On Thursday evenings from 8 to 9pm ET, IBN hosts #HandmadeChat, a Twitter talk show to help handmade and creative entrepreneurs sell more products, have more fun, and be more successful personally and professionally. While the show is aimed mainly at business owners who make and sell handmade consumer products, the topics and discussions can empower and encourage the growth of any small business.
This week's chat was sponsored by Essential Wholesale, the world’s largest selection of natural and organic unscented cosmetics bases.
Our guest this week was Jackie Bernardi of OC Skin Solutions in Newport Beach, California. Jackie is a professionally trained esthetician who helps cosmetics manufacturers create products and educational materials to help their customers understand how to use their products. Read on for my interview with Jackie.
Q1 WHAT IS OC SKIN SOLUTIONS AND WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION FOR IT?
OC Skin Solutions helps people achieve skin care goals on their terms. My passion is education. I share expertise so others can make confident skin care choices. Our slogan is “Helping women everywhere achieve health, beauty and confidence through their skin.
Q2 HOW DID YOU START OC SKIN SOLUTIONS?
In 2008, I began blogging about skin care, realized people need personalized information. As an esthetician, personalization is key. I now offer consultations as part of my esthetics practice online.
Q3 WHAT IS AN ESTHETICIAN?
An esthetician is a trained, licensed skin care professional who helps you achieve healthy skin without doing damage.
Q4 HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND AND TRAINING AS AN ESTHETICIAN INSPIRE YOUR BUSINESS?
My esthetics expertise allows me to personally advise clients without using re-branded and copied information. A product that works beautifully for your best friend may be completely wrong for your skin. So much money is spent on ineffective products; I want to change that.
Q5 WHAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
I offer a Personal Skin Solution detailed consultation with individualized skin health recommendations. I also offer consultations to help manufacturers who sell cosmetics to “sell” skin care products. I can help so many Indies who make cosmetics but don't have the esthetician background to sell effectively. I'm also working on two books and a continuing education program to help estheticians increase their income.
Q6 WHAT ARE WOMENS'S MOST SIGNIFICANT SKIN CARE CHALLENGES, AND HOW SHOULD THEY ADDRESS THEM?
The biggest challenge is cutting through the noise. Women need discernment. The power of social media and advertising makes everyone an “expert” — NOT! When a woman knows what is good for her skin, she's less likely to fall for the hype. Ineffective (and sometimes dangerous!) products, tools and claims are everywhere. Buyer beware!
Q7 WHAT SPECIAL THINGS SHOULD MEN DO TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR SKIN?
Men, don't use soap on your face, and wear sunscreen every day. I love soap and it's great for the body, but as a general rule, it tends to strip facial skin of important oils.
Q8 WITH WARMER MONTHS APPROACHING FOR MANY, WHAT SUN CARE RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more every day. In hot summer months, layer sunscreen; apply liquid first, follow with spray for body or mineral powder for face. Reapply sunscreen several times a day!
Q9 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR COSMETICS MANUFACTURERS WHO DON'T HAVE AN ESTHETICIAN'S BACKGROUND?
Learn what ingredients are, learn how to use them and why they work (or not) and then convey that to your customers. Give people specific information and reasons to buy from you and they will be more likely to buy from you — then you can increase your income and your product offerings.
Q10 WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA WORKS BEST TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?
Facebook, hands down; it’s just completely social! I love Twitter for speed and quick access to conversations. I think Google+ will end up being very important, but I just sort of flail around there for now.
Q11 WHO DO YOU FOLLOW ON TWITTER FOR #SMALLBIZ AND SUCCESS ADVICE?
I follow @IndieBusiness because you speak to my uniquemicro-business needs. I follow @MariSmith she’s adorable, and just about everything I know about Facebook came from her. I follow @MarieForleo because you can’t help but to take action after watching one of her videos.
Q12 WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE #SMALLBIZ BOOKS AND WHY?
My all time favorite small biz book is The E-Myth by Michael Gerber @emyth. All of Seth Godin's books are pure gold, especially understanding relationships @thisissethsblog. I love Made To Stick by Chip Heath, about being memorable and “sticky” in business.
Q13 WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS THAT MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
My business makes a difference because it builds confidence in others. We get many messages that make us feel “less than.” My business empowers people.
Q14 WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF IBN?
I love IBN because it builds and protects independent business owners, and it does so with heart. IBN is the only association where I feel recognized and supported. Great job IBN!
More About Jackie Bernardi
Jackie has been an IBN member since 2011.
OC Skin Solutions is personalized skin care consultancy, and Jackie Bernardi, it's founder, is a highly sought after skin care consultant and licensed esthetician with a specialty in medical esthetics. In 2010, Jackie created the Personal Skin Solutions’ programs to provide a complete and thorough understanding of each individual’s specific skin care needs so they can obtain exceptional results. Her calling is to help women everywhere achieve health, beauty, and confidence through their skin.
Connect with Jackie:
When Is The Next #HandmadeChat?
The next #HandmadeChat will be Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 8pm ET, with Samantha Dickey of Dirty Beauty Skin in Altanta, Georgia. Samantha will discuss what it means to be “wildly fair trade” in your business.
Here's how to participate in #HandmadeChat.
Take the #HandmadeChat Survey so we can make #HandmadeChat even better!
Follow #HandmadeChat on Twitter.
The best coaching and mentoring for handmade entrepreneurs is at Indie Beauty Network. To get yours, plus the products liability insurance you need to get your products on store shelves, click here to join IBN today!
