Here’s a great chance for us to meet while I’m in DC this weekend! I’m delighted to announce that I am speaking at the International Hair Meetup Day outside my hometown of Washington, DC. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a link to buy your tickets to the event, and to enter to…
One of the most rewarding things about leading the Indie Business Network is serving handmade entrepreneurs who know how to support and encourage each other’s dreams. It melted my heart when I received emails over the weekend from some of our members who sold their handmade products at the 6th Annual Boonsboro Green Fest in…
Here is one of the most buttery things ever. It’s an handmade body balm from our member, Nieves Rathbun, of By Nieves in Petrolia, California. I love many things about this handmade body balm, most especially how it feels when it’s rubbed into the skin. It also smells to die for. Watch the video to…
Several years ago, I got an idea to create a documentary of sorts to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurial MAKERS nationwide. I sent my husband business partner out to gather B-roll and photographs of members who were making waves in their local communities. Here is the result. As you can see, it’s a kind of…
Indie Business Network members are some of the most creative people in the world. They come from near and far, even in the smallest towns in America, they are creating a whole new way to integrate life and business. Today, I’m excited to tell you about one of them: Jennifer Hardaway of KleanSpa in Burbank, California.…
If I didn’t have to deliver the keynote at this weekend’s Tennessee Soap and Candle Gathering in Nashville, I would probably be at Unique LA with hundreds of Makers from around the nation, including several of our Indie Business Network members. In this post, I’m going to let you know who they are so you…
Indie Business Network members are some of the most creative people in the world. They come from near and far, even in the smallest towns in America, they are creating a whole new way to integrate life and business. Today, I’m excited to tell you about one of them: Shari Fowler of Iberian Skincare in…
This month, all across America, Indie Business Network members are heading into the spring season at the local farmer’s market. I just returned from opening day at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market near Charlotte, North Carolina. It was pouring down rain, but on the bright side, nothing sold out, even though I didn’t arrive until…
Indie Business Network members are some of the most creative people in the world. Not only do they design and produce amazing products, but they also have creative ways to showcase and market them. From very cool logos to fun-to-watch videos (like the one below), there is never a dull moment when it comes to…
Indie Business Network members are amazing. While I have met dozens of them in person, I’m connected to many hundreds virtually. They all stand out for different reasons, and this week’s featured member is no exception. I’m excited to introduce you to Kelli Parisian, founder of Parisian’s Pure Indulgence in Woodland Hills, California, outside Los…
Im excited to share that I will be traveling to Tennessee to deliver the keynote address at the Tennessee Soap and Candle Social on May 3-4th, 2013, at the Montgomery Bell State Park outside Nashville. Hosted by Rachel Turner of Music City Suds, the Tennessee Soap and Candle Social is an annual gathering of soapmakers…
Today, I’m pleased to share that the Indie Business Network is featured in the “Shop Talk” section of The Charlotte Observer. Along with me, our members Curtis Durham of Bath Nation and Jennifer Devlin of Celtic Complexion and their products are also featured. My favorite thing about this article is that the journalist chose to…
Earlier this month, the US Food & Drug Administration updated its website to add several useful overviews and Fact Sheets to help you properly launch, lead, and grow your handmade cosmetics business. While these updates do not change the law, they specifically publicly recognize, for the first time as far as I know, the existence…
One of the best ways to be inspired to pursue your passion in business is to learn from others who have dones so. That’s why we love to spotlight our members here at the blog. Today, you’ll meet Michelle Gilbert, founder of Sarva Soap Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. At Sarva Soap Co., Michelle makes handmade…
Iam excited to announce #MakerMonday, a new way for the world to experience the local and handmade products from members of the Indie Business Network. For those who don’t know, our members hail from all 50 states and Canada (and a few other countries), and#MakerMonday is our newest fun way to help them spread the…
I am saddened to report the passing of one of IBN’s members, Holly Beatie of High Octave Healing in Truckee, California. Holly had been a member of IBN since April 2009, making herbal products to help people live better lives. Holly’s products were sold online and at local artisan markets near her home near Lake…
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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! I hosted my first online radio show on September 21, 2005, before social media took…
One of the best ways to achieve business success on your terms is to learn from people who have achieved it on theirs. That’s why we love to spotlight our members here at the blog. Today, you’ll meet Brenda Hunter, founder of CT River Candles in Haddam, Connecticut. At CT River Candles, Brenda makes handmade…
Connection Day Atlanta was so incredible that we had to do it again! As you know, Connection Day will be hosted in multiple cities in 2014. We kicked things of in Atlanta last month. Our next Connection Day is set for Friday, April 24, 2014, at the newly opened Indie Business Studio in South Charlotte,…
One of the best ways to make yourself and your business the best they can be is to learn from the success of others. That’s why we love to spotlight our members here at the blog. Today, you’ll meet Diana O’Donnell, founder of Moana Beauty in Naples, Florida. Moana products have been featured in several…
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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! How do you transform a small Texas soapmaking venture into a non-profit powerhouse that changes…