Think YouTube is all cat videos and skateboard tricks? Think again: Every month, YouTube racks up more than 700 million views of beauty and skincare content. The platform is a treasure trove of entrepreneurial opportunity—and not that we're biased (we are SO biased!) — our members are truly killing it with video!
YouTube Video is a way to upend mass-market brands by giving customers an authentic and intimate look at an owner and their business—a competitive edge huge corporations just can't match! Using video, our members showcase the passion behind their biz, provide a hands-on look at how their products are made and sold, and offer a one-of-a-kind view into their HQ. Check out these 9 Indie Business members who are leaving their mark on the world's biggest video stage!
1. Winding Wick Candles (Texas)
Maker: Tiana Coats
Are you looking to start your own online shop? Maybe you've been at it for a few years and are looking for new ways to jumpstart your biz. Tiana Coats of Winding Wick Candles has you covered with tons of entrepreneurial tips ranging from productivity techniques to the real costs behind a start-up candle company. She also takes viewers on behind-the-scenes tours of her workspace so you can see what really goes into pouring and packing the sweet treats that arrive at your doorstep.
2. DeRosa Media LLC (New Jersey)
Maker: Donna DeRosa
Donna DeRosa, multi-hyphenate author of The Big Book of Mediterranean Diet Cooking, uses her channel to serve up a full menu of diet recipes and lifestyle tips. Donna is your go-to culinary maven when it comes to what's being called “the world's healthiest diet.” There is even a popular meditation video playlist. Who knew?! (Hot tip: Don't forget to check out the Moroccan Breakfast!)
Learn the quick, easy steps for starting your Mediterranean Diet journey!
3. Royalty Soaps (Texas)
Maker: Katie Carson
Video is an awesome way to pull back the curtain and take your customers on a special tour of how things are made. On each energy-packed hangout, owner Katie shows you every step of how she makes her colorful, multi-tiered soaps. You'll experience extreme tension and suspense as she pours each vibrant layer, and the ultra-mesmerizing moment of awe as she cuts into each slice. See how she does it!
Join 844,000 fans for a fun *backstage tour* of how soap is made!
4. Bramble Berry (Washington)
Maker: Anne-Marie Faiola
Anne-Marie Faiola, aka “The Soap Queen,” has a 10-year vault of killer video content—and it's paid off! To nearly half a million subscribers, she showcases hundreds of how-to videos teaching viewers how to make their own soaps, scrubs, bath fizzies, lotions, and more. From Cold Process Soap Tutorials to Bath Bomb pointers, you'll find fun and creative bath projects for all skill levels!
Learn how to make adorable raspberry donut bath bombs in this tutorial!
5. Good Face Stuff (California)
Maker: Leda Lum
While explorers search for the Fountain of Youth, you can hang out with Good Face Stuff and 50,000 other fans to learn awesome tips and tricks for smooth, brilliant skin. Leda is your friendly host with a seriously contagious personality. She shares the best skincare ingredients, DIY recipes and hacks, tests trendy at-home gadgets, and walks you through facial exercises to keep your complexion in tip-top shape — like hers!
See how non-toxic skincare can accentuate your fabulous features!
6. NaturalAnnie Essentials (Connecticut)
Maker: Annya Brown
Want to see where it all goes down? Check out this stunning in-person studio tour live from NaturalAnnie Essentials HQ! See how lip balms are labelled, candles are wicked, and even meet many of the friendly faces (including her mom and dad!) that make it all possible. You'll love Annya's down-to-earth, no-nonsense — yet friendly — personality, along with great tips to help you start your own business.
You'll love this amazing inside look at how Annya gets it all done!
7. Naturalicious Beauty (Michigan)
Maker: Gwen Jimmere
This channel is jam-packed with the confidence boosts you need to rock your natural hair! Naturalicious Beauty debunks common coily myths, shares the best nighttime hair routines, and walks you through the details of how to get gorgeous, fabulous locs! Gwen, who also happens to be the first woman of color to ever write up, file for, and obtain a hair care patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office, leaves no stone unturned when it comes to improving your curls—she even hops in the shower to share her exact 3-step wash technique.
8. Henna Sooq (Maryland)
Maker: Khadija Dawn Carryl
Khadija turned her love and passion for the simple henna plant into a 6-figure company—and her YouTube is a one-stop shop for all the knowledge she's gained over the last 20 years! She uses her channel to showcase the unbeatable benefits of henna to nearly 30,000 subscribers. Watch step-by-step video guides for naturally coloring your hair, plus top-notch techniques for nabbing incredibly strong tresses using Ayurvedic herbs. Bonus: Khadija's henna art is mesmerizing!
9. Waxing Kara (Maryland)
Maker: Kara Brown
When it comes to all things honey, this team of artisans is the bee's knees. Waxing Kara hosts a wonderfully informative channel focused on specialty products and recipes that incorporate nature's sweetest nectar. You can even buzz in for a bee-hind-the-scenes peek into the art and science of beekeeping.
Questions for discussion and sharing
What are some of your favorite artisan YouTube channels? Share them in the comments below!
Want more?
If you liked the information in this article, there's more where this came from! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter at this link.
