Donna Maria is an entrepreneur mentor, the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, and the host of the Indie Business Podcast and the Indie Business Retreat. She has been recognized as one of the most trusted voices for Makers and Creative Entrepreneurs. Her coaching and consulting enterprise trains thousands of new and evolving entrepreneurs every day.
Welcome to Episode 77 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Laura Luther of Olive My Skin, in Oxford, Connecticut. Laura first owned the Southbury Soap & Candle bath and body business business nearly 20 years ago. After closing down following a challenging divorce, Laura launched Olive My Skin in 2012, and…
Every day should be Valentine’s Day, don’t you think? If you love someone, you should not be waiting until February 14 every year to tell them so. Having said that, it is fun to have a special day set aside for the specific purpose of me getting at least a dozen roses. I’m all for…
Last week, I hosted my 11th annual creative entrepreneur business retreat. Formerly known as Indie Cruise, Indie Business Retreat 2021 was huge fun and a super success. This post provides an overview of our activities and shares pictures of some of the entrepreneurial fun we had. One of the things that made this retreat different…
As a black business owner, I celebrate being black all the time. Whether or not it’s Black History Month, I still celebrate. But today, I’m excited to publish this post celebrating some of our black Indie Business members who are killing it and dragging it home. These entrepreneurs are beautiful and talented, and they make…
I am pleased to announce the February 2021 Indie Business Book Club pick: On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam CJ Walker by A’Lelia Bundles. If you’re not familiar with the Indie Business Book Club, you can click here for more information. Authored by Madam CJ Walker’s great-great granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles, the book…
Let Your Customers, Clients, Members and Colleagues Know That Your Indie Business Membership is Current! The new 2021 Indie Business member badges are here, this year with a twist because we now have two new membership tiers, one of which includes access to a coordinating member badge! Our new member badges also display our new…
If you’ve already heard the exciting news and are ready to join Indie Business now, then join here! I am thrilled to reveal that we have launched two new tiers of Indie Business membership. As you may know, we celebrated Indie Business’s 20th anniversary last year. As pioneers in the world of membership-based business models,…
According to a 2017 report from the Small Business Administration, veteran-owned businesses account for nearly 10% of all businesses in the United States. No wonder there has been a marked increase in the number of programs available to help military veterans launch and manage their own businesses. I think this is a wonderful thing! This…
Can a home ever be too clean? Of course not. But especially during this run with COVID-19, chances are you’re paying more attention to things like cleaning frequency and the ingredients contained in the cleaning products you use in your home. Since it’s likely that you are using more cleaning products than ever as we…
All the Indie Business Love, Wrapped in a New Design I have been waiting several months, and the big day is finally here. Not only is it New Year’s Day, but it’s also the day when we welcome a fresh new logo to Indie Business. We want you to be the first to know. I…
When I first heard grumblings last last year about a severe flu overseas, I hardly gave it a second thought. After all, here in the US, we often enjoy the privilege of learning about illnesses that affect people in other countries but have relatively minimal impact here. Ebola and Swine flu come immediately to mind.…
For the November 2020 edition of the Indie Business Book Club, we read 90 Days to C.E.O. by Rochelle Graham-Campbell. This book is combination of engaging storytelling and entrepreneurial tips that is especially useful if you need a CEO mindset adjustment where your business is concerned. If you’re not familiar with the Indie Business Book Club,…
I am pleased to announce the January 2021 Indie Business Book Club pick: The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod. This is not a new book, but it is definitely a timely oldie but goodie. If you’re not familiar with the Indie Business Book Club, you…
Peppermint is a very useful herb. Among other things, it is said to ease digestion, minimize gas and bloating, relieve tension and migraine headaches, and even improve your sleep. Personally, I’ve never tried it for any of those things, but I do know that when I sniff peppermint, my energy level spikes and I perk…
I recently read that the market for men’s grooming products is expected to nearly double from what it was in 2017, to a whopping $78.6 billion by 2023. It’s hard to believe, especially considering that just a decade ago, men seemed content to repurpose whatever their female friends and partners were using. Those days are…
I am excited to announce Indie Business Retreat: Getaway: Pelican Grand Beach Resort: January 24 – 27, 2021! If you already know you are ready to register, do so here. (Deposits are due now.) Why Retreat Now? Good question. And it’s the middle of a pandemic, so I am glad you asked. Here’s why. Because…
Crystals are a big, hot commodity right now. Not every trend should be jumped on, but crystals are a definite because they aren’t just trendy. They add significant value and they are here to stay! And if you are considering adding crystals to your product line, you want to do it right, yes? What you…
There is nothing wrong with predictability in a product line. Consistency is great, and we all love to be surrounded by the things we love all the time, and over and over again. But the occasional “one time only” is also a great thing, and this time of year, artisans nationwide create products that are…
Welcome to Episode 76 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Ciara Fritsch, of Pure Body Nantucket, in Nantucket, Massachusetts. A native of Ireland, Ciara arrived in America in 1994 and settled in Nantucket where she met her husband. While she helps him manage an antique store on the island, her…
Do you need exposure for your business, but on a really tight budget? Want to tell the media about your products, but uncertain of how to get in touch with them? If this sounds familiar, this class is for you then our Get Free Publicity class is for you. If you’re not familiar with the…
What is a product bundle? I’m so glad you asked. A product bundle is a curated collection of complementary products that allows you to enjoy a variety of a brand’s unique products at a great price. The great thing about artisan made bundles is that they are often times composed of limited edition products, and…
