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.
One of the questions most frequently asked questions I receive from entrepreneurs is how to more effectively market their products. One marketing tool I suggest because it works, almost without fail, is a podcast. If you are struggling to take your marketing efforts to a new level, it may be time to consider a podcast.…
Punxsutawney Phil has made his declaration: spring’s coming early this year! With a swift debut of Spring Fever on the horizon—now’s the time to get your lips kissably smooth for the season of romance. Nuzzle up to this list of handmade lip balms, polishes, and oils and get ready to plant a big smooch on…
The season of love is swiftly approaching—Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! This is the year you truly sweep your sweetie off their feet with a thoughtful gift to indulge their senses. From candles to room scents, love notes to all-day pampering, this list of handmade Valentine’s Day gifts show your partner, spouse, bestie,…
Hospitality is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” The benefits of offering high degrees of hospitality in your business become obvious when you consider how important it is to make every effort to receive your customers and clients in ways that reflect how much you value and…
In an effort to crack down on financial crimes, Congress recently passed the Corporate Transparency Act requiring that the owners of certain types of corporate entities file a Beneficial Ownership Interest (BOI) report with the US Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The reporting requirements, which become effective this month, are designed to…
Join us as we celebrate 24 years of serving entrepreneurs and small business owners nationwide here at the Indie Business Network! We have watched tens of thousands of new businesses grow and thrive over the years. What a gift it has been to coach and mentor so many of our members turn a flicker of…
New Year’s resolutions have a bad reputation for falling by the wayside mid-March. But not you! You’re ready to take swings at your most joyful dreams. Whether you’re looking to spend more time with loved ones, hop into a new hobby, start a business, or hit those fitness goals, we just know 2024 is going…
We are excited to introduce you to Shawaunna Middleton, Gabriela Huanosta, Hinda Pugh, our 1Q 2024 Robin’s Roses Entrepreneurial Scholarship recipients. Shawaunna is the founder of Eunette Hair Essentials in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gabriela is the founder of Numinous Skin (launching soon!) in Los Angeles, California and Hinda is the founder of Luxe Wix Candle…
I am pleased to announce that Jennifer Smith has agreed to become Director of Operations of the Indie Business Network. In this capacity, she will perform an increasing number of the duties I have previously performed, and many that she has already been performing without being asked as you may recall from this post. Jennifer…
Whether you describe it as the end of an old year or the start of a new one, it’s December 29 and that makes it the perfect time to reflect on 365 days well traveled and make plans to move with confidence into a new year. In this post, I reflect upon and evaluate how…
The new 2024 Indie Business Network Entrepreneur Member badges are here! Let your customers, clients, members, and professional colleagues know that your Indie Business Network Entrepreneurship membership is current with our new 2024 Entrepreneur Member badge. You can display the badge at your website, on social media, and any other place where your professional affiliation…
If you’re like me, every year starts off as my best year ever. The trouble is that about a quarter of the way through the year, my motivation can begin to wane and I can start to feel like I am not making the progress I should be making. If that feeling continues for too…
Step into a world where holiday shopping becomes a stroll through a magical marketplace crafted by artisans and makers who pour their passion into every creation. Imagine finding the perfect gifts that not only complete your Christmas list, but also support a community of independent businesses. In this blog post, we’ve curated an exclusive collection…
The Indie Business Network was founded 20 years ago based on the transformative power of entrepreneurship. We believe it is time to replace traditional notions of entrepreneurship with the increasingly obvious reality that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and can be defined in different ways by different people with uniquely different lifestyle goals. You do not…
Welcome to Episode 98 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you’ll meet Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist in Pasadena, CA. This episode is chock full of fantastic tips to help you boost your content creation chops. It’s also special to me because it’s an introduction to the wonderful daughter of IBN’s very first…
There’s nothing like leaping out of a cozy cabin into the first snowfall. Whether you love to venture on winding, wintery trails or simply plop down for a few snow angels, snow sparks a quiet and romantic ambiance in the forest. Sky-high trees and sharp bark shed peaceful scents of pine, evergreen, and fir. A…
Welcome to Episode 97 of the Indie Business Podcast! I’m excited to introduce you to Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas in Springfield, Missouri. A self-described introvert, Catherine started her business after she began making aromatherapy products for people who wanted to use essential oil blends to enhance their daily lives but didn’t have, a reputable…
As the founder of the Indie Business Network, nothing brings me more joy than presenting you with this curated selection of artisan made products to make your holidays merry and bright. Our members are going all out to ensure you have wonderful local handmade goodness to share with your friends and loved ones this holiday…
Welcome to Episode 96 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you’ll meet Kimberly Cross of Zhi Bath & Body in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the time she was a child, Kim has been in the beauty industry. She started out as a hair dresser in middle school. Later, after retiring from the military…
Move over pumpkin—it’s time for apples to have their moment to shine! Crisp, mouthwatering, red apples are a signature of the season. Whether you love picking the plumpest McIntoshes off the branch, or bobbing for Galas at a harvest festival, apples are an autumnal icon. So we’re filling our candle collections with fall’s most fragrant,…
Fall drops a kaleidoscope of crunchy leaves, cowl sweaters, and oversized mugs of hot, heart-warming drinks. They’re cozy experiences you can melt right into: the signature sweet moments that mean autumn is officially here. The Season of Sweater Weather means a new haul of ultra-cozy candle aromas. We’re talking syrupy scents, fire-kissed fragrances, and smells…