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 84 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Patty Liu of Free Flow Botanicals, in Santa Cruz, California. As an educated herbalist and product formulator, Patty believes in offering a product line that helps people tend to their bodies from the inside out. In addition to a line…
Reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle! For many everyday citizens, “out of sight, out of mind” is good enough for discarded materials. But not for these magician-level makers! Our Indies are pros at transforming something old into something stunning and new! Not only are they experts at repurposing materials, but many of them give you the…
I am excited to announce the theme for Indie Business Retreat 2022: Road to Recurring Revenue. For those who don’t know, Indie Business Retreat is our signature retreat for Makers and Creative Entrepreneurs. On January 9, 2022, we’re heading to the beautiful Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic for a week of…
Join me on Thursday, April 15 at 6pm ET for a lively entrepreneurial discussion hosted by QCity Metro editor and publisher Glenn Burkins. During informative event, Glenn will interview me about my signature five phases of entrepreneurship: The Indie Method. The event is free, and you can register here. Join Glenn and I as we…
Welcome to Episode 83 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Sara Jennetten of Blank Mason, in Park Ridge, Illinois. With a newly proposed lease in her hand, Sara literally started her business the month the pandemic hit. She made an impressively quick pivot to the Internet and has not looked…
California Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell has introduced legislation that would allow California business owners who host arts and crafts workshops to serve significantly limited amounts of beer and wine at those workshops. Our Sheena Tahilramani of Banter and Bliss, which hosts DIY workshops in the Los Angeles area, is spearheading advocacy efforts in favor of the…
Coffee, wine, cocktails, beer — beverages can serve up major inspiration for bath, home, and skincare products. Whether it’s the invigorating aroma of a morning cup of joe or an intoxicating beverage at a boozy backyard BBQ, beauty brands are tapping into libations when brewing up their next product offerings. Is a busy week already…
Welcome to Episode 82 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Nadja Renise of FEMMENOIRE, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Nadja’s personal business story begins with the low self esteem she once felt, especially where her hair was concerned. Not only did a stylist leave her with a style that can only be…
Think YouTube is all cat videos and skateboard tricks? Think again: Every month, YouTube racks up more than 700 million views of beauty and skincare content. The platform is a treasure trove of entrepreneurial opportunity—and not that we’re biased (we are SO biased!) — our members are truly killing it with video! YouTube Video is…
Spring has sprung! Shed a few layers and allow your skin to soak in some much-needed sun. It’s the time of year when we bid your goodbyes to blasé winter blues and grays and welcome a brilliant rainbow of vibrant florals and cheerful pastels. Sidewalks and gardens come alive with brilliant pops of pretty pink…
Welcome to Episode 81 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Ayanna Jackson of Arbria Creations, in San Leandro, California. While Ayanna has a full-time job, which she enjoys, she has always had the itch to have a business of her own. As she encouraged her daughters to pursue their dreams,…
Welcome to Episode 80 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Mindy Cheng of Fyve Beauty, in Cupertino, California. In numerology, the number “five” represents humanity, and Mindy’s Fyve beauty brand uses five ingredients in every product, “for all of humanity.” Mindy started her business in 2011 after creating a simple…
They sparkle, shine, and certainly catch the eye, but did you know that crystals and quartzes are supercharged with unexpected beauty and wellness benefits? From illuminating your skin to uplifting your mood and helping manifest your deepest desires, these twinkling gemstones sure pack a punch. How can you infuse these good vibes into your daily…
I am excited to announce Indie Business Retreat: Playa Esmeralda: Dominican Republic: January 9 – 14, 2022! If you already know you are ready to register, do so here. (Deposits are due now.) As the leader of an online membership-based business for over 20 years, I am a pioneer when it comes to using technology…
Welcome to Episode 79 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Patricia Nizalowski of Green Valley Herbal, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Patricia is a massage therapist and health and wellness coach who purchased her business based more on her enthusiasm for the brand and less on on traditional business and financial…
Wax melts! They’re all the rage! Why do we love ‘em? An alternative to open-flame candles, these wick-less delights are gently heated to envelop your living or workspace in captivating aromas. They arrive at your door in snappable bars, miniature cubes and scoopable dollops, or in surprising shapes like conches and candies. They last longer,…
The vivifying sense of smell is our most powerful sense: just one whimsical whiff can mentally transport us from a hectic Zoom to the fresh and sun-splashed tides of a tropical getaway. By spritzing your living or workspace with the right fragrance, you can turn any room into a sensual sanctuary. Reed diffusers, mists, and…
All month, we’ve been introducing you to several of our black-owned business members. If you missed the first few introductions, you can catch them here and here. In today’s final introduction installment, we’re excited to share more. Check out these amazing black entrepreneurs who make really neat products and offer them to you online and…
Welcome to Episode 78 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today’s Indie Story introduces you to Isabel Alvarez of Albisa Candles, in Los Angeles, California. Isabel makes candles that are reminiscent of her Cuban heritage. After the pandemic, Isabel hopes to hire outside help, but for now, it’s truly a family business at Albisa, with Isabel…
I am excited to share that Indie Business has partnered with New Directions Aromatics to offer a discount on many of the ingredients and supplies our members use to make the amazing products they bring to the world every day. New Directions Aromatics (NDA) is a wholesale supplier of essential oils, cold-pressed carrier oils, fragrances…
According to a recent report from Happi Magazine, US retail sales of CBD-related products reached $14 billion in 2019, and are expected to climb 18% a year to $33 billion by 2024. The fastest growing segments of retail sales are in edibles and topicals. People use CBD products for a variety of reasons, including reports…
