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.
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…
I am excited to announce that I am now a Certified SCORE Entrepreneur Mentor! The role of entrepreneur mentor is not new to me. I have been an entrepreneur mentor for 21 years, serving thousands upon thousands of Indie Business Network member entrepreneurs since 2000. What is super exciting about the new SCORE designation is…
The days are getting shorter and temps are starting to drop. Fall is nearly here! Don’t wait for subzero temps to prepare your skin for the cooler weather. Now’s the perfect time to autumn-ize your skincare routine so you can rock plump, hydrated, and radiant skin all year long! These 10 makers know a thing…
O Canada! The beautiful country is well-known for its majestic scenery, dogmatic hockey obsession, and the sweet kiss of Maple Syrup. At Indie Business Network, we also know Canada for something else: their talented crop of handmade and artisan businesses! We are proud to offer product liability insurance for maker businesses all across North America—and…
After 520-some-odd days of video call mania, your remote work style is probably in desperate need of an upgrade. After all, the jig is up on your Zoomiform secret weapon—your coworkers are now well aware that you keep pulling on the same cardigan when it’s time to look presentable. It’s time to refresh your on-camera wardrobe…
Welcome to Episode 90 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Jennifer Watt of Jenny the Hemp Goddess, in Armada, Michigan. Jenny’s story perfectly illustrates the fact that a supportive spouse or partner is key to business success. Several years ago, Jenny and her family moved to a 10-acre farm and…
Back-to-school season: it’s an exciting time of year! In addition to a stomach full of butterflies, this school year comes along with an extra layer of uncertainty. Constantly contending with the unknown, our favorite teachers deserve a little extra TLC this year! So we’ve put together a round-up of thoughtful gestures that any teacher would…
Welcome to Episode 89 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Lakisha McMillian of Simply Unique, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only is Lakisha leading her business, but she also works full-time and is earning her master’s degree. You’ll enjoy learning about how Lakisha organizes her time for maximum efficiency using…
Pestered by maskne! Exhausted by the bustling back-to-school season! We know you’re in great need of a little you-time—and your skin needs extra attention, too. No “me-moment” is complete without one of beauty’s most indulgent, go-to treats: facial masks. When we say “mask up!” we don’t mean add another cloth covering to your routine. These…
Welcome to Episode 88 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Brittany Hogan of Nefertem Holistic Skincare, in Park Forest, Illinois. For Nefertem co-founders Brittany and her husband, Andre, business is about so much more than money. The brand name itself borrows from Nefertem, the god of beautification in the ancient…
Summer is the time of year for traveling and taking in the awe-inspiring excitement of a brand new place. If you don’t have any trips on the books yet, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a globe-trotting travel guide of candles, replete with scents that will immediately transport your mind to stunning destinations. Are you…
Welcome to Episode 87 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Rhonda Walters of RareGlo, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Rhonda has been in the beauty business for over 40 years. She is a cosmetologist, a hair stylist, a salon owner, and a cosmetics formulator. And a mom and a long distance runner.…
Ahh…the fresh tastes and scents of summer! It’s that time of year to chow down on the season’s most mouth-watering fruit—watermelon! It’s such a sweet treat that it earned its very own day of celebration. You heard right; August 3rd is National Watermelon Day! It turns out watermelon touts more than a crisp and delicious…
It’s Plastic Free July! This global movement holds a special place in the heart of planet-loving activists. It’s a time of year that urges all of us to take a second look at our consumption habits and find fresh ways to swap out wasteful, single-use packaging for more eco-friendly alternatives. While Plastic Free July lasts…
Welcome to Episode 86 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Christie Krasteva of CEVARI, in Charlotte, North Carolina. A self-described “nature girl,” Christie grew up surrounded by all types of entrepreneurs including farmers, auto body shop owners, construction engineers, charter boat owners, horticulturists and more. Having been exposed to entrepreneurship…