Do you know what a caldarium is? Well, it's time you found out. A caldarium is a room containing warm water baths, such as those you might have seen during Roman times. Lucky for you, you won't have to be a time traveller to visit a caldarium today. All you have to do is make your way to the Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where you can meet our member, Charlene Simon. She is featured today in this huge spread in her local newspaper, the Sentinel Record.
Charlene's shop is located at 120 Central Avenue in Hot Springs, right across the street from historic Bathhouse Row, eight bathhouse buildings which, beginning in 1892, offered the kind of spa, hydrotherapy and massage services that Hot Springs is known for. The last bathhouse closed to the public in 1983, but the structures have been restored and are now maintained by the National Park Service.
Charlene took a moment to share how excited she is to be featured in her local paper.
dM: How did this exciting feature materalize?
Charlene:
The feature came about when the wife of a photographer for our local paper spotted our soaps while visiting downtown Hot Springs. She loved them, and he was so impressed with our local, beautiful, handcrafted products that he immediately decided to do the feature.
dM: What does it mean for your business to be featured?
Charlene:
Any feature, especially in a local, hometown newspaper, is great exposure for our business. But on top of that, and equally as important, the credibility we gain is priceless. Features like this last forever and market our business for us while we just continue doing what we love — making great products.
dM: How has being a member of the Indie Business Network helped your business grow?
Charlene:
Ahhh, I just joined last month, and my only regret is that I waited so long to join!!
For example, on Day One … actually Hour One of my membership, in the private member Facebook group, I spotted the announcement about the Martha Stewart American Made competition.
I am so busy that I may have never spotted that information without the Indie Business Network's announcement. Donna Maria has really broke ground and paved a path for Indie Business owners to have access to resources that can potentially catapult their business into the next phase of success. I'm so glad I joined!
Meet Charlene
You can connect with Charlene at her Facebook page.
Learn more about Bathhouse Row here.
QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever been featured in your local paper? Did being featured help you and your business in any way?
2. Other than news features, how do you increase credibility for your business?
3. Do you know how to reach out to the local photographers at your loca newspaper? That might be a productive afternoon project — get the kids to look it up for you?
Please share your thoughts and ideas below. We love hearing from you!
