(Program Note: this episode was recorded in 2023. Hannah's business may be different now than it was at that time.)

Enjoy this lively conversation as Hannah's calm, magnetic energy and honest storytelling leave you inspired, energized, and ready to take meaningful next steps in your own entrepreneurial journey.

Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Hannah NOW!

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Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Hannah

Let's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Robbin and I discussed in this episode.

1. Streamline your product line

Hannah's passion for crafting led her to initially create a vast array of products when she launched her business. Seriously, she said, anything scented was fair game. However, she soon realized the challenges of maintaining a wide range of scents, sizes, and products. Gradually, she streamlined her offerings to just four staple soaps with occasional limited editions, along with six roll-on blends following the same pattern. Additionally, she introduced self-care sets featuring combinations of existing products that were already in her line. This meticulous pruning process spanned years but proved to be a strategic move for Hannah. Not only did it alleviate operational burdens, but it also simplified her marketing efforts and the overall leadership of her business. Smart move, Hannah!

Like I always share with my clients, I'd rather see you make lots of money successfully selling a few products than make a little money trying to sell “all the things.”

2. Test the waters to achieve success

In her early days of business, Hannah cast a wide net, eager to gauge the reception of her products by selling at lots of markets. Unsure of how her offerings would be received, she opted for quantity over quality. However, as both her business and personal brand evolved, Hannah became more discerning. As she gained a deeper understanding of her target audience, she became better at identifying the best market venues. Today, aside from carefully curated pop-ups aligned with her brand, the only market she sells at is St. Louis's largest market. This strategic shift ensures maximum return on investment, both financially and in terms of personal fulfillment. Hannah acknowledges that navigating the market landscape has been a journey of trial and error, a quintessential experience for any small business owner.

3. Create a business that works for YOUR life, on YOUR terms

Hannah pointed out the dual nature of entrepreneurship: challenging yet inherently enjoyable. It's a sentiment that deeply resonates with me. As Hannah points out, entrepreneurial enjoyment isn't automatic; it requires deliberate effort. For Hannah, the fun lies in the hands-on aspect of crafting her products and the joy of personal interactions at events. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere of markets or the physical satisfaction she gets from the activity of setting up and breaking down her booth, she finds fulfillment in every step of the process. While it's undeniably hard work, she relishes the opportunity of creating a physical space that reflects her business's unique identity. For Hannah, infusing enjoyment into her work isn't just a perk—it's a priority.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Hannah and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Ruministics
2. Follow Ruministics on Instagram
3. Aromatherapy certificate: American College of Healthcare Sciences
4. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs

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The post Ruminate and Reflect with Hannah Hon of Ruministics – Indie Business Podcast Episode 100 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

On this episode, we take a deep dive into Robbin's extreme focus on the customer journey. Whether it's in person, at a show or market or online on her popular YouTube channel, Robbin allows the people who buy her products to guide and direct her product development and launch efforts. She is so fully immersed in their lives, wants and needs that she barely has to think about what to do next. This makes it easier and more fun to lead her business effectively and efficiently. You'll want to listen for strategies you can apply to your business starting right now, today.

Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Robbin NOW!

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Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Robbin

Let's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Robbin and I discussed in this episode.

1. Let your customers tell you what to do

Robbin says that you never really arrive at a final destination in terms of knowing what your customers want. Instead, you continuously talk to them and listen to their stories. She maintains a mindset of curiosity about what matters most to them. This arms her with the information she needs to move her business forward. Her customers tell their stories and she listens to them, getting everything she needs to know exactly what to do next in her business.

Robbin sums it up this way: “Stop thinking like a founder, and start thinking like a customer.”

2. Build your community

Your community, your fans, your followers — these are the people who will become your marketers, your ambassadors, your sales people — basically, your everything. Robbin points out that part of what she has learned by being a part of the Indie Business Network is the importance of building a community and providing them with quality information backed by research and truth. As she says, business is not about being out here just trying to sell a person something, and then moving onto the next person. Instead, it's about educating and empowering your community and enhancing their lives. All you need to get started is 1,000 true fans.

3. Put a video camera in your hand

Robbin talked about how she uses her YouTube channel to educate and share behind-the-scenes snippets with her community. Showing people what she actually does to create the products they love so much engages them in unique ways that even the most beautiful product photos cannot. Robbin credits Indie Business Network workshops with planting so many of the seeds that have helped her to become more comfortable on camera.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Robbin and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Violet Botanical Skincare
2. Follow Violet Botanical Skincare on Instagram
3. Robbin's YouTube show: Work With Me Wednesday
4. Article: 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly
5. Article: Community is King by Donna Maria
6. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs and join today!

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The post Let Your Customers Be Your Guide with Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare – Indie Business Podcast Episode 99 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

It is one of the special joys of my life to watch Larissa follow in her mother's footsteps as the leader of her own successful business, Jargon Gist, where she helps people take their content from sleepily head scratching to undeniably mind blowing. I cannot say enough about what a talented and skilled content creator Larissa is. You are in for a treat with the no-stress content creation tips and strategies she shares in this episode. You are going to want to take notes …

Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Larissa NOW!

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Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Larissa

Let's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Larissa and I discussed in this episode.

1. You are a content creator

No matter what kind of business you have, you are also a content creator. You are a publisher, and it is vital that you figure out the best ways to create content that connects personally with the people who are most likely to buy your products and services. This connection is not a “one and done” type of endeavor. It's a process that requires you to create and share information on an ongoing basis, and while there are many ways to do that, social media is awesome because it's a direct bridge from you to your customer.

In this episode, Larissa shares something she calls “the Cinnabon theory” and you'll want to make sure you listen so you can use it to your benefit.

2. Just get started

I love how Larissa called this directive “the most annoying tip ever,” but it's true nonetheless. No matter the endeavor, if it's a challenge for you, you'll sometimes procrastinate or avoid it completely when all you really need to do is take a step forward and get started. Larissa reminds us in this episode that when it comes to preparing content, you need to figure out what motivates you personally and use it to get you going in the direction of taking action that you might not otherwise take. Do what's fun for you, and the only way to figure out what this might be is to get started. It's kind of circular, but life is like that sometimes. Get over it, and get started.

3. Embrace artificial intelligence (AI)

Larissa described AI as a kind of souped up version of the type of predictive text that appears when you're texting someone and your phone begins to fill in your message based on a guess about what you're about to say. It's not always right as we know, and this is a good way to illustrate the double-edged sword that AI can be.

AI will give you a string of characters that you can consider incorporating into your marketing materials, but it can be bland and vanilla without your personal input — and as an Indie, you want to be anything but bland and vanilla. Don't miss Larissa's extremely informative revelations about AI, plus some super good examples of how to conduct effective AI searches for content you can use to market your business.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Larissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Jargon Gist.
2. Follow Jargon Gist on Instagram
3. AI tool: Open AI
4. AI tool: Google Bard
5. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs
6. Meet Larissa's amazing mom, IBN's first member, Kathleen Lewis of Kathleen Lewis Beauty Worldwide

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The post No-Stress Content Creation Strategies with Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist – Indie Business Podcast Episode 98 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

While it's not easy, Catherine loves leading her business. Her determination to help as many people as possible with her passion for customizing aromatherapy blends for health and wellness drives her to continue to put on her “big girl panties” every day to make it happen.

I can't wait for you to hear more about how Catherine works to improve herself and her business through consistently yet gently pushing herself forward. Sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Catherine NOW!

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Important Entrepreneurial Insights from Catherine

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Catherine and I discussed in this episode.

1. Suck it up, buttercup

As a self-described introvert, Catherine struggles to use social media to promote her business and put herself out there. At one point, she hired a coach to help her work through some personal issues so she could develop the confidence she felt she needed to meet this challenge. As Catherine shared, it's so easy to hide behind seemingly legitimate excuses to not reach our full potential and be everything we can be. I'm inspired by Catherine's determination to suck it up as she says, and overcome every limiting belief, and do the hard work to reach her full potential as the founder and leader of the Wildwood Aromas brand.

2. Newsletters produce sales

Catherine transparently shared that publishing newsletters on a consistent basis can be a challenge, but doing so always rewarded with either immediate sales or feedback from subscribers that eventually turns into sales. It is so rewarding to be able to trace your efforts directly to cash in your pocket. Newsletters nurture relationships and create sales opportunities. In nearly a quarter of a century of coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs, I have never come across anyone who can dispute that with any credibility, and Catherine's experience certainly bears this out.

3. Chunk it down

Catherine reminds us that any goal is achievable when you break it down into bite-sized pieces and attack it in chunks. Allow yourself to make small goals, she says, and when you hit those goals, allow yourself to feel really good about it. Consistently hitting small goals leads to consistently hitting larger goals. And while your goals may be smaller than other people's goals, stay focused on the fact that you are hitting your own goals and moving yourself forward. What matters is what you are doing and what progress you are making, not what anyone else is doing.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Catherine and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Wildwood Aromas
2. Follow Catherine on Instagram
3. Learn more about the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs
4. Email marketing services: MailChimp, Mailerlite
5. Aromatherapy training and certification: School for Aromatic Studies

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The post The Introvert Entrepreneur with Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas – Indie Business Podcast Episode 97 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Like many of us do, Kim resisted her Auntie's sage advice for years, but when she finally wised up, she did the research and discovered the many benefits of goat milk and started making products with goat milk on her own skin. Of course, creating a great product was no guarantee of success. Over the years, Kim has done a lot of inner work to develop the chops needed to get the word out about her products — starting with the skill of getting out of her own way. If this is an issue for you, as it is for so many other entrepreneurs, you'll be motivated and inspired by how Kim's business truly began to open up once she decided to really get over herself.

I can't wait for you to hear more about Kim's journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with her NOW!

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Important entrepreneurial insights from Kim

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Kim and I discussed in this episode.

1. Get over yourself

For many years, Kim did not use social media because she looked at what everyone else was doing and didn't think she could be that perfect. But she got over herself and pressed forward, and today, she is killing the marketing game on a variety of platforms. Here's the realization that got her there in her own words — based on some advice she got from me over the course of several mentoring sessions:

What I do have is me: my whole for real me and what I do. And once I gave in and trusted [Donna Maria's] advice, I wanted to share. And I do not have to look perfect to get it done. It was easy to strike that balance once I leaned into it. It's like gravy now. It's fun.

2. Don't keep it to yourself

As Kim designs new products to take better care of herself, she iterates them in ways that appeal to her target customers and then offers them as part of her product line. For example, her popular coloring books complement her bath and body products and encourage people to care for themselves by relieving stress, being creative and enjoying a sense of childhood imagination which for adults can be an effective form of therapy. The lesson here is that you can use what you learn in your everyday life to create products that complement your core line. This is an organic way to evolve your brand, increase your income and create multiple income streams.

3. Wear your brand

Kim excitedly shared how wearing her branded t-shirt featuring her tag line, her website address and the products and services she offers is a great lead generator. When you listen to this episode, pay special attention to the conversation about the work-life merger where we discuss the importance of using your life to support your business, and using your business to support your life. This is a fascinating concept that all independent business owners must embrace in order to reduce friction and enjoy what we here at IBN call “the Ultimate Trifecta” of a happy life, a profitable business and a meaningful legacy. This is a great example about how all three of those components complement each other and go so well together.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Kim and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Zhi Bath & Body
2. Follow Kim and Zhi on Instagram
3. Taste of Charlotte Festival
4. Kim in a Minute on YouTube
5. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs

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The post The Joy of Getting Over Yourself with Kimberly Cross of Zhi Bath and Body – Indie Business Podcast Episode 96 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

After studying graphic design and fine art in college, Rachel realized she would not be happy with a life filled mainly with time spent in front of a computer — even it if was doing what she loved. So she began to study herbs and aromatherapy and eventually, integrated all of her skills and passions into an Etsy shop selling her artwork. She also became a published author and a freelance designer and craft blogger. This has grown into her amazing business of today, which is thriving — as is Rachel, doing what she loves on her own terms.

I can't wait for you to hear more about Rachel's entrepreneurial journey — including how she manages her business while dealing with chronic pain, and how she remains balanced, happy and joyful all the while. Sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Rachel NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Rachel and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Rachel Beyer
2. Follow Rachel on Instagram
3. Learn more about the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs

Important entrepreneurial insights from Rachel

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Rachel and I discussed in this episode.

1. Don't try to be everyone's everything

Over the years, Rachel has learned to be crystal clear on what it means to show up for herself first, in true and authentic ways. As she so succinctly and eloquently put it, Rachel has learned not to be everyone's everything, because that never works.

2. Honor your personal pace

Rachel lives with what she describes as chronic pain challenges. These have taught her to listen deeply and intentionally to her body, and to create and honor her own personal pace in life and in business. Rachel has created what she describes as an ecosystem that allows her to adjust her schedule around what is going on in her life so she never has to push herself emotionally and physically beyond what is healthy for her. These are lifestyle benefits she never would have been able to enjoy if she was working full-time in a traditional work environment.

3. The importance of community

While Rachel enjoys time in her studio in what she calls her “creative zone,” she embraces and understands that community is important as well, particularly as we move out of the pandemic. In addition to enjoying time in person with customers at shows and markets, Rachel's mom, sister and father help her with her business — especially during busy seasons. She also volunteers at a local community garden.

Also, being a part of the Indie Business Network makes a difference to Rachel because it allows her to interact with like-minded artisan entrepreneurs who provide valuable support and feedback and answers to business questions. It's critical, she says, to be a part of communities — online and off — where you can find your people.

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The post The Power of Personal Pace with Artist Entrepreneur Rachel Beyer – Indie Business Podcast Episode 95 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

After selling on Etsy for less than a year, Chelsea launched her own website with no business background, joined the Indie Business Network, and the rest is witchy history. Today, along with her husband, who has joined the business, Chelsea has a healthy online business selling direct to consumers, a popular subscription box, and several retail stores.

I cannot wait to introduce you to Chelsea and her Witch Baby Soap brand, so sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Chelsea NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The Witch Baby Soap startup story. (starting at 2:30)
2. The “security” of working for yourself. (starting at 6:42)
3. The core messages of the Witch Baby brand. (starting at 8:49)
4. Innovating the “coffin bath bomb.” (starting at 11:44)
5. How to create a product with a meaning and intention, and for a specific target market. (starting at 13:15)
6. Chelsea's journey from Etsy to her own branded website on Shopify. (starting at 16:30)
7. Opening her retail stores. (starting at 18:02)
8. How Chelsea sells her products, and why she does not sell wholesale. (starting at 20:31)
9. How Chelsea sets financial goals for her business. (starting at 22:53)
10. Key business challenges and how Chelsea has overcome them. (starting at 27:15)
11. Employees at Witch Baby Soap, and how they are spread across the various channels. (starting at 29:03)
12. All about the Witch Baby Spell Box, Chelsea's quarterly subscription box. (starting at 30:22)
13. How Chelsea keeps the innovation going in her business: “following the bread crumbs that life gives me.” (starting at 32:15)
14. Why Chelsea begged her husband to quit his job and work Witch Baby with her. (39:45)
15. What opportunities Chelsea sees on the horizon for Makers and creative entrepreneurs. (42:40)

Schedule Your Business Growth Coaching Call

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Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Chelsea and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Online website platform: Shopify
2. Online website platform: Etsy
3. Witch Baby Soap on Instagram
4. Witch Baby Soap website
5. Indie Business Network (join today!)

Important entrepreneurial insights from Chelsea

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Chelsea and I discussed in this episode.

1. Create more than products

There are a million products out there, folks. For example, says Chelsea, there are tons of bath bombs on the market, but when Chelsea designs a bath bomb for the Witch Baby brand, she's designing more than a bath bomb. She's designing a bath bomb for a specific purpose, for a specific person in her specific target community. Her bath bombs have a purpose. When you create a product, Chelsea recommends that you take a similar approach.

Create products with intention and meaning to your specific target customer. That meaning may not be obvious to everyone, but it will be obvious to the people you are targeting and that's all you need because those are the people you want to buy it. As she says, it's an “If you know, you know” kind of thing, and that's what matters to your customer and to your bottom line.

2. Chelsea on planning …

According to Chelsea, focusing too intently on setting hard goals and expectations can stifle creativity and stunt natural growth and learning. Obviously, we all want to make a profit and grow our businesses, but growth year after year and month after month is not the natural way of things says Chelsea. And because she works closely with the cycles of nature in her business and her personal life, she has learned to temper her expectations.

And this is close to a quote that I thought was especially meaningful:

“Nature does not grow all the time. There are periods of dormancy and periods of working within to have a better growth cycle. There are also moments where things will break down, but those are opportunities for building back stronger. I try to just move through the ups and downs of business with very few expectations and take every day as it comes.

I follow the bread crumbs life gives me.

My ultimate goal is not to be the biggest or the most profitable brand. It's to be able to pay our bills, pay our employees and have a comfortable business.

My advice is to have a plan, but don't be rigid. When you have a solid rigid plan you set yourself up for disappointment if you don't end up where you thought you were going to be. I'd rather go with the flow, where life takes me and be happy about that than be worried about getting to a specific goal post.”

Chelsea shared that her business model for product sales revolves around having streamlined to selling soaps only as her core line. She scratches her creative itch by making limited edition products to complement the soaps and boost sales, but soaps remain at the core and are the main focus of the business from a consistent profit center perspective. According to Chelsea, this streamlined approach allows her to be focused on making what sells the most consistently, and adding additional produce income streams on top of that to prevent boredom and remain creative and innovative, yet still profitable.

3. Expect the unexpected

Chelsea says that in a post-COVID-19 world, she makes it a point to stay ahead of potential issues by trying to expect the unexpected and staying ahead of potential issues. She pays more attention now than ever to worldwide news reports. For example, a few years ago, she recalls reports of Mexican cartels holding avocado farms hostage. This ultimately resulted in a rise in avocado oil prices which ultimately affected her costs. Had she not been paying attention to worldwide news that might otherwise not have seemed especially important to her, she would not have been able to anticipate the price rises and would not have been able to implement a backup plan in advance.

Understanding how world events can affect your business is more important than ever now, and Chelsea does her best to stay as informed as possible, even in areas that may not seem relevant at first glance.

Chelsea described herself as an ambivert — that is, she is an extrovert when she needs to be, and she is an introvert the rest of the time. It is very important for creatives to be able to integrate both the introverted and the extroverted parts of their personalities together to come out from the shadows. As Chelsea said, when she does this, she sees immediate results because people do want to see and get to know the creative personality behind the product brand. When done consistently, this always leads to new sales opportunities — and opportunities in general — in your business.

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The post Make More Than Products with Chelsea Selby Randazza of Witch Baby Soap – Indie Business Podcast Episode 94 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode, you're going to meet Toushonta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps in Queen Creek, Arizona and Los Angeles, California. You'll hear us dig deep on a very powerful and personal level into Toushonta's journey from emerging her business two decades ago to expanding it today, all the time building her business around her life rather than the other way around. And, what does this have to do with living a success life as a maker entrepreneur? More than you may realize, in today’s times. I cannot wait for you to hear more from Toushonta and her Scentsational Soaps story, so sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Toushonta NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Toushonta's backstory. (starting at 3:40)
2. Now in the Expand Phase, how Toushonta duplicated herself and her business without skipping a beat. (starting at 7:27)
3. How Toushonta makes and ships her products now that she's operating from two locations. (starting at 10:07)
4. Toushonta talks how streamlining her product line has helped her build her business around the kind of life she wants to have. (starting at 10:58)
5. Toushonta's many creative talents and skills and how she builds income streams around them. (starting at 12:53)
6. How Toushtonta used the pandemic to “step into her own,” now that her children are in college. (starting at 14:09)
7. Toushonta's current multiple income streams. (starting at 18:37)
8. How Toushonta plans and organizes her multiple income streams into a social media marketing “pillar” system that makes business sense. (starting at 24:07)
9. The importance of “finding your happy,” and how it has evolved over time. (starting at 27:51)
10. Toushonta's biggest challenge and how she overcomes it. (starting at 30:20)
11. What's next for Toushonta and her brands (starting at 34:00)
12. “Digital products is everything right now.” (starting at 37:49)
13. Toushonta says: “Keep sticking with the Indie Business Network,” and what to do to be successful in your business today. (starting at 42:33)

Schedule Your Business Growth Coaching Call

Thanks for listening to the Indie Business Podcast! Let's get started taking you and your maker business to the next level with a 45-minute complimentary personalized Business Growth Group Coaching Call.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Toushonta and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Scentsational Soap on Instagram
2. Toushonta Creates on Instagram
3. Indie Business Network (join today!)

Important entrepreneurial insights from Toushonta

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Toushonta and I discussed in this episode.

1. Build your business around your life

After two decades in business, Toushonta has raised both her business and her children. Today, her life has evolved in ways that were not possible when her children were in the home. This newfound freedom has allowed her to evolve by duplicating herself so she can maintain homes in two states, California and Arizona, and still make her products and manage all of the details of her business and her life.

If you have followed my teaching for any amount of time, you know how much I emphasize the importance of building your business around your life, and not the other way around. Toushonta's movement into the Expand Phase of her business is a great illustration of that.

2. Streamline your efforts to succeed

Toushonta shared that her business model for product sales revolves around having streamlined to selling soaps only as her core line. She scratches her creative itch by making limited edition products to complement the soaps and boost sales, but soaps remain at the core and are the main focus of the business from a consistent profit center perspective. According to Toushonta, this streamlined approach allows her to be focused on making what sells the most consistently, and adding additional produce income streams on top of that to prevent boredom and remain creative and innovative, yet still profitable.

3. Come out from the shadows

Toushonta described herself as an ambivert — that is, she is an extrovert when she needs to be, and she is an introvert the rest of the time. It is very important for creatives to be able to integrate both the introverted and the extroverted parts of their personalities together to come out from the shadows. As Toushonta said, when she does this, she sees immediate results because people do want to see and get to know the creative personality behind the product brand. When done consistently, this always leads to new sales opportunities — and opportunities in general — in your business.

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The post Life in the Expand Phase with Toushonta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps – Indie Business Podcast Episode 93 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode, I interview Lauren VanScoy of Essence One in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lauren turned to aromatherapy after feeling anxious and depressed after the birth of her children. After being diagnosed by a health professional with major depression manifesting as anxiety, Lauren was prescribed traditional medication with a twist. Her doctor suggested she explore complementary alternatives, including essential oils.

Lauren took this idea and ran with it, eventually becoming a certified aromatherapist and making blends to improve her mental health. When her friends started asking her to make blends for them, the old entrepreneurial itch started to get scratched, and Essence One was born. I cannot wait for you to hear more from Lauren and her Essence One story, so sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Lauren NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Lauren's mental health story. (starting at 2:50)
2. How Lauren's mental health challenges led to her business. (starting at 8:05)
3. A unique take on Lauren's early business purpose and product launches. (starting at 9:30)
4. Lauren talks best-selling products and sales venues. (starting at 13:30)
5. How wholesale accounts have been helpful to Essence One. (starting at 17:00)
6. Lauren shares her trade show stories and insider tips. (starting at 18:30)
7. The biggest challenge Lauren faces on her entrepreneurial journey. (starting at 24:00)
8. How Lauren's big time-allocation decision affected Essence One. (starting at 29:00)
9. Lauren's words of advice for those thinking about making the move from a part-time business to a full-time passion. (starting at 45:00)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Lauren and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Essence One website
2. Essence One on Instagram
3. Aromatherapy certification: Aromahead Institue
4. Trade show: AmericasMart
5. IBN member benefits: Facebook community and Indie Pods

Important entrepreneurial insights from Lauren

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Lauren and I discussed in this episode.

1. Transitioning from solopreneur

Lauren shared that one of her biggest challenges has been going from doing everything herself to hiring help. After she quit her job two and a half years after starting the business, she quickly hired her first part-time contractor. She now has employees, whom she hired in the middle of the pandemic. Lauren says it's kind of scary to let things go, but doing so freed her to actually lead the business and devote more time to administrative duties that are so important to effectively leading a business.

2. The value of handmade

Even though Lauren uses outside companies to make some of her products for collaborative projects like subscription boxes with huge product requirements, she is dedicated to keeping production in-house. She likes the level of control and she also loves employing people in her community. Lauren acknowledges that making products by hand increases costs, but she also shared that people will pay more for the value of a well made handmade product.

3. Quitting your job to become a full-time entrepreneur

As someone who quit her job to turn her passion into a business, Lauren encourages you to go for it. However, she cautions to make sure you are as financially stable as possible before doing so. No amount of passion can make up for a missed mortgage payment, and Lauren said that financial stability enabled her to focus on her business without additional worry. When she finally quit her job and focused on her business full-time, growth happened. Use your passion as fuel, and maintain a “why not try?” attitude Lauren says.

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* Source: American Psychiatric Association 2020 Foundation Impact Report

The post Overcoming Mental Health Challenges Through Entrepreneurship with Lauren Vanscoy of Essence One – Indie Business Podcast Episode 92 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Candles seemed like a logical choice, and as you'll learn in this episode, Tiana could not have been more right about that! Her entrepreneurial journey started with selling on Etsy, but it most definitely did not end there. Today, Tiana sells on multiple platforms, has a successful YouTube channel, and recently opened a retail store. Grab your notebook and a cup of your favorite beverage, and let's go to business school with Tiana! Enjoy my interview with Tiana NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The Winding Wick Candles back story, including running the business part-time at first. (starting at 2:15)
2. Why Tiana uses YouTube, how she manages it, and some valuable tips. (starting at 13:00)
3. Tiana's business model, including products and services and tips for selling on Etsy. (starting at 21:18)
4. Tiana teaches people how to start a candle business. (starting at 25:37)
5. How being naturally curious works in Tiana's favor. (starting at 30:37)
6. YouTube as an income stream. (starting at 32:10)
7. Studio vlogs vs. “how to” videos on YouTube. (starting at 34:11)
8. Tiana's opening a retail store and productivity tips. (starting at 37:18)
9. Tiana's words of advice for budding candle entrepreneurs. (starting at 49:30)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Tiana and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Winding Wick Candles website
2. Winding Wick Candles on Instagram
3. Marketing firm: Kamadu Marketing
4. Tiana's Channel: YouTube
5. Video editing software: DaVinci Resolve and Movie Maker
6. Copyright free music for creators: Epidemic Sound
7. Seller's handbook: Etsy Seller Handbook
8. Video: How to Start a Candle Business From Home
9. Grow your YouTube channel: YouTube Buddy
10. Calendaring tool: Google Calendar
11. IBN member benefits: Facebook community and Indie Pods

Michael's Tim from timber ridge gifts Standley handcraftedJoined a few FB groups insurance

Important entrepreneurial insights from Tiana

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Tiana and I discussed in this episode.

1. Learning by doing

I love how Tiana's experience shows that the best way to achieve a goal is to take action, even imperfect action. For example, when Tiana first started her business, she set up her own website. Sounds easy enough, right? She learned pretty quickly that having a website is great, but driving targeted traffic to that site is quite another, so she shifted gears and launched an Etsy store. This allowed her to get started by learning how to funnel Etsy's already existing traffic to her store. This kept her startup fees low and allowed her to see regular sales and build a fan base before investing too much money. When she re-launched her own website, it was far easier to drive interested buyers to purchase her products.

2. Opportunity spotting and problem solving

Tiana's YouTube experience illustrates how important it is to spot opportunities to solve people's problems. When Tiana got started on YouTube, she made videos about her business journey. Her research showed that tons of people were searching YouTube for information about how to start a candle business, there were very few videos about the topic on the platform. She made one, and it scored big in terms of view and engagement. It also led to more growth of her channel and her candle business, and paved the way for her to expand her business to teach classes on how to start a candle business, and now, to open a retail store.

3. Tiana on resiliency

Tiana's philosophy is not to be afraid of failure and uncertainty. She says if you keep learning, you can never become worse, you can only get better. This approach is genius in its simplicity, don't you think? If you stop learning, you get worse. If you keep learning, the worst thing that can happen is that you will get better. If that's not an incentive to learn something new every day, I don't know what is. Great advice and insight there from Tiana.

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The post Grow Your Business by Solving People’s Problems with Tiana Coats of Winding Wick Candles – Indie Business Podcast Episode 91 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Today, Jenny focuses on selling her products from her website, Amazon, Etsy, and via her email club, which you'll hear a lot about in this episode. You'll also hear Jenny describe how her husband's support is one of the keys to her success thus far. Not only does he offer physical assistance, but he also contributes an attitude of positivity, curiosity, experimentation and faith in his wife's ability to succeed.

Finally, you'll enjoy the impromptu target audience coaching session I somehow ended up providing for Jenny during the second half of the podcast. That was a fun and unplanned surprise! Enjoy my interview with Jenny NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The brilliant way Jennifer points to sales funnels on her webpage. (starting at 4:50)
2. Jennifer details how her supportive spouse is a key to her business success thus far.. (starting at 6:10)
3. How her daughter's bad reaction to an over-the-counter drug sparked Jennifer's interest in skin care, and how that influenced Jenny the Hemp Goddess. (starting at 9:37)
4. How Jennifer uses her resources wisely to create her own market opportunities. (starting at 13:40)
5. Jennifer talks about how her website is her best sales stream and how its all due to an Indie Business Network member benefit. (starting at 17:10)
6. About Jennifer's hunt for the easy button, and how there isn't one. (starting at 21:00)
7. The hoops Jennifer jumps through to take Jenny the Hemp Goddess across multiple marketplaces. (starting at 22:53)
8. Jennifer and Donna Maria mine deep into the world of the target audience and pull out a whopper of a gem! (starting at 25:12)
9. Event details, marketing tips, and how Jenny's husband is one of the keys to success and fulfillment in business. (starting at 38:00)
10. Jenny's tips and advice for new entrepreneurs. (starting at 45:27)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Jennifer and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Jenny the Hemp Goddess website
2. Jenny the Hemp Goddess on Instagram
3. Jenny the Hemp Goddess on Etsy
4. Indie Business Member Benefits
5. Jenny the Hemp Goddess on Amazon
6. Anything You Want by Derek Sivers on Amazon and on Bookshop.org

Important entrepreneurial insights from Jennifer

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Jennifer and I discussed in this episode.

1. The support of a great partner

Jenny's husband, a retired firefighter, sounds like a dream, so this little segment is more about what to look for in a life partner than anything else. Jenny says that her husband will do pretty much anything she needs help with. As a big dreamer with great ideas, he believes in Jenny and her capabilities. He is always tossing ideas her way, but not only that. He does household chores, helps her organize her office and pitches in to label and pack products.

2. The importance of face-to-face

Jenny says that she loves having an online business, but acknowledges that there is no substitute for meeting people face-to-face as often as possible. She does this as much as she can now, even in the midst of the pandemic, and has plans to eventually open her farm to visitors who can come and hang out with her, learn more about self-care with natural ingredients, and, of course, purchase her products. Road trip anyone?! …

3. Publish that newsletter!

Jenny recently launched a regularly published newsletter and is finding great success. It's boosted her sales as it has also allowed people to get to know her better. She publishes bi-weekly and enjoys sharing events of interest that happen in her business, as well as sharing new products, sales and promotions and general behind-the-scenes looks at her lifestyle and business.

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The post A Supportive Spouse or Partner is Key to Business Success with Jennifer Watt of Jenny the Hemp Goddess – Indie Business Podcast Episode 90 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll also be inspired (and maybe even a little bit convicted personally) by Lakisha's superbly proactive attitude, which is so important for all Makers and entrepreneurs from all walks of life to embrace. Lakisha's get-up-and-go mindset will motivate you to leave it all on the field when it comes to pursuing your goals. As Lakisha says, “If you don't know how to do it, figure out how to do it, and then go out and do it!” Enjoy my interview with Lakisha NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Lakisha's journey to calling North Carolina home. (starting at 2:45)
2. How Simply Unique got started, its growth and purpose. (starting at 3:45)
3. How Lakisha juggles full-time work, grad school, and Simply Unique. (starting at 5:50)
4. How Lakisha turned a forgotten craft project into a thriving business, and important steps. (starting at 8:04)
5. Lakisha shares her process for keeping her scents fresh and interesting, and her line expansion. (starting at 12:37)
6. About Simply Unique's product development and research. (starting at 14:30)
7. How Lakisha handles powering through meltdowns. (starting at 17:16)
8. Lakisha's tips on doing shows and markets (starting at 19:57)
9. How Simply Unique focuses on the unique. (starting at 21:44)
10. Lakisha's talks about her vision for the future of Simply Unique. (starting at 29:22)
11. Words of advice for entrepreneurs getting started. (starting at 33:52)
12. The brilliance of Lakisha's live, sphere-expanding Scentful Sundays events on Instagram. (starting at 35:50)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Lakisha and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Simply Unique website
2. Simply Unique on Instagram
3. A plethora of planners at Michael's
4. Candle supply at Lone Star Candle Co.
5. Timber Ridge Gifts on Youtube
6. Standley Handcrafted on Youtube
7. Indie Business Insurance

Important entrepreneurial insights from Lakisha

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Lakisha and I discussed in this episode.

1. Write it down

As a busy entrepreneur, full-time employee, and student, Lakisha has to be extra careful about how she manages her time. She says that writing things down is one of the keys to her progress. While she uses a formal planner to schedule events and shows, she loves using a basic notebook, pen and paper to keep a running list of the things she has to do. This helps her to break things down, and she really enjoys the sense of accomplishment she experiences when she gets to check things off her list.

2. Research, research and research

Lakisha was very intentional about starting her business. She wanted to make sure everything was just the way she wanted it before she launched. She did a lot of advance research and made a bunch of prototypes to test on friends and acquaintances before actually selling her first products. She relied heavily on YouTube and Facebook groups where she was able to learn everything she needed to get started, and also found suppliers for the waxes and containers she needed to produce quality candles.

3. Lakisha's “I can learn anything” attitude.

I love Lakisha's mindset on learning. It bears repeating word-for-word, so here is the quote from her.

“Nobody goes into anything knowing everything. And that was the mindset that I had. I may not know what to do and how to do it now, but I can learn it and I can figure it out. And there's tons of information available to help you get there.”

Mic drop! It is this mindset that paved the way for Lakisha's Scentfully Sunday platform which she talked about in the podcast. This attitude is the key to entrepreneurial success. Actually, it's the key to life success. Learn what you need to know, and then go out and just do it.

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The post Lakisha McMillian of Simply Unique [Indie Stories: Episode 89: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll hear in this episode, that ancient meaning and symbolism form the basis of the Nefertem product line, which consists of bath and body products designed specifically to help you create a space to reflect and evolve into the best possible version of yourself. You'll also enjoy hearing Brittany tell the Nefertem startup story, which includes quitting jobs, traveling cross the country, home schooling children and working with your spouse — some of it all at the same time. Enjoy my interview with Brittany NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The ancient cultural origins of the Nefertem brand name. (starting at 2:40)
2. How Nefertem started, and how family and lifestyle fit into the entrepreneurial picture. (starting at 4:36)
3. How Brittany markets her products directly to consumers. (starting at 25:28)
4. “Reflect & Evolve” YouTube series. (starting at 26:50)
5. Brittany shares what it's like to work with her husband, Andre. (starting at 28:26)
6. About Nefertem Bundles and how they infuse positive vibes and energy into the products. (starting at 32:58)
7. Future plans for Nefertem. (starting at 37:28)
8. How Brittany's children fit into the business. (starting at 39:18)
9. How Brittany uses TikTok and Instagram. (starting at 44:17)
10. Brittany's words of advice for new entrepreneurs. (starting at 49:05)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Brittany and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Nefertem Holistic Skincare website
2. Nefertem Holistic Skincare on Instagram
3. Marketing firm: Kamadu Marketing
4. Youtube channel: Nefertem on Youtube
5. IBN member benefits: Facebook community and Indie Pods

Important entrepreneurial insights from Brittany

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Brittany and I discussed in this episode.

1. Advice for new, and possibly fearful, entrepreneurs

For new entrepreneurs, Brittany advises simply to have faith. She says that life is too short to let your fears hold you back. Also, she says to surround yourself with other people who are launching or have launched their own businesses. Says Brittany, you cannot put a dollar amount on the value of a community like the one at the Indie Business Network where there is endless support and inspiration in the Facebook community and through participating in programs like out Instagram Pod Program.

2. Trusting the process

Brittany encourages you to refuse to ignore signs that you should move your life in a different direction. When you feel a pull in your life to go in a different direction, try to be open and take the time to pay attention to the signs and think about what they mean. When you do this, Brittany says, you'll be rewarded with more signs to guide you. Brittany says that when she has followed the signs, and been open to them, she has experienced fewer life challenges. When she ignores signs, that's when the challenges show up.

3. Working with your spouse

Brittany said that working with her husband, Andre, is very rewarding, and filled with both ups and downs. It's great, she says, to work a business with your spouse because you know that you always have each other's back. At the same time, you are neck deep in business every single day, day in and day out. This means that a lot of the conversation that might be focused on the two of you as a couple shifts to focus on the business. Her advice is to be careful that you and your partner don't become so intertwined in the business connection that you use sight of the spousal connection.

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The post Brittany Hogan of Nefertem Holistic Skincare [Indie Stories: Episode 88: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

And a mom and a long distance runner. And a long distance runner.

Oh, and she recently celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary. I'm sure I am leaving out some highlights. In a word, Rhonda is amazing. When you listen to this episode, you will swear there is a tiny little nuclear reactor living inside of her. She has boundless energy and is a whirlwind of constant, yet focused, motion.

This episode will motivate and inspire you to pursue all of your dreams to the fullest extent. If you are not on fire to make your mark in the world after hearing from Rhonda, then you might want to check for a pulse. Enjoy my interview with Rhonda NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. How Rhonda started Rareglo — kind of on a fluke. (starting at 2:35)
2. A bit about Rhonda's hair salon, all 30 years of it. (Also, “building Eiffel towers on heads.”) (starting at 6:07)
3. Rhonda's growth as a personal brand. (starting at 9:33)
4. Rhonda's career in the travel industry. (starting at 11:00)
5. How Rhonda runs her business, and what she wants to change. (starting at 15:50)
6. How Rhonda handles her Instagram account and social media in general. (starting at 17:36)
7. Rhonda's most popular products: Skin and Hair Butter and 3N1 Shea Mango Butter Bar. (starting at 25:22)
8. The future of Rhonda's entrepreneurial endeavors. (starting at 27:35)
9. Why Rhonda is not interested in selling her products wholesale. (starting at 28:42)
10. Family matters. (starting at 31:17)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Rhonda and I mentioned the following resources.

1. RareGlo website
2. RareGlo on Instagram
3. Intellectual property attorney: Radiance IP Law

Important entrepreneurial insights from Rhonda

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Rhonda and I discussed in this episode.

1. Leaning into a face-to-face retail sales model

Rhonda shared that she thrives when she is with her people, selling her products in person. Her best way of interacting with her customers is face-to-face because people want to see and talk to her. While selling online is great, says Rhonda, she is leaning into the way people respond to her and her products in person. And, at present, she's not really interested in selling her products wholesale at all.

2. Social media is about getting to know you

Rhonda has heard from all kinds of people about how best to use social media, but at the end of the day, she says she gets results when she integrates her personality with her Rare Glo brand on Instagram. Allowing people to get to know her and what she's all about produces interest, engagement and sales, and she prefers leveraging her personality to just showing up every day and talking just about shea butter products all the time.

3. Rhonda's advice for when you are discouraged on your entrepreneurial journey

Rhonda advises to stay the course and don't give up. It's tempting of course, because entrepreneurship is difficult, and we are all discouraged from time to time. But Rhonda says the tide turns right after you want to quit. The breakthrough is always after the darkness, and if you give up, you are not around to enjoy it.

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The post Rhonda Walters of RareGlo [Indie Stories: Episode 87: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Christie is a very detailed oriented entrepreneur who is not afraid to follow her gut. Her story of intentional brand creation and patiently putting the pieces together will inspire you to take your time and trust your intuition as you lead your business forward. Plus, you'll love how Christie talks about working with her husband in her business. Enjoy my interview with Christie NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Christie shares her entrepreneurial story, including how she used a blog helped her get things going. (starting at 2:18)
2. Christie on research, attention to detail, planning and patience. (starting at 8:27)
3. Following her gut … and serendipity … (starting at 10:35)
4. Working with her husband. (starting at 13:20)
5. The meaning of the brand name: CEVARI. (starting at 16:16)
6. A bit about the CEVARI line of products. (starting at 19:04)
7. Why Christie is keeping her product line tight and small. (starting at 22:28)
8. Christie's business model, including e-commerce, wholesale, plans for selling at physical events, and beauty award winnings. (starting at 24:10)
9. How Christie markets her business using social media, newsletter, etc. (starting at 26:50)
10. Most useful technological devices and favorite apps. (starting at 30:38)
11. What's on tap for the future of CEVARI. (starting at 33:20)
12. Christie's wisdom and words of advice to entrepreneurs, and one of her favorite inspiring quotes. (35:45)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

Since recording this episode, Christie has closed her business. During this podcast, we discussed the following resources.

1. CEVARI website (now closed)
2. Cosmetic formulation classes: Formula Botanica
3. Design and editing app: Canva
4. Newsletter app: Klaviyo
5. Ingredient supplier: Formulator Sample Shop

Important entrepreneurial insights from Christie

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Christie and I discussed in this episode.

1. Don't overcrowd your business

Christie shared her philosophy of not overcrowding her business with too many products. Instead of having a bunch of products in her line, she prefers to create with an intentional perspective, having a few products that help people feel good about themselves, and that become a part of their daily self-care routine. Christie says she's taken her time and really trusted the process that everything will unfold as it should without her having to rush and be hassled and hustling all the time.

2. The power of video

While Christie uses a variety of different social media outlets, including Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, she really loves the power of video on any platform because it allows you to connect so well with your audience. People can get an understanding of who you are, and through the power of video, they can see you and hear your voice, and this engagement paves the way for a deeper and more meaningful business relationship.

3. Follow your heart, always

Christie advises that, when you step into business, make sure you know ahead of time that it is a lot of hard work. It takes up a lot of time and it takes up so much of your mind and your body. It's important to remember to take time for yourself and remind yourself that it's OK to slow down and take a break. Follow your heart and follow your body, and allow it to tell you what to do so you are not always hustling and running from here to there, doing “all the things.” Take the time to not even think about your business for a while so you can recharge and replenish yourself when your heart and your body tell you that you nee to do that.

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The post Christie Krasteva of CEVARI [Indie Stories: Episode 86: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode, you'll hear the whole story, plus get some tips on how to integrate meaningful life experiences into your brand in ways that truly connect with your target buyer. Enjoy my interview with Christine NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Christine Mineart goes from pastry chef to scientist to fragrance formulator. (starting at 1:55)
2. Why it's important to Christine and her customers to know where ingredients come from. (starting at 7:34)
3. The process of going from being interested in perfume, to making and selling it. (starting at 12:00)
4. Christine's first perfume: Love in a Time of Corona, followed by Heaven's Mouth. (starting at 14:45)
5. The story behind the brand name: Sent Nudes. (starting at 18:15)
6. The amazing “Mix Tape.” (starting at 21:33)
7. Why Christine published a digital magazine. (starting at 25:55)
8. Christine's inspiration-based perfume making process. (starting at 34:27)
9. Christine's advice for those wanting to start a business and keep a traditional job. (starting at 41:35)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

Christine has closed her business since this episode was recorded. Here are the resources we discussed in this podcast.

1. Sent Nudes website (closed)
2. Natural perfumer: Mandy Aftel
3. Botanical extract supplier: Perfumer's Apprentice
4. Botanical extract supplier: Eden's Botanicals

Important entrepreneurial insights from Christine

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Christine and I discussed in this episode.

1. Integrating your authentic self into your brand

Christine shared that, for her, the scent creation process is an extension of some thing or experience that has inspired her. It is not the result of feeling the need to create a new scent. The infusion of who Christine is as a person highlights the artistic nature of her work. She compares it to an artist who creates a painting. The artist and the work are integrally connected. A current tangible example of this is how Christine plans to integrate her training as a Reiki Master into her next fragrant creations.

2. Creating a digital magazine

Christine's Sent Nudes Magazine is truly innovative, and it's not just another publication. It's a reflection of the fact that Sent Nudes stands for more than a lovely scented product. It also stands for a particular kind of way to experience life. Through the publication, Christine intends to spotlight the inspiration and radiance that can be found in the every day. This is a strong complement to her brand. I encourage you to think about how you can use content you create to reflect a similar experience for your best buyers.

3. Leading a business while employed full-time

Christine's advice to anyone interested in leading a business while working full-time is simple: start slow and set realistic goals. She described how difficult it is for her to be creative when her basic needs are not met. If you start a business while you have a traditional job, you are not constantly worried about how you're going to provide for yourself. This gives you the mental space you need to create, and not be so stressed out all the time.

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The post Christine Mineart of Sent Nudes [Indie Stories: Episode 85: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Managing multiple income streams requires consistent self-care, and Patty dives into her personal self-care rituals in this episode. Her brand relies heavily on the ancient practices of her Asian women ancestors, and in this episode, Patty describes how this very personal connection is integrated into every product she makes. Enjoy my interview with Patty NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Patty's professional and familial herbal and biochemical background and training (starting at 2:12)
2. How Patty selected her brand name. (starting at 8:34)
3. Patty's income streams: products, classes and services (starting at 9:39)
4. How Patty stays organized, in particular based on her energy flows, and how you can organize your activities based on your energy flows. (starting at 12:16)
5. Daily morning and evening rituals. (starting at 15:00)
6. Patty on maintaining momentum. (starting at 19:28)
7. Impact on Patty's business of Asian culture. (starting 21:27)
8. Some of Patty's products and services, including courses, consulting, Reiki, etc. (starting at 27:58)
9. Patty on Instagram. (starting at 35:37)
10. How Patty gets help in her business. (starting at 42:55)
11. What is on the horizon for Free Flow Botanicals. (starting at 44:30)
12. Patty's startup tips. (starting at 46:06)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Patty and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Free Flow Botanicals website
2. Free Flow Botanicals on Facebook
3. Free Flow Botanicals on Instagram
4. 3-year clinical herbalism training program: Berkeley Herbal Center
5. Versatile design tool: Canva
6. Video and photo: InShot
7. Social media planning tool: Later
8. Hiring tool: Hubstaff Talent

Important entrepreneurial insights from Patty

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Patty and I discussed in this episode.

1. The power of a morning ritual

Patty gave us an in-depth look at her morning ritual, including how she uses it to focus and prepare herself for the day. She credits her morning routine for sustaining her energy level throughout every day and into the evening. Patty also emphasized the importance of coordinating business tasks with different energy levels. For example, she does not like to sit after eating so the hours after dinner are perfect for packing orders, which requires her to be standing and moving around a bit, but which doesn't require a lot of brain power.

2. Repurpose that content, y'all

While the Free Flow Botanicals Instagram page, including the feed, stories, Reels, IGTV and highlights may seem complicated and difficult to maintain, Patty said she is constantly repurposing existing content. She reminded us that the fact that our customers are inundated with content all day long means that we must often share the same content in multiple formats in order to attract their attention. It's a great reminder that we can successfully use content in more than one place, and at different times, so that we are not always having to reinvent the wheel from scratch every time we post.

3. Invest in a business coach

Patty reminded us that one of the most important things we can do as entrepreneurs is to invest in a coach who has already done what we want to do. You and your business are worth it!

Win a Maskne Skincare Set!

Want to enter to win a Free Flow Botanicals Keep it Clear Maskne Skincare Set? Of course you do!

Check out our Instagram for instructions on how to enter to win!

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The post Patty Liu of Free Flow Botanicals [Indie Stories: Episode 84: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode, you'll love hearing not only how Sara pivoted quickly to get her business off the ground in the middle of COVID-19, but also, how she has complemented her core line of fragrance offerings by adding a “choose your own fragrance” option so customers can select a scent formula that appeals uniquely to them. Enjoy my interview with Sara NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. About the Blank Mason brand and the pandemic pivot from brick and mortar to e-commerce. (starting at 2:15)
2. Why a candle business? (starting at 4:43)
3. The importance of customization and DIY. (starting at 5:56)
4. The in-depth story of pivoting during the pandemic. (starting at 6:23)
5. Customizing the website using WordPress and WooCommerce. (starting at 9:06)
6. How Sara's eye for color and aesthetic helped her design her brand. (starting 11:33)
7. Sara's approach to brand building by strategically focusing on what makes her brand unique. (starting at 14:20)
8. Sara's plan to return to her original brick and mortar business model, including her approach to the experience she will deliver to her customers. (starting at 15:30)
9. Sara's sales channels. (starting at 20:07)
10. Sara's favorite social media channels, including use of Reels. (starting at 23:43)
11. New products in the making. (starting at 25:00)
12. Sara's right hand team members. (starting at 26:13)
13. Aromatic cement beads! Cement! (starting at 25:46)
14. Popular fragrances. (starting at 29:05)
15. What Sara sees in the future for makers and creative entrepreneurs. (starting at 30:17)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Sara and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Blank Mason website
2. Blank Mason on Facebook
3. Blank Mason on Instagram
4. Website hosting: WordPress
5. E-Commerce platform: WooCommerce

Important entrepreneurial insights from Sara

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Sara and I discussed in this episode.

1. The power of learning to do tech things yourself

Sara's technical service providers not only help her design and maintain her website, but they also teach her how to perform some of the maintenance and updates herself. This empowers Sara, and is one of the main reasons she selected WordPress over Shopify. With her WordPress site, she has more control and ownership, and can use plugins and learn how to customize and organize them herself without having to pay a monthly fee for the privilege.

2. Give your customers an experience

Don't you love the part where Sara emphasized the point that it is so important to give your customers, not just a great product, but also a unique experience? She talked about how, when she opens her brick and mortar, she will have “scent specialists” to guide and empower customers to learn about scent in an engaging environment. The experience is one of the important components of the brand that will draw friends and family back to it over and over again.

3. The future of the maker world

Sara looked into the future to describe platforms that showcase the making process in a format that allows buyers to participate in the creation of the products, and then buy what they helped create right there on the spot. Can you imagine being able to do that? Well, maybe you can already. After all, almost anything is possible with technology these days! What a great concept to not only buy a product, but to participate in a meaningful way in its creation. That sounds so exciting to me!

Enter to win a $45 gift card to a Blank Mason virtual “create-your-own-candle” experience

Want to enter to win a $45 gift card to a Blank Mason virtual “create-your-own-candle” experience?!

The winner will be able to create their one of a kind custom candle:

1. Choose a scent
2. Pick a mason
3. Customize with your choice of botanicals and/or crystals

If you don't win, don't worry! You can buy this experience here.

Check out our Instagram for instructions on how to enter to win!

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The post Sara Jennetten of Blank Mason [Indie Stories: Episode 83: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll love hearing about how Nadja has leveraged her naturally introverted personality to engage her target audience and create more sales oportunities And for those of you who may be feeling the stress of job insecurity, Nadja, who was laid off not too long ago, has some words of advice for you as well. Enjoy my interview with Nadja NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The “accidental” birth of the FEMMENOIRE brand (starting at 2:50)
2. The connection between self care and hair care, and self esteem — especially where black women are concerned. (starting at 6:39)
3. How Nadja, an introvert, built the confidence to go from making a few products to actually starting a business. (starting at 12:44)
4. Selling vs. serving. (starting at 13:45)
5. Nadja's advice for leading a business while your children are young. (starting at 17:00)
6. How to stay in your own lane. (starting at 18:27)
7. How Nadja selected her brand name. (starting at 19:51)
8. How Nadja markets and sells her products, including Instagram and using alerts and quizzes. (starting at 20:41)
9. Nadja's post COVID-19 vision for her brand. (starting at 32:30)
10. How adding body care products to complement hair care products has boosted Nadja's wholesale accounts. (starting at 34:00)
11. Making connections through being open and educating people. (starting at 37:26)
12. Working a traditional job while leading a business, then getting laid off. (starting 39:39)
13. Best selling products. (starting at 43:06)
14. Nadja's words of advice for would-be entrepreneurs who are facing potential job loss. (starting at 45:50)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Nadja and I mentioned the following resources.

1. FEMMENOIRE website
2. FEMMENOIRE on Facebook
3. FEMMENOIRE on Instagram
4. Quiz app: Octane AI
5. Website hosting: Shopify
6. Text message marketing: Postscript

Important entrepreneurial insights from Nadja

I want to review some of the significant business insights Nadja and I discussed in this episode.

1. Serving vs. selling

Nadja says that the stress of selling was wearing her out, so she adjusted her mindset to embrace the notion of serving people simply by telling her personal hair stories and engaging people around their hair care journeys. It's an approach Nadja says works by leading to the engagement that naturally produces opportunities for people to want to buy her products.

2. Invest in yourself

One of the chief words of advice Nadja offered was the importance of investing in yourself. She recommended engaging the services of a coach or a mentor or someone who is always in your corner to help you get to the next phase of your business experience. No one can do it all alone! I've been in business over 21 years, and I love my business coaches, and I always have at least one.

3. Strategic use of Instagram

I am so impressed and inspired by Nadja's use of Instagram. I strongly encourage you to check it out. No matter what type of product you sell, Nadja's approach can be helpful to you. She talked about how she uses Instagram Reels to be light and entertaining, and how she uses Instagram stories as an eclectic mix of her life generally. Definitely check it out and get some ideas for how you can do the same sorts of things with your instagram account.

Win a jar of Sweet Cream Curl Defining Moisturizer

Want to in a jar of FEMMENOIRE Lemongrass Body Butter? I can tell you from personal experience: you do!

Check out our Instagram for instructions on how to enter to win!

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The post Nadja Renise of FEMMENOIRE [Indie Stories: Episode 82: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Ayanna makes all of her products herself, and is fortunate to have the full support of her husband and daughters, each of whom helps in some capacity in her business. You'll love learning how Ayanna has changed her business model to accommodate the realities of the pandemic. And for those of you with a full-time job and a business, you'll enjoy hearing how she manages to integrate work, business, and family without losing sight of herself. Enjoy my interview with Ayanna NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The story of the Arbria brand name. (starting at 2:24)
2. How Ayanna “took the leap” to entrepreneurship, and integrates working her full-time job and leading her business. (starting at 5:58)
3. Best selling products. (starting at 10:54)
4. A typical day for Ayanna — doing all the things during a pandemic. (starting at 11:49)
5. Ayanna's self-care routine. (starting at 16:24)
6. How leading a business is setting a positive entrepreneurial example for Ayanna's daughters. (starting at 17:35)
7. How Ayanna educated herself before starting her business. (starting at 23:56)
8. How Ayanna sells her products, and how things have changed since the start of the pandemic. (starting at 27:59)
9. How Ayanna ensures that her customers get to sample products they have never tried before. (starting 34:30)
10. How Ayanna uses social media to connect with customers and prospects, and market her business online. (starting at 35:55)
11. What Ayanna sees for the future of Arbria Creations. (starting at 41:13)
12. Ayanna's advice for people who want to keep their full-time jobs, but want to start a business of their own. (starting at 42:55)
13. What Ayanna expects to see from her traditional job as the pandemic begins to wind down. (starting at 49:47)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Ayanna and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Arbria Creations Website
2. Arbria Creations on Facebook
3. Arbria Creations on Instagram
4. Education: School of Natural Skincare
5. Education: Formula Botanica
6. Social media marketing app: Preview
7. Social media marketing app: Hootsuite
8. Inspiration from Dolly Parton to start your business: 5 to 9 with Dolly Parton

Important entrepreneurial insights from Ayanna

Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Ayanna and I discussed in this episode.

1. Self-care is critical

Ayanna says that Saturday is her “making day,” the “fun” day of the week, and Sunday is her self-care day. She reminds us that, while our busy lives make it easy to skip self-care, in the end, taking care of ourselves is the most important thing we do in our lives.

2. Scheduling

It was great to hear how Ayanna schedules everything so her life can run as smoothy as possible. Having a schedule frees her to enjoy her life more because everything has a specific time when it will get done, leaving the other times of the day for her to do whatever she wants to do. It's so interesting to see how the discipline of a schedule may seem limiting at first, but it's actually so freeing.

3. The pandemic pivot

Before the pandemic, most of Ayanna's sales came through physical events. With the onset of Covid-19, however, she quickly pivoted to online sales, and had decided she will not look back. Ayanna said she never envisioned that she would stop participating in physical events altogether, but now that she has seen the growth of her business through online sales, and that she can host virtual sales events, there's no reason to go back to the days of recruiting her entire family to help sell products in person at shows.

Win a bottle of Multi-purpose Body Oil

Want to in a bottle of Arbria Creations Nourishing Body Oil?

Here's how to win! Do these 3 easy and fast things by 11:59pm on Saturday March 28, 2021, to be entered to win:

1. Follow @indiebusiness on Instagram
2. Follow @arbriacreations on Instagram
3. Tag a friend on this Instagram post announcing this podcast episode

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Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

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The post Ayanna Jackson of Arbria Creations [Indie Stories: Episode 81: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Mindy started her business in 2011 after creating a simple formula that helped her daughter's skin condition. By 2016, she had gone part-time at her traditional job, and at the start of 2017, she quit her job altogether to pursue her business full-time, and she never looked back. Mindy makes all of of her products herself and has the full support of her husband who occasionally helps her pack and ship out larger orders. You'll love learning about the intentionality with which Mindy leads her business, and how she combines running it while mothering two active children. Enjoy my interview with Mindy NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. From motherhood to full-time job to part-time job to full-time Fyve (starting at 2:30)
2. Discussing the latest news of women leaving the work force due to the pandemic. (starting at 8:22)
3. How Mindy selected her business brand name: Fyve. (starting at 13:00)
4. An overview of how Mindy stays so organized, and learns how to do ANYthing. (starting at 15:15)
5. Mindy on confidence. (starting at 18:00)
6. How Mindy sells her products. (starting at 22:19)
7. The products in Mindy's line, and what's hot right now. (see below for a chance to win a jar). (starting 25:02)
8. Mindy's approach to packaging her products for that awesome customer experience. (starting at 26:00)
9. Mindy's favorite tech tools. (starting at 30:18)
10. Who helps Mindy in her business. (starting at 32:20)
11. How Mindy manages it all. (starting at 33:30)
12. Mindy shares the therapeutic process of making. (starting at 35:45)
13. The power of defining your life however you want to define it. (starting at 37:17)
14. Mindy's words of advice to product Makers. (starting at 39:48)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

Since recording this episode, Mindy has closed her business. We discussed these resources on the podcast.

1. Fyve website (closed)
2. Fyve on Facebook
3. Fyve on Instagram
4. Learn anything: YouTube
5. Social media scheduler: Later
6. Online content editor: Canva
7. Membership: Indie Business Network

Important entrepreneurial insights from Mindy

I want to emphasize something Mindy said that I thought was especially insightful.

1. Take baby steps

Mindy started her business with two products in her line. That doesn't seem like a lot, but as you heard her say, even one product is enough to wear you out. There's so much to be done when launching a new brand that making and selling even one product can be exhausting. Starting small allows you to be intentional and careful without wearing yourself out. It also teaches you that baby steps can lead to big results. You don't have to have a ton of products in your line to build a solid brand.

2. You can learn to do anything you set your mind to

Currently, Mindy does pretty much everything in her business, from creating new formulas; to ingredient and packaging sourcing; to most of the product photography; to packing and shipping. She has learned how to do so many things because she has an encyclopedia in her pocket in the form of the Internet on her smart phone. If she wants to learn how to do something, she looks it up and figures it out. These days nothing you need to know to build a business is beyond your reach if you have a cell phone and a WiFi connection.

3. Create the life you love

Over and over, you heard Mindy repeat what she has heard me say so many times over the past two decades: create the live you love. Simply stated, Mindy doesn't do anything in her business that does not feed the lifestyle her business is helping her to create. Do your business how you want to do it, and use it to support the kind of life you want to live. Some super great insights there.

Win a jar of Lemongrass Body Butter

Want to in a jar of Fyve Lemongrass Body Butter? I can tell you from personal experience: you do!

Do these 3 easy and fast things by 11:59pm on Saturday March 20, 2021, to be entered to win!

1. Follow @indiebusiness on Instagram
2. Follow @fyvebeauty on Instagram
3. Tag a friend on this Instagram post announcing this podcast episode

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Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

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The post Mindy Cheng of Fyve, Inc. [Indie Stories: Episode 80: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll enjoy hearing about how Patricia purchased her business under less than desirable circumstances, and is slowly turning the financial corner. You'll also be inspired by her passion for the brand, and the courage and fortitude she is displaying as she manages a business that came with so many unforeseen challenges. Enjoy my interview with Patricia NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. How Patricia came to Indie Business, and how she started her business. (starting at 1:35)
2. Patricia shares the process of purchasing Green Valley Herbal. (starting at 3:25)
3. What Patricia considered when buying the company, which had been in financial distress. (starting at 6:24)
4. How Patricia figured out how to handle the financial distress by changing product pricing. (starting at 9:00)
5. Patricia's typical day. (starting at 11:22)
6. Patricia's background as a massage therapist and natural health and wellness practitioner and coach (starting at 14:00)
7. How Patricia markets her products and massage therapy services. (starting at 16:06)
8. How Patricia's family members help her make products and manage the business. (starting at 23:05)
9. How Patricia decides what products are good enough to be in her line. (starting at 25:18)
10. Customizing products for consumers and for private label. (starting at 28:12)
11. How Patricia has pivoted during COVID-19. (starting at 32:40)
12. A bit about some of Patricia's products. (starting at 37:22)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Patricia and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Green Valley Herbal's Website
2. Green Valley Herbal on Facebook
3. Community: Goddess Girlfriends Network
4. Education: Evergreen Clinic of Natural Medicine
5. Entrepreneur services: Energize Colorado

Important entrepreneurial insights from Patricia

I want to emphasize something Patricia said that I thought was especially insightful.

1. About buying a business …

Patricia didn't know what to look for as the potential buyer of a company, but she had a passion for the brand — so much so that she didn't want to pass up the opportunity. She's happy with her decision as she looks back on it, but one of the issues she's having trouble sorting through is a full restructuring of the company's product pricing by doing such things as raising prices, standardizing packaging, and in some instances, keeping the same price but decreasing product size. It's a massive undertaking. Costs and product pricing are two of the important things you'll want to in advance if you're considering buying a business.

2. Filling a market need

Patricia's experience highlights the importance of aiming your products at specific marketplace needs. For example, her Working Hands product was renamed Washing Hands as the pandemic created additional demand for moisturizers as people washed their hands more in the wake of COVID-19. She was able to rename an existing product to accommodate increased marketplace demand. That's a great strategy!

Enter to win the Goddess Aromatherapy Mist Collection

Would you like to be entered to win the Green Valley Herbal Goddess Aromatherapy Mist Collection? Here are the three aromatherapy blends you'll get: Awaken (peppermint and grapefruit essential oils); Bliss (tangerine, rosewood & lavender essential oils); and Tension Tonic (lavender and rosemary essential oils). Doesn't that sound amazing?!

Here's how to enter to win! All you have to do is share this blog post on Twitter (you can use the “Tweet This” option below), and tag @indiebusiness on Twitter by Saturday, March 13 at 11:59pm ET. We'll check you out and pick a winner at random and notify you via Twitter DM.

And if you don't win, you can buy them here.

Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes

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Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

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The post Patricia Nizalowski of Green Valley Herbal [Indie Stories: Episode 79: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll love the story of how Isabel went from making very intricately designed customized candles to crafting the small but beautiful line of candles and wax melts that are anchored by their viral best selling Cuban Bread line, and which includes scents like Cafe Con Leche, Noche Buena, and Havana Nights, which Isabel says smells like “a good looking Cuban man.” Enjoy my interview with Isabel NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The story behind the Albisa brand, the brand name and the logo. (starting at 1:57)
2. The infusion of all things Cuban, and the Cuban Bread candle, into the Albisa brand. (starting at 7:26)
3. Transitioning from customizing candles to selling a standard line. (starting at 10:25)
4. Finding your people. (starting at 13:00)
5. The Havana Nights story, and how it led to creation of the Albisa collection. (starting at 14:50)
6. From candles to wax melts. (starting at 37:00)
7. How Isabel uses social media, and why she likes to do a lot of it herself, an how that leads to increased sales. (starting at 38:47)
8. Hiring help. (starting at 41:10)
9. How the pandemic has affected sales. (starting at 43:17)
10. What Isabel sees in Albisa's future, including changes to shipping and receiving, and even more fun in her business. (49:30)
11. How taking the time to connect personally with customers and buyers enhances Isabel's life. (52:10)
12. Isabel's advice to new Makers. (starting at 43:36)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Melissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Albisa Candles's Website
2. Albisa Candles on Facebook
3. Albisa Candles on Instagram
4. Education: Brick House Branding
5. Blog: My Big Fat Cuban Family
6. Social media scheduling app: Planoly

Important entrepreneurial insights from Isabel

1. Find your people

During the conversation, Isabel kept reminding us of how important it is to find your people and your niche. You cannot be all things to all people. Clarify your brand to embrace what is meaningful to a specific type of person so you can break through the noise, have a greater impact, and enjoy more sales.

2. Personalize your brand

Over and over again, Isabel shared that the personal connections she has with her clients and customers benefit not only them but also herself personally. The impact of the work she and her family do together adds such meaning to other people's lives that it alone is one of the things that keeps her going when the going gets tough — as it often does for entrepreneurs. Isabel says that people respond to the personal touch, so even though it's more work, she loves and plans to continue taking the time to connect personally with her people.

3. Ditch perfection

Isabel reminded us several times that people don't want perfect. They want real. Instead of avoiding promoting your business because you are afraid you won't be perfect on video or whatever, embrace promotional opportunities that arise naturally because you are not perfect.

Enter to win a Cuban Bread Candle

Want to win one of Albisa's Cuban Bread candles?

How to Enter to Win!

Do these 3 easy and fast things by 11:59pm on Saturday February 20, 2021, to be entered to win!

1. Follow @indiebusiness on Instagram
2. Follow @albisacandles on Instagram
3. Tag a friend on this Instagram post announcing this podcast episode

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The post Isabel Alvarez of Albisa Candles [Indie Stories: Episode 78: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Laura recently signed a lease to open a new retail store in the Georgetown section of Redding, Connecticut, so you'll soon be able to visit and buy her products in person. Road trip anyone?! I definitely cannot wait to do that. Enjoy my interview with Laura NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. How Laura went from “making stuff” to selling $300 in soap, lotion, and lip balm at the Christmas bazaar at the local firehouse (starting at 1:23)
2. The birth of the “Olive My” brand and how the name came to be. (starting at 4:40)
3. How Laura rotates her candle fragrance offerings throughout the year. (starting at 6:10)
4. Selling candles in a pandemic, and how Laura pivoted from almost all wholesale to almost all retail in the midst of COVID-19. (9:12)
5. How product photography works for Laura's brand (starting at 16:51)
6. Who helps Laura in her business. (starting at 18:26)
7. Laura on tooting your own horn. (starting at 26:40)
8. Some of the technology Laura uses to run her business. (starting at 27:39)
9. The importance of educating your customers. (starting at 28:53)
10. The infamous zip code candles. (starting at 30:44)
11. Laura's registered trademarks. (starting at 34:45)
12. Laura is going to open a store. (starting at 36:41)
13. Having the same business for a long time, does not mean doing the same thing for a long time. (starting at 37:50)
14. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. (starting at 38:50)
15. Laura's words of advice to new Makers. (starting at 40:26)
16. Laura's praise for the Indie Business experience. (Thank you, Laura!) (starting at 42:43)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Melissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Olive My Skin's Website
2. Olive My Skin on Facebook
3. Olive My Skin on Instagram
4. Wholesale resource: Faire
5. Website platforms: Shopify and Squarespace
6. Email marketing platform: Klaviyo
7. Live video: Facebook Live
8. Membership: Indie Business Network

Important entrepreneurial insight from Laura

1. Do what you love

Laura reminded us that you should do what you love to do, regardless of what others think. As she mentioned in our conversation, she has been told by many people that she should not be the primary person making most of the products in her line. But Laura says that, while she has help making some things, she finds the making process therapeutic and fun, so she will continue to do it until it is no longer fun and therapeutic and fun. The lesson here is to lead your business in ways that bring you joy, regardless of what other people say.

2. Educate your customers

Laura says that she enjoys the process of educating her customers so they know the ins and outs of why her products are a good choice for them. In particular, she says, making sure people know how to use her products safely and and telling them about the safe ingredients contained in her products add a great deal of value to her brand. Educated consumers buy more products, so Laura makes sure to keep her target audience informed about the things that are important to them.

3. Product photography is everything

Well, maybe not everything. Laura says that she knows people buy her products in larger numbers, especially the candles, in large part because of an emotional connection they feel to a scent or mood they want to create. Her product photographer is skilled at capturing images that reflect people's emotions. As a result, Laura sells more candles. As you heard her say, you cannot underestimate the power of a beautiful branded lifestyle photo.

Enter to win an Olive My Skin Sprinkled Alchemist Cupcake Candle

Want to in a Sprinkled Alchemist Cupcake Candle? Of course you do! See how to enter to win below the image!

How to Enter to Win!

Do these 3 easy and fast things by 11:59pm on February 11, 2021, to be entered to win!

1. Follow @indiebusiness on Instagram
2. Follow @olivemyskin on Instagram
3. Tag a friend on this Instagram post announcing this podcast episode

Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes

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The post Laura Luther of Olive My Skin [Indie Stories: Episode 77: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Ciara graduated with honors from the Natural Product Manufacturing program at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Her mission is providing effective, organic and plant-based skin care products using great quality ingredients. Enjoy my interview with Ciara NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. How Ciara came to America to start a new life, meet her future husband, and a new business. (starting at 1:23)
2. Ciara, the cautious risk taker. (starting at 6:50)
3. The process of starting Ciara's business. (starting at 10:48)
4. How Ciara's husband helps her in her business, and how she helps him in his. (starting at 15:00)
5. The structure of Ciara's business: physical presence (at her husband's antique shop), online sales, physical markets, wholesale to retail stores in New England. (starting at 15:40)
6. Ciara's feedback and experience about selling at farmer's markets. (starting at 18:35)
7. How COVID-19 led to free shipping, and massive increase in sales. (starting at 22:56)
8. Ciara's favorite parts of her business. (starting at 27:35)
9. Setting up a website. (starting at 30:10)
10. Ciara does all of her own photography (30:53)
11. Ciara's thoughts on automation and systems when it comes to social media marketing. (starting at 34:49)
12. Who helps Ciara in her business. (starting at 37:47)
13. Building a business around what you want your life to look like. (starting at 40:51)
14. Ciara's best selling product (and you can win a bottle of it — see below!) (starting at 40:55)
15. Ciara's advice to new Makers. (starting at 43:36)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Melissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Pure Body Nantucket's Website
2. Pure Body Nantucket on Facebook
3. Pure Body Nantucket on Instagram
4. Education: American College of Healthcare Sciences
5. Education: Evergreen Clinic of Natural Medicine
6. Farmer's Market: Sustainable Nantucket
7. Website design: Neha: Email Neha@jadelilly.com
8. Membership: Indie Business Network
9. Antique store: The Antiques Depot: 2 South Beach Street, Nantucket: 508-228-1287

Important entrepreneurial insight from Ciara

I want to emphasize something Ciara said that I thought was especially insightful.

So often, we do not want to offer free shipping because shipping is a huge expense. Ciara intentionally decided in favor of free shipping for orders, regardless of size, and she says that not only is it a great incentive generally, but it's also a great way to thank your customers for paying full price for your products.

Ciara says she really does not like having sales, and the incentive of free shipping brings people back over and over again, and they often refer their friends to her store simply because they will not have to pay for shipping — even if they purchase just one thing.

I think this is something for all brands to consider, especially since having to pay for shipping is one of the chief reasons shoppers abandon their carts and don't return.

Win a bottle of Nourishing Body Oil

Want to in a bottle of Pure Body Nantucket's Nourishing Body Oil?

Here's how to win! All you have to do is share this blog post on Twitter, and tag @indiebusiness on Twitter by Saturday, December 5 at 11:59pm ET. We'll check you out and pick a winner at random and notify you via DM.

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The post Ciara Fritsch of Pure Body Nantucket [Indie Stories: Episode 76: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, Lisa sells her products to spas, and pivoted a bit to accommodate COVID-19. Enjoy my interview with Lisa NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. How Lisa's drive to learn to make her own skincare products led her to Indie Business. (starting at 1:33)
2. Lisa's intention of being in business for herself, and words of wisdom for other parent entrepreneurs — especially in light of COVID-19. (starting at 5:54)
3. How Lisa landed her first spa account. (starting at 8:20)
4. Wild Air core scents: Cranberry Orange, Chocolate, Lemon Verbena and more. (starting at 11:55)
5. The importance of story and relationships. (starting at 13:53)
6. How retail sales have picked up some of the slack from the loss of wholesale sales during COVID-19. (starting at 15:51)
7. Boosting sales using segmented email blasts and Facebook Live. (starting at 18:30)
8. Lisa's appearance on the Artisan Made Show. (25:20)
9. How Lisa organizes her production. (27:51)
10. Lisa's supportive family, and moving from home to an outside production facility. (30:55)
11. Advice on finding and managing an outside production facility. (starting at 34:34)
12. Lisa's future plans (starting at 38:20)
13. Advice and words of wisdom from Lisa (starting at 40:40)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Lisa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Wild Air Skincare's Website
2. Wild Air Skincare on Facebook
3. Wild Air Skincare on Instagram
4. Spa Association: Colorado Spa Association
5. Website platform: Shopify
6. Shipping plugin: Shippo
7. Website announcement bar plugin: Quick Announcement Bar

A few of the entrepreneurial points Lisa and I discussed in this episode

1. Don't make every thing.
   Lisa confirms that you cannot be all things to all people. She has narrowly defined her product line you can have thousands of different product collections, but Lisa says this is a recipe for disaster. Everyone has ideas and suggestions, but you have to stick to your target audience and your brand, and nail a few things well. Lisa manicures, pedicures, and massages, Lisa does not make it. She also limited her line to seven scents reflecting experiences or scents that inspired her impressions of New England.
   
2. Shift to Facebook live.
   Lisa had always wants to highlight some of her spa customers, and COVID-19 provided a great opportunity to start using Facebook live to simultaneously highlight her clients and products. This is a great way to pivot during the pandemic. Since spa owners are having a difficult time attracting customers, the additional lift can only help them, and while it also promotes the Wild Air line as on the shelf at a great spa.
   
3. Be intentional when adding new products to a line.
   Lisa's business has been steady for years because she has been focused on serving a very specific niche. When she adds a new product to her line, it is the result of a well thought out strategy and not a knee jerk reaction to an off-the-cuff customer remark or something a magazine says is hot and trendy. For example, because she has had to pivot a bit to accommodate COVID-19, Lisa's newest products (the first she's launched in years), lavender sugar scrub and lavender body butter, are specific responses to COVID-19 and consumers love for lavender. Lavender is not a scent that her spa buyers have expressed much of an interest in, but due to a need to boost consumer sales, Lisa added lavender scented products because that's what consumers asked for.
   
   You can enter to win some of Lisa's new Lavender Sugar Scrub below!!

Enter to win Wild Air Lavender Body Scrub!

Want to win some of Lisa's new Lavender Body Scrub?

Entering to win is easy. Just (1) share this blog post on your Facebook profile page using the share link at the top of this page; and (2) leave a comment below with your favorite part of the podcast and the link we can go to verify your share, no later than 11:59pm ET on Friday, November 13, 2020. The drawing will take place on Saturday, November 13, 2020, and you'll be notified via Facebook Message. Good luck!

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The post Lisa Kennally of Wild Air Skincare [Indie Stories: Episode 75: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode, I talk with Kirsten about several aspects of her business, including how she is navigating the many aspects of COVID-19 and what she sees on the horizon for the future of Flourish in particular and American Makers in general. Enjoy my interview with Kirsten NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. A little about White River Junction, Vermont, and the story behind Kirsten's amazing retail store. (starting at 2:14)
2. About Kirsten's business model and income streams. (starting at 6:35)
3. How Kirsten uses technology to maintain personal interaction and connection with her customers. (starting at 7:10)
4. How and when Kirsten decided to start a business, and how Flourish came to be. (starting at 11:35)
5. Why focus on hair care when there are so many other options? (starting at 16:38)
6. The importance of educating your customers. (starting at 19:20)
7. Why Kirsten maintains a blog, and how it delivers traffic and sales. (starting at 19:47)
8. Why Kirsten uses WordPress with Woo Commerce as her website platform. (starting at 23:30)
9. How Kirsten's online sales have quadrupled during COVID-19. (starting at 25:15)
10. How wholesale orders have been affected by COVID-19. (starting at 27:33)
11. Big lesson: paring down your product line. (starting at 29:39)
12. What Kirsten has to say about the explosion of e-commerce in the hair care arena. (starting at 32:12)
13. How Kirsten chose the “Flourish Beauty Lab” brand name. (starting at 36:40)
14. Flourish employees and what they do; how Flourish Beauty Lab operates behind the scenes and how COVID-19 is impacting in-store retail sales (starting at 39:14)
15. Words of wisdom from Kirsten (starting at 46:45)

Resources and Links

In this episode, Melissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Flourish Beauty Lab's Website
2. Flourish Beauty Lab on Facebook
3. Flourish Beauty Lab on Instagram
4. Online chat software: Live Chat
5. Website platform: WordPress
6. E-commerce for WordPress: Woo Commerce

A few of the entrepreneurial points Kirsten and I discussed in this episode

1. The personal touch closes the sale.
   Kirsten's business is high touch because, she says, being personally connected to her customers is important to her. This manifests itself physically at her retail store, but also virtually by her use of the live chat option on her website. The more personal and immediate your response to your prospects, the more likely you are to close the sale.
2. Blog posts drive traffic.
   Kirsten shared that many people find her products because of her blog posts. For example, she blogs about the everyday hair problems people have, and when they search those types of topics online, some of them will land at Kirsten's site where they will get their questions answered at the same time as they have opportunities to buy the products that will solve their problems. This is such a great example of blogging for business in action.
3. The importance of streamlining.
   Kirsten said that one of the things she advises generally for all Makers is to maintain a streamlined product line. She recalled for us a time when she had 60 stock keeping units (SKUs) in her line, which made buyers go completely cross-eyed. Even today, she continues to pare things down, including discontinuing three-quarters of her body care line so she can focus even more on hair care products.

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The post Kirsten Conner of Flourish Beauty Lab [Maker Stories: Episode 74: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, Melissa launched Mocha Whip in December 2017, and the first products were sold in March 2018. It's a local family business in every sense of the word, as the State of Florida is where the products are made and where the brand's physical retail footprint is. It's focused, intentional, and, as you'll see, successful. Enjoy my interview with Melissa NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. How Melissa's hobby went from passion project to taking over the entire first floor of the family home. (starting at 1:50)
2. How Melissa knew it was time to move her business out of her home, and how she did it. (starting at 5:10)
3. How Melissa's family helps her run the business, with each person having specific strengths, contributions, and responsibilities. (starting at 12:20)
4. How a failed hair extensions business led to the launch of Mocha Whip, and what the Mocha Whip brand stands for. (starting at 11:25)
5. Why vegan is important. (starting at 18:38)
6. About those “cuties” and “swirlies.” (starting at 19:15)
7. Melissa gets nerdy, talking her approach to social media marketing, and offering some sage advice. (starting at 21:55)
8. How Melissa sells her products: online, wholesale. (starting at 31:00)
9. Best selling fragrance. (starting at 31:47)
10. Why it's important to Melissa that Mocha Whip products be handmade in-house by her and her team. (starting at 32:37)
11. What Melissa sees for the future of the handmade industry. (starting at 33:45)
12. Melissa's words of advice for new entrepreneurs. (starting at 37:23)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Melissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Mocha Whip's Website
2. Mocha Whip on Facebook
3. Mocha Whip on Instagram
4. Online wholesale platform: Faire
5. Retail stores: Earth Fare and Whole Foods

A few of the entrepreneurial points Melissa and I discussed in this episode

1. The importance of writing things down.
   Melissa shared that journaling her ideas and the steps she wants to take to move her business forward before she actually takes them is a game changer. Once things get crazy, she says, it's really hard to think, so being able to go back and read thoughts you recorded when you were thinking straight is invaluable. It's like giving yourself a good pep talk, and it's how Melissa says she gets to appear to have it all together, even when she really doesn't.
2. Managing the family side of the family business.
   Being in business with so many family members is peaceful for Melissa because each family member has their own lane. Melissa emphasized how important it is to recognize the strengths of each individual and ensure that the business is set up in ways that allow them to maximize them. It's also important to stay in your lane and to not be in each other's space.
3. Why Instagram is Melissa's favorite online marketing tool.
   Melissa says that, for business, currently, Instagram is her preferred online marketing tool versus Facebook because it has the highest engagement. Additionally, unless you are purchasing ads, Facebook's transition to favor more personal and non-business sharing, has made it more difficult for marketers to share brand messages on the platform. For that reason, Melissa prefers Instagram these days, but she also recognizes that all of that could change next week considering how quickly things can shift and change with social media.

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The post Melissa Troupe of Mocha Whip [Maker Stories: Episode 73: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

After you enjoy this episode, I encourage you to listen to the first episode we did with Alana over five years ago (link below) because it will provide a super fun overview of how things have evolved in her life and her business during the past several years. Enjoy my interview with Alana NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Alana went from using soapmaking as a distraction, to using it as a business. (starting at 4:13)
2. How living and working in San Francisco positively impacts Alana's entrepreneurial engine (starting at 6:00)
3. The San Francisco Maker vibe that Alana taps into and loves. (starting at 8:00)
4. Alana's transition from home manufacturing to a facility outside her home. (starting at 10:13)
5. How having a baby have temporarily shifted Alana's priorities, mindset, and how the runs her business. (starting at 17:32)
6. What Alana says you should consider if you are an entrepreneur contemplating parenthood. (starting at 28:35)
7. How to follow Alana, and a little bit more about her products, artisan products for foodies. (starting at 39:50)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Alana and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Etta + Billie's first appearance on Indie Business Podcast
2. Local manufacturing non-profit: SF Made
3. Etta + Billie's Website
4. Etta + Billie on Facebook
5. Etta + Billie on Instagram

A few of the entrepreneurial points Alana and I discussed in this episode

1. How parenthood changes everything.
   Alana talked about how challenging it is to be a parent and an entrepreneur. For those of you listening who are contemplating parenthood, Alana shared that being flexible is critical. She also mentioned how important it was for her to allow herself to “grieve” the life she had before a child was introduced into the situation. I think this is so wise. it may be hard for people who are not parents to fully understand the meaning behind that, and how it is not a negative thing, but really just a reality. Your life and your business will change if you decide to become a parent.
2. Acquiring help and studio space.
   Alana has moved from her home office and manufacturing studio to a small space, to now, two spaces. She also has two full-time employees, two part-time employees, and a seasonal employee. This is a lot to manage, and Alana pointed out how getting help with her child is one of the chief things that has allowed her to integrate things so that all aspects of her life come together in a manageable way.
3. Growth on your own terms.
   I love how Alana shared honestly that, for her, choosing parenting has also meant choosing a slower growth for her business. Not everyone will make a similar choice, but it is so freeing to know that you can choose what is right for you and not what other people think or say is right for you. A business does not have to be huge to be successful. Not only that, as Alana and I discussed, you can always change your mind and grow faster or grow more slowly as your journey unfolds. As she said, you are in the driver's seat!

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The post Alana Rivera of Etta and Billie [Maker Stories: Episode 72: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Here it is: they are all determined to grow a business that allows them to maintain a certain type of very specific lifestyle.

Of course, they are not ignoring the hallmark requirement that business be profitable, or that the products and services they offer fill a tangible and specifically identifiable market demand. Having said that, Indie Business Podcast guests tend to be more concerned that business not interfere with the type of way they want to enjoy their lives.

They took the traditional business model that most of us grew up with, and turned it on its head so that it performed in ways that allowed them to simultaneously prioritize lifestyle and profitability, and they just went for it.

In this episode of Indie Business Podcast, I personally dive deeply into this topic, which is one of my favorites, and share the top 10 strategies you can use to make sure that your business support your specific lifestyle desires.

Enjoy this episode NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the strategies I share in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Plan and re-plan. (starting at 3:47)
2. Track everything. (starting at 8:40)
3. Work in batches. (starting at 10:53)
4. Get input from other people. (starting at 14:35)
5. Embrace change and risk-taking. (starting at 17:00)
6. Don't overthink change. (starting at 20:04)
7. Practice developing your leadership skills. (starting at 21:53)
8. Journal your journey. (starting at 24:48)
9. Bring your family along with you. (starting at 27:07)
10. Declare what you want, and be intentional about it. (starting at 29:30)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Pam and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Maker Mastermind
2. Join the Indie Business Network

Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts (on iPhone) or Stitcher (via Google Play or via Apple Podcasts).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to break all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Make Your Business Support Your Life: Indie Business Podcast: Episode 71 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, Marissa's business is more about how she wants to live her life and positively impact women than it is about selling beauty products. Enjoy my interview with Marissa NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Marissa shares about the intrigue of “elixirs,” and how she transitioned from jewelry maker to beautypreneur. (starting at 2:22)
2. How working with the energy and power of gemstones informs Marissa's brand. (starting at 4:45)
3. How Marissa started Precious Skin Elixirs. (starting at 5:45)
4. How Marissa combines entrepreneurship and motherhood. (starting at 9:58)
5. Why Marissa is glad she was not on social media, including Instagram, when she started her business (starting at 15:04)
6. Marissa's favorite ways to use Instagram, and the importance of discipline when it comes to using it. (starting at 17:44)
7. How Marissa sells her products wholesale and retail, using a combination of word-of-mouth, a newsletter, and social media. (starting at 23:09)
8. How Marissa uses Instagram TV specifically to sell her products. (starting at 26:00)
9. The most challenging part of leading a business, according to Marissa, and how she overcomes it (starting at 32:16)
10. Marissa discusses her (current) best selling product, and how her product lines are identified by skin rhythms in conjunction with natural elements (starting at 39:55)
11. Marissa shares her approach to business as a lifestyle. (starting at 46:04)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Marissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Precious Skin Elixirs website
2. Precious Skin Elixirs on Facebook
3. Precious Skin Elixirs on Instagram

A few of the entrepreneurial points Marissa and I discussed in this episode

1. Making the patchwork quilt work.
   Marissa talked about how she pieces things together behind the scenes in her business so her life can work as it should. This is a great encouragement for other mom business owners out there who may be thinking that the lack of “neatness” is somehow not normal. It is normal, especially when you have children, and Marissa reminds us that that is OK.
   
2. Using Instagram video to connect with buyers.
   Marissa said that she jumped into Instagram TV because she wanted to connect more closely with her customers. She generates ales simply by being herself in her bathroom, on a video, showing people how to use her products. People go from watching her and getting her live recommendations to her website to make their purchases based on her advice. This is a great example of how to combine high tech and high touch to produce sales results.
   
3. Go small.
   Marissa pointed out that not every business has to be big, and that she prefers to stay small. I love her her approach because it is a super reminder that you can grow as an entrepreneur, and your business can grow too, but you don't have to build out a mammoth empire to be personally fulfilled and financially rewarded as an entrepreneur.
   
   You may enjoy more about this mindset in my blog post Six Keys to Going Big in Business Without Growing Big in Business.

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The post Marissa Bethoney of Precious Skin Elixirs [Maker Stories: Episode 70: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Since starting Stella Chroma, Pam has taught her husband, her son and her son's fiancé how to make nail polish. It's truly a family business built around Pam's desire for a specific type of lifestyle … and you know what a high value prize that is. Enjoy my interview with Pam NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Pam kicks things off from her car, sharing a bit of how she uses technology to go from podcast interview to lunch to errands to her day job, etc. (starting at 2:33)
2. How Pam started her business, as a result of her nail biting habit, including her Etsy experience. (starting at 4:37)
3. Nail Polish Ingredients and Making 101. (starting at 10:45)
4. How Pam sells her products, including closing her Etsy shop and switching exclusively to Shopify for online sales. (starting at 19:11)
5. How Pam boosts online retail sales using Facebook ads, a Facebook page, a Facebook group, Instagram, and a Shopify app. (starting at 22:31)
6. The hardest parts about business, according to Pam, and how she organizes her life around her business and her full-time job. (starting at 31:45)
7. Pam's love for cows, slow but steady entrepreneurial growth, and her grand but loose plan to become a “a cattle farmer who makes nail polish.” (starting at 36:45)
8. Recommended entrepreneurial book choice. (starting at 41:18)
9. Pam's recommendations for new Indie nail polish entrepreneurs (starting at 42:20)
10. Final words of wisdom from Pam (starting at 49:30)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Pam and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Check out our June 2014 interview with Pam here
2. Stella Chroma's Website
3. Stella Chroma on Facebook
4. Stella Chroma on Instagram
5. Stella Chroma's Facebook group
6. Sales boosting automation: Kit for Shopify
7. Books: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, and a few books books by Bernadette Jiwa (check our book store for these and other book suggested by our members!)
8. Online market: Etsy

A few of the entrepreneurial points Pam and I discussed in this episode

1. Use technology wisely.
   Pam's experience shows that you can use technology without getting into the weeds. As she described, she chooses her technology wisely. She picks the technological options that are the most effective and which require her to do the least work and keep up with the least amount of technological updates and changes.
   
2. Leading a business while maintaining a full-time job.
   In a word, Pam is disciplined. She described how she wakes up at the same time every morning during the workweek, works her business for two hours, then turns her attention to her full-time job. Her lunch breaks are spent either running errands or working her business using email or social media. She works on Stella Chroma in the evenings only when necessary, so she can decompress and spend time with her family.
   
3. If you want it, you'll figure out a way to get it.
   Pam says that, if it's what you want, you'll find a way to get it. She cautions that you must keep in mind that what you start off going for may not be exactly what you end up with, but what you are meant to do will happen if you keep working at it.

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The post Pam Rodgers of Stella Chroma [Maker Stories: Episode 69: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, Amber does not let any grass grow under her feet. She is energetic and unforgettable, as you surely know if you've seen any of her Facebook live videos where she cleans toilets wearing a colorful apron and a fresh flower in her hair. Enjoy my interview with Amber NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Introduction to Amber and how health challenges during a pregnancy led her to close her thriving law practice, move to a farm, and start making and selling cleaning products. (starting at 2:16)
2. How Amber grew from her kitchen to a 6,500 square foot manufacturing facility and a home shopping show appearance within 24 months. (starting at 6:36)
3. How Amber found mentors, incubators, and financing to help her grow. (starting at 7:41)
4. How Amber built out her wholesale business via local festivals and trade shows nationwide. (starting at 10:17)
5. The pros and cons of the wholesale trade show lifestyle. (starting at 14:16)
6. Amber's husband quit his job to work in her business! (starting at 16:55)
7. Why is't important to adjust who we are based on whether we are representing our brand or we are “off,” and not working at all. (starting at 23:19)
8. How (and why) Amber transitioned from a wholesale business model to the direct sales business model she has now. (starting at 26:26)
9. Amber shares the details of how she manages her direct sales business, including all about the “cleaning coaches.” (starting at 31:38)
10. The only place in the world where you can buy cleaning products at a drive-through window. (starting at 35:36)
11. The video with the bananas and the ants … “so gross, yet so effective. (starting at 38:14)
12. How participating in an incubator helped Amber. (starting at 39:57)
13. How you can become a Shabby Chick Cleaning Coach. (starting at 42:46)
14. Why Amber was “miffed” that she had to join IBN in order to procure the product liability insurance she needed to get her business started. (starting at 48:05)
15. Amber's top success tips for small business owners. (starting at 49:09)
16. Amber's best tip for being in business with your spouse. (starting at 50:55)
17. What the future holds for Amber and Shabby Chick Cleaners. (starting at 51:51)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Amber and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Shabby Chick website: Shabby Chick
2. Shabby Chick on Facebook: Shabby Chick
3. Shabby Chick on Instagram: Shabby Chick
4. Business incubator: Red River Technology Center
5. Business funding: REI Oklahoma

A few of the important entrepreneurial points Amber and I discussed in this episode

1. Gather and use customer feedback.
   Amber shared that one way she acquired new wholesale stockists was by asking consumers to share the names of retail stores they thought might like to carry Shabby Chick products. Consumers always have favorite stores, and they often know the store owners by name. Using a real store customer as a referral is a great way to get an audience with a retail store owner, and this approach helped Amber expand her wholesale footprint quickly.
   
2. Ask.
   Amber reminds us that the answer is always “no” if you don't ask. If Amber can find resources in a tiny town like Duncan, you can find resources in your area as well. But only if you look around, and ask for what you want.
   
3. If you work with your spouse, separate work and home.
   Keep work and home separate. Amber cannot dive in home stuff stays at home while work stuff stays at work. It's easier said than done though, Amber says, but it is vital to make the effort to keep things separate.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 68: Amber Malcom of Shabby Chick [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, Sandy is naturally introverted, but celebrates the fact that being a business owner has given her levels of confidence and self esteem she does not feel she would have achieved had she not been an entrepreneur. Enjoy my interview with Sandy NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. How Sandy first learned to make soap and other cosmetics products, and how that led to her starting The Purple Sage. (starting at 1:53)
2. How Sandy decided to turn her soapmaking hobby into a business. (starting at 6:44)
3. How Sandy keeps procedures and systems together in her business so she stays on track, runs the business well, and still has time to be creative. (starting at 8:56)
4. Sandy's love for selling her products at festivals and fairs, face-to-face to buyers. (starting at 11:43)
5. How Sandy integrates her business and personal life into an integrated whole. (starting at 12:55)
6. How to know if you would be good at selling your products at festivals and fairs, what type of work is involved. (starting at 16:14)
7. Sandy's business model, split between shows, wholesale, and online sales. (starting at 17:42)
8. How Sandy selects shows that fit her brand. (starting at 19:14)
9. Sandy's favorite social media outlets. (starting at 21:40)
10. Sandy's favorite thing about having a business of her own. (starting at 23:28)
11. A bit about Sandy's product line (starting at 29:07)
12. Sandy's one piece of advice to help a new entrepreneur be successful in business (starting at 35:04)
13. What's on tap for the future at The Purple Sage (starting at 38:19)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Sandy and I mentioned the following resources.

1. The Purple Sage website: The Purple Sage
2. The Purple Sage on Facebook: The Purple Sage on Facebook
3. The Purple Sage on Instagram: The Purple Sage on Instagram
4. Festival: Georgia Apple Festival
5. Email newsletter services: MailChimp and Klaviyo
6. E-commerce platform: Shopify
7. Planner: Passion Planner

A few of the entrepreneurial points Sandy and I discussed in this episode

1. Plan and systematize everything.
   It's a basic tip that makes a big difference. Sandy uses a paper planner to write things down so she doesn't miss a beat in terms of her schedule and events. She also maintains separate notebooks with all of her recipes and product processes. She describes it as the “gold” of her business. What gets written down gets done and done correctly, and this is great advice for any entrepreneur.
   
2. Take advantage of opportunities to meet and talk to your customers.
   While traveling to shows and selling at events is a lot of work, Sandy says she loves it because it gives her an opportunity to sell her products in ways that are not possible online. Standing in front of customers forces Sandy to sell and gives her a chance to really get to know her target customer. There's nothing like face-to-face and the energy that comes from connecting and showcasing the benefits of a product in person.
   
3. Develop an email marketing strategy.
   Sandy says that, if she could only give a new entrepreneur one single piece of advice, it would be to set up and use an email newsletter to nurture and maintain relationships with customers and prospects. I definitely echo that advice, as I have been publishing a newsletter for 20 years and agree with Sandy to the value of making this investment as early as possible in your business.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 67: Sandy Engels of The Purple Sage [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

But the Zondra party definitely does not stop with a skin care line. She is also a real live Hollywood based working actress, a certified personal trainer, an author, and a Sunday school teacher. Who says you have to do one thing all your life? Or even one thing at a time? Zondra manages to fit in all the fun and all the income streams simultaneously without missing a beat.

As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, she Zondra pools the multiple aspects of her personality into a cohesive business whole. She manages to remain focused and productive on each project as she does it, avoiding the chaos many entrepreneurs face when they try to do more than one ting at a time. We discuss how she does that in this episode. Enjoy my interview with Zondra NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Basic introduction to Zondra and how her midwestern broadcast career led her to Hollywood. (starting at 2:40)
2. How Hollywood led to Blu Skin Care, and a bit about the organic certificate process. (starting at 7:23)
3. How Zondra explains to consumers the benefits of buying organic personal care products, including that her products must be edible in order to maintain her certified organic status. (starting at 17:22)
4. Zondra shares how she combines all of her income streams into a cohesive whole using one social media outlet on Instagram. (starting at 21:06)
5. Zondra speaks on the opportunities we all have now as multi-passionate entrepreneurs, and the importance of “no filter” social media. (And how she recently worked with one of the world's most well known entertainers.) (starting at 23:58)
6. How Zondra pushed through the early years when customers were few and far between, and things were not moving fast enough. (starting at 28:00)
7. The importance of identifying and embracing your “why.” (starting at 31:23)
8. How Zondra identifies the physical venues where her products sell best. (starting at 32:05)
9. How Zondra runs all of her business interests pretty much by herself. (starting at 33:45)
10. Zondra does not work, and she makes more money selling books than she does in her skin care product business (starting at 37:15)
11. What the future holds for Zondra and Blu Skin Care. (starting at 44:00)
12. Zondra's words of wisdom and encouragement to help you be successful in your life as a multi-passionate entrepreneur, and the importance of failing fast. (starting at 45:59)

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Zondra and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Blu Skin Care online: Blu Skin Care LLC
2. Blu Skin Care on Facebook: Blu Skin Care LLC on Facebook
3. Blu Skin Care on Instagram: Blu Skin Care LLC on Instagram
4. Organic certification: CCOF
5. Entertainer: Cardi B
6. Clothing line: FUBU
7. Publicity: Help a Reporter (HARO)
8. Zondra's and Keith's book: Faithful, Forty and Fabulously Fit
9. Zondra's prayer journal: Restoration
10. Fitness instructor: Keith Bossier

A few of the important entrepreneurial points Zondra and I discussed in this episode

1. Create additional income streams from things you are already doing. Zondra reminds us that income can be found in places we might be prone to overlook. For example, as a fitness instructor, Zondra owned and maintained a treasure trove of intellectual property that she was not monetizing simply because she was not thinking about it. But when she felt led to write a book, she realized that the content was already there. All she had to do was organize it in a way that made sense. The project was actually easy because once she got started, the resources needed to complete the project literally appeared.
   
2. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. People will often try to talk you out of what you feel in your heart that you want to do. Zondra says that if you have a dream, don't give it up. Her personal way of handling things is to stay in prayer a lot, so she can think things through from a spiritual perspective In this way, she never has to wonder whether she's doing the right thing for her — no matter what anyone else says.
   
3. Make sure you love what you are doing. Zondra points out that you may not make a lot of money in your business in the early days, and if you don't love what you are doing, you'll end up frustrated and unhappy. Your love for your work will see you through those tough times so you can maximize the business opportunities that come your way, and ultimately, make more money.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 66: Zondra Wilson of Blu Skin Care [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Joanne started Mt. Airy Lavender Farm just a few short years ago, and she already knows its where her long-term passion is. It's not just the business that she loves, or even the lavender. As you'll enjoy learning in this episode, it's also about the contribution she can make to her local community as she simultaneously preserves a farm that's been in her family for generations. Talk about having your heart in your business! Enjoy my interview with Joanne NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Basic introduction to Joanne and how her corporate career led her to lavender. (starting at 2:15)
2. How Joanne's journey from hobbyist to business owner. (starting at 6:40)
3. Joanne found a community of people who helped her learn what she needed to know to be successful. (starting at 11:28)
4. How Joanne's business helps her preserve the family farm, and why this is important to her. (starting at 14:04)
5. A bit about the lavender conference and the importance of being intentional about making your business complement your lifestyle. (starting at 14:44)
6. The structure and systems that actually make the farm work. (starting at 17:10)
7. Joanne shares some of the products in her line. (starting at 19:04)
8. How farm events and workshops are the most popular offerings in Joanne's business. (starting at 21:46)
9. Unpacking work-life balance. (starting at 25:30)
10. What being Indie means to Joanne. (starting at 29:30)
11. About the US Lavender Grower's Association. (starting at 32:45)
12. Joanne's words of wisdom to help you be successful in your business. (starting at 37:39)

Joanne Voelker, Mt. Airy Lavender

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Joanne and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Mt. Airy Lavender Farm online: Mt. Airy Lavender Farm
2. Mt. Airy Lavender Farm on Facebook: Mt. Airy Lavender Farm on Facebook
3. Mt. Airy Lavender Farm on Instagram: Mt. Airy Lavender Farm on Instagram
4. Lavender association and conference: Lavender conference

Here is a quick review of a few of the important entrepreneurial lessons Michael shared in this episode

1. 1. Don't let your business take over your lifestyle.

      Joanne works hard to protect her work/life balance. One of the reasons she does not want to open a retail store is that it would require her to be tied to a specific schedule, which she feels would take away form the kind of life she wants to live. By hosting periodic events at the farm, she gets the best of both worlds. She invites the community to come to events on a regular basis, but not on a basis that would require her to be open during times of the day when she would rather have her and her team focused on other things.

1. 1. The importance of processes.

      Joanne stressed the importance of processes. For example, from when to plant and harvest, to when to weed and water, Joanne has everything written down so routine processes can be tacked over and over again efficiently and without having to reinvent the wheel each time they need to perform the same task again.

1. Celebrate your successes.

   Joanne reminded us of how important it is to celebrate every single success we enjoy, no matter how small. Instead of looking at a huge mountain you must climb, break things down into chunks or even quarters so you can jut go one step at a time. Joanne says that this approach not only keeps the ball moving forward, but it motivates her to continue. It also have the bonus effect of preventing her from becoming distracted with bright shiny objects that will impede her progress.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 65: Joanne Voelcker of Mt. Airy Lavender [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Michael started his business in 2012. He quit working for other people's retail stores in 2016 to manage Birch & Main full-time. Michael is a self-described candle addict, so it's no wonder that the first product he made was candles. He says he burns candles all day and all night, regardless of the season or the temperature. He is fun to talk with and listen to. Michael has a lot to share about the importance of taking a “glass full” approach to your business. Settle in, light a candle (Caramel Nut Crunch please!), and take some notes. Enjoy my interview with Michael NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Basic introduction to Michael and his rich background in the retail industry. (starting at 2:18)
2. The “I have a dream” moment that propelled Michael to open a retail store. (starting at 5:24)
3. Why Michael closed one of his two retail stores to focus on one store, group classes, and wholesale growth. (starting at 6:05)
4. How Michael worked a full-time job and his own business for four full years, including how he views the sacrifices made. (starting at 6:44)
5. How black spots on the ceiling in his home led to making and selling candles. (starting at 10:07)
6. Michael's journey from making candles only, to adding other products like bar soap, body lotions and butters, and more. (starting at 13:29)
7. Michael shares great tips and insights to help you create imagery that reflects your brand. (starting at 15:18)
8. Why Michael decided to open a retail store. (starting at 17:47)
9. The benefits of wholesale, and why you should consider wholesaling your products. (starting at 22:16)
10. Why Michael does not rely on himself only to create new fragrances for his product lines. (starting at 24:45)
11. Controlling some of the costs of managing a retail store, including using minimal packaging, taking out a personal loan, and engaging in deliberate planning. (starting at 27:35)
12. What's on tap for the future of Birch & Main. (starting at 29:47)
13. Michael's words of wisdom to help you be successful in your business. (starting at 33:01)

Michael McPolin, Birch & Main

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Michael and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Birch & Main Candle online: Birch & Main Candle
2. Birch & Main Candle on Instagram: Birch & Main Candle on Instagram
3. Wholesale platform: Faire
4. Wholesale platform: Stockabl

Here is a quick review of a few of the important entrepreneurial lessons Michael shared in this episode

1. Stay true to your brand.

   Michael shared how important it is to create a vision for your brand, and then stay true to that vision by reflecting it in the graphics and images you share on social media.

2. Retail store ownership is an opportunity.

   Michael does not see local retail store ownership as “limiting” compared to selling online. In a retail store, he says, you can tell your story to your community and interact with real people. You can experience scented products together, and help buyers make the perfect purchase.

   Michael says that he is an integral part of the Birch & Main brand, and he loves to personally see his passion through the eyes of his customers.

3. Wholesale: just do it.

   At first, it was difficult to sell individual products at a 50% discount to retail buyers, but once Michael did it, he says he never looked back. Wholesale forms the basis for more sales because stockists purchase over and over again, and their retail store customers allow you to introduce your brand to far more people than you could ever do on your own — even if you have a website and/or your own retail store. It's been worth it to Michael to give up the increased profit on each item sold for the return of more people buying his products in more places.

Michael McPolin, Birch & Main

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 64: Michael McPolin of Birch & Main [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Kayla is a serial entrepreneur, having sold one business several years ago, and then taking a little break while her children were in their early teen years, and today, launching two new brands at the same time. Kayla has a wealth of insight and experience, and she drops some really great golden nuggets in this episode. Enjoy my interview with Kayla NOW!

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Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Basic introduction to the brands Kayla is currently managing. (starting at 2:57)
2. What does it feel like to raise a baby (your business), and then when someone else buys it, let it go completely, and what did Kayla do next? (starting at 7:00)
3. Just because you had one successful business, does not mean you know how to build a brand new one in a different field. (starting at 12:00)
4. How attending Maker Mastermind Live and going through the Indie Method helped Kayla begin to build her new brands. (starting at 14:00)
5. A typical day in Kayla's life, and the things she does that are foundational and super important (hint: blogging, engaging via social media) . (starting at 16:00)
6. Kayla's take on the importance of having a geographical physical component to your business, and how they all fit together and provide entrepreneurial leverage — each for the other. (starting at 20:00)
7. Some things to consider when you enter into business partnerships. (starting at 28:00)
8. Top mistakes new entrepreneurs make when they are getting started in business. (starting at 33:14)
9. Tips for failing well. (starting at 38:26)
10. Kayla shares what she sees on the horizon for Makers, Handmade, and Artisan Entrepreneurs. (starting at 42:40)
11. Kayla's thoughts on the tension between “showing up personally” for your customers, and enjoying the freedom and flexibility that entrepreneurship produces in your life. (starting at 46:45)

Kayla Fioravanti, Ology Essentials and Work+Shop Create

Episode 62: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Kayla and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Kayla's personal brand website: Kayla Fioravanti
2. Kayla's aromatherapy website: Ology Essentials
3. Kayla's retail store in Franklin, Tennessee: Work+Shop Create, visit at 1020 Westhaven Blvd., Franklin, Tennessee.
4. Entrepreneurial training curriculum: Indie Method
5. In-person entrepreneurial training: Maker Mastermind Live
6. Business Kayla founded with her husband: Essential Wholesale
7. Website designer: “Jennifer” at Eco-Office Gals

Review of a few of the important entrepreneurial lessons Kayla shared in this episode

1. Test new websites, and then test them again!

   I love Kayla's advice that we test, test, test, and then test again a new website before it goes live. Of course, there will always be something to fix … I've launched enough websites to know that … but the big things should not go sideways because you can test them in advance. Avoid a lot of new site launch hassle by over testing rather than under testing.

2. Be teachable.

   Kayla mentioned that one of the main reasons why investors and buyers were interested in the business she sold a few years back is because she was genuine about the mistakes she had made in business. As Kayla said, no serious investor is going to be really interested in your brand if you have always done everything right. Failure allows you to show that you are teachable, and that you can bounce back when things don't go your way. And in business, we all know that things absolutely eventually do NOT go your way.

3. Show up for your customers.

   Kayla shared the importance of showing up in person for your customers, and not just leaving engagement to automation or even qualified assistants. You cannot have meaningful conversations with your target audience if you are not there to lead the discussions and to guide them as they make buying decisions where your brand is concerned.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 63: Kayla Fioravanti of Ology Essentials and Work+Shop Create [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In addition to leading her business, Valerie is also a sociology professor at a California community college, plus she is the host of the newly introduced Unapologetic Rejuvenation retreat which she will host in July 2018. This episode builds upon our previous interview with Valerie from nearly four years ago where she shares how she started her business. If you have not listened to that, you might want to do so before diving into this one. In this episode, you'll hear how Valerie has expanded her business over the past four years. Enjoy my interview with Valerie NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Valerie shares how where she lives positively impacts her overall personality and how she expresses herself. (starting at 2:50)
2. Valerie brings us up to date on how she has expanded her business, including how she overcame the depression and “exhaustion to her soul” that resulted from overwhelm and the temptation to close her business. (starting at 7:30)
3. A bit about the process Valerie used to release the stronghold of depression, including rediscovering her artistic side, and emerge with a new enthusiasm for her business. (starting at 9:48)
4. The gradual process Valerie went through to recapture herself, including delegating more, and how she ultimately decided not to close Valana Minerals. (starting at 13:34)
5. The birth of Valerie's business and life coaching services. (starting at 15:24)
6. A bit about how Valerie runs her business, including employees and contractors who help her make her products and how she divides her time between Valana Minerals and her job as a college professor. (starting at 18:24)
7. Valerie's advice for entrepreneurs who want to maintain their businesses and their traditional jobs.(starting at 21:39)
8. A bit about the Unapologetic Rejuvenation Retreat. (starting at 26:00)

Valerie Reed, Valana Minerals

Episode 62: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, Valerie and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Valerie's website: Valana Minerals
2. Retreat: Unapologetic Rejuvenation Retreat
3. Social media: Valana Minerals on Persicope
4. Valerie's business coaching certification: Dr. Steve G. Jones, Ed.D Master business coaching certification
5. Valerie's life coaching certification: Dr. Steve G. Jones, Ed.D Master Life Coaching Certification

Review of a few of the important entrepreneurial lessons Valerie shared in this episode

1. Give yourself the freedom to evolve.

   Valerie's journey stresses how important it is to pay attention to your life and your business in ways that advance both without tearing yourself down personally. She talked about her husband's illness and how she had to change the way she handled circumstances in her full-time job so she could assess whether her life had space for her business any longer. When she decided that it did, it was only because she made some tough decisions. And that leads us to …

2. Make required changes without adversely impacting relationships.

   Valerie shared the importance of becoming skilled at saying “no,” in ways that promote clarity without doing unnecessary damage to existing relationships. The example she gave in the interview was great, and you can edit that for your particular purposes.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 62: Valerie Reed of Valana Minerals [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

After teaching for 20 years, D'Shawn experienced a brief but life-changing conversation with her school principal that confirmed she'd had “enough.” She quit her job shortly thereafter, and began making and selling her candles full-time.

In this episode, you'll hear D'Shawn tell her Maker Story in her own words, plus you'll hear all about how she used grit and determination to secure her first studio space — the only one available in her entire county. One of the best things about this episode is the get-it-done entrepreneurial mindset D'Shawn displays. As she shares her experiences and how she makes business decisions, you'll see exactly how her approach has helped to propel her business to great success in just two years. Enjoy my interview with D'Shawn NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. D'Shawn shares the story of how she started her business, including transitioning from her full-time teacher job to selling her handmade candles at local farmer's markets and craft shows. (starting at 2:50)
2. Why D'Shawn tells people not to quit their day jobs. (starting at 7:30)
3. How D'Shawn has organized her product line. (starting at 9:48)
4. How the Southern Elegance Candle Co. sales strategy has evolved from the “shotgun approach” to one that is more selective. (starting at 13:34)
5. D'Shawn shares her Amazon selling experience, and what she recommends you consider in terms of where you sell your products. (starting at 15:24)
6. D'Shawn shares what guides all of her business decisions. (starting at 18:24)
7. D'Shawn shares how she hired her first employees. (starting at 21:39)
8. From a single wide trailer to a retail office maker space. (starting at 26:00)
9. D'Shawn shares that she is determined, plowing forward even in her county, which is economically depressed (starting at 27:37)
10. The importance of family support (starting at 30:39)
11. D'Shawn is grateful for the options she is able to make in her life and her business. (starting at 33:56)
12. Why D'Shawn is not interested in opening a retail store, and what is on the horizon for Southern Elegance Candle Co. (starting at 39:51)
13. About the fur coat and the convertible Jaguar (starting at 41:25)
14. D'Shawn's limited edition holiday scents (starting at 43:00)

D'Shawn Russell, Southern Elegance Candle Company

Episode 61: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, D'Shawn and I mentioned the following resources.

1. D'Shawn's website: Southern Elegance online
2. D'Shawn's Instagram: Southern Elegance on Instagram
3. Online shop: Etsy
4. Online megastore: Amazon
5. Ecommerce platform: Shopify
6. D'Shawn's county: Hoke County

D'Shawn Russell, Southern Elegance Candle Company

Summary of D'Shawn's tips for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs

1. Decide to do it, and then figure out how you'll actually do it later.

   In business, you have to make decisions without knowing how you'll carry them out. D'Shawn shared that the most important thing is to just decide. The details will come later.

2. Gather your supporters.

   Know what your supporters are good at and what they are willing to do to help you, and leverage that.

3. Don't let your business take over your life.

   if your business it taking over too much of your personal life, ti does not have t. I don't need a multi company if that means I have to sac my relationship with my husband and my son.

4. You don't have to explain yourself.

   Do what is best for you at any give time in your life and your business. You don't have to explain your decisions to anyone else. If you serve pizza three days in a rose because that's what works, then do that. There's no right way to do it. There's only what works for you,
   your family, and your business.

D'Shawn Russell, Southern Elegance Candle Company

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 61: D’Shawn Russell of Southern Elegance Candle Company [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Sierra's grandmother, a native of Mexico, was also an entrepreneur who sold nylons and handmade scarves, and eventually became an esthetician. Sierra has joined her ancestors on a fun entrepreneurial journey, and as a mother, today, she's passing the torch to her young baby daughter.

You'll learn all about that and more in this episode, which is also filled with Sierra's tips and insights to help you be more successful on your entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy my interview with Sierra NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Sierra shares the story of how she started her business, including how her family's business inspired her. (starting at 3:23)
2. Why we are seeing more people embracing an entrepreneurial lifestyle these days. (starting at 7:05)
3. The story of the Lovewild Design brand. (starting at 8:59)
4. What it was like for Sierra to part ways with a business partner, and her tips to navigate similar situations well. (starting at 11:55)
5. Sierra's experiences with Renegade Craft. (starting at 13:52)
6. Sierra shares her product line, including experiences and tips for offering customized products for your customers. (starting at 16:28)
7. Sierra discusses details associated with her business planning process. (starting at 20:06)
8. The cool story of how Sierra opened her retail space. (starting at 26:57)
9. What it's like to work with your mom and your baby daughter. (starting at 32:51)
10. How Sierra sells her products: retail, wholesale, in-store, shows, etc. (starting at 36:30)
11. What Sierra sees on the horizon for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs (starting at 40:23)
12. Sierra's best advice to get your business started on the right foot. (starting at 42:02)

Here are the custom plantable seed coins Sierra made for my signature Indie Cruise Retreat this year.

Here is Sierra and her sweet mom and daughter, both of whom work with her in her business. That's three generations of entrepreneurial women!! How awesome is that?

Episode 60: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources, or, in the case of many of the certifications, Lisa provided links after the podcast was recorded, so you would have access to all of the wonderful resources Sierra has used to build out her impressive resume.

1. Social media: Instagram
2. Maker show: Renegade Craft Fair: Brooklyn
3. Boutique business conference with Donna Maria: Maker Mastermind Live
4. Retreat: Indie Cruise
5. Retail store: Home Goods

Visit Lovewild Design and maybe even meet Sierra in person at her shop located at 348 South Fourth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211. The hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 11 to 5 (but Sierra says you are likely to catch them there at other times as well).

Summary of Sierra's Tips for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs

1. Business collaborations don't have to last forever.

   Sierra told us about how she and her former business partner parted ways. She said that the circumstances were a little “tricky,” but over time, things evened themselves out. Her former partner now helps in her business from time to time. Sierra was honest about how she felt the business partnership was not working for her, and this honesty helped her transition in the friendship without losing it altogether.

2. Plan your business according to what works for you.

   Sierra described her business planning process as, well, not so much planning. When she has a new idea, she tests it as soon as possible, and learns quickly whether or not the new product will fly. If it does, she keeps the product … and if usually does!

3. Make customization efficient

   Sierra advises that, if you customize products, make the customization process efficient. For example, make sure you have a template for whatever you offer. In Sierra's case, you can only get one shape, or one color, and so forth, so the actual customization does not require layers of different processes.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 60: Sierra Zamarripa of Lovewild Design [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

With the encouragement of her friends, she started making products for herself. Eventually, she set up a booth at a local show and what do you know? She sold out of everything. Since at the time, Dawn had been laid off at her corporate job, it was the perfect time to dive in to see if she could birth a real business. And so she did! You can get the rest of the story in today's episode.

You'll learn all about that and more in this episode, which is also filled with Dawn's tips to help you be more successful on your entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy my interview with Dawn NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Dawn shares the story of how she started her business, including transitioning from the traditional work world to her own business. (starting at 2:47)
2. Growing your life as you also grow your business, according to Dawn. (starting at 8:16)
3. Dawn's thoughts on integrating your business and your personal brand. (starting at 10:17)
4. What Pooka stands for. (starting at 18:08)
5. Dawn shares the ins and outs of her rebrand, including the vendors she used and recommends. (starting at 22:13)
6. Dawn's social media video strategy. (starting at 34:00)
7. How Dawn successfully integrates her business and her personal brands online. (starting at 38:20)
8. How Dawn sells her products: retail, wholesale, and in her New Jersey showroom. (starting at 41:17)

Dawn Fitch, Pooka Pure and Simple

Episode 59: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources.

1. Book: Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions
2. Personal brand: Martha Stewart
3. Book: The Martha Rules
4. Graphic art and design company: Artoholiks
5. Printing company: Lightning Labels
6. Containers and packaging company: Containers and Packaging
7. Social media site: Instagram
8. Instagram Boomerang video app on iTunes: Boomerang
9. Instagram Boomerang video app on Google Play: Boomerang
10. Indie Business Network member: La Shonda Tyree of Nyah Beauty
11. Indie Business Network member: Scarlett Rocourt of WonderCurl
12. Dawn's products: Pooka Pure and Simple
13. Dawn's personal website: Dawn Fitch

Dawn Fitch, Pooka Pure and Simple

Summary of Dawn's Tips for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs

1. Use video snippets to tell your brand story.

   Dawn confirmed what we all know. People love video, and today, you can turn your smart phone into a storytelling machine. If you enjoy using video to tell your story, you may not need to plan things out very far in advance. If recording and posting videos is not one of your favorite things to do, you may need to be more regimented just to make sure it gets done. Make sure you have some kind of system in place to connect with the people who are most likely to purchase your products.

2. Don't stress over your weaknesses.

   Dawn said that she did not have her rebrand launch activities perfectly lined up months in advance because her personality is not quite that rigid. Project management is not her strength. She simply knew what she had to do, gave herself the time to do it, and rolled things out slowly, one logical step at a time. This prevented her from stressing out unnecessarily, and she still got the job done by focus on what she's really good at: engaging her customers and having a good time.

3. Inject your personal brand into your business brand.

   Dawn says that making sure her customers enjoy a bit of the real her as a part of their product buying experience has served her well. She's careful to keep the brand separate, but the benefits of maintaining both of them far outweigh any of the potential drawbacks.

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 59: Dawn Fitch of Pooka Pure and Simple [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll learn all about that and more in this episode, which is also filled with Lisa's tips to help you be more successful on your entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy my interview with Lisa NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Lisa shares her love for all things natural, starting at the age of 16 with influence from her runway model mother, and how she combined it all into a business. (starting at 2:33)
2. How and why Lisa formed her business, and why she focuses exclusively on one single product, Pure Pitz. (starting at 8:33)
3. How Lisa is evolving from wholesale only to adding more retail and direct to consumer sales via her website and social media, and video in particular. (starting at 16:18)
4. How a “trial and error” approach has worked for Lisa over the years. (starting at 21:01)
5. A bit about the organic certification process through the Clemson University Organic Certification Program (not the USDA), and the difference between the USDA certification and the one Pure Pitz has from Clemson University. (starting at 22:08)
6. Lisa's first steps to take when mapping out your product line. (starting at 29:41)
7. Lisa discusses whether to invest resources to associate your products with some kind of certification. (starting at 30:16)
8. More discussion of the benefits of selling direct to consumers, and how Lisa is using video and humor to reach people on a personal level about body odor … a very personal matter. (starting at 31:12)
9. The importance of multiple income streams, and what Lisa's are. (starting at 35:40)
10. Lisa's advice for new entrepreneurs, and her words of encouragement for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs. (starting at 38:01)

Lisa Wynne Salvatore, Purely Lisa

Episode 57: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources, or, in the case of many of the certifications, Lisa provided links after the podcast was recorded, so you would have access to all of the wonderful resources Lisa has used to build out her impressive resume.

1. Nutrition certification: Institute for Integrative Nutrition
2. Massage therapy certification: Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy
3. Health and nutrition counseling certification: Columbia University Teachers College
4. Fellowship: Institute for Human Individuality
5. Book: Eat Right 4 Your Type
6. Meditation certification: McLean Meditation Institute
7. Aromatherapy certification: Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy
8. USDA organic certification program: USDA National Organic Certification program
9. Organic certification program: Clemson University Organic Certification program
10. Entrepreneurial reality show: Shark Tank
11. Entrepreneurial news: Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods Market
12. Lisa's deodorant: Pure Pitz
13. Consulting with Lisa: Email Lisa at purelylisa [at] gmail.com

Lisa Wynne Salvatore, Purely Lisa

Summary of Lisa's Tips for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs

1. Find the intersection of your passion and what resonates with your customers.

   Lisa says that there's no way to be success in anything if you are not wholly passionate about it. She has combined who she is as a person with a desire to create a product that people can purchase and use over and over again. She also has numerous manufacturing efficiencies built into her business. Find those wherever you can as well.

2. Earn a certification that's important to your customers

   If something is important to your customers, there is probably a meaningful certification for it. Seek them out and see if one of them could complement your brand message and increase consumer trust as you market your products.

3. Sell directly to your customers to tell your story

   While Lisa says that wholesale is a big part of her business, she is boosting her online direct to consumer sales because it's the only way she feels she can really stand out in a crowded market these days. After spending a lot of money on things like search engine optimization services, and getting practically no return, Lisa says that using video on Facebook and Instagram is one of the best ways to make trustworthy connections with her customers

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The post Maker Stories: Episode 58: Lisa Wynne Salvatore of Purely Lisa [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Danielle sells her products on her branded website, and also at Whole Foods Markets. She has also invested considerable resources in selling on Amazon. This episode treats you to a behind-the-scenes look at how Danielle and Russ, her business partner husband, keep things humming in their business. It's also chock full of resources and tips you can use on your own entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy my interview with Danielle NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Danielle shares her startup story, and how being challenged and wanting a different type of life took her from OWN to Outlaw Soaps. (starting at 2:37)
2. Danielle shares the methodological product development approach she uses at Outlaw Soaps, which includes things like market evaluation, understanding product development costs, identifying specific selling criteria, stock forecasting, and classifying scent profiles. (starting at 6:09)
3. Danielle describes the Outlaw Soaps subscription options. (starting at 10:20)
4. Why “It's not ‘sales' if you really mean it,” and this is brilliant, so don't miss it. (starting at 13:41)

1. Where Danielle sells Outlaw Soaps products, by “finding her right customers wherever they are,” including why she sells her products on Amazon which Danielle says is “on its way to taking over the world.” (starting at 18:23)
2. What it's like to work with your spouse. (starting at 24:41)
3. How Danielle hired her first employees, simply by sharing her brand story. (starting at 28:20)
4. Danielle's thoughts on the mindset needed to be successful as an entrepreneur. (starting at 35:50)
5. How responsibilities and tasks are divided between Danielle, Russ (her husband-business partner), and their employees. (starting at 40:06)
6. How Danielle markets her business. (starting at 41:58)
7. Why we live in the best time for entrepreneurs, and also, spear fishing. (starting at 46:46)
8. What social media outlets work best for Danielle's business, and how she uses them. (starting at 47:42)
9. Why Danielle decided to pay more for Shopify than less for other e-commerce platforms, and the importance of focusing on net return on investment. (starting at 49:20)
10. What's on the horizon for Danielle and Outlaw Soaps, including some upcoming books. (starting at 52:00)

Danielle Vincent, Outlaw Soaps

Episode 57: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

1. Outlaw Soaps website: Outlaw Soaps
2. Upcoming book: Danielle's Inner Unicorn Workbook
3. Consultant: Lucky Break Consulting
4. Boutique business conference with Donna Maria: Maker Mastermind Live
5. Soapmaking business training: Modern Soapmaking
6. Soapmaking workshop: Central Soapers Workshop
7. Book: To Sell Is Human: by Daniel Pink, available in the Indie Business Book Store
8. Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins, available in the Indie Business Book Store
9. Children's toy BB gun: Red Rider BB gun
10. Natural foods distributor: UNFI
11. Digital marketing app for Shopify: Kit

Danielle Vincent, Outlaw Soaps

Summary of Danielle's Tips for a Maker Business Success

1. Find your customers wherever they are

    

   Danielle says that her customers are focused on buying online, and most of them buy everything on Amazon. As a result, she is committed to selling on Amazon. Your customers may buy elsewhere. It's your job to figure that out, and then go where they are to sell your products.

2. Newsletter • Newsletter • Newsletter

    

   Danielle mentioned that her newsletter drives more sales than anything else. If you don't have one, get one. Now. Today.

3. Keep your eye on your net return on investment

    

   It's so important not to focus solely on the short term gains that result from any particular daily business activity. Danielle talked about how she made the decision to commit to a more expensive online platform, rather than a less expensive one, because she was looking at the long term benefits of doing so, and not just a the short term costs of doing so.

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The post Episode 57: Danielle Vincent of Outlaw Soaps [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Hassan has fully embraced his natural gift of gab, using it to drive his brand in multiple outlets, each of which complements the other. In this episode, Hassan shares how he uses his personal brand to attract, entertain, and influence his target audience to purchase his products. You'll also get some tips for how you can leverage who you are to sell more of your products. Enjoy my interview with Hassan NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, interspersed with some of Hassan's best Tweetables, and with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. Hassan shares how his “gift of gab” as a child paved the way to his life as a performing artist on stage and screen, and the injury that led to him creating his first handmade cosmetic product. (starting at 2:58)
Things people tease you about when you're a child are your super powers when you become an adult.Click To Tweet

Hassan Sayyed, Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast

2. Hassan's “aha” moment, when he began to see the business opportunity and a target market in professional performers. (Listen carefully to how well he knows his audience, and to how he identified his target *before* he started creating products for them.) (starting at 7:27)
3. The clever meaning behind the Haus Urban brand name. (starting at 10:48)
4. The natural intersection between who Hassan his, his life background, and his business, and how he uses his story to sell more of his products. Hint: “I'm not selling cosmetics. I'm selling hope and encouragement.”
   (starting at 12:58)
I'm not selling products. I'm selling hope and encouragement.Click To Tweet

Hassan Sayyed, Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast

5. Some of the challenges Hassan has overcome in his entrepreneurial journey. (starting at 13:01)
6. A key to success for Hassan has been embracing his position as “the authority,” and how you can do the same. (starting at 14:41)
As an entrepreneur, you must learn how to enroll people in your vision.Click To Tweet

Hassan Sayyed, Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast

7. Why your “why” is more important than whatever it is you sell, and how you circulate that message in an efficient and cost effective way using social media. (starting at 17:19)
8. About the Haus Bunnies. (starting at 19:06)
9. How Hassan uses social media, mainly Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, to grow his brand. (Don't miss the part where Hassan says he spends a lot of time “laughing, and cracking jokes and being outraged” on Twitter.) (starting at 21:42)
10. Sales is just a conversation. You have to be willing to show up and have conversations. (starting at 26:09)
11. About the Creative Hustle Podcast, which Hassan says is a “really great brunch party”! (starting at 28:00)
12. About I Been Drinkin', and how he uses the show to help his customers get to know him without feeling like they have to buy something. (starting at 28:00)

Episode 56: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

1. Entrepreneurial training: Maker Mastermind Live Experience
2. Social media: Instagram
3. Social media: Twitter
4. Book: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuck: Available in the Indie Business Book Store

Summary of Hassan's Tips for Your Business Success

1. Know your whyAs Hassan said, you didn't just wake up on morning and decide to make something. There's a story there, a real experience, and sharing that with others is one of the ways you will positively influence people to purchase your products.
2. Use social mediaHassan said that social media is the best way to get your message out there today. He loves Instagram in particular for how visual it is. He also uses Twitter and Youtube to have conversations and have fun with other people without making them feel like he's trying to sell them something all the time.
3. Be the authorityHassan said that until he embraced his position as the authority on the topic of cosmetics products for people who perform, he found it difficult to position his products for natural sales opportunities. I love how he relates to people by allowing them to see themselves in his story.

Hassan Sayyed, Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast

Connect with Hassan Sayeed of Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast

Visit Hassan Sayeed of Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast at his Haus Urban site and Creative Hustle Podcast site. You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram for a good time. And be sure to check out the I Been Drinkin' YouTube playlist for even more fun.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

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The post Episode 56: Hassan Sayyed of Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode of Indie Business Podcast, Paul shares details about how The Gentleman's Box works, and also offers tips to help you manage a profitable and fun subscription box business. He also shares his upcoming event, the Subscription Summit, and why you should go if you are interested in succeeding in your subscription box business. Enjoy my interview with Paul NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Podcast

Episode Show Notes

Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that most interests you:

1. How The Gentleman's Box started with a simple web design gig, and how the Subscription Summit evolved out of that. (starting at 2:45)
2. Paul shares his view about the rise of subscription boxes as a business model, starting with Birch Box and other examples experiencing rapid growth, and how subscription boxes are changing how consumers shop. (starting at 5:40)
3. Two types of product-based subscription boxes: curated and repeat purchase, and the growth of customized box experiences. (starting at 8:04)
4. How micro companies can create recurring revenue from their most popular products. (starting at 10:50)
5. Look at the unit economics of your subscription box idea, and a few places where you can cut costs by building out your first five boxes first. (starting at 14:09)
6. What are the best ways to spread the word about your subscription box? (Facebook, Instagram, and influencer marketing) (starting at 16:38)
7. Creating the best customer experience through email, texting, Facebook messenger, etc. (starting at 17:51)
8. How to forge relationships with influencers, including negotiating to get the best win/win situation. (starting at 18:50)
9. How to encourage buyers to share their box experience on social media, including giveaways, using hash tags and challenges to create awareness and encourage social connectedness. (starting at 20:29)
10. What sort of marketing collateral should you put in your subscription box? (starting at 22:05)
11. How do you handle subscriber burnout and subscription cancellations? (starting at 23:47)
12. Innovating by giving your boxes a monthly personality or theme. (starting at 25:14)
13. How do you pitch yourself for a box, and what are the biggest turnoffs? (starting at 26:20)
14. “The Gentleman's Council” focus group (starting at 27:06)
15. Tips for curating relationships with product suppliers and other partners (starting at 28:00)
16. Why The Gentleman's Box did fulfillment in-house, then outsourced it, then brought it back in-house using a local non-profit that employs mentally and physically handicapped individuals to do box fulfillment (starting at 29:46)
17. Summarizing the steps that need to be taken and the hats that need to be worn, from start to finish, to get a subscription box out the door (starting at 31:07)
18. About the The Subscription Summit (starting at 33:43)
19. Summary of tips for a successful subscription box (starting at 37:40)

Paul Chambers, The Gentleman's Box and the Subscription Summit

Episode 55: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

1. Mastermind opportunity: Maker Mastermind Live: Boston
2. Subscription box conference: Subscription Summit
3. Subscription box: The Gentlemen's Box
4. Subscription box: Birch Box
5. Subscription box: Hello Fresh
6. Subscription box: Blue Apron
7. Recurring billing app for Shopify: ReCharge for Shopify
8. Recurring billing app for BigCommerce: PayWhirl for BigCommerce
9. Subscription box: Cratejoy
10. Custom boxes in lower quantities: Pack Lane
11. Customer relationship software in the cloud: Zendesk
12. Male grooming influencer: Alpha M
13. Red swimsuit incident: The Instagram promotion that was so successful that it failed
14. Distribution center: Ascendia
15. Distribution center: Fostdick Fulfillment

An Indie Business Network Member in the Gentleman's Box

Check out one of our members, AJ Murray's, and their Kentucky Bourbon Lotion, featured in the May 2017 Gentleman's Box!

Summary of Paul's Tips for a Successful Subscription Box

1. Lay out your boxes first: Take the guesswork out by ironing out all the kinks in advance. Use a spreadsheet or even physical box prototypes if you'd like — whatever works for you to get your proposed subscription box totally laid out in advance.
2. Run your numbers: Make sure you have a solid profit margin or a plan to get to one. Paul says that the margins for The Gentleman's Box are great now, but that was not always the case. Chart out in advance how your profit margin can start out small (or even non-existent), but grow as quickly as possible over time.
3. Ask questions and set up a focus group of loyal customers: The chief way to maximize success is to ask your customers questions so you can deliver what they want. The Gentleman's Council is such a great idea in this regard.

Attend The Subscription Summit!

Attend The Subscription Summit May 31 to June 1, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel in Austin, Texas. Here is the registration link, and check out the agenda, and meet the sponsors.

Connect with Paul Chambers and The Gentleman's Box

Visit Paul Chambers and The Gentleman's Box at his website, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Instagram.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

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Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

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Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

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The post Episode 55: Paul Chambers of The Gentleman’s Box [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

But first, a quick word about change. I rarely, if ever, try to make things change. What I notice in my life is that change becomes necessary. In other words, the circumstances of life are always shifting, and if I stay the same in the midst of those shifts, I become stagnant and bored. (And probably also boring …)

Change is hard on the front end. It's work to sit still and think about what is happening, notice the patterns and shifts, create a plan that embraces and maximizes those shifts, and then execute that plan. It's even a long sentence. But if you're thoughtful and intentional about responding to change, you always come out ahead in the long run.

I'm putting my money where my mouth is on this one. Things are going great with the Indie Business Podcast, yet I am changing it — not because I want to or planned to, but because the new shifts call for it. Here are three ways the Indie Business Podcast will change. You can listen or you can scroll down to read. Let's get started.

Click the arrow to listen NOW!

Donna Maria Coles Johnson, Indie Business Network

Episode Show Notes

1. A short bit of the history of the Indie Business Podcast, since 2005. (starting at 2:50)
2. Indie Business Podcast is going back to its roots, interviewing authors and speakers who are experts in a field that can help your business grow. (starting at 4:45)
3. Why I am making this change. (starting at 4:57)
4. The difference between the Indie Business Podcast and the new Maker Mastermind Show. (starting at 6:03)
5. Yes, I'm a little nervous, and want your feedback. (starting at 7:57)

Episode 54: Resources in this Episode

1. Maker Mastermind Live: Live event for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs
2. Podcast archive: Binge on lots of my episodes at this link
3. Featured Maker Mastermind Show guest: Adoratherapy
4. Maker Mastermind Show Co-host: Christine Laureano of Ba6 Marketing
5. Live video on Facebook: Facebook Live

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

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Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (via Google Play or via iTunes).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

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The post Episode 54: Exciting Changes at Indie Business Podcast! [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

On Indie Business Podcast, Briar shares about how she manages her business, including why she chose Squarespace to host her website, and why she insists on making each and every product herself. You'll love hearing a little about Briar's approach to entrepreneurship, and how she has formed a beautiful collaboration with other like-minded entrepreneurs to support and uplift each other personally and professionally. Enjoy my interview with Briar NOW!

Click the Arrow to Enjoy the Indie Business Pocast

Episode Show Notes

1. The inspiration for the Marble & Milkweed brand. (starting at 2:21)
2. How Briar transitioned from her chef career with the support of her foodie colleagues, by doing part-time work and freelance projects. (starting at 5:07)
3. The story of “marble & milkweed” as a brand name, and how intuitive the naming process was for Briar. (starting at 9:32)
4. How Briar uses imagery to reflect her brand message and story. (starting at 14:25)
5. Briar shares the Plant Fam community, and how it came together to share sources and encourage and cross promote each other's businesses. (starting at 15:30)
6. Briar's favorite Instagram editing tools, and her approach to Instagram and social media in general. (starting at 20:05)
7. The website design and hosting platforms Briar has chosen, and why. (starting at 22:48)
8. Why Briar makes every product she sells, and has no employees or interns. (starting at 24:50)
   

9. How Briar continues to define her life on her own terms, controlling her business growth, and resisting what she calls the “pressure to conform to a certain trajectory in your business,” yet manages to have her products in woman-owned retail stores nationwide — and in Australia too! (starting at 25:55)
10. How Briar has pared down her product line, which allows her to focus on seasonal items and limited editions. (starting at 29:44)
11. What is “analog beauty?” (starting at 33:34)
12. Briar's best selling product. (starting at 36:43)
13. Briar's words of encouragement to Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs. (starting at 38:16)
14. What being Indie means to Briar. (starting at 39:36)

Episode 53: Resources in this Episode

1. Recommended image editor: VSCO on for iOS devices and Android
2. Community: PlantFam. (More on building community around your brand).
3. Website platforms: Squarespace and Shopify
4. Social media scheduler: HootSuite
5. Social media management: Sprout Social
6. Social media management: Sprout Social
7. Etsy site: Marble & Milkweed on Esty
8. Blog post resource: 6 Keys to Going Big in Business Without Growing Big in Business
9. Marble & Milkweed best seller: 6 Cardamon Butter

Connect with Briar and Marble & Milkweed

Visit Briar and Marble & Milkweed at her website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Instagram.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

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The post Episode 53: Briar Winters of Marble & Milkweed [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll love hearing a little about Nieves' approach to entrepreneurship, and how she did not have a big and grand plan when she started out. She describes her growth as organic, and she grew a little at a time by selling a few things, then buying a few supplies, then selling a few more things, and then buying a few more supplies.

You'll also benefit from the mindset tips Nieves offers to help you embrace and appreciate the intersection between who you are as a person and who you are as an entrepreneur. Enjoy my interview with Nieves NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The inspiration for the By Nieves brand. (starting at 2:19)
2. How Nieves saw a need in the market, and how she began to fill that need, starting with sharing a body balm with friends. (starting at 5:34)
3. How Nieves started selling her products starting with salons and spas, and moving to craft fairs, which Nieves describes as “a great marketing opportunity.” (starting at 7:00)
4. How Nieves knew where she wanted to sell her products at the very beginning of her business, even though she didn't have a “real grand plan,” and how “every baby step informed the next step.” (starting at 8:21)
5. How Nieves moved from San Francisco to The Lost Coast, and the challenges of living “in the boonies.” (starting at 9:45)
6. How the By Nieves is a lifestyle brand, and how her products (one in particular) tells a beautiful story. (starting at 12:06)
7. Nieves shares how to build your business in a way that conveys real meaning into the heart of your customer, including overcoming the fear of selling your unique self. (starting at 15:11)
8. Nieves tips on building a show booth that stands out, using what appeals to you and combining your style with things you notice and like at other shows. (starting at 17:54)
9. How the intersection between your personal brand and your business brand creates the momentum you need to authentically pursue what success means to you. (starting at 23:03)
10. How Nieves is taking some of her personal time back at this stage in her life and business. (starting at 26:31)
11. How Nieves decides which shows to do and which ones to skip, and how she has scaled back on events. (starting at 26:58)
12. How Nieves divides up income streams: shows, wholesale, online retail. (starting at 28:11)
13. The value of selling your products in person. (starting at 29:20)
14. Using entrepreneurship as your own personal confidence training ground, and how this translates into increased success. (starting at 31:50)
15. The hardest part of managing business today. (starting at 33:05)
16. “Your business and your brand have a life of their own now,” and how that feels to Nieves. (starting at 34:40)
17. The hardest part about living on the Lost Coast. (starting at 34:40)
18. Nieves' favorite tech tool (and you will love this) (starting at 37:43)
19. What being Indie mean to Nieves. (starting at 38:07)

Connect with Nieves of By Nieves

Visit Nieves and By Nieves at her website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Instagram.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

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The post Episode 52: Nieves Rathbun of By Nieves [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Over the years, Mike continued to see a need to support and promote lavender as an official “crop” in the United States, and to connect “lavender-preneurs” in a more formal way. Along with some of his lavender producing colleagues, he launched the United States Lavender Growers Association, and today, he serves as its president. In this episode, Mike talks about how lavender is grown and harvested in this country, and how you can become involved as a grower, producer, or just a lover of lavender.

You'll also hear how you can meet Mike and me at their upcoming lavender conference in Mesa, Arizona, where I'll be speaking on the topic of Effective Marketing Strategies in an Age of Too Much Technology. If you'll be there, leave a comment below so I can be sure try to meet you personally. Enjoy my interview with Mike NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The beginnings of Prairie Lavender Farm and a bit about how lavender is grown and harvested. (starting at 3:30)

1. Mike's pre-lavender life, and how he stumbled upon the idea that he should start a lavender farm. (How hard could it be, right?) (starting at 4:35)

1. Mike shares about trends in American farming generally, and lavender in particular. (starting at 8:05)

1. How Mike organizes harvesting and manufacturing at Prairie Lavender Farm, including his annual lavender festival. (starting at 9:45)

1. About the United States Lavender Growers Association, which has 349 members as of the time of this podcast. (starting at 11:05)
2. About the upcoming US Lavender Conference from January 25-28 in Mesa, Arizona. (starting at 18:09)

Explore Additional Resources

All things lavender: Visit the United States Lavender Association's website

US Lavender on Facebook: United States Lavender Growers Association on Facebook

US Lavender on Twitter: United States Lavender Growers Association on Facebook

Lavender cookbook: The Lavender Cookbook

Connect with Mike and Prairie Lavender Farm

Visit Mike and Prairie Lavender Farm at his website and like them on Facebook. When you visit, be sure to ask about Mike's next upcoming annual lavender festival!

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (via Google Play or via iTunes).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to break all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 51: Mike Neustrom of Prairie Lavender Farm and US Lavender Growers Association [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll hear, Meagan is an esthetician by trade, but when she could not find a job in her field, she perched herself at an office job and started working as a freelance makeup artist. She stumbled upon some makeup that said the word, “handmade” on the label, and you know what happened next. Yep. Meagan began studying to learn how to make her own makeup, and after a few years of study and trial and error, she started a business of her own. While Meagan's company is fairly young (and so is Meagan), as you'll hear in this interview, she's done quite a few things to ensure the ongoing sustainability of her business. You can learn a lot from her experiences, especially if you are a new beautypreneuer. Enjoy my interview with Meagan NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The beginnings of Wildly Natural, and how Meagan started it after she couldn't find a job as an esthetician. (starting at 2:06)
2. Why Meagan thought she could start a business in an economy where a lot of people were closing their businesses. (starting at 5:31)
3. How makeup has evolved over the years to embrace bold, colorful looks that recognizes makeup as more of an art form than ever before. (starting at 7:05)
4. A little about the trademark registration process, and Meagan's experience and recommendations. (starting at 8:18)
5. How Meagan uses Instagram to market her products, including how she approaches people to use her makeup and post pictures on social media. (starting at 9:56)
6. Why Meagan chose Shopify to host her website, and her favorite plugin. (starting at 13:00)
7. How Meagan uses social media to promote her business today, and how she intends to add video in the near future. (starting at 14:50)
8. How Meagan chooses which ingredients to use and which not to use in her products, and what her Leaping Bunny certification means to her brand. (starting at 16:17)
9. Meagan's future plans for herself and for her brand, the thought process she used to introduce some of her latest new products, and a bit about how she manages her workday. (starting at 20:03)

Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we believe in rolling up our sleeves. Success does not come by listening to the Indie Business Podcast. It comes by taking action based on the things you hear on the show. Success leaves clues, and we believe in following them. Here are some specific actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Meagan.

1. Leverage your background and expertise: Meagan's experience shows what happens when you choose a business that allows you to leverage a former profession to build your entrepreneurial venture. When Meagan couldn't find a job in the field she trained for, she switched gears. Today, she remains in the skincare field, but in a way that allows her much more flexibility than if she had a job as an esthetician. How can you use your previous work or educational background to appeal to your customers?
2. Respond to your customers: Meagan said that one of her customers's problems was not knowing which eye shadow colors complemented each other. Meagan solved this problem for her customers by creating color palettes that are sold as a set. You never have to guess at what your customers' problems are … they will tell you, making it easier for you to create new things that respond directly to their needs. What are your customers's biggest headaches? How can you help them make them go away?

Explore Additional Resources

Website and e-commerce hosting: Shopify

Trademark attorney: Andrea Hence Evans, Esq.

Business coaching and training: Indie Business Network

Shopify product review plugin: Yotpo

Cruelty free certify certification: Leaping Bunny and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to break all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 50: Meagan Sincock of Wildly Natural [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Soude Haiti is adjusting its efforts to provide whatever aid it can, but the organization's ongoing mission and message is one of economic independence and empowerment, and to that end, they are teaching people how to grow and sell produce, and to make things they can sell, so they can provide for themselves and generate steady income. You will come away from this experience with a renewed sense of how even your smallest contribution can have a lasting economic impact for a Haitian mom or dad struggling to create a better life for their children. Enjoy my interview with Ronda NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The beginnings of Soude Haiti, its focus on education and economic growth, and how Ronda and her husband, a native Haitian, met and formed the organization. (starting at 4:00)
2. Hurricane Matthew update. (starting at 7:25)
3. Soude Haiti's specific activities to support self sustainability and economic development, including strengthening rural areas and helping people adjust their mindset from being given things to working to sustain themselves in three main areas: soap and product making, horticulture, sewing. (starting at 10:33)
4. How YOU can help Soude Haiti with its empowerment work. (starting at 14:57)
5. Details about how Soude Haiti's volunteer trips work (starting at 19:10)
6. How you can help with Soude Haiti's sewing projects (starting at 25:03)
7. What you can do by the end of this week to help Soude Haiti (starting at 27:20)
8. The price to participate in a Soude Haiti volunteer trip (starting at 32:21)

Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we believe in rolling up our sleeves. Success does not come by listening to the Indie Business Podcast. It comes by taking action based on the things you hear on the show. Success leaves clues, and we believe in following them. Here are some specific actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Ronda.

1. Embrace the mission: Soude Haiti's mission is all about empowerment. It's great when we can give financially, but it's critical that we not only give people fish, but also teach them how to fish. Soude Haiti does that.
2. Donate money: The Haitian people's greatest need now includes financial relief, and you can donate at the Soude Haiti website here. Going forward, their needs include supplies like the seeds Ronda mentioned, and also manpower. If you'd like to join me on a volunteer trip to Haiti to teach product making classes, contact me through our contact page.
3. Donate seeds: especially squash, tomatoes, corn, spinach, carrots, and cabbage.
4. Spread the word on social media: Any posts to Twitter, Facebook, and even your own blog are helpful. You can even contact Ronda for an interview and create content for you blog and support Soude Haiti at the same time.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit Soude Haiti

Social media: Facebook; Twitter

Hurricane Matthew News (Yahoo): Haiti hurricane victims face choice: leave or rebuild

Non-profit soapmaking training project: Lovin' Soap Project (this is the organization Ronda could not recall the name of, at 14:39)

Entrepreneurial retreat: #IndieCruise

How to help the people of Haiti: Donate to Soude Haiti via PayPal account or credit card on the home page, or email them for the address to send a check

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to break all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 49: Ronda Porter-Altema of Soude Haiti [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You will literally hear the excitement in her voice, as Toushonta describes finding her target audience, creating systems that work, and utilizing a vast support network to boost productivity and results – and have more FUN. Get your weekly entrepreneurial vitamin dose in this uplifting and invigorating episode of the Indie Business Podcast. Enjoy my interview with Toushonta NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The beginning of Scent_sa-tional Soaps, including Toushonta's passage trough the entrepreneurial desert. (starting at 2:17)
2. A bit about the Scent_sa-tional Soaps business model. (starting at 9:15)
3. How to decide which maker shows will be worth your time to participate in. (starting at 11:49)
4. How Toushonta successfully fits her business around her life, and tips to help you do the same. (starting at 13:48)
5. Toushonta's once-a-week entrepreneurial support call and accountability group, and the importance of networking. (starting at 17:15)
6. Toushonta's daughter's business. (starting at 20:25)
7. Scent_sa-tional Soaps' various different income streams, and how everything fits together. (starting at 24:25)
8. How Toushonta manages the Scent_sa-tional Soaps fundraising program. (starting at 29:14)
9. The importance of being open to new ideas and unexpected opportunities, while being strategic about which ones to pursue and which ones to turn down. (starting at 34:10)
10. Rapid fire interrogation. (starting at 37:43

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we believe in rolling up our sleeves. Success does not come by listening to the Indie Business Podcast. It comes by taking action based on the things you hear on the show. Success leaves clues, and we believe in following them. Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Toushonta.

1. Work through your own personal desert: I'm so grateful for Toushonta's ability to remove the veil and just be down to earth honest about how she struggled to decide whether entrepreneurship was for her. I want you to listen very carefully to that part, maybe replay it, especially if you are a new business owner, because you need to know that depression can sometimes be a part of entrepreneurship. It's not all fun and roses. It's not always the upbeat picture you see on Facebook. Sometimes, it stinks, but if you push your way through, as Toushonta did, you can see that the payoff is huge.
2. Find your people: Did you catch the part where Toushonta said that, once you find your target audience, everything starts to flow more easily? I didn't say it became easy, and neither did she, but you can begin to get into a groove when you are clear about who you are serving and how yur products can benefit them specifically.
3. Create reliable support systems: Toushonta is a great example of how entrepreneurs should establish multiple support systems. She has hr family. Sh has her maker friends. She has her wholesale customers like the boutique where she hosts Soothing Saturdays. She is a member of the Indie Business Network. She joined me on IndieCruise and went to other events where she could learn and grow with like-minded people. Get out of your studio and be a part of your community.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit Scent_sa-tional Soaps

Social media: Facebook; Instagram

Festival: Strawberry Fest, Oxnard, California

Learn to make soap: The Nova Studio

Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, by Steven Covey

Entrepreneurial retreat: #IndieCruise

Teenpreneur business: Shai's World

Boutique and Soothing Saturdays: All That and More Boutique, Culver City, CA

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 48: Toushonta Hogan of Scent_sa-tional Soaps [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Andrea is a member of the Indie Business Network and an an intellectual property attorney who specializes in helping entrepreneurs secure and manage their rights to patents, trademarks and copyrights. She is a former attorney with the US Patent & Trademark Office, and she literally started her business with two weeks notice and a new laptop. Andrea is a frequent speaker at entrepreneurial conferences and events, and has addressed my #IndieCruise Mastermind retreat as well. You'll enjoy our wide-ranging conversation, including how Andrea manages to successfully integrate life and business and how we treasure the freedom, flexibility, and fun that comes along with entrepreneurship. Enjoy my interview with Andrea NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The story behind Andrea's creation of her practice. (starting at 2:17)
2. How Andrea “prepared” to quit her job and strike out on her own as an intellectual property attorney. (starting at 6:46)
3. Andrea on the importance of your professional social network. (starting at 8:35)
4. How Andrea successfully integrates her life as an entrepreneur with her personal life. (starting at 12:28)
5. Missteps entrepreneurs make when it comes to intellectual property, and how to fix them. (starting at 15:10)
6. You don't know what you don't know. (starting at 17:24)
7. Andrea shares her take on your entrepreneurial mindset. (starting at 18:37)
8. How Andrea manages her firm with assistants and people who work on an “as needed contract” basis. (starting at 22:26)
9. How Andrea approaches day-to-day life as a parent and a business leader, including time management ideas and the importance of delegation. (starting at 24:06)
10. The hardest decision you can make as a new entrepreneur who is holding down a full-time job. (starting at 29:16)
11. The freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship. (starting at 31:40
12. It only takes on “yes.” (starting at 33:53

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking action, because nothing happens without it! Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Andrea.

1. Learn what you don't know: Andrea pointed out the critical point that, when you start any new endeavor, you don't know what you don't know. This means that you don't even know what questions to ask when you first launch a business. The bottom line though is that you have to make it your business to ask questions s you can figure it out as you go. Ask Google, ask local professionals, ask entrepreneurs in fields outside your own. This is the only way to gather the knowledge you need on an ongoing basis to keep yourself and your business strong and successful.
2. Delegate: Andrea has set up her business so she has someone to answer calls and manage her schedule, someone to help her with social media, and professional contractors to help her with client work. You may not need help in those specific areas, but it is important for you to figure out where you do need help, and then go and find. You can start a business as the chief cook and bottle washer, but you cannot grow one that way.
3. Return phone calls: Andrea has sometimes solidified new business not because of the merits of her service (which are clearly considerable), but simply because she returned a call ad someone else did not. You never know who is calling you, and yes, sometimes, a phone call comes to nothing. But there is probably no less expensive way to earn a new customer than to return their phone call … so there's really no excuse not to do it.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans, LLC

Call Andrea's office: 301-497-9997

Social media: Facebook; Periscope

Intellectual property rights: US Patent & Trademark Office

Entrepreneurial retreat: #IndieCruise

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 47: Andrea Hence Evans, Esq. of The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans, LLC [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

In this episode, which is much shorter than other episodes, I am stepping away from my usual Maker interview format to bring you a timely message that celebrates the spirit of the American independent business owner — the Indie Business owner — the type of business I was inspired to serve nearly 17 years ago when I launched the Indie Business Network.

I am frequently asked to share the story of how I started the Indie Business Network. It has got a few twists and turns to it, so I am going to save the details for another day. For now, I will simply share a bit of the personal mindset I embraced before IBN was born.

The actual occurrences that make up the IBN's story mean little unless they are viewed through the lens of the founder's (me) personal life philosophy. The same things that happened to me before IBN started could have happened to someone else, and their response would have been different. Mine was what it was because of who I am. This podcast reveals more of that than ever before.

Enjoy a bit about my philosophy of life NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes: My life philosophy

1. I believe I am called to do specific things in my life journey. (starting at 2:54)
2. It's my chief responsibility to discover my callings, with an ‘s' on the end. (starting at 3:28)
3. I must not allow any person to keep me from doing what I feel called to do. (starting at 4:11)

Episode Show Notes: What INDIE Stands For

1. Independence … from mainstream ideas about the meaning of success …(starting at 5:02)
2. Newsworthy … and able to serve as an effective media outlet for your own brand (starting at 7:50)
3. Destiny … is paramount (starting at 8:59)
4. Income … is integral to Indie Business Network members(starting at 10:06)
5. Equity … ownership distinguishes Indies from businesses that have given up control of their business to third parties (starting at 11:11)
6. Celebration of the blessing of life in America … (starting at 12:17)

Binge on all Episodes of the Indie Business Podcast

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 46: How I Put the I-N-D-I-E in the Indie Business Network [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

At the time of this recording, Christina's business is just 12 months old, and you will be amazed and inspired by how far she's come and how she's putting it all together. Not only dos she has a robust online business, but she is finding that it's hard to keep up with that because she's so busy in her local community. In just the past year, she's created a local business to business customer base that rivals those that have taken others years to build. You'll love hearing her story and how she's growing in this episode. Enjoy my interview with Christina NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The story behind Soap Seas. (starting at 2:26)
2. Christina's “other” gig – and how she manages making and managing on any given day. (starting at 9:02)
3. Why it's important to be the face of your brand in a variety of communities. (starting at 13:20)
4. How Christina uses social media (Instagram in particular) to grow her business, and how she uses it to earn new business. (starting at 18:40)
5. How Soap Seas makes money. (starting at 25:10)
6. How Christina makes the most of product shows, even when she does not make a lot of money. (starting at 29:53)
7. Christina's plans in terms of growing her business. (starting at 33:36)
8. What being Indie means to Christina. (starting at 38:50)
9. Rapid fire interrogation. (starting at 39:50)

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking action, because nothing happens without it! Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Christina.

1. Go outside and play in community: Christina has built her business around being with people in her local area. Attracted as much by her personally as they are by her products, other business owners are collaborating with Christina because she is pleasant and easy to get along with.
2. Use Instagram: Christina says that her business has grown in large part because of Instagram. As we heard, you don't have to post incessantly to attract business from this platform. Use hashtags as well as Christina's once-a-day posting approach to build a following.
3. Evolve: Christina said that, even after just 12 short months, her business is not anything like it was when she started it. It's so important to plan as you go and be flexible as you move forward. Nothing stays the same, not your customer and not you. Your business must evolve as well.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit the Soap Seas website

Christina's “other” job: Localista Media

A networking friend: Bibi Goldstein and Buying Time

Maker group: Academy of Handmade

Social media: Instagram

Instagram app: Word Swag

Fresh crab in Redondo Beach: Quality Seafood

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 45: Christina Wennstrom: Soap Seas, Redondo Beach, California [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Today, she and her husband have collaborated not only to grow the Henna Sooq brand, but they also work with other entrepreneurs in their area to manage a studio where Khadija teaches henna art and other independent entrepreneurs host classes like yoga and martial arts. You'll hear how Khadija has grown her business without much advance planning, as well as some of her tips for engaging customers visually using social media. Enjoy my interview with Khadija NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The story behind Henna Sooq, its international roots starting in 2005. (starting at 2:09)
2. Khadija says, “I was never in a rush,” and today, Henna Sooq allows her to do what she loves as she successfully integrates her life as a wife and a mother with her business. (starting at 4:32)
3. How Khadija credits interacting with people online and being clear what has been really important to her for much of her sustained success in business. (starting at 7:28)
4. The first time Khadija “did henna” on me, and how she views herself as an artist, and a Maker. (starting at 10:53)
5. What exactly is henna, and how are the different colors created? (starting at 14:07)
6. Henna Sooq's income stream categories: online retail, wholesale to salons, studio with in-store retail, classes, “paint and sip parties,” and henna body art consultations, henna services on-site at weddings and parties, selling at natural hair shows, and the Henna Chai weekend teaching events. (starting at 16:22)
7. How Khadija continues to add income streams without a real plan, and while staying present in the lives of her husband and six children. (starting at 20:32)
8. How Khadija uses social media to grow her business, and how she stays current. (starting at 23:18)
9. Food for thought: “How it looks is important.” (starting at 30:03)
10. How to use social media (including hashtags) and networking with like-minded people to improve your own marketing. (starting at 31:40)
11. How Khadija and her husband manage business and family together. (starting at 33:20)
12. What's on the drawing board for Henna Sooq. (starting at 36:47)
13. Khadija says you need this one thing to be successful in your business. (starting at 41:46)

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking action, because nothing happens without it! Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Khadija.

1. Be visual.: Khadija reminded us that people are attracted by what they see. Use your blog, your packaging, your social media outlets, and everything else at your disposal to engage people in visual ways. They will reward you with their attention, and the engagement will lead to increased sales.
2. Work to your strengths.: Do what you do best and don't worry about everything else. Khadija likes social media, so she does pretty much all of it for her brand. She assesses the social media landscape and navigates between the ones that work best for her. She says that this is something everyone has to do in order to progress forward.
3. Don't rush: Khadija says that you have to resist trying to do grow fast, even though it's tempting. Technology allows us to see so many other people who have achieved more than we have, and it's important to remain focused on what you are doing as you learn from the successes of others — all the while not get carried away trying to keep up with others.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit the Henna Sooq website

Visit the Henna Sooq retail store at 7060 Oakland Mills Rd. Suite K, Columbia, MD 21046. Henna Sooq is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 9:30pm (evenings only) and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Social media: Instagram

Networking event: IndieCruise

Natural products stockist: Whole Foods Market

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 44: Khadija Dawn Carryl: Henna Sooq, Elkridge, Maryland [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Jennifer says that her business has grown organically over the past 12 years, and she's now considering taking on an investor. You will love learning about Jennifer's patient, never-in-a-hurry business approach, plus a few mindset shifts you may need to embrace to make your own business more of what you want it to be. Enjoy my interview with Jennifer NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The story behind KleanSpa, including how quickly Jennifer acted on her vision once she had it. (starting at 2:16)
2. Jennifer shares the mindset she embraced, including trusting her path ad rejecting perfection, to get started quickly and make things happen immediately in KleanSpa. (starting at 5:50)
3. The connection between avoiding perfection and pursuing excellence, and what it has to do with the art of delegation. (starting at 7:57)
4. How Jennifer found her current “sales rep,” and how she has approached hiring people to help her over the years. (starting at 12:08)
5. “Every time I take a small step to expand my business, my business expands to meet me.” (starting at 22:31)
6. KleanSpa's income stream categories: online retail, wholesale, retail store, in-store perfume blending, mobile perfume parties via the Mobile Mixtress brand, and teaching perfumery classes. (starting at 18:49)
7. KleanSpa's approach to structuring compensation for her “sales rep,” and how it depends less on formality and more on relationship. (starting at 25:05)
8. Jennifer describes her business as “growing organically, on a very personal level” through the years. (starting at 31:00)
9. A conversation about comfort. (starting at 31:52)
10. There is no one right or wrong way to grow your business, but there are some wrong ways. (starting at 35:55)
11. What's on the drawing board for KleanSpa and Mobile Mixtress … the options are limitless! (starting at 42:37)
12. Jennifer defines “success.” (starting at 46:00)

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Jennifer.

1. The case for moving quickly on your vision: Jennifer's story shows the huge benefits that come with hitting the ground running once you have a clear vision for your business. She got the idea in December 2005, and by 2006, she was already proactively selling products online and in local shows and markets. Jennifer also reminds us that that you want your business to grow, you cannot be the only one doing stuff. She shared opening about how it's literally life or death for your business. You'll love how Jennifer defines success toward the end of the episode too.
2. Some of the best things happen when you are at your most vulnerable: Jennifer says that her current sales assistant wasn't even hired to do sales, and she was hired when sales were low, morale was low, and Jennifer's personal life was in a difficult spot. This person came along without any plan, and has been one of the best things for business. You'll love hearing how you can grow your business simply by allowing certain opportunities to grow organically and without much advance planning.
3. Grow slow and sure: Jennifer started her business in 2005, and today, it embraces six separate income streams. Each stream was added one at a time. When one was strong, she added another. When those two were strong, she added a third, and so forth. Today, after well over a decade, it's all about adding onto the solid platform Jennifer started building as she drove her car down the street all those years ago.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit the KleanSpa website

Book your perfume party with the Mobile Mixtress or call KleanSpa or visit the Kleanspa retail store at 3319 West Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505, in the Magnolia shopping district. KleanSpa is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 – 6:30, and Sunday from 11-6.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 43: Jennifer Hardaway: KleanSpa, Burbank, California [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

As you'll hear in the interview, Michelle and her husband paid off all of their credit card debt in nine months. After that, Michelle quit her job, and the rest is MamaSuds history.

You will love hearing Michelle share her story, including her marketing tips — one of which may surprise you. Enjoy my interview with Michelle NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. The story behind MamaSuds, including how a children's movie character inspired her brand name and how, over a 9-month period, Michelle transitioned from middle school teacher to entrepreneur. (starting at 1:50)
2. An overview of the natural cleaning products MamaSuds offers, and which ones are driving the brand today. (starting at 11:00)
3. How Michelle quiets the “doubting voice” in the back of her mind that threatens to keep her from moving forward, and how she embraces the full value of what she has to offer. (starting at 13:07)
4. Michelle's income streams and how she sells her products (online, retail stores, etc.) (starting at 16:00)
5. Michelle's tips on profitable consignment shop relationships. (starting at 18:00)
6. How Michelle manages her life as a maker and a marketer … with the help of her mom and husband. (starting at 20:22)
7. Michelle articulates her niche target market of buyers of natural cleaning products and how she uses Facebook, Instagram, and her mailing list to reach out to them efficiently and effectively. (starting at 22:12)
8. How Michelle uses text messaging to engage her customers, and how she closes sales on her smart phone. (starting at 25:56)

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Michelle.

1. Drill down deep to find the lowest common denominators of your target audience.: As Michelle has learned, the more general your description of your target customer, the more you'll have to work to generate sales. Be as specific as you can starting out, and never stop talking to your customers to tweak and further define your target customer as you grow.
2. Consider allowing your customers to text you: Michelle said that when she uses texting to answer her customers' questions, she lands a sale 10 out of 10 times. There's pretty much nothing left to say about that, right? Try this, it might work for you too!
3. Consider Facebook ads: Michelle says that she has learned how to master Facebook ads because that's where her customers are. The same is true for a lot of Makers — maybe you a well. As of December 2015, Facebook had 1.59 billion users. Imagine what it is today. Facebook ads are so reasonably priced, you have nothing to lose by giving them a try.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit the MamaSuds website

Visit MamaSuds on Etsy

Online retailer of earth-friendly cleaning and personal care products: Earth Unsown

Eco-friendly blogger: Eco-Friendly Mama USA

Small business training: Lela Barker

Mentoring, coaching and training for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs: Indie Business Network

Facebook marketing training: Amy Porterfield

Marketing training: Melanie Duncan

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you love, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 42: Michelle Smith: MamaSuds, Goodrich, Michigan [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Today, Kara is the founder and CEO of Waxing Kara, a spa brand with a retail store called The Honey House, and lines in exclusive online stores and plush spas nationwide.

You will love hearing Kara describe her entrepreneurial journey, including the story of how she created the beautiful Waxing Kara logo, and her tips to help you create an awesome logo that perfectly reflects your brand and carries your message directly to your target customers. Enjoy my interview with Kara NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. 1. The story behind Waxing Kara, including the depth of her online experience as a web developer and how she “retired” to become an artist and a beekeeper. (starting at 2:24)

1. 1. Painting with beeswax, tree resin, and pigment (who knew?) and the realization of “where the order of the art in her life was going to fall.” (starting at 8:12)

1. 1. How Kara has woven the advancement of her life with how she makes money, and the birth of the Waxing Kara brand. (starting at 12:15)

1. 1. The story behind the creation of the gorgeous Waxing Kara logo. (starting at 14:15)

1. 1. How Kara landed her first wholesale account, after being featured in a branding and packaging blog. (starting at 15:44)

1. 1. Why Kara chose the bath and body industry, starting with one body butter and one scrub (containing honey of course) over others she could have participated in. (starting at 17:16)

1. 1. The story of the opening of The Honey House in Owings Mills, Maryland, in October 2014. (You must visit! The address is below). (starting at 20:17)

1. 1. Kara' employees, both full and part-time, who help her manage the retail store, publish social media content, and product production. “There's never any idle time.” (starting at 22:46)

1. 1. How Kara came to participate in the Martha Stewart American Made program, and became a contributor to Martha Stewart's blog. (starting at 24:38)

1. 1. Kara's visual branding and logo design experience, advice, and recommendations, and how to find and work with a graphic designer who has experience in your space. (starting at 27:24)

1. What's next for Waxing Kara? (starting at 35:30)

Three Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 3 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Kara.

1. 1. Hire people who can do more than one thing.: Kara shared that her employees don't do just one or two things. They are trained to do multiple things so that no one is ever idle and all of the jobs that need tending to actually get done. In particular, using the Internet to gt the word out about your business requires the creation of content that leads to your front door. Finding people to help you create content is always a smart idea.

1. 1. Get your logo right from the very start: Creating a brand that works for you is not just about pretty colors, shapes, and fonts, and a nice design. It's about creating a combination of elements that sends the right message to the people you want to buy your products. Look for a graphic designer who gets that, not just for a person with talent.

1. Begin with the end in mind: If you're new to entrepreneurship, or if you're launching a new brand, start by planning what you ultimately want to create. What do you want your business to do for you? Settling on this at the beginning will streamline your planing and help you get specific results that make business fun and profitable.

Explore Additional Resources

Visit the Waxing Kara website

Retailer of home and garden decor: Terrain

Branding and packaging blog: The Dieline

Wholesale consulting: Lucky Break Consulting

Maker program: Martha Stewart American Made

Trademark attorney: Andrea Evans, Esq.

Online retailer: Uncommon Goods

Trade organization for Makers: Indie Business Network

Visit The Honey House at 10209 Grand Central Avenue Suite 118, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Telephone: 410-363-2200.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find them here here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you live, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Episode 41: Kara Brook: Waxing Kara and The Honey House, Owings Mills, Maryland [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Brett is a college professor, and he and Kim have reinvented themselves as letter press professionals, making unique, handmade greeting cards, posters and custom paper goods. It all started when their daughter lost her job as a designer, and Kim and Brett saw an opportunity to help her. As you'll hear in this episode, they put their heads together and did so much more than that! Enjoy my interview with Kim and Brett NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. How Paper Bandit Press came to be, including how their daughter's layoff led to the business. (starting at 3:00)
2. How Brett's engineering training and the enjoyment he gets out of making things led him to the decision to buy letter press equipment rather than outsource the designs for printing. (starting at 5:05)
3. “We really had no intention of doing this, it just kind of happened.” (Sound familiar?) (starting at 8:50)
4. How Kim and Brett became involved in Martha Stewart American Made. (starting at 9:51)
5. How the design process works at Paper Bandit Press, and how “happiness” is the ultimate goal. (starting at 11:48)
6. A bit about the letter press market and Paper Bandit Press's business model: wholesale, retail, Etsy, and shows (starting at 15:58)
7. How to differentiate your products and help your customers understand and embrace the unique and higher prices nature of your product. (starting at 16:54)
8. Kim's words of wisdom and advice for selecting a trade show. (starting at 19:23)
9. How Kim and Brett attract people to their website using Instgram and gift ad paper industry magazines. (starting at 23:00)
10. How Paper Bandit Press gives back to the local food bank and other charities that are important to them. (starting at 29:45)
11. Meeting other artists in local community groups (starting at 30:35)

Four Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 4 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Kim and Brett.

1. Don't do anything you don't like to do: Of course there are paperwork and accounting aspects to running a business that are less than fun, but as Kim says, when you love what you do, there is a great counter-balance. Working from home helps, as Kim mentioned, as does donating to your favorite charities and creating a cause-related business model.
2. Tap into people's emotions: Kim and Brett eloquently expressed how Paper Bandit Press does not really sell products, but instead sells an emotional connection from one human being to another that is expressed via their products. This is a principle that is central to the success of any business. The product is a bridge to the result your customer will enjoy as a result of buying and using the product. That's a huge mindset shift for many entrepreneurs, and one you'll want to embrace sooner rather than later.
3. Prepare wisely before doing a trade show: Kim shared the truth that most of the work in a trade show happens before and after the show, not during the show. As you prepare for your shows, take this into account. The buyers are there because they are already interested in products like yours, but filling orders is a relatively small amount of the work that goes into making a show a success. Great tips from Kim here.
4. Create or join Maker communities in your local area: This suggestion is so in sync with the philosophy behind the Connection Day Maker Mastermind Days I host that bring Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs together in their own cities and towns across America. Your local community cares about the success of your business more than anyone. It's in the best interest of your hometown that you succeed. Gathering together in your own back yard, even if you have a mostly online business, opens doors that the Internet cannot open. Take a tip from Kim and Brett and either start a meet up locally or find one and get involved.

Explore Additional Resources

Vote for Paper Bandit Press in the Crafts category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Visit the Paper Bandit Press website

Trade show: National Stationery Show

Awards competition: International Green Card Louie Awards Competition at the Greeting Card Association

Magazine: Stationary Trends

Magazine: Upper Case

Magazine: Giftware News

Vote for Paper Bandit Press

Vote for Paper Bandit Press in the Crafts category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find Season 1 here, Season 2 (Women Wealth and Wow) here, and Season 3 (Makers on Main Street) here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android or iPhone app).

Rate my Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you live, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 4: Episode 4: Martha Stewart American Made with Kim and Brett Borup of Paper Bandit Press [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Colin is a former Hollywood actor who traded in his screen actor's guild card for a chance to own and manage a business of his own making and selling cold pressed juice made with local, organic ingredients. Launched in 2013 with a $600 juicer and a vision to serve the community, Humdinger Juice is a finalist in Martha Stewart's American Made Competition in the Food Category, and you will love their story! Enjoy my interview with Colin and Mary NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. How Colin started Humdinger Juice, including transitioning from Hollywood to the purchase of a $600 juicer and a life-changing Saturday market confirmation. (starting at 3:08)
2. Mary shares how she felt and what she thought when Colin invited her to quit her job and go into business with him. (starting at 7:30)
3. How Colin remains content with where Humdinger Juice in the present, while also chasing the next thing for him and his business. (starting at 10:55)
4. Mary talks about how loving what she does at Humdinger Juice helps her continue to create the life she loves. (starting at 14:29)
5. Talking about the Maker Dream Business: color, readily available ingredients, equipment, passion, leveraging online sales and offline sales … (starting at 17:15)
6. Colin shares the stages of his business and how much money he invested, from the first juice press to creating recipes, procuring permits, embracing regulations, locating a kitchen and retail space, going through inspections, etc. (starting at 20:38)
7. On letting employees go in order to minimize expenses as you increase production. (starting at 23:42)
8. Humdinger Juice's customers love meeting Colin and Marya when they deliver their juice. (starting at 27:28)
9. A bit about the Humdinger Juice business model and systems that support selling a non-pasteurized juice that has a 5-day shelf life. (starting at 28:38)
10. How Colin discovered the Martha Stewart American Made Awards, and how to vote for Humdinger Juice. (starting at 36:20)
11. Colin's and Mary's tips for starting an artisan food business. (starting at 39:27)
12. Where you can buy Humdinger Juice in Raleigh. (starting at 39:27)

Five Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 5 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Colin and Mary.

1. Don't compete on price: Colin and Mary do not price their juice to be the cheapest option, they pric it to be the best option. Everything from their story to how they help their customers take better care of their health points to value proposition after value proposition behind the Humdinger brand. Do not build your brand around price alone. Build it around value.
2. Get out into the community: Mary said that her favorite part of Humdinger Juice is delivering the product to people who love hearing about how juicing can change their lives for the better. People buy from people they know, like and trust, and when Mary shows up, those realities are reinforced. People are not really buying your products. They are buying YOU.
   

3. Learn the regulations that apply to your business: Colin talked about the research he did to make sure he knew and followed regulations for the production and sale of food. All industries have some kind of requirements, so be sure to research and follow the ones that apply to your business.
4. Lean on friends and family where possible: Colin shared how he got every friend he possibly could to help with tasks needed to start Humdinger Juice. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If nothing else, you'll discover who your true friends are.
5. Do more with less: Colin talked about how necessary it was to go from seven employees to three. It is very hard to let people go, but you have to learn how to do it. Sometimes, you'll do it because you need to maximize revenues and sometimes you'll do it because of performance and/or personality challenges. But you will have to do it. Be prepared for this. As Colin said, letting people go when necessary was an important part of the company's growth, allowing him to ramp up production without also driving up expenses.

Explore Additional Resources

Vote for Humdinger Juice in the Food category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Visit the Humdinger Juice website

Rebus Works Saturday market, Raleigh, NC

The Morning Times restaurant

Open Door yoga studio, Raleigh

Ladyfingers Caterers local event catering service, Raleigh

Respite Cafe coffee shop, Durham

Terra Vita Food and Drink Festival – October 8 – 10, Chapel Hill

GotToBeNC North Carolina Department of Agriculture program

Vote for Humdinger Juice

Vote for Humdinger Juice in the Food category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find Season 1 here, Season 2 (Women Wealth and Wow) here, and Season 3 (Makers on Main Street) here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android app or iPhone app).

Rate my Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you live, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 4: Episode 3: Martha Stewart American Made with Humdinger Juice [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

You'll enjoy hearing a bit about Gilyn's passion in this regard, and how she manages Hannah Bergen as a family business — with her mom (a former stock broker) and her sister. It's a real family affair, and it perfectly complements the Hannah Bergen brand, which is all about family and tradition. Enjoy my interview with Gilyn NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. Gilyn details how she moved from doing interior design to starting a Hannah Bergen, and how her products help us live a better life. (starting at 3:14)
2. Gilyn shares bit about what it's like to work with her mom and your sister, and how they divide their tasks and responsibilities. (starting at 6:27)
3. Why it's important to slow down enough to organize, protect, and maintain family heirlooms, and what's in the Hannah Bergen kit. (starting at 7:56)
4. Who helps Gilyn make the business successful, including joining her at “assembling parties.” (starting at 13:26)
5. How Gilyn came to enter the American Made Awards. (starting at 14:20)
6. Some of the reasons Gilyn loves owning her own business, especially the flexibility it affords her as a mom. (starting at 15:00)
7. How Gilyn uses social media, Instagram in particular, to engage her customers and fans. (starting at 16:00)
8. A bit about how Gilyn's business model works, and advice to encourage all of us to treasure our family heirlooms. (starting at 20:07)
9. Gilyn shares why American made is important to her and the Hannah Bergen brand, and how she sourced components and design for her products. (starting at 26:05)
10. Future plans for Gilyn and Hannah Bergen. (starting at 28:11)
11. Gilyn's words of wisdom for anyone considering turning their passion into a business, and how to find Hannah Bergen online. (starting at 31:10)

Four Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 5 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Gilyn.

1. Create community around your brand: Gilyn told us that, from time to time, she hosts fun parties where people can come and help assemble the Hannah Bergen kits. I love how she combined having fun with getting a job done. I bet lots of you listening could think of ways to turn some of your more mundane tasks into a party where people can help you as they also have a good time.
2. Get help: Gilyn shared that, at first, she and her mom and sister where trying to design and source everything themselves. What a job, with a product that has multiple components. reaching out to an expert to help with the design took some load off of Gilyn and has allowed them to focus more on leading the business than being in the weeds managing every little details themselves.
3. Don't give up: Gilyn shared that her business is actually the long-time dream of her mother who was a stock broker during her professional career. The dream of having a business to celebrate family traditions never died, and now lives through Hannah and her sister. You may have to wait a while for all aspects of your dream to come true, ad either way, not giving up is key.
4. Count every penny: Gilyn shared that her business is entirely self funded. No loans or grants, and they count every penny. Wise advice for sure.

Explore Additional Resources

Vote for Hannah Bergen in the Design category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Visit the Hanna Bergen website.

Visit Gilyn McKelligon Interiors

Vote for Hannah Bergen

Vote for Hannah Bergen in the Design category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find Season 1 here, Season 2 (Women Wealth and Wow) here, and Season 3 (Makers on Main Street) here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android app or iPhone app).

Rate my Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you live, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 4: Episode 2: Martha Stewart American Made with Gilyn McKelligon [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

One thing I love about Riche is how she has created the life she loves, really! Just like we always talk about here on Indie Business Podcast — combining your passions, educational background, relationships, and ideas to create a lifestyle as well as a business. You'll also enjoy hearing a bit about how Riche became a guest blogger at Martha Stewart's blog, and how she became a part of Martha's highly curated American Made Marketplace on ebay — and how she didn't actually PLAN any of it. Showing up is the key, as you'll hear Riche say. Enjoy my interview with Riche NOW!

Listen to the Audio

Episode Show Notes

1. Riche details how she started her entrepreneur life, including ditching her planned career as an attorney and starting not one, but two, businesses. (starting at 2:43)
2. The story of how BambiniWare began to grow, and how Riche never really set out to start the business in the first place. (starting at 9:45)
3. How Riche designed and found American Makers to make the products she designed, and what “American Made” means to her; how Riche incorporates her daughter into her business. (starting at 13:36)
4. How Riche uses blogging and social media to connect with her target audience and build the BambiniWare community. (starting at 21:45)
5. How Riche's company became a part of Martha Stewart American Made on ebay, and how she became a blogger at the Martha Stewart site. (starting at 24:30)
6. How applying to be a part of the Martha Stewart American Made Awards forced Riche to reflect on the value of her brand and her journey creating it. (starting at 30:52

Five Actions You Can Take Right Now

At the Indie Business Network, we are not just about listening and being inspired. We are also about thinking carefully about what we hear, and then taking measured steps toward specific goals. Here are 5 actions you can consider taking right now based on my interview with Riche.

1. Show up: Riche said she went to the Martha Stewart event last yer without a real agenda. She showed up and things happened when she did.
2. Plan as you go: So much of business success today is not based on a massive 5 or 10 year plan. We can have what I call an “evening bag” plan that is focused and clear, but also flexible. It's so important to have something that can grow with you, and Riche's story certainly supports that idea.
3. Blog about what matters to your customer: Riche does not blog abut her products, she blogs about things her customers care about: self care for moms, healthy baby food recipes, and things that really have nothing to do with her products but which still attract her target customer to her website. Do this. (And if you don't have blog, here are several reasons why you should be blogging.)
4. Be real: Riche talks about her real life, not that everything is perfect, but what it's really like to be a mom of a toddler running a business. It is hard work, and Riche says she makes sure to be true to that. Authenticity is so important in our transparent world today, so take note of that.
5. Build a brand using ingredients and components that do not originate overseas: Riche's commitment to domestic Makers is admirable. Her products may be more expensive, but the American Made message is part of her brand and more and more, people are willing to pay more because they realize that they are getting more when they buy from a company that ensures that their products and its components are made in America.

Explore Additional Resources

Buy BambiniWare at the Martha Stewart American Made Marketplace on ebay.

Vote for BambiniWare in the Style category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Visit the BambiniWare website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Visit Riche's posts at Martha Stewart.com.

Vote for BambiniWare

Vote for BambiniWare in the Style category at the Martha Stewart American Made Awards until October 19.

Binge on all of my Indie Business Podcast Episodes

If you want to listen to previous episodes, you can find Season 1 here, Season 2 (Women Wealth and Wow) here, and Season 3 (Makers on Main Street) here.

Ask Me A Question

From time to time, I can answer your most pressing questions about life, business, and success as part of the Indie Business Podcast. If you have a question for my podcast, ask it here. If I use your question on an episode, I will link to your site as I provide complimentary advice to help you use your business to Break All The Rules, Build Your Own Corporate Ladder, and Create the life you love.

Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on iTunes (on iPhone) or Stitcher (an Android app or iPhone app).

Rate my Podcast, Tell Your Friends and Comment

If you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

If this podcast has inspired you to beak all the rules, build your own corporate ladder, and create the life you live, please share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 4: Episode 1: Martha Stewart American Made with Riche Holmes Grant [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Amber has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2012.

You'll enjoy hearing a bit about Amber's lifestyle and philosophy, including incorporating her young daughter into the family business, and how her lifestyle choices complement and help boost her brand. Enjoy my interview with Amber NOW!

Click the arrow to listen

Season 3, Episode 12: Show Notes

Here are few Episode 12 highlights.

1. Amber details how she started her business — from hobbyist in the Michael's craft store to making and selling her own brand in 2009. (starting at 3:54)
2. Amber shares what she did to host a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund her store. (starting at 6:40)
3. How Amber promoted her soft opening using word-of-mouth, social media, and email marketing. (starting at 10:30)
4. Why Amber loves interacting on Instagram, for fun and for business, and why it has been “pivotal” to her success. (starting at 11:49)
5. How Amber collaborates and cross promotes with Makers who offer products that are complementary to hers, and how this helps her maintain a manageable product line. (starting at 13:22)
6. Amber describes what her business model looks like, including spa parties, wholesale and online retail. (starting at 16:15)
7. What Amber's store looks like. Her store was once a jail house. (Brace yourself, you are going to want to go there NOW. (starting at 18:28)
8. How Amber leverages her physical and online presences to grow and promote both. (starting at 24:05)
9. How Amber integrates life and business as a wife and a mother. (Listen carefully for her mention of her community living arrangements — there's another story there. (And, introducing Bailey!) (starting at 25:04)

Season 3, Episode 12: Resources

Blog post: Hacking Kickstarter: How to Raise $100,000 in 10 Days (Includes Successful Templates, E-mails, etc.) (See also: 6 Tips to Encourage People to Support Your Kickstarter Campaign)

Coffee House: Hidden House Coffee Roasters, San Juan Capistrano

Restaurant: The Ramos House Café, San Juan Capistrano

Vacation rentals: Airbnb

Wholesale training: LBU

Craft fair, San Francisco: Renegade Craft Fair

Connect with Amber

Visit Amber and Bambu Earth at 31766 Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano, California, open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 to 5, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6, and Sunday from 11 to 4. Check out Amber at the Bambu Earth website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships! If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, you can subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

What are Your Thoughts and Ideas?

Are you as ready as I am for a spa party on the 1,000 square foot outdoor area adjacent to Amber's store? Or how about the coffee shop to the left or the restaurant to the right? It all sounds so charming, don't you think? I don't know who is luckier, Amber or the community that's fortunate enough to have her. Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, or share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 3: Episode 12: Makers on Main Street with Amber Hawthorne [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Cindy has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2012.

As you listen, make sure you internalize all of the life nuggets Cindy shares. She's been quite intentional and methodical about the pace at which she has grown her business. As you'll hear, there is a lot of be said for the power of slow. Enjoy my interview with Cindy NOW!

Click the arrow to listen

Season 3, Episode 11: Show Notes

Here are few Episode 11 highlights.

1. Cindy starts by sharing the background on her two businesses, what she offers through them, and the story of how they started. (starting at 1:55)
2. How How Cindy has integrated her educational background, her passion, and what she is good at to create a business the suits her lifestyle. (starting at 5:03)
3. “Wandering aimlessly.” (starting at 6:10)
4. An audio tour of Cindy's “Alpine Modern” spot on Main Street. (starting at 7:15)
5. Exploring Cindy's business model. (starting at 11:27)
6. What resources Cindy used to gear up for her retail store opening. (starting at 14:10) (Shout out to Kristin Fraser at The Grapeseed Company.
7. How Cindy promotes her business through local farmer's markets and collaborations, and on the Internet. (starting at 16:40)
8. Tips for opening your own store. (starting at 20:54)
9. How Cindy approaches business growth — the power of slow. (starting at 21:58)
10. Hiring employees. (starting at 23:40)
11. What the future holds for Cindy and Colorado Aromatics. (starting at 27:22)

Connect with Cindy

Visit Cindy and Colorado Aromatics at 340 Lashley St., Unit 220, in Longmont, Colorado. The phone number there is 303-651-2062. Check out Cindy at the Colorado Aromatics website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships! If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, you can subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

What are Your Thoughts and Ideas?

What do you think of Cindy's “slow” approach to business? Are you ready to take a trip out and help Cindy and her team harvest the lavender? What inspires you about Cindy's story? Please share know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, or share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 3: Episode 11: Makers on Main Street with Cindy Jones, Ph.D. [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

La Shonda has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2010.

Today, not only does La Shonda sell the products she makes, but she also teaches others how to make their own products. She also shows people how to make money teaching others how to make things. In her studio, which opened last year in an up and coming area of Paterson, La Shonda hosts events called “Sip and Soap” where you and your pals can get together for a soapmaking girls night out. It's a super fun way to cultivate your artistic side while strengthening relationships — and enjoying a little sip or two.

You may be inspired to know that La Shonda's journey has not been a straight line. There have been many twists, turns, disappointments, and triumphs. Hearing her tell her story will empower you to push through the tough times until your dream is exactly the way you want it to be. Enjoy my interview with La Shonda NOW!

Click the arrow to listen

Season 3, Episode 10: Show Notes

Here are few Episode 10 highlights.

1. La Shonda details her journey working full-time in the banking industry and working her bath+body business part time. (starting at 2:08)

1. La Shonda brings us forward to her becoming the Handmade Soap Coach. (starting at 6:06)

1. What kept La Shonda going even though she could have gone back to get a full-time job when things got really hard and she was totally exhausted. (starting at 9:52)

1. How La Shonda found and opened her own spot on Main Street. (starting at 12:17)

1. The winding road of entrepreneurship … 15 years and counting. (starting at 17:36)

1. The importance of community. (starting at 19:11)

1. Soap and Soap … and more. (starting at 21:36)

1. La Shonda shares a bit more about her business model and studio location, along with tips to find and open your own. (starting at 25:09)

1. How to decide what to charge for a class. (starting at 31:36)

1. The confidence factor and La Shonda coming out of her shell. (starting at 34:14)

1. How to eliminate distractions so you can focus on your priorities. (starting at 26:20)

Connect with La Shonda

Visit La Shonda and the Handmade Soap Coach at 468 Totowa Avenue, Suite 3K, Paterson, New Jersey 07522. The phone number there is 973-531-7455. Check out La Shonda at the Handmade Soap Coach website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships! If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, you can subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

What are Your Thoughts and Ideas?

Are you as inspired by La Shonda's story as I am? Ready for a road trip to Paterson for a “Sip and Soap”? Please share know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, or share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 3: Episode 10: Makers on Main Street with La Shonda Tyree [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Deb has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2010.

Deb's store is located in a town known for fabulous ski resorts, and many of her customers are tourists drawn from around the region. Deb has also intentionally designed her business so it can fit he lifestyle. She has turned down offers to open more stores bearing her brand name, but she has turned them down because she feels it would interrupt the quality of her life.

You'll enjoy hearing how Deb successfully integrates her life and her business. It will inspire you to be just as intentional as she is about designing your business around your life … instead of the other way around. Enjoy my interview with Deb NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 9: Show Notes

Here are few Episode 9 highlights.

1. How Deb started her business in 2001, and opened her store in 2007. (starting at 2:23)
2. How Deb maintains multiple handmade product lines, being picky and “controlling” about her wholesale outreach. (starting at 6:28)
3. A bit about Deb's business model. (starting at 9:44)
4. What to consider if you want to open your own retail store, particularly in today's economic climate as we climb slowly out of the recession. (starting at 10:22)
5. How Deb works with her local chamber of commerce to boost her business. (starting at 15:28)
6. How Deb keeps everything organized, even with so many “layers to her life.” (starting at 18:13)
7. Deb has contained her growth to satisfy her lifestyle. (starting at 19:08)
8. Deb's typical day. (starting at 20:20)
9. Deb's tips for hiring and managing employees (… or why you should hire retired school teachers). (starting at 20:42)
10. What it's like to start a business in your fifties. (starting at 23:33)
11. How to eliminate distractions so you can focus on your priorities. (starting at 26:20)

Connect with Deb

Visit Fields of Ambrosia at 2724 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, New Hampshire 03860. The phone number there is 603-356-3532. Check out Deb at the Fields of Ambrosia website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships! If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, you can subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

What are Your Thoughts and Ideas?

Are you as inspired by Deb's story as I am? What would you add to her advice about opening a retail store? Please share know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, or share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 3, Episode 9: Makers on Main Street with Deb Jasien [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Roberta has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2008.

According to Roberta, while her business is 9 years old, she says she feels like she's just getting started after taking the first several years to figure out, as she says, “who she wanted to be when she grew up.” Her story is a great example of following your business where it leads you, and building your business to fit your life and what you really love doing. Roberta loves engaging one-on-one with her customers, and it is this passion for intimate connection that has helped her build her brand and her retail store success over the years. You'll really enjoy hearing from her. Enjoy my interview with Roberta NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 8: Show Notes

Here are few Episode 8 highlights.

1. How Roberta took her business from kitchen to garage to Main Street. (starting at 2:03)

1. Why, with rare exception, Roberta would rather not sell her products to other retailers. (starting at 5:30)

1. What mindset do you have to embrace in order to be successful in business? (starting at 7:40)

1. Roberta shares a bit about how her business model works, including the “party rooms,” Girl Scout parties and massage therapists — who use Roberta's products of course. (starting at 11:16)

1. The importance of being flexible and thriving in community. (starting at 15:17)

1. Roberta shares how she interacts and stays connected in her local community, including raising money for local charities. (starting at 17:02)

1. Roberta comments on how your personal brand integrates with your business one. (starting at 21:57)

1. How Roberta handles the copycats and uses over-the-top customer service to set her brand part. (starting at 26:00)

Connect with Robertahttps://twitter.com/scrubzbody

Visit Scrubz at 245 Main Street, Framingdale, NY 11735, right in the heart of main street. The phone number there is 516-827-0800. Check out Roberta at the Scrubz website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships! If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, you can subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

What are Your Thoughts and Ideas?

Are you as inspired by Roberta's story as I am? What would you add to her advice about opening a retail store? Please share know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, or share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 3, Episode 8: Makers on Main Street with Roberta Perry [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Kristin has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2008.

Then one day, that all changed when she was hanging out in Santa Barbara's wine country and noticed that the wineries were discarding grapeseed extracts, a byproduct of the wine-making process, for trash. She began to wonder if they could be used for skincare, and right after she wondered that — well, you know what happened next. And today, Kristin leads The Grapeseed Company's online retail sales, wholesale sales, and retail store.

Kristin's story highlights the twists and turns of entrepreneurship, and how you can try something and have it not work, and then fiddle with it here and there until it does work. Or you can try something and have it not work, and drop it completely. It's your gig. It's your choice, and I just find so much freedom in that. And so does Kristin. You'll really enjoy hearing from her. Enjoy my interview with Kristin NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 7: Show Notes

Here are few Episode 7 highlights.

1. How Kristin started her business using what other people considered to be trash. (starting at 2:20)
2. Why Kristin describes herself as “a born entrepreneur,” and her first business at age 14. (starting at 4:21)
3. How Kristin left her job in 2008 to pursue her dream of owning and managing the Grapeseed Company full-time. (starting at 8:37) Read my 2008 interview of Kristin here.
4. How Kristin leveraged her business to become a homeowner in Santa Barbara, one of the most expensive places to own a home in America. (starting at 11:10)
5. Moving on to hiring employes, leasing space (for free), and picking up bigger spa and private label accounts. (starting at 13:11)
6. “So, I went out for a walk in the neighborhood on day, and 14 days later, I signed a lease.” (starting at 14:36)
7. The awesome Maker Movement, and how customers love that they can buy products that they can see are made, from start to finish, on site. (starting at 17:14)
8. How Kristin has grown her business with very little advertising, lots of viral marketing, and a bit of public relations resulting largely from the fact that she produces not only the products, but also the ingredients in them. (starting at 19:50)
9. Why outsourcing would not work for Kristin. (starting at 20:44)
10. How Kristin has grown her business with very little advertising, lots of viral marketing, and a bit of public relations resulting largely from the fact that she produces not only the products, but also the ingredients in them. (starting at 19:50)
11. What Kristin sells in her store and a bit about how her business model works. (starting at 21:53)
12. Kristen's advice if you want to open a retail store where you make and sell your products. (starting at 24:00)
13. Kristen's advice if you want to open a retail store where you make and sell your products. (starting at 24:00)
14. Why Kristin went from one store to two stores, and then back to one store. (starting at 27:56)
15. A bit about Kristin's business model and the importance of multiple revenue streams. (starting at 30:37)
16. Kristin's upcoming classes to teach you how to open your own retail store. (starting at 36:15)

Connet with Kristin

Visit The Grapeseed Company in the historical district of 21 W. Ortega Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101. The phone number there is (805) 456-3655. Check out Kristin at the Grapeseed Company website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships! If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, you can subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

What are Your Thoughts and Ideas?

Are you as inspired by Kristin's story as I am? What would you add to her advice about opening a retail store? Please share know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below, or share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post Season 3, Episode 7: “Makers on Main Street” with Kristin Fraser [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Torrian has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2011.

Torrian started out as a manicurist and she still maintains her license, but today, 100% of her entrepreneurial energy is devoted to making and selling the products her customers love. Torrian, whose past work experience as a manicurist and the owner of three nail salons, has made it relatively easy for her to sell her products in salons and in retail stores. Earlier this month, she opened her own retail store. While the sky is the limit with this Maker, she has had to overcome significant challenges to bring her goals to fruition. Her story will encourage you to knock down every wall that threatens to come between you and you business. Enjoy my interview with Torrian NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 6: Show Notes

Here are few episode 6 highlights.

1. How Torrian started Dorneé as a way of taking care of her mother's skin, which was dry from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. (starting at 2:02)
2. Torrian talks about her “real” full time job and her career as a manicurist. (starting at 4:53)
3. On overcoming obstacles, and Torrian overcame a whopper of one, and then another one. Despite back to back tragedies, Torrian and her business have thrived (starting at 6:04)
4. Why a retail store? Why now? (starting at 12:00)
5. Torrian's tips for preparing to open a retail store, including researching the city regulations for your location as well. (starting at 15:03)
6. Torrian discusses her vision for her retail location, including the experience she wants her customers to have when that walk into her boutique. (starting at 19:55)
7. Who helps Torrian in her business. (starting at 20:46)
8. A bit about the Dorneé business model. (starting at 22:22)
9. Torrian's tips for managing a business while maintaining a full time job. (starting at 25:25)

Visit Dorneé in Twinsburg, Ohio!

Visit Dorneé in the historical district of Bedford , Ohio, at 711 Broadway Avenue. The phone number there is (440) 252-7270.

Connect with Torrian Online

Check out Torrian at the Dorneé website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships!

Your Feedback Please!

If you have an idea for an Indie Business Podcast episode topic or guest, send your feedback through our Contact Page.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

Thanks for listening to Indie Business Podcast, and for allowing it to be a part of your life!

Best and Success!

The post Season 3, Episode 6: “Makers on Main Street” with Torrian Howell [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Kismet has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2009.

She also spends two to three weeks each month traveling and selling her products at shows, particularly in the fiber arts community. You'll enjoy hearing a bit about how Kismet's business model works and how she uses “active listening” to give her customers exactly what they want. Enjoy my interview with Kismet NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 5: Show Notes

Here are few episode 5 highlights.

1. Kismet's journey from learning to make skincare products as a teen, to making moisturizers instead of cookies for the company holiday parties, to owning her own business. (starting at 1:50)
2. How Kismet has grown her business … was it intentional or did it just “evolve?” (starting at 5:29)
3. Kismet's target market(s). (starting at 9:02)
4. How Kismet came to decide to open a store (“kicking and screaming” she says) (starting at 10:21)
5. Kismet's tips for opening your store: the answer involves numbers, mindsets and hammers. (starting at 13:52)
6. How Kismet is organizing her retail store, including Making area, scent bar, retail area and more. (starting at 15:05)
7. The benefits of cross training your staff. (starting at 18:48)
8. How and where Kismet's store is situated … location, location, location! (starting at 19:33)
9. Jump and the net will appear? (starting at 20:50)
10. Multiple income streams. (starting at 23:04)
11. It's about throwing open the doors. (starting at 23:29)
12. How to hire the help you need to make your business successful. (starting at 24:37)
13. What Kismet is most excited about. (starting at 30:11)
14. Kismet's philosophy of entrepreneurship. (starting at 31:10)

Visit Bar Maids in Brush Prairie!

Visit Kismet's store at 1507 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98663. It's right off the I-5 and Mill Plain exit. The phone number there is (888) 684-0333.

Connect with Kismet Online

Check out Kismet at the Bar Maids website, and on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships!

Your Feedback Please!

If you have an idea for an Indie Business Podcast episode topic or guest, send your feedback through our Contact Page.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

Thanks for listening to Indie Business Podcast, and for allowing it to be a part of your life!

Best and Success!

The post Season 3, Episode 5: Makers on Main Street with Kismet Andrews [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Michelle owns and manages a retail shop where she sells her finished products and teaches classes. She has a wealth of experience to share, and you will love the story of how she opened one store in the wrong place, and then moved to another one. Michelle shoe stringed her business from Day 1, and today, she's got multiple income streams flowing into her business. Be sure t pay special attention to her insights in this area. You'll be inspired to be successful as a Maker on Main Street no matter where you are, and Michelle is proof positive that you don't need to be in a big city to have a successful storefront. Enjoy my Interview with Michelle NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 4: Show Notes

Here are few episode 4 highlights.

1. Michelle's entrepreneurial journey, from direct sales to her own brand. (starting at 2:10)
2. Michelle's passion for photography … (remember the Sears Portrait Studio anyone?). (starting at 4:31)
3. Creating a business that allows you to tap into all aspects of your personality. (starting at 5:55)
4. Michelle's retail store story, including this part: “W00T! I'm going to open this store and all these people are going to come in a buy my products!” (starting at 6:17)
5. The importance of multiple revenue streams and the importance of “locally” made in a small town. (starting at 9:30)
6. How Michelle attracts foot traffic into her retail store. (starting at 13:00)
7. The most challenging parts of managing a retail operation. (starting at 14:45)
8. How Michelle includes her 14-year old daughter in her business. (starting at 16:06)
9. Entrepreneurship is work, but at the same time, not work … (starting at 19:56)
10. When selling is not selling. (starting at 23:35)
11. How to shift your mindset to embrace your role as a Maker who is also a sales person. (starting at 24:43)
12. How Michelle uses video in her business. (starting at 26:38)

Connect with Michelle at Mossy Creek Soap

Check out Michelle at the Mossy Creek Soap website, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships!

Your Feedback Please!

If you have an idea for an Indie Business Podcast episode topic or guest, send your feedback through our Contact Page.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

Thanks for listening to Indie Business Podcast, and for allowing it to be a part of your life!

Best and Success!

The post Season 3, Episode 4: Makers on Main Street with Michelle Rhoades [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Jamila has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2000.

Not only will you get some great business inspiration from Jamyla. You'll also learn how she and her husband manage a thriving household that includes two very active young children. I know many of you know how that is … I sure do. There is so much more packed into this episode of the Indie business Podcast. You are going to love it! Enjoy my Interview with Jamyla NOW!

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Season 3, Episode 3: Show Notes

Here are few episode 3 highlights.

1. Jamyla's journey from hobby, to kitchen table startup, to scaling up to where she is today. (starting at 1:49)
2. Opening the retail store and the benefits of not being home-based. (starting at 4:29)
3. Being a solopreneur does not mean going it alone. (starting at 8:24)
4. Using email newsletters (and some social media), flyers and a launch party to spread the word about the retail store as a destination location. (starting at 9:13)
5. Awesome “late night” video podcast promotion. (starting at 11:45)

Every step we've taken has been when either there was no path or we were actively avoiding the path. (starting at 13:40)

6. How Jamyla's popup works in conjunction with Jamyla's artist husband, Pierre Bennu. (starting at 14:24)
7. How the retail operation works with the salon, hair stylists and service providers who use their spa space … including massage therapists and a henna artist (who is also another IBN member … W00T!). (starting at 19:06)
8. Jamyla created the type of business model that works for her and not the type of business model everyone said would work. (starting at 23:17)

Connect with Jamyla at Oyin Handmade

Check out Jamyla at the Oyin Handmade website, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships!

Your Feedback Please!

If you have an idea for an Indie Business Podcast episode topic or guest, send your feedback through our Contact Page.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

Thanks for listening to Indie Business Podcast, and for allowing it to be a part of your life!

Best and Success!

The post Season 3, Episode 3: “Makers on Main Street” with Jamyla Bennu [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

Keith's and Robert's individual and collective passion for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs shines through brightly in this episode. Not only will you understand where their passion comes from, but you'll get some priceless tips to help you pitch your handmade products to retail stores. And if you are thinking of opening a retail store yourself, you'll get some insights in that regard as well. Enjoy my Interview with Keith and Robert NOW!

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Season 2, Episode 3: Show Notes

Here are few episode 3 highlights.

1. 1. Keith kicks things off with the story of their transition from corporate America to a business of their own. (starting at 1:56)

1. 1. Keith and Robert share how their passion feeds the success of their business (there is beautiful emotion here). (starting at 5:18)

1. 1. 95% of the products sold in Opportunity Market are US Made, fair trade and/or woman-made products (including Dynomighty wallets). (starting at 7:40)

1. 1. Keith's advice to Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs who want to position themselves to open a retail store. (starting at 11:00)

<br<

1. 1. Be a duck. (starting at 13:00)

1. 1. You have to start where you are. (starting at 13:47)

1. 1. Assess what the impact of store ownership will be on your family, and double it; relationships will change. (starting at 15:04)

1. 1. Robert shares what he looks for when Makers pitch product for his store, including what he calls “customer proofing.” (starting at 16:00)

1. 1. Branding is more than ingredients and fragrance. (starting at 20:39)

1. 1. Packaging should be half of your production cost (Correction to the example in the audio: “If your production cost is $1.00, your packaging cost should be 50¢. If your production cost is $3.00, your packaging cost should be $1.50.” “The passion needs to be in the packaging.” (starting at 22:23)

1. 1. Know your supply chain and time lines, so you can assure retailers that you can restock quickly if your products sell quickly. (starting at 27:38)

1. 1. Be picky about what stores you pitch your products to. (starting at 26:00)

1. How Keith and Robert are successful both personally and professionally. (starting at 29:50)
2. Talent is universal. Opportunity is not. (starting at 35:30)
3.  
4. People don't buy what you make. They buy why you make it. (starting at 36:45)

Resources mentioned in this episode

1. 1. Book and film: A Path Appears by Nicholas Kristoff

1. Book: Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Connect with Keith and Robert at Opportunity Market

Check out Opportunity Market at their website, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Listen on iTunes

Go here now to listen to this episode of the Indie Business Podcast on iTunes, and be sure to subscribe there for automatic episodes as they are released. Get excited for a new way to look at online relationships!

Your Feedback Please!

If you have an idea for an Indie Business Podcast episode topic or guest, send your feedback through our Contact Page.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe and rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out!

Thanks for listening to Indie Business Podcast, and for allowing it to be a part of your life!

Best and Success!

The post Season 3, Episode 2: Makers on Main Street with Robert Ungemach and Keith Emmons [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.