The Indie Experience
November 12, 2007
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 8, Issue 46
To subscribe, click here
-- Sponsor --
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
2. New At the Blog: Member video (with a chance to win some of her soaps!), online newsletter tips and more
3. Today On Indie Business Radio: Indie Financial
Planning
4. Indie Candy: Cynthia Johnston :: MoonMaid Botanicals
| Cosby, Tennessee
5.
Sponsor This Newsletter: Indie Candy connects you with your target customer
Indie Beauty Ritual: Nutty Scrub For Dry Skin
1. Meet IBN's New & Renewing Members
Welcome Renewing Members!
Shea Radiance | Funlayo Alabi | Maryland
* Ingredients that look good enough to eat. Distributors of Premium
Unrefined Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Carrier Oils, Botanicals, Essential Oils,
Fragrance Oils. Everything you need to make your quality Bath and Body Goodies.
Montana Country Spa | Sheri Schindel | Montana
* Only premium ingredients that have been imported from around the world,
as well as those being locally grown here in Montana are used. Our products are
made with pure essential oils to maximize their healing benefits, as well as
rich luxurious natural butters and oils blended to soothe and hydrate the skin.
All of our products are vegetarian and we do not engage in animal testing.
Additionally, due to the increasing number of people with allergies to nuts, all
products are "nut free".
Cosmic Tree Essentials | Beth Thompson | Canada
* We offer personal care essentials hand crafted from beneficial
botanicals and minerals chosen with your general well-being and the Earth's
sustainability in mind. We emphasize raw, organic and fair trade botanicals that
have been used through the ages and stood the test of time. All our products are
vegan, including our truly cruelty-free, synthetic mineral cosmetic brushes.
Welcome New Members!
Valivia Spa Creations | Anastasia Laney | South
Carolina
* Valivia Skin Care and Spa products are created by professional esthetics
team to provide result-oriented treatments using impressive state-of-the-art
formulations. Our formulas include active botanicals, essential oils and some of
the most advanced new plant-derived cosmeceuticals. Our products are not tested
on animals.
Gennie Salve | Teresa Carter | Ohio
* Gennie Salve is a all natural salve that helps with dry, cracked and
irritated skin.
Via Botanica | Lori Kott | California
* Creator of handmade soaps, lotions, body butters, body wash, lip balm. I
sell retail and wholesale and offer private label in short run and long run
quantities.
Mineral Formulations | Texas
* Mineral formulations.
Garden Gate Products | Mary Ann Domecq | Idaho
* Our soaps, lotions, and scrubs are hand processed in small batches using
fine oils, butters, and scents. They will leave you feeling soft and pampered.
Products are packaged in eco-friendly containers and wrappers and are cruelty
free. For your protection, we do use germicidal agents in some products.
Wholesale and retail inquiries welcome: gardengate@ctcweb.net.
Peeptoad Hollow | Rene Parenteau | Rhode Island
* We are a small, family owned business located in Rhode Island specializing
in handmade, natural products for bath, body & home. Our product line
includes: handmade soaps, body butters, shea butter lotions, soy candles,
goatmilk & yogurt soaks, herbal tub teas, herbal salt soaks, natural foot
care & facial care products, gardener's hand care products, shea body balms,
goatmilk, shea butter & hemp glycerin soaps, men's body care products and
more.
Hothouse Botanicals | Stephanie Reynolds | Arizona
* Tired of seeking out bath and body products free of harmful preservatives
and synthetic fragrances/perfumes and colors, we decided to make our our line of
natural and organic products that are beneficial not only to the skin, but also
the mind. All of our products contain simple natural ingredients,
aromatherapeutic essential oils, are 100% Vegan-friendly, and are housed in
recyclable containers.
Nature's Emporium Soap Co. | Michelle Lewis | Indiana
* We are boldly moving from Indianapolis to Taos by 2008! We specialize in
excellent handcrafted soap and candles! Your beautiful skin is our business!
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:
Little
Hat, Big Cattle: longtime IBN member tells her story through a fun,
entertaining video, and enter to win some of her soaps!
Increase
Your Sales Through Email Newsletters: email newsletters work and if you
don't have one, now is the time to get busy
Writer's
Strike Could Change Your Life: if you've been trying to find the extra time
to start or improve your business, this might just be it
... 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: Indie Financial Planning
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:
Indie Financial Planning
Guest: Financial
planner and investment advisor representative Edwin Gaskin joined me to talk
about what Indies can do to protect themselves, their families and the future
succession of their businesses by making wise financial choices sooner rather
than later.
How To Enjoy the Show: If you missed today's show live, you'll be able to enjoy it at the website in a few days. Meanwhile, here are some of my most popular shows that you can download or stream right now. Click on the links shown if you are:
o
interested in having a book published
o
interested in launching a blog
o
interested in launching another blog
o
interested in optimizing your website
o
interested in going into business with the one you love
"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: Cynthia Johnston :: MoonMaid Botanicals | Cosby, Tennessee
Cynthia Johnston's love of herbs and quest to find the perfect lifestyle for her has taken her from the cool breezes of northern California to the sweltering heat of Miami, Florida, where she ran a successful massage therapy practice for several years. Eventually, the desire to own some land and be more connected to the herbs she had grown to love led her to the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. Today, this 52-year old herbalist is living her dream of growing and harvesting plants for the herbal products she makes. Healthy food choices and the support of animal rights rounds out what she called a "wonderful circle of connectedness" that has made her life much richer. Here is some of how she uses this connectedness to turn a profit at MoonMaid Botanicals.
How did you start your business and what was the inspiration for it?
I developed a keen interest in herbs when I started using them to deal with my own asthma. Before working in the herb industry, I was a massage therapist in Miami. It's hot and sticky there, so rather than massage my clients with the oils that were used by most therapists, I liked to use lotions I made myself. By experimenting, I learned to create a lotion with aloe vera, almond oil and essential oils and this was a great alternative. Ultimately, Florida proved to be a little hotter than I liked it, plus I wanted to buy some land so I eventually moved to Tennessee to buy land I could grow herbs on and start my business.
I started MoonMaid Botanicals in 1995 to offer an herbal alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Not only do I feel the drugs offered for menopause, PMS, peri-menopause, etc., are unsafe, the production of Premarin, a drug often used to treat menopausal symptoms, is extremely cruel to female horses. The name MoonMaid Botanicals springs from my lifelong fascination with the moon. My name "Cynthia Diane" has a Greek and Roman connection to the moon and I have worn a moon and star charm since I was 13 years old. These things combined to make "moonmaid" a good name for my business.
In the photo (above), I am demonstrating how to make a cream during a class,
at Green life Grocery
in Asheville, North Carolina. The class is called The Art of Simpling and in it,
I cover the A - Z of using herbal teas, vinegars, savles and creams. I
often throw in a little bit about making herbal wines and liqueurs for added
fun!
We've all heard of the Great Smoky Mountains and some of us have visited.
But what's it like to actually live there?
I live here with my boyfriend, one dog and three cats. Having my business here on the same property where I live is the best, and sometimes the most challenging part of my life. I could easily dabble in “my work” all the time. The Smoky Mountains is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. Wild yam, for instance, grows abundantly in the forests of my land. These mountains are full of “old-timers,” Cherokee Indians and an array of herbalists, goat farmers and other home-style businesses.
How many products are in your line?
I currently manufacture 8 products. I started making them products for a physician in northern California where I lived before moving to Florida. When our relationship ended, the products continued to be popular and kind of took on a life of their own and people called me to buy them. That was really encouraging to me because I didn't have to adjust to cold calling to get the word out about my products.
What
are your most popular products?
My best selling products are VitalVulva Wild Yam Salve and ProMeno Wild Yam Cream. I believe they are such great sellers because women are looking for natural alternatives to products on the mass market. My most loved product is VitalVulva Wild Yam Salve. I cannot possibly count how many women need this product and how many women take the time to call me to say how it has helped, how it has saved their marriage, how it has given back to them there life.
Do you have any employees?
I have been a one-woman show for most of the time I have been in business. A year ago, I hired an assistant to help with production, packing orders and whatever else is needed. I have a wonderful graphic designer who has helped me achieve the “look” that I conceived of in my head. I also have the usual accountant, copy editor, and most recently a lawyer I consult with about a variety of concerns like trademarking, copyrighting, taxes etc.
What's the "hook" for your products, as in what distinguishes your products from other products making similar claims?
The “hook” for my products is my tag line: "for the good health of people and the planet."
My products stand out on the shelf because of the simple, black and white labels. My products are unique because they are made with the integrity of each specific plant in mind. Customer service is my number one priority. I hear again and again from my customers how impressed they are with our “service.”
What's your favorite herb and why?
My favorite herb is clary sage. It is a magnificent sturdy presence in the garden with beautiful white blossoms that are extremely pungent with an aroma that you either love or hate. Many men find it repulsive, hence, its signature as a women's plant. The essential oil has hormonal balancing qualities and the scent is relaxing and soothing in a spritzer for women who are experiencing hot flashes or other hormonal induced symptoms.
How do you market your products?
I market my products online and through Lotus Light distributors. I also advertise in Delicious Living and Body and Soul magazines. The print ads are extremely expensive but worth it. I can tell each time an issue hits the stands because my phone begins to ring immediately. I choose Delicious Living because it is in practically every health food store. I chose Body and Soul because it has a great feel to it. O The Oprah Magazine is my next target.
What business tips can you offer to others wishing to start a business of their own?
I offer my Rule of Five:
1. Set goals
2. Pound the pavement
3. Advertise
4. Stay creative
5. Don't freak out
What book have you enjoyed lately that has helped your business grow?
My favorite business book is The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. This book has been an incredible inspiration to me. It keeps me on track and moving towards goals at all times.
What do you love most about what you do?
The best thing about what I do is receiving calls of appreciation daily from the women using my products.
What are your biggest challenges and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is and continues to be money management. In order to progress this far in my business, I have to continually take financial risks. I am now reorganizing my business to set even loftier goals that will eventually accommodate and pay off my current debt load. This means I will have to achieve more sales, develop new products and launch new lines. This bring ups the next biggest challenge which is finding the time to do it all. But I have not doubt that I will.
What's your favorite thing about being Indie?
I found IBN through an herbal soapmaker. The minute I saw the site, I new
it was an organization that I could not be without.
What are you doing when you're not working?
When I am not working I am out in the garden…planting, organizing or walking with my dog.
This is Indie Candy, so if you were a brand of candy, what would
you be and why?
If I were a candy I would be a Lifesavers. They're there just when you need them and available in lots of lively flavors.
What are your annual gross revenues?
My gross revenues will be about $100,000.00 this year, up 25% from last year.
You can learn more about the herbal products offered by Cynthia at her website. While you're there, don't forget to click on the "Tour the Garden" link at the home page to enjoy some beautiful photos from Cynthia's garden.
5. Sponsor This Newsletter: Indie Candy Connects You With Your Target Customer! Just ask the E-Commerce Diva!
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!
Jamila White, a busy Indie with an e-commerce consulting business and a growing Indie Beauty product line, consistently receives a huge return on her investment when she sponsors Indie Candy. A recent campaign to promote her popular E-Commerce Bootcamp, which sold out after Jamila's sponosrship, resulted in over $2,000 in sales -- all within a month from $150 sponsorship. Jamila says "that's money well spent!" Learn more about Jamila's products and services at j.blossom and E-Commerce Diva.
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.
