I am thrilled to announce the launch of IBN's newly designed website at for Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs at www.IndieBusinessNetwork.com. After months of copy writing (and re-writing), thousands backend technical updates (some still happening!), and a few hundred hours of hemming and hawing, I am finally delighted to officially open our newly updated virtual doors to serve American Makers. And by the way, it's no accident that we are opening to the world on July 4 — our INDIE-pendence Day!
But wait … Happy 4th of July?
Whether it is the birth of an independent nation or the growth of an INDIE-pendent business, blood, sweat, and tears cannot be avoided. They are a part of the process.
In each scenario, there is hardship, unfairness, and struggle.
In years past, but especially this year, I feel some kind of way about this holiday.
My spirit is disturbed that not everyone agrees that black lives matter, and not everyone is bothered that COVID-19 disproportionately affects systematically marginalized people, and not everyone is upset that native American culture is mutilated in the one part of the world where it should be honored and treasured the most.
Having said all of that, and even as I wrestle deep down the pain in my soul, the one thing I am sure of is that I can and must continue to live out my purpose on this earth, which is, as many of you know, to ensure that no woman would ever feel like she cannot care for herself and her children, because she can sell something she made with her own hands.
To me, that trumps everything, and it applies to people from all walks of life — regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, political persuasion, religion — all of it. With my dying breath, whether the world is peaceful and harmonious, or going down in flames, I will be true to my vision, and that vision will not change.
I will continue to make good choices. I will continue to develop my gifts. I will continue to serve American Makers.
Which brings me to the launch of this website on this day.
To me, it's not Independence Day so much as it is INDIE-pendence Day! It is a day where you can celebrate the birth of a nation, yes in a general sense, if that is your desire.
For me, however, the celebration is more personal than that, and it revolves around a celebration of my own personal independence as a creative entrepreneur who is building a business that supports my goal to live life on my own terms. And my purpose is to empower everyone who wants to do that by providing the mentoring, training, coaching, and inspiration they need to do so.
At the Indie Business Network, INDIE-pendence means breaking away from the entrepreneurial status quo, and embracing the democratization of entrepreneurship. It means not being constrained or defined by traditional notions of business. It means redefining small business ownership in ways that make it applicable and available to everyone who wants a piece of it.
20 years, and counting …
That's what we have done here at the Indie Business Network for 20 years, and that's why I wanted to deliver this new website to you on today, and not on any other day.
As I reflect on this year's holiday, in addition to thinking about fireworks, parties, and celebrations (none of which I am actually doing, by the way), I am reminded that we have a long way to go before all Americans can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on a level playing field. Yet …
We bloom in imperfect soil …
Nevertheless, we press forward.
We bloom where we are planted, and while we find ourselves immersed in imperfect soil, our intention is that our seeds take root.
As we evolve and grow, we hold on tight to what is good and empowering, seeking to embody the changes that we seek. We hope for a better tomorrow.
For the Indie Business Network, that means celebrating INDIE-pendence Day today by sharing a new website that celebrates the freedom and independence of the American Maker.
We are American Makers.
We come from diverse backgrounds. We are black. We are white. We are women. We are men. We are younger. We are older. We are all different, not one the same as another. And we need each other. We are interdependent on each other. The world in general, and our nation in particular, will not improve for everyone unless we choose collaboration and realize that interdependence is the key to achieving true independence.
This is our strength. This is our birthright. This is our life, our liberty, our pursuit of happiness. If one of us does not have it, none of us has it. And so the Indie Business Network aims to deliver it to all who desire it.
The Indie Business Network stands for the American Maker, and for each and every one having an opportunity to maximize their potential through small business ownership with no limits outside of the ones they impose on themselves.
Whether we want to build a national or international brand, or stay local and close to home, or lead a business that is completely online — it's our right in this America to select our own definition of happiness and pursue it with intention and gusto.
I hope you enjoy our new website …
Here are a few things you can do to dive in:
- Listen to Indie Business Podcast
- Join the Indie Business Network
- Learn about our product liability insurance options
We hope that you'll take a look around. We hope that you'll tell your friends.
We'll have some exciting new announcements next week, so stay tuned!
Want more?
Join me in the Maker Mastermind community on Facebook.
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