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.
Introducing Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas in Springfield, Missouri. Catherine is our 1Q 2022 scholarship recipient. The Indie Business Network offers a valuable and transformative entrepreneurial experience, and we recognize that not everyone has the resources to access our suite of entrepreneurial mentoring, coaching, and training services, especially when they are first starting out. To help…
Ho-ho-ho—it’s the time we wait all year for! This week, we welcome the big man in the red suit! He, the Mrs., and their squadron of elves are almost done in the toy shop, perfecting every detail of all the must-have items on our list. They all took a morning break to send us an…
Making your way through your gift list, you stumble across that one person. You know, the person that has everything, that’s hard to shop for—and you’re wracking your brain for the perfect present! When off-the-shelf options just won’t do, pick from one of these personalizable candles. You can choose the scent, select the label design,…
Believe it or not, the holiday season is here. Are you headed to a shindig with coworkers or hosting a fancy night-in with family or close friends? We’ve rounded up a stunning slate of handmade nail polishes, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and jewelry so you can strut into any holiday party in style! Maybe you’ve spent the…
I founded the Indie Business Network 20 years ago because I believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship. I also believe that 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…
Your shopping list is probably jam-packed with spot-on ideas for close friends and relatives—but what do you get someone you don’t know that well? The holiday season is full of surprise gift exchange games like Secret Santa and White Elephant that leave most of us scratching our heads for the perfect present! Whether it’s a…
As the founder of the Indie Business Network, nothing brings me greater joy than presenting you with this curated selection of artisan made products from cross the nation. Our members are going all out to make sure you have wonderful local handmade goodness to share with your friends and loved ones this holiday season. Click…
Winter is a heartwarming time of year. We hunker down around the fireplace with loved ones to enjoy warm drinks while sharing traditions and trading stories. We work together to recreate recipes passed down from passed-on relatives whose jokes still make us laugh in stitches. We gather around a crowded dinner table to retell legends…
Thanksgiving is next week, marking the start of a scrumptious time of year. It’s time to gather ’round the holiday table and enjoy good company, tasty home-cooked meals, and most importantly, delicious desserts! These 10 Indies aren’t just makers of soaps and candles—they’re basically pastry chefs and ice cream aficionados. They’re inspired by your favorite…
Feeling a little groggy? Out of sorts? Daylight Saving Time can have that effect on us! But there is good news: turning the clocks back means we’re on the road to longer days. But how can you stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as you acclimate to the time adjustment? Experts say it can take up to…
Meteorologists are sprinkling the forecast with way more parkas than bikinis—winter is officially in our midst! In the face of subzero temps and icy blizzards, we tend to spend a little bit more time indoors. This guide has everything you need to stay warm and cozy all winter long, from the skincare that defends against…
It’s Halloween Week! You’ve put up the spooky decor, exercised your fount of creativity to assemble the perfect costume, and plucked the plumpest pumpkins from the patch. What’s left? Trick-or-treating, of course! Grab your basket, bag, or jack-o-lantern bucket—it’s time to load up on candy-inspired candles, soaps, and skincare to sweeten up your self-care routine!…
Did you know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime? The stat underscores the momentousness of the month of October, known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an important time of year to lend support to our friends and family currently in the battle, while also brushing…
Woo hoo! Yippee! Hallelujah! We’re in a stunningly bright mood, and we want you to join us for this feel-good dance party! You might think October is for all things spooky and creepy-crawly, but it also brings a lesser-known occasion—Positive Attitude Month! Whether it’s you that needs the mood boost, a friend, or a family…
Trick or treat! So, you’ve finished warming your home with cozy autumn accents, and your shopping bag is overflowing with everything pumpkin spice. The only thing left on your fall list? The spookiest day of the year! Halloween is a few weeks away, and we’re showcasing some of the most spook-tacular home and bath products…
According to a 2020 report from the American Psychiatric Association*, 46.6 million Americans (nearly 1 in 5 adults!) live with a mental health condition, depression in particular, and suicide rates are rising. Welcome to Episode 92 of the Indie Business Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on one woman’s mental health challenges, and how the…
From time to time, we receive inquiries from industry participants who are ready to sell their businesses and move onto their next adventure. Today, I am excited to share that an organic skincare line and business is for sale. It’s called Truth®. Let’s hear from founder and CEO Maureen Laniak, pictured at top right in…
It’s the last week of September, and fall fanatics are anxious to start decorating for their favorite time of year. The changing seasons call for a home-style revamp—one that embraces all things comfy and cozy! Not sure where to start? Don’t stress! This home decor guide has everything you need to welcome friends and family…
Tickets to the pumpkin patch ✅ Cozy, chic sweaters pulled down from storage ✅ First of your friends to Insta the season’s buzziest coffee drinks ✅ Sound familiar? Then the verdict is in—you might be as crazy for autumn as we are! For the season’s biggest fall fans (like you!), we’ve pulled together a line-up…
Welcome to Episode 91 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Tiana Coats of Winding Wick Candles, in Garland, Texas. Once upon a time, Tiana considered her position as a pharmacy technician to be her dream job. She eventually grew weary of doing the same thing every day, and began daydreaming…
Zzz…zzz…zzz…oh, sorry! We dozed off for a moment and didn’t see you there! It seems that our fabulous Indies have perfected the nighttime routine with products that are sure to get you in the mood to snooze. That’s right: a relaxing bedtime ritual is no longer just a dream…it’s right in your reach! Forget counting…