual or hard to find soaps, and look forward to my new creations. My regular customers have asked for me to include samples of any new experimental soap for them to "test". I'm happy to oblige!
Do you make everything or anything yourself?
Yes, I make all of my own cold-processed natural soaps and new bath
and body products from scratch with original recipes. I looked into
natural lotion bases once out of frustration and time
constraints, but found after much experimentation that I could easily
make the lotion I wanted from scratch with ingredients already on hand. I may still consider using a
100% organic natural liquid soap base in the future for a hand soap. I also design and print my own
labels for product packaging and take website product photos.
What's the "hook" for your products, as in what distinguishes
your products from other products making similar claims?
Customer feedback
and sales help confirm that I make a great handmade soap. The hard bars last down to the last
sliver, lather even in hard water, are moisturizing and rinse clean,
leaving you with a cleaner feel. My soaps are 100% natural and are
scented naturally with essential oils and absolutes. Many customers come to me for exfoliating soaps, as most of my soaps are herbal and
contain botanicals. While my
handmade soaps are not necessarily the prettiest-looking in and of themselves, they are well-made and beautifully packaged.
Who helps make your business successful?
My family and friends help with product testing, which is a very
valuable contribution to my success. I have been
fortunate to find talented graphic artists to help with my logo and
display signs, and a creative website designer who encouraged me to let
my personality show through. I like to support local people from my
community whenever I can. I was also fortunate this year to find Words
In A Row, an
excellent website search engine optimization (SEO) company from Oregon.
Their website has free step-by-step SEO advice or you can hire them to do it
for you.
How do you market your products?
Since I don't have an actual brick and mortar storefront, I market and sell my products mainly online through my retail website. I join and list with various handmade soap and beauty product associations and networks and eco or green directories to target buyers interested in natural products. I've recently begun submitting my site to dozens of online free directories for greater exposure.
I don't do trade shows or craft shows for my family's sake, and only do limited or seasonal print advertising with local papers and magazines. I utilize Google and Yahoo pay-per-click search marketing programs to jump start sales when needed. I limit wholesale to allow me to focus on retail customers. Another marketing strategy that has worked for me on a limited basis is to sell my products on consignment with local businesses. I know a lot of people are afraid to do this but the 60/40 split works for me, often including guaranteed exclusivity. It's great for local visibility.
I also manage to use my BA in International Relations to connect and interact with people all over the world. Over the last year, I have been developing a new line of natural bath and body products made from scratch with original recipes and high-end packaging. It's been a longer than expected process, but I'll be offering them online in time for the holiday season. I was fortunate to have a local business owner and friend invite me to test market my new bath and body products in her store. This helped me to research price points, packaging preferences and recipes and gave me valuable customer feedback.
How do you deal with increasing competition in the online arena?
There is a lot of competition online these days, especially with the trend toward natural products. I make a great first impression to set myself apart and attract attention to my business. I start with a pretty, colorful and somewhat unique website. I regularly receive compliments on the look of my website, even from people not looking to buy soap. Next, I used upscale packaging and labeling for my gift-wrapped soaps. The idea to use organza bags as regular packaging material came about many years ago from all of the seasonal fundraising that I did. People started wanting beautifully gift-wrapped soaps year round. I followed my instincts, despite people trying to discourage me, and started using higher-end packaging and labels. Now, wholesalers and retail customers seek out my soaps specifically for the signature packaging!
What business tips can you offer to others wishing to start a business of their own?
There are so many, it's hard to narrow it down. One tip I have is not to be afraid of investing money in search engine optimization if your business is mainly online. In March, I took the plunge and have not regretted it. I got a new search engine-friendly shopping cart, new hosting company, my own static website address and SEO in order to draw more traffic to my site and improve sales. It was a leap of faith and a money investment, but very worthwhile for the success of my business. I've had to be patient and wait for the SEO to take affect. For my business, that meant lower online visibility, traffic and sales for about 5 months. Website traffic and sales have increased as anticipated, and I'm now on my way. You can have the best product and a great-looking website, but if people don't know you exist, if the search engines find you invisible, your growth and success will be limited. Never underestimate the advantage effective search engine optimization gives your business!
Here are some other tips:
1. Have a passion for what you do. I still get excited, even after 12 years, when unmolding a new batch of handmade soap. It's like opening a present on Christmas morning! I know it's repeated over and over again, but passion is key.
2. Research your market: products, pricing, competition, ingredients, suppliers, packaging options. Knowing your market is the only way to set yourself apart from the competition. Use unique packaging, a catchy logo, interesting colors and unusual or luxurious ingredients. I've been approached by buyers from Bloomingdales and Whole Foods specifically because of my pretty, upscale packaging combined with a natural product.
3. Stay true to yourself. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in every aspect of your business, from products and packaging to your website or store.
4. Trust your intuition and be willing to trust others who can help you be successful.
5. Don't under estimate the importance of quality SEO. Get it right the first time and be willing to pay good money for the service.
6. Don't give up. Don't let obstacles and the inevitable challenges of business stop you from following your dream.
7. Spread the love. Don't forget the kindness, generosity and willingness of others who shared information and techniques with you to help you be successful in your business. Pass the good deed or favor along to others whenever you can. It makes the world a nicer place.
8. Say "No". Know that it's OK to say "no" to some things in order to say "yes" to others. You can't be all things to all people.
What are your biggest business challenges and how do you overcome them?
Without question, website visibility has been my biggest challenge. 2007 brought specific challenges as I very deliberately stopped wholesaling in order to focus more time, energy and resources on increasing national online retail sales and new product development for a line of natural handmade, original recipe bath and body products. A website revamp, new shopping cart and major search engine optimization created a temporary setback in traffic and visibility, and ultimately sales. It's been like taking one step back in order to take three steps forward. It made for a stressful year, but I never lost sight of my goal of improving my online business in the long run through greater visibility. Family, friends and business associates did have to occasionally remind me of these goals, though. In my case, local customers have been patient, kind and supportive. It's been a dream situation and that helps me when the going gets tough.
What business book have you enjoyed that has helped you in business, and why?
In order to keep up to date, I continually scan the web and research
new methods and techniques for making products, suppliers and prices,
the newest equipment, packaging and labeling materials, scientific
research on health benefits and potential controversy for various
herbs and ingredients including preservatives, the latest trends and
products, and the newest available ingredients from all over the
world. I make this a routine part of my business day. Over the
years, I've read as many books as possible on soap making, essential
oils and aromatherapy, herbs and natural bath and body products.
Given the circumstances of my life right now with three children, I've
had to glean bits of wisdom where I can. Believe it or not, I have enjoyed
the Harry Potter book series. Beyond the great storyline, there are some legitimate life lessons to be learned, not
only from the books but also from the author's personal success story.
Even those not familiar with the books or movies might find the books
interesting and fun. If you can't read a whole Harry Potter book, you might
enjoy one person's bird's eye view
of what can be learned from Harry Potter.
What are you doing when you're not working?
When time permits, I enjoy making stained glass mosaics, fossil hunting and rock collecting.
Why do you love being Indie?
I love the flexibility, independence and control owning my own
business allows me. At the end of the day, I am ultimately the one
responsible for my own success, happiness and future. I find making
soap and bath and body products to be a wonderfully creative outlet,
enjoyable and fulfilling. Brainstorming for new product ideas, coming
up with original recipes and different scent combinations and pretty
packaging that people feel good about buying is fun. I also love
helping others by introducing them to a greener lifestyle with natural
bath and body products that are better for them and the environment. Also,
networks and associations like the Indie Beauty Network keep me in
touch with my peers, and provide resources, inspiration and support
necessary to keep me going. Important ingredients for success.
This is Indie Candy, so if you were a brand of candy, what would
you be and why?
Hot Tamales! They are red, my favorite color. Hot Tamales came out in the 1950's and since then, have proven to be a classic survivor, standing the test of time by remaining relevant through reinvention and creative marketing. They are a sugary spice, with just the right amount of fire -- somewhat hard on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
What are your annual gross revenues?
Sales on a month per month comparison more than doubled from 2005, my inaugural year, to 2006. I have always been able to pay business expenses and bills, continually expand my product line, equipment needs and advertising budget without taking on long-term debt. I have deliberately controlled growth and direction to fit my lifestyle with three children. 2007 sales overall have matched last year's, which isn't bad considering I put my wholesale accounts on hold and turned down new wholesale business in order to focus on increasing online retail sales, new product development, major SEO work and website changes. Repeat business has sustained me. Based on increased visibility and traffic to my website now, I'm anticipating that the 2007 holiday season will push sales above last year. Sales in 2008 should more than double from this year, especially factoring in anticipated sales from a new product line and the resumption of limited wholesale business. The future looks good for Lily Gulch Soaps!
D'Anna's Business Works Because ...
1. D'Anna Sets Herself Apart. Even though her soaps are "not the prettiest-looking," D'Anna's focus on quality ingredients and packaging help set the appearance of her products apart from everyone else's because they display so beautifully and the elegance and colors entice people to pick up her soaps. Naturally, they'll smell next. And then, it's just a moment before it's off to the cash register.
Indie Self-Examination: How do you set your products apart from the rest? What makes people choose them over everything else they could be buying?
2. D'Anna Is Not Afriad to Invest Financially In Her Business. Though it was hard to take the plunge and optimize her website, D'Anna now knows it was money well spent. If someone can help your business by providing a valuable service that will make your business better, budget it in and get moving. Know that if you don't demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice and invest in your business, no one else will either.
Indie Self-Examination: Are you investing in your own success? When was the last time you considered hiring someone you know would help your business, but ended up passing for fear of spending the money? What resources can you muster up in the short term to facilitate long term success?
3. D'Anna Says "No." D'anna appreciates that her creative spirit provides endless opportunities. However, she says "no" to good things so she can enjoy a long term benefit. A good example is putting sales on hold for 5 months so her SEO plan to could take effect. Saying "no" is hard, but successful Indies know that it's necessary in order to achieve maximum success.
Indie Self-Examination: How often do you say "yes" when you should say "no?" Are the marginally important things you can eliminate from your calendar to make room for the really important stuff? There must be something, so take a moment right now and get rid of something that's sucking your time with little to no benefit to you and your business.
5. Indie Live!: Coming October 15: Turn Your Photos Into Cash
Mark
Your Calendar For Today's Indie
Live!
Indie Beauty Network member Rebecca Picard is an Indie after my own heart. Not only does she take fabulous photographs, but she's also doing it from her home studio as she raises her son. Busy as she is pointing and clicking, she graciously agreed to sit down with Indie Beauty Network members for a DIY photography session. A picture is worth thousands of dollars, and Rebecca's going to help us get the most for the least!
Join us today at 3:00! Come with your camera and your list of questions and get the scoop from a pro, plus find out how Rebecca can do it for you on a budget.
In the meantime, get some tips for taking your best pictures at the blog.
| Today's Indie Live! | Topic | Presenter |
| 10/15/07, 3:00pm -4:00pm EST Dial In Number and conference code will be provided. (Member login required.) |
Your Product Photos Or Your Business: Taking high quality photos that make your products look their best. It's nice to have great products but let's face it, looks are everything!! If your products are not attractively displayed at your website or brochure, not only will they look bad, but so will you. And that translates into lost sales. Next week's Indie Live! will help you sharpen your amateur focus to take the best pictures ever. | Rebecca Picard, photographer |
6. Question of the Week: "How Do I Find A Supplier At IBN's Website?"
"How
Do I Find A Supplier At IBN's Website?"
~ Bill, Tucson, Arizona
IBN offers 4 ways to find the supplies you need.
1. Mango Butter.com: this is one of IBN's sister sites and a popular search engine devoted exclusively to serving the Indie Beauty industry. At MangoButter, the most popular way to find supplies is to use the handy key word search tool. This is the best way to go when you know exactly what you are looking for. If you are looking to save money on shipping, you can search by state. When you use either of these search functions, your search results will display IBN members first in alphabetical order, each with a mango beside their company name and a short description of their business. You can also search for IBN member suppliers specifically by using the handy "Power Profile" tool at the top of each page. Clicking on the Power Profile dropdown menu will display all IBN member suppliers in alphabetical order. Each IBN member "Power Profile" has a hyperlink to their website. Non-IBN members are listed under members.
2. Indie Beauty.com: IBN's online member directory contains a listing of all members in alphabetical order. It also allows you to search for members by state or company name. For supplies, you can submit a keyword search which will search the directory of members and member company descriptions. This feature is not as easy to use for finding supplies as the MangoButter.com search feature is because a search for shea butter will turn up not only bulk shea butter but also finished products containing shea butter.
3. Make Your Cosmetics.com: contains hundreds of free recipes to help you make your own cosmetics. Some recipes are suitable for professional formulators but most are designed to be basic, quick and easy. That site contains an extensive ingredient dictionary with links to where the ingredients can be purchased from IBN members who support the site. 4. If all else fails, you can call or email me. See our contact page for details.
Next Week's Question: "How do I start a bath and body care products business on a shoe string budget?"
7. Sponsor This Newsletter: Indie Candy Connects You With Your Target Customer! Just ask Essential Wholesale!
Indie Experience reaches 6,000 opt in subscribers each Monday, and all issue are archived at our website forever. This means that not only do our subscribers get your message, but new and regular site visitors do
too! Here's what Dennis and Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale said.
"We have noticed that when we have a sponsorship week, our website hits rise significantly immediately after publication of Indie Experience. One special we promoted resulted in a net increase of $16,000 in one day over normal sales for that day. We donated $15,000 to the Portland Fire & Rescue for a new water rescue craft that they now use on the Willamette river in Portland.
"Sponsoring Indie Experience is a great way for us to remind existing customers and potential new ones that Essential Wholesale is here to serve. We find that the return on investment is excellent, so we are actually secretly hoping no one else signs up so we don’t have to compete for spots. The adage “You snooze, you lose” is okay by us because we are wide awake
here."
To find out more about how Indie Experience can help you reach the people who want to do business with you, contact IBN at donnamaria@indiebeauty.com or (704) 291-7280.
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.
