As we celebrate International Women's Day today, and Women's History Month this month, we honor the trailblazers whose remarkable journeys have sculpted a brighter world for all of us. But outside of that grand narrative, we here at the Indie Business Network are more focused on the intricacies of the personal entrepreneurial stories we have witnessed and supported for nearly a quarter century. As we stride today toward our illustrious 25th year of championing Makers and Artisan Entrepreneurs nationwide, we stand in awe of the pillars upon which our longevity stands — the inaugural members who embody the essence of our humble beginnings. Without their support and audacious spirit, we simply would not be here.
Allow me to introduce you to 21 of the most remarkable women you will ever meet. They are some of our very first members and each of them has been in business for a least a decade — many of them for more than two. Through their Instagram and YouTube channels, you can witness firsthand their creativity and resilience, while also discovering their incredible products. Prepare to be inspired!
Celebrate Women with Some of Our Very First Members!
Sandy Engels (LA)
The Purple Sage
IBN Member since 2012
Sandy created The Purple Sage to help you honor the sage inside of you. Choose from five lines: Balance | Harmony | Wisdom | Courage | Stress Relief — each designed to speak to your unique needs at every stage of time or life.
Torian Howell (OH)
Dornee Natural Body Luxuries
IBN Member since 2013
Launched in 2005 by nail technician and salon owner, Torrian Howell, Dornee is a plant-based skincare line that is sold nationwide at stores like Whole Foods Market, Mustard Seed, Fresh Thyme, Lucky's Market Apothecary and more.
Shop Dornee Body Luxuries NOW!
Vanessa Klein (WA)
Herbs of Grace Healing Arts
IBN Member since 2001
Also known as the “Midlife Wellness Goddess,” Vanessa helps mid-life women feel vibrant, healthy and energized so they can confidently and powerfully step into the next phase of life. She also offers a line of versatile natural mineral makeup.
Dawn Fitch (NJ)
Pooka Pure and Simple
IBN Member since 2008
After battling personal illness, Dawn launched Pooka from a tiny apartment. Today, the products are sold in Whole Food Markets, online, through multiple distributors. She also co-hosts the well known Day At Ease event annually in her studio in Newark, New Jersey.
Shop Pooka Pure and Simple NOW!
Marge Clark (TN)
Nature's Gift
IBN Member since 2000
Marge is an Internet pioneer who hand-coded one of the first ever continuously operating essential oil and aromatherapy e-commerce websites. She offers the highest quality oils and aromatherapy educational materials and resources, kits and gifts.
Alana Rivera (CA)
etta + billie
IBN Member since 2009
Through her brand, Alana marries her love for food with her passion for natural body care to create products like Mint Coffee Sea Salt Body Scrub, Grapefruit Cardamon Skin Balm and more. Products are now sold on rotation so subscribe online to buy.
Kayla Fioravanti (TN)
Ology Essentials
IBN Member since 2001
This well known serial entrepreneur is also a prolific author, sought after aromatherapist and skilled cosmetic formulator. Her IBN membership spans multiple businesses and children. Through Ology Essentials, she offers CBD products and formulation services.
Maggie Hanus (TX)
A Wild Soap Bar
IBN Member since 2001
Maggie and her crew have created scratch made soaps with organic botanicals and essential oils since 1995. AWSB soaps are wildly aromatic, truly natural and carefully crafted in the old world tradition with certified organic oils. Take a walk on the wild side!
La Shonda Tyree (NJ)
Nyah Beauty
IBN Member since 2008
A former banker, La Shonda turned a soapmaking hobby into a business with multiple income streams. She offers soap and bath bombs, product making classes, consultation services and co-hosts the well known Day At Ease event annually in Newark, New Jersey.
Donna DeRosa (NJ)
Donna DeRosa
IBN Member since 2011
A popular YouTube host, cookbook author and Mediterranean Lifestyle Coach, Donna helps people who feel stuck, tired, overwhelmed, and uninspired to incorporate the ways of the Mediterranean lifestyle to improve their lives.
Angela Carillo (NY)
Alegna Soap
IBN Member since 2011
In 2010, Angela turned a chemistry career into a soapmaking powerhouse. Not only does she sell the soap she makes, she also teaches classes, appears in the media and donates her time to help others learn to start and grow their soapmaking businesses.
Deb Jasien (NH)
Fields of Ambrosia
IBN Member since 2001
A former stage designer and set director, and longtime retail store owner, Deb combines the life force energy of plants with essential oils to create nourishing skin and body care products. A portion of sales are donated to Jens Friends Cancer Foundation.
Christine Laureano (NY)
Ba6 Marketing
IBN Member since 2001
A former professional cosmetic manufacturer, Christine is a seasoned writer who offers copywriting and strategic marketing services for handmade product manufacturers. Her popular 2 Hands Made This Podcast features the ups, downs and all arounds of product makers from all walks of life.
Jennifer Hardaway (CA)
KleanSpa and Phoebe Peacock
IBN Member since 2009
Jennifer manages the amazing Phoebe Peacock retail store in Burbank, California, along with the ever popular KleanSpa line of spa products available online. She's also a perfumer, talented vocalist and Shiseido model. Okurrr?! Don't miss the Phoebe Teacock line of delicious teas!
Lori Nova Endres (OH)
The Nova Studio
IBN Member since 2008
Led by the well loved and highly respected product maker and teacher, Lori Nova, since 2003, The Nova Studio has been a trusted source of education and information for those interested in making their own soap and natural bath and body products. Lori's training materials are thorough and epic.
Roberta Perry (NY)
Scrubz Body
IBN Member since 2009
Roberta launched Scrubz with her beloved late sister. Today, their love for each other and for great ingredients in great skin care products lives on in every bottle and jar. Available online and in the Farmingdale, New York, retail store, Scrubz products include body oil, deodorant, scrub and more.
Julie Broussard (CA)
The Horton Bath Collection
IBN Member since 2014
From humbly making products for her herself and her sisters, Julie has grown her business to include a retail store and online shop where she sells soaps, bath bombs and sugar scrubs — along with products made by other artisans. The shop is currently relocating so stay tuned for an update soon!
Anáil Moon Devī (CT)
From Nature With Love
IBN Member since 2001
Led by Anáil, From Nature With Love is one of the first sources for ingredients for small manufacturers of soaps and cosmetics. Sourcing ingredients and supplies from around the world for over 25 years, the company continues to locate and supply hard to find ingredients for makers the world over.
Anne-Marie Faiola (WA)
Bramble Berry
IBN Member since 2001
Through Bramble Berry, Anne-Marie offers extensive array of internationally sourced ingredients and supplies, plus the expert guidance needed to help you make and sell the products your customers love. Check out their award-winning YouTube channel.
Margaret Helm-Duell (OR)
Mohea Natural Beauty
IBN Member since 2001
Margaret makes natural, organic fresh handcrafted skin care, soap, wax candles and scented melts in her Salem, Oregon studio. Products are available seasonally only.
Teri Patterson (SD)
Body Systems
IBN Member since 2010
Teri is a fitness trainer and athlete (ice hockey player!) whose line caters to athletes and the physically active. Products like Post Workout Balm and Anti Chafe Rescue keep your skin and body soothed and hydrated you before, during and after exercise.
Treat yourself to more goodness from these Makers and Artisans:
- Get Kissably Soft Lips with These 9 Super-Silky Lip Balms
- Scrumptious Apple Scented Candles Plucked Straight From The Orchard
- Spruce Up Your Final Exam Study Sesh with These Stylish Accessories
- In-Flight Beauty Essentials For Glowing, Hydrated Skin at 35,000 Feet
Love to shop handmade and artisan brands? Find more of your favorites on Instagram and TikTok!
Join us on Instagram or TikTok to explore even more artisan candles, soaps, and skincare!
