The Indie Experience
October 29, 2007
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 8, Issue 44
To subscribe, click here
-- Sponsor --
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
2. New At the Blog: saving thousands of dollars a year and cleaning toilets
3. Today On Indie Business Radio: Get Freducated!!
4. Indie Candy: Penny Mills | Ladies Blend
5. Question of the Week: Do I Qualify For The
Products Liability Insurance Member Benefit?
6. Sponsor This Newsletter: Indie Candy connects you with your target customer
Indie Beauty Ritual: Cranberry Sugar Scrub
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
Welcome Renewing Members!
Cerise | Mary Avery | California
* Cerise offers wholesale and retail natural bath fizzies. Our unique
1-ounce golf ball sized versatile fizz is available for spas, hotels, b&b's,
fundraising, nail salons, gift shops, gift giving, gift baskets, and fillers
of all sorts. The possibilities are endless. We offer a virgin line created
with essential oils, a indulgence line created with fragrance oils, a virgin
virgin line created with avocado oil, color free, and botanicals. Private
label is available to create to your heart's desire. We ship within 3 days.
j.blossom and Co., Inc. | Jamila White | Maryland
* j.blossom provides fun, whimsical natural bath and body products.
Our products make you feel good on the outside *and* inside!
Everyday Minerals | Carina Menzies | Texas
* Natural mineral makeup.
Angelic Happiness | Sherilyn Titus | Washington
* Handmade beauty products.
Black Pearl Botanicals | Jill Gibbs | New Mexico
* Founded in 2001 offering natural perfume, skin care and home spa products.
All of the products are handcrafted with 100% natural ingredients. The product
line includes: solid perfume, jojoba based perfume oil, nail and cuticle oil,
facial elixir, smoking cessation oil, foot balm, pregnancy belly balm, bar soap,
vanilla lip balm, botanical milk bath, aromatherapy bath salts, salt scrub, foot
soak, organic tropical body oils, massage, bath and personal care accessories.
Retail/Wholesale.
mi SPA | Mimie Wong | California
* We offer wholesale & retail of our unique, harmonious line of
rice-based skincare inspired by the Asian time-tested beauty regimen. mi™, is
the solution to youthful, radiant skin. We blend the finest essential oils,
exotic butters, aromatic fragrance & natural herbs with rice bran oil &
other rice extracts to indulge skin in pure bliss. Our exclusive formulas
REJUVENATE, RENEW & RELAX mind, body & soul. The result is a complete
collection of simple & pure handcrafted SPA body care that takes the mystery
out of healthy, glowing skin.
Lilie De Vallee | Joseph Abdallah | Washington
* Our products are made with high quality ingredients. Handmade soap,
lotion, creams, liquid soap, bath salt, massage oil, perfume oil and other bath
and body products.
Suncreek Natural Soap Company | Linda Emory | Nevada
* All natural hand manufactured soap, toiletries and other indulgences, including natural body bars and soap, hand and foot care products, a private spa collection, gift boxes, natural dog and horse shampoo and more. Wholesale, private label, special events and hospitality industry inquiries welcome.
Welcome New Members!
Alternative Health Choices | Sring Fowler | Minnesota
* Alternative Health Choices offers a full array of mineral cosmetics, all
natural moisturizers, soaps and lotions at very reasonable prices.
Kelphead Products | Janice Parks | Washington
* Our bath and beauty products are all made with a touch of the sea. We use
sea salts and seaweed powders and extracts to bring those wonderful
nutrients from the sea to your body. We believe in keeping our products as
close to nature as possible by using pure essential oils and fine quality
natural ingredients. We are also concerned with the protection of our
environment and the conservation of our natural resources.
Candles To Glow | Charlotte Torrez | Arizona
* Candles To Glow is the premier chandler for handcrafted Jar, Votive, Tea
lite and Pillar Candles. Our candles are the most fragrant and freshest you will
find. Cotton wicks, premium waxes and fragrance oils are used to ensure a long,
clean, even and very fragrant burn every time. We offer custom designed candles
for any occasion. Profitable fundraiser's for any event. Candle gift baskets
make a perfect gift for any occasion. Successful Independent Sales Consultant
Program. Email for details.
Perianne Skin Care | Cora Michael | New York
* Perianne Skin Care is environmentally adaptable skin care. We seek harmony
with nature, and health for your skin. Our practical, plant-based treatments are
made with seasonal organic ingredients. Giving you beautiful skin year-round.
Wildwood Acres Bodyworks | Jennifer Blaylock |
Tennessee
* Wildwood Acres Bodyworks provides handmade cold-process soaps and other
personal care products. We utilize many ingredients including high quality
natural ingredients and essential oils derived from plants.
Shealicious | Anna Allen | North Carolina
* SheaLicious ~ A naturally healing body butter made from organic and pure
ingredients: African Karite (shea) butter, aloe-vera, flax seed oil, and
selected essential oils, create a delicate blend of natures most nourishing
agents that moisturize, heal, protect, and de-stress your body from the outside
- IN! Treats: chronic dryness everywhere, stretch marks, wrinkles, scars, burns,
arthritis, brittle hair, and it's even great for pets!
Eliza Street Merchants | Karen Coghlan | California
* Eliza Street Merchants Handmade Soaps, Lotions, Creams, Bath Salts, Salt
Scrubs, and other toiletries.
Alabu, Inc. | Maryclaire Mayes | New York
* Home of 100% goat milk natural soap. All of our handmade natural soap is
made with pure 100% farm fresh goat milk (no water, no powdered milk),
saponified food grade Olive, Coconut, Soybean and Castor Oils, and Cocoa Butter.
Here at Alabu we strive to make handmade natural soap and skin care products
that are gentle and help moisturize your skin.
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: Posts of Interest to the Indie Community
Posts of special interest to the Indie Beauty community:
The
Coupon Queen: read this post only if you are interested in saving about
$7,000 a year
How
Many Toilets Would You Clean?: do you have what it takes to be a successful
Indie?
Giving
Without Breaking The Bank: the season of giving is upon us -- how to give
without going broke
... 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 Plan a Successful Product Promotion Party
Live Calls Are Back! 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:
Get "Freducated!"
Guest: Mark Sanborn, author of
the New York Times Bestseller "The Fred Factor," joins me to share
his "Fred Principles" and how each one of us can encourage
ourselves and each other to make a lasting difference in the world.
How To Enjoy the Show: Enjoy Indie Business Radio live at the website. Call your questions in at (800) 773-0355.
"I Love Indie Business Radio!"
"I have listened to all of your shows and I think they are terrific. I just wanted you to know that even though people can't always call in, we are out here listening, and your shows are so valuable. Your questions for the guests are right on. I am amazed at how well spoken they are. After listening to one of the shows focusing on the importance of email newsletters, I decided to send out my first one. I got an order within 2 hours, after not having one for several days! Also, I just started doing business with one of your sponsors as a result of listening to the show. Keep them coming! ~ Julie Ann Price, Beauty With A Cause
-- Sponsor --
4. Indie Candy: Pennie Mills | Ladies Blend
Pennie Mills was a massage therapist. As an extra for her customers, she blended essential oils together with base oils to create massage oils to enhance her clients' experience on her massage table. Can you guess what happened next? That's right, the customers started forking over as much money for the oils as they did for the massages.
Everyone advised Pennie that she should set up an online site where she could sell her oils. Pennie was so successful in her practice selling products just to her clients that at first, she didn't see the need. But when other Indies started setting up shop online, Pennie began to see the possibilities. Today, the 47-year old Florida business woman is enjoying seeing her business, Ladies Blend, grow by leaps and bounds. Here's a bit of her story.
How did you start your business and what was the inspiration for it?
I began making products in 1996, but was not really interested in selling
them until 1998 when clients in my massage therapy practice asked to buy bottles of massage oil that I used during their treatments. Within a year, I
was selling my products through the practice and in quaint shops in the local historical district and at
area craft shows.
People started advising me to sell my products online. I was not so interested
since my massage therapy practice was thriving. For a few years, I didn't even entertain the idea.
But as people with similar products started launching websites, I warmed up to
the idea and once the wheels started turning, I realized that I was in a perfect
position to sell online because I could do it by putting my massage therapy practice on
respite. I began planning the inventory and website design while my Internet
savvy husband, interviewed website designers, hosting companies, merchant
service providers, etc.
The first name I chose for my website was already taken as a dot com. I was disappointed, but quickly moved on and decided to go with
Ladies Blend, which has been very good to me.
What's your typical day like?
I get up early, about 5 a.m., my husband and I talk about the day's events, he has breakfast and leaves for work about 5:30 a.m. It is not all that much time spent together, but it is quality time and it helps get the day off to a good note because I never know what fires will be burning by the time afternoon arrives. I generally tend to emails, website updates and paperwork first thing in the morning, I then move on to order processing, business calls, etc. I try to clear my desk and organize it at the end of each day so I can gain my focus faster the following morning. We also have three cats in our family who are more than willing to help with paper shredding, but their main jobs are to eat, play, take lots of daily power catnaps and just be sweet cutie pies.
How many products are in your line?
We have about 35 and I make a conscious effort not to fall into the
trap of trying to offer something for everyone. Our Eye Elixir, Herbal Teas, Hydrotherapy and Thalssotherapy products are the best sellers right now, though this is changing with the addition of our winter bath soaks.
The Eye Elixir (pictured) has always been a good seller, it is simple, yet effective and fragrance-free, so most everyone can use and benefit from it.
The teas are another item that have always sold well to people that are informed and have a belief in herbal applications. I was determined to gain even more interest, so I repackaged them and now we sell much more, just by making them a bit more interesting. Ninety nine percent of the herbs that we use are certified organic, I put forth a lot of effort and add subtle touches and messages to gain the interest of people who are not quite there or sure about herbal applications and treatments.
The Hydrotherapy and Thalassotherapy are both treatment products that have been added quite recently. I think they sell so well because they are effective remedies that have been around for a long time, in one form or anther. They are proven treatments with an updated, fresh look and they are not readily found on competitor’s websites.
I understand that you are really living the organic and natural lifestyle. Tell me about that.
I am not a purist, but as far back as I can recall, I have always had a sincere interest in nature.
Ever since my husband and I got together over 20 years ago, our diet has included many natural
foods. As time passes, it has taken a natural progression to include an array of organics that are available in our area. We have always sought out natural therapies for ourselves and our pets, in addition to traditional ones.
When Ladies Blend first opened for business, our products were made with many natural ingredients, but they were not all natural. As I became more aware and interested in making all natural products exclusively, I delved into books, the
Internet, articles, anything I could get my hands on to decipher what was natural and what was not. It was not easy an easy task and turned out to be an enormous undertaking. Through it all I became so intrigued that even though it was daunting at times, it was extremely interesting and became almost a hobby for me, to see what I could un-cover on any given day.
The more I researched the more I new I had to make my product line healthier, I was 100% driven and began to execute my plan.
When I had a small collection of all natural products, the next step was to have a re-design for the website. I really felt like this was a new beginning and I was ready for a different look and a fresh start that would convey the image for our planned direction.
I did not rush the process and dedicated a page on our website explaining the upcoming changes.
Did increasing the "natural" product options enhance your business and boost sales?
Up to a certain point, it was OK. But when I began to whittle away at the fragrance oils, the emails started coming and retail sales dropped. I was expecting this to happen and it helped me to fully experience the importance of being diversified. While our retail sales dropped, our bulk sales to salons and spas increased. Up until that point, I had never been one to embrace selling wholesale. But that's when I began to look at it differently. Today, I have a thriving wholesale business and I more fully appreciate the concept.
What's the "hook" for your products, as in what distinguishes your products from other products making similar claims?
One hook is our ingredients, which are fully disclosed on our website for every
product that we offer. (Creamy Winter Chai Bath Soak is pictured.) We have been selling online since 2002 and have a reputation for being
a professional, ethical, and honest company that cares about the health and well-being of others.
Most of the product line is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Having red hair, green eyes and fair skin, I am well aware the importance of this. We do what we know.
Consumers are thankful to have gentle, yet effective alternative products, especially for facials, hair, manicures and pedicures.
Who helps make your business successful?
I am surrounded by incredible people that all help to make this business a reality, a talented webmaster, a very smart accountant & tax advisor, a couple of graphics designers and an extremely supportive husband who loves computers and the Internet and takes pride in making sure that I have the ultimate set up. My mother and sister provide valuable moral support from out of state. It is a bittersweet season approaching as one dear friend who supported me since the start passed away several weeks ago. Though there is no shortage of willing helpers, my heart misses my dear friend and wishes she could be part of this.
How do you market your products?
We use some paid online advertising, but are very selective. Times are changing though and it is nice now, because there is more to choose from, especially with the focus on eco-friendly lifestyles. I have found that once you get your products into a spa or salon and/or work with a beauty consultant, word travels fast. The professionals in the health, beauty and wellness industries have always been such a pleasure to do business with and they are lovely talkers.
What business book have you enjoyed that has helped you in business, and why?
I have shelves of books that I continually use as reference points for my business; the last two that I have referenced are not business books per se, but they are books I use for my business: the Herbal Body Book by Jeanne Rose and Wise Woman Herbal, Healing Wise by Susan Weed, which a friend gave to me many years ago. Although I use those books for business, the women that write them and their outlook on life in general are completely captivating to me. I could sit outside and read for hours. I also subscribe to the Organic Spa Magazine so that I can keep up to date on that subject.
What business tips can you offer to others wishing to start a business of their own?
It helps to be a self-starter. Also, surround yourself with trustworthy
people that you can work with comfortably and efficiently and who can contribute
positively to your image and help take the business in the direction you
want it to go in. Be mindful when selecting your people and the roles they will
fill as each individual serves a unique purpose in life and in business. There are many
niches to fill and when it all comes together; each role is of equal value.
When a mistake occurs, correct it quickly, properly, learn from it and move on.
Having your own business is about so much more than having a product and making
money. Strive for balance in your life and enjoy the journey.
What are your biggest challenges and how do you overcome them?
Time management is always something I am chipping away at. Bringing on new products consumes a great deal of time. Also, I am in in charge of taking all of the product pictures. They are clear and pretty good, some better than others, all satisfactory, but still, taking pictures of products, is not my forte. Sometimes I can get a good shot in ten minutes, but other times it can take much longer and with certain products, it just does not happen. Our budget now includes funds to hire a professional to handle a portion of the product pictures. Once this is in motion, my time will be better spent on more important things that I am much more equipped to handle.
How long have you had your "natural living" blog, and how does it serve you?
I have had the blog for a little over a year. The most time consuming part was getting it set up, finding my comfort zone and subject matter.
In a way, I look at like this: If I had a store, there would be so much more going on inside than just selling my products. Time permitting, I would be chatting, listening, swapping recipes, offering a cup of tea, discussing families, events, projects and so on.
Minus the cup of tea, that is what I do at my blog, I write in a way that makes everyone feel welcome, whether it is to quietly browse or to feel comfortable in leaving a comment. Even though the thought behind it was to do something extra for customers, it reaches so many more; and continually receives a nice flow of visitors. Between the website and
blog, we do pretty well with search engines too.
In addition to my blog, I have always had a section on my website with a collection of homemade kitchen beauty recipes.
(One she's not giving out, for Pumpkin Cleanser & Masque, is pictured here.)
I think it is a nice touch to offer something complimentary. Kind of the “give more than you take” philosophy. What I had not expected was the amount of visitors that section would bring to the website through word of mouth and searches; it is very popular, which in turn is good for business.
Having a blog is a good tool to increase your business exposure and it lets people get to know you a little better. If you use a free blogging service, it is another outlet for you to talk about your products, with the only investment being your time.
Many people that visit your blog will want to visit your website and probably feel a little more comfortable in making a purchase, because they have in some way already connected with you. It’s the human element and touch, we all need it.
I try to blog in the morning during coffee and sometimes on the weekends. If blogging
suits you, it will be one of those things that you want to do, so you find the time to do it, even if you have to get up ten minutes earlier to do so. I highly recommend it, it’s a great experience. Start with a free service-you have nothing to lose, should you find it is not for you.
What do you love about the Indie Beauty Network?
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.
Why do you love being Indie?
I love waking up each morning excited about the day and knowing that I am contributing in some way to the health and well-being of my family and others. It makes for a good nights sleep too.
When I started my massage therapy practice, I had not envisioned myself making products to sell, but when the opportunity came about, I took it, went with it and ended up loving it. I learned early on to go with my instincts and let some things that were not a part of the business plan, to enter in and play out. Being Indie, I was and am able to make the decision what is or what is not part of my road to travel.
What are you doing when you're not working?
I enjoy going to the spa, gardening, cooking, sewing and crafting all sorts of things. When I have time, I love to prepare fresh, delicious meals in my gourmet kitchen, open a bottle of organic wine and dine outside on the porch overlooking the garden that is softly lit up at nighttime.
This is Indie Candy, so if you were a brand of candy, what would
you be and why?
I'm not much on branded candy, or any other kind of candy really. If pressed, I'd have to say my favorite candy-like treat is my Four Chips Fudge. You can get the recipe for the fudge here.
What are your annual gross revenues?
Our sales have doubled from last year and may go well beyond that, however in all honesty; part of 2006 was met with many company changes, which resulted in a temporary decline in sales. We are quite happy, nonetheless and look forward to many years of business bliss.
You can learn more about the great products offered by Pennie and see her amateur product photos (I think they are excellent!) at her website. Also, visit her blog, which I really enjoy here. If Pennie's thoughts on blogging have intrigued you, get more on the benefits of blogging for business at the Indie Business Blog.
5. Question of the Week: "Do I Qualify For The Products Liability Insurance Member Benefit?"
"Do I
Qualify For The Products Liability Insurance Member Benefit?"
~ Colleen, Canada
Colleen,
If your business is located in Canada, you may qualify if you also have a physical address somewhere in the United States. You don't necessarily have to ship products from the US address, but there must be an address for your business somewhere in any one of the 50 states. The answer to this question will be different for each Canadian business so to be sure, the best thing to do is to check with our broker at Stratus Insurance Services: Madison Egbert at (866) 395-1308 or egbert@stratusins.com.
For more detailed answers to this and other questions about the products liability insurance program, please visit our FAQ at this link.
6. Sponsor This Newsletter: Indie Candy Connects You With Your Target Customer! Just ask Monave Mineral Cosmetics!
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 Debbie Bilezikian of Monave Mineral Cosmetics said. "Sponsoring the Indie Experience to connect with other Indie Beauty entrepreneurs is a great way for me to stretch my slim advertising budget. The publication has such an appealing online presence. Sponsorship is easy and reasonably priced and I recommend it to anyone looking to increase their online sales on a shoestring budget."
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.
