For those who may be new here, I am the president of the Indie Beauty Network, a trade organization representing small manufacturers of soaps, cosmetics, candles, fragrances and aromatherapy products. IBN members also make confectionery products and jewelry, and many members provide services to the companies that make products. I am an attorney (though not…
Yesterday, I started using the pedometer given to me as a surprise Christmas gift by Anne-Marie Faiola of Brambleberry. I decided against a morning run so I could prepare for the hearings on the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act, which ran from 3:30pm to 8:44pm EST. According to Kimberly Linton, my guest on yesterday’s…
Today, I listened to the live testimony given in support of and in opposition to the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act (HB 10-1248). I am told that an audio recording of the testimony will be made publicly available by the Colorado legislature and if so, I will post it when it becomes available. Although…
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The Vault is an archive of my first podcasts so there is a record for you to enjoy. Welcome to the Vault Episode 184 featuring my interview with Kimberly Linton, also known as Washington D.C.’s toughest trainer. Today, she’ll be sharing valuable insights for business owners on how to incorporate fitness into their busy schedules, promoting…
Donna Maria introduces the Indie Business Book Club.
A few weeks ago, I posted about enjoying lunch with my daughter at her school. For such a short post, it generated a lot of discussion, perhaps in part because it struck a nerve with other women who simultaneously perform professionally and as mothers, without compromising either “career”. I’ve posted in depth about these issues…
Yesterday was another fun FaceBook Friday! If you missed the previous FaceBook Friday about ways to attract people to your Fan Page, you can read it here.) This week’s question was aimed at getting a sense of what small and independent business owners consider when decided whether or not to join a competitor’s FaceBook Page.…
As you know, I have been blogging the past few days in my capacity as the leader of IBN about the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act. Below is the text of a draft template you can use to send a letter to the Colorado legislature voicing your opposition to the Colorado Safe Personal Care…
A few days ago, I told you about the Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act, which purports to seek to protect people in Colorado from substances in cosmetics that “cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” I do not like cancer and I do not want children, born or unborn, to be subject to unnecessary hazards. But…
This is Ivette. She is a native Puerto Rican who recently relocated to Charlotte via New York City. Ivette is a newly minted certified Zumba instructor, and she wore me out in tonight’s class. She has lost 20 pounds over the course of the past 23 months. Go Ivette! Sent from my iPhone Posted via…
Earlier this month, I watched part of a CNN’s Black In America 2. In one segment, Soledad O’Brien interviewed Steve Perry, PhD, principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Ct. Born on his mother’s 16th birthday, into a 3rd generation of poverty, Dr. Perry had all odds against him. Today, he is a brilliant…
Next Monday, Kimberly Linton will be my guest on Indie Business Radio. You can see from the photo below, Kimberly means business! I recently stepped up my fitness efforts in order to put a healthy body alongside a healthy business. I plan to start Kimberly’s virtual fitness training program on March 1, and you can…
In November, I shared my views as leader of IBN on the FDA Globalization Act of 2009. This post was followed by a second trip to Washington, DC to meet with Food & Drug Administration (FDA) officials and staffers in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. I have also shared my views on President Obama’s…
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The Vault is an archive of my first podcasts so there is a record for you to enjoy. Welcome to the Vault Episode 183 featuring my interview with Hank Moore. Hank is the author of “The Business Tree: Growth Strategies and Tactics for Surviving and Thriving.” As a corporate strategist, he provides invaluable guidance to boards…
Part of the reason I didn’t publish last week’s roll call last week is because I am in the midst of re-working my business week to accommodate a new fitness routine. I am determined to find a rhythm that allows me to be as healthy as my business is. If I had not worked out…
When my children were babies and toddlers, they were so cuddly. Whenever I wanted a hug, I got one. Whenever I wanted a snuggle, I simply started snuggling. It didn’t matter where we were or what was happening, mommy always got the warm fuzzies. Today, my 8-year old daughter still jumps at the chance to…
This week, IBN member Lela Barker, owner of Bella Lucce in Columbia, SC, is launching an exciting new non-profit venture. From Morocco, With Love offers wonderful products imported from the beautiful nation of Morocco. I have seen this venture unfold from the time it formed as a seedling in Lela’s mind, so this week’s launch…
In yesterday’s video post, I announced the exciting arrival of the dry wall. Today, I am happy to report that we found someone to help us place the dry wall. More about that later. For now, I want to share how we have decided to deal with the window on our set. As I mentioned…
The dry wall is here! Earlier this week, I introduced my husband business partner’s and my new series to teach you how to turn unused space in your garage, basement or office into a video set. If you missed the introductory video, you can watch it here. This video is a short update on the…
Donna Maria shares reading comprehension strategies from an award-winning second grade teacher.
The only thing my daughter asked me for this morning was to meet her for lunch at school. When I said I wasn’t sure I could make it, her face dropped. So here I am. When she entered the cafeteria and saw me, I got the most amazing hug in the world. This is why…