Indie Business Podcast: Recent Episodes

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Welcome to the Indie Business Lifestyle Podcast! If you've been with me for a while, you know that our podcast has been part of the Indie Business community for more than two decades. While the name has evolved from Indie Business Podcast to Indie Business Lifestyle, the mission remains the same: to encourage, equip, and inspire you to build and lead a meaningful business that complements your life. I've kept the original podcast feed, so every episode we've created over the years is still in one place. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering the show, you'll find a library of conversations designed to help you build a profitable business and a fulfilling life—without compromising either.

3 Reasons to Listen and Subscribe to Indie Business LifestyleWhen you subscribe to Indie Business Lifestyle, you'll discover how to:

• Design your life first—and build a profitable business that supports it.
• Lead and grow a sustainable business that complements your lifestyle instead of competing with it.
• Apply proven business principles and practical strategies in ways that align with your unique goals, values, and vision for success.

Whether you're making candles, soap, skincare, jewelry, specialty foods, or any other handcrafted product, you'll find practical ideas, honest conversations, and lasting encouragement to help you grow with confidence.

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastIntroducing the new Indie Business Lifestyle: the podcast of the Indie Business Network, hosted by @donnamariaClick To TweetThanks for Listening!Thank you for being part of this community. I'm honored to walk alongside you as you build your best business, live your best life, and create a meaningful legacy.

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes with a fellow entrepreneur. And if you'd like to connect with thousands of makers and product entrepreneurs who believe business should support life — not the other way around — be sure to click here learn more about how you can take advantage of the benefits offered by the Indie Business Network.

More Evergreen Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post Indie Business Lifestyle Podcast: the Podcast of the Indie Business Network appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 100 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you'll meet Hannah Hon of Ruministics in St. Louis, Missouri. Do you remember the blockbuster film The Perfect Storm? Today’s guest, Hannah Hon, describes her entrepreneurial journey as the perfect storm convergence of fragrance, creativity, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Hannah and I discuss how these passions came together to shape her “organized” career path. If you want relatable insights into creating a business that truly aligns with your life and brings genuine joy, then don't skip this episode.

(Program Note: this episode was recorded in 2023. Hannah's business may be different now than it was at that time.)

Enjoy this lively conversation as Hannah's calm, magnetic energy and honest storytelling leave you inspired, energized, and ready to take meaningful next steps in your own entrepreneurial journey.

Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Hannah NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastThe amazing @ruministics shares how to take your content from sleepily head scratching to undeniably mind blowing in this episode of the #indiebusinesspodcast. #ruministics #entrepreneur #contentcreatorClick To TweetImportant entrepreneurial and content creation insights from HannahLet's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Robbin and I discussed in this episode.

1. Streamline your product lineHannah's passion for crafting led her to initially create a vast array of products when she launched her business. Seriously, she said, anything scented was fair game. However, she soon realized the challenges of maintaining a wide range of scents, sizes, and products. Gradually, she streamlined her offerings to just four staple soaps with occasional limited editions, along with six roll-on blends following the same pattern. Additionally, she introduced self-care sets featuring combinations of existing products that were already in her line. This meticulous pruning process spanned years but proved to be a strategic move for Hannah. Not only did it alleviate operational burdens, but it also simplified her marketing efforts and the overall leadership of her business. Smart move, Hannah!

Like I always share with my clients, I'd rather see you make lots of money successfully selling a few products than make a little money trying to sell “all the things.”

1. Test the waters to achieve successIn her early days of business, Hannah cast a wide net, eager to gauge the reception of her products by selling at lots of markets. Unsure of how her offerings would be received, she opted for quantity over quality. However, as both her business and personal brand evolved, Hannah became more discerning. As she gained a deeper understanding of her target audience, she became better at identifying the best market venues. Today, aside from carefully curated pop-ups aligned with her brand, the only market she sells at is St. Louis's largest market. This strategic shift ensures maximum return on investment, both financially and in terms of personal fulfillment. Hannah acknowledges that navigating the market landscape has been a journey of trial and error, a quintessential experience for any small business owner.

2. Create a business that works for YOUR life, on YOUR termsHannah pointed out the dual nature of entrepreneurship: challenging yet inherently enjoyable. It's a sentiment that deeply resonates with me. As Hannah points out, entrepreneurial enjoyment isn't automatic; it requires deliberate effort. For Hannah, the fun lies in the hands-on aspect of crafting her products and the joy of personal interactions at events. Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere of markets or the physical satisfaction she gets from the activity of setting up and breaking down her booth, she finds fulfillment in every step of the process. While it's undeniably hard work, she relishes the opportunity of creating a physical space that reflects her business's unique identity. For Hannah, infusing enjoyment into her work isn't just a perk—it's a priority.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Hannah and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Ruministics
2. Follow Ruministics on Instagram
3. Aromatherapy certificate: American College of Healthcare Sciences
4. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post Ruminate and Reflect with Hannah Hon of Ruministics – Indie Business Podcast Episode 100 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 99 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you'll meet Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare in Los Angeles, CA. One of the first things you might notice about the Violet Botanical brand is the gorgeous violet blue bottles in which each product is carefully packaged. The bottles are not only beautiful, but they are also reflective of Robbin's deep Gullah cultural heritage. Listen out in this episode for the connection between the package and the product — just one of the many points that make the Violet Botanicals brand unique.

On this episode, we take a deep dive into Robbin's extreme focus on the customer journey. Whether it's in person, at a show or market or online on her popular YouTube channel, Robbin allows the people who buy her products to guide and direct her product development and launch efforts. She is so fully immersed in their lives, wants and needs that she barely has to think about what to do next. This makes it easier and more fun to lead her business effectively and efficiently. You'll want to listen for strategies you can apply to your business starting right now, today.

Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Robbin NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastThe amazing Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare shares how to let your customers be your guide to everything from good relationships to more sales opportunities in this episode of the #indiebusinesspodcast #violetbodyme #entrepreneur #madeinlaClick To TweetImportant entrepreneurial and content creation insights from RobbinLet's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Robbin and I discussed in this episode.

1. Let your customers tell you what to doRobbin says that you never really arrive at a final destination in terms of knowing what your customers want. Instead, you continuously talk to them and listen to their stories. She maintains a mindset of curiosity about what matters most to them. This arms her with the information she needs to move her business forward. Her customers tell their stories and she listens to them, getting everything she needs to know exactly what to do next in her business.

Robbin sums it up this way: “Stop thinking like a founder, and start thinking like a customer.”

1. Build your communityYour community, your fans, your followers — these are the people who will become your marketers, your ambassadors, your sales people — basically, your everything. Robbin points out that part of what she has learned by being a part of the Indie Business Network is the importance of building a community and providing them with quality information backed by research and truth. As she says, business is not about being out here just trying to sell a person something, and then moving onto the next person. Instead, it's about educating and empowering your community and enhancing their lives. All you need to get started is 1,000 true fans.

2. Put a video camera in your handRobbin talked about how she uses her YouTube channel to educate and share behind-the-scenes snippets with her community. Showing people what she actually does to create the products they love so much engages them in unique ways that even the most beautiful product photos cannot. Robbin credits Indie Business Network workshops with planting so many of the seeds that have helped her to become more comfortable on camera.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Robbin and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Violet Botanical Skincare
2. Follow Violet Botanical Skincare on Instagram
3. Robbin's YouTube show: Work With Me Wednesday
4. Article: 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly
5. Article: Community is King by Donna Maria
6. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs and join today!

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, i Heart Radio, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post Let Your Customers Be Your Guide with Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare – Indie Business Podcast Episode 99 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 98 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you'll meet Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist in Pasadena, CA. This episode is chock full of fantastic tips to help you boost your content creation chops. It's also special to me because it's an introduction to the wonderful daughter of IBN's very first member, Kathleen Lewis. Larissa was a toddler in tiny tutus and pink ballet slippers when her Kathleen's membership application and payment landed in my inbox a mere few days after our website went live back in 2000. Fast forward to today, and I have the honor and privilege of knowing and loving Larissa as my “bonus daughter,” friend and team member here at IBN.

It is one of the special joys of my life to watch Larissa follow in her mother's footsteps as the leader of her own successful business, Jargon Gist, where she helps people take their content from sleepily head scratching to undeniably mind blowing. I cannot say enough about what a talented and skilled content creator Larissa is. You are in for a treat with the no-stress content creation tips and strategies she shares in this episode. You are going to want to take notes …

Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with Larissa NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastThe amazing @JargonGist shares how to take your content from sleepily head scratching to undeniably mind blowing in this episode of the #indiebusinesspodcast. #jargongist #entrepreneur #contentcreatorClick To TweetImportant entrepreneurial and content creation insights from LarissaLet's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Larissa and I discussed in this episode.

1. You are a content creatorNo matter what kind of business you have, you are also a content creator. You are a publisher, and it is vital that you figure out the best ways to create content that connects personally with the people who are most likely to buy your products and services. This connection is not a “one and done” type of endeavor. It's a process that requires you to create and share information on an ongoing basis, and while there are many ways to do that, social media is awesome because it's a direct bridge from you to your customer.

In this episode, Larissa shares something she calls “the Cinnabon theory” and you'll want to make sure you listen so you can use it to your benefit.

1. Just get startedI love how Larissa called this directive “the most annoying tip ever,” but it's true nonetheless. No matter the endeavor, if it's a challenge for you, you'll sometimes procrastinate or avoid it completely when all you really need to do is take a step forward and get started. Larissa reminds us in this episode that when it comes to preparing content, you need to figure out what motivates you personally and use it to get you going in the direction of taking action that you might not otherwise take. Do what's fun for you, and the only way to figure out what this might be is to get started. It's kind of circular, but life is like that sometimes. Get over it, and get started.

2. Embrace artificial intelligence (AI)Larissa described AI as a kind of souped up version of the type of predictive text that appears when you're texting someone and your phone begins to fill in your message based on a guess about what you're about to say. It's not always right as we know, and this is a good way to illustrate the double-edged sword that AI can be.

AI will give you a string of characters that you can consider incorporating into your marketing materials, but it can be bland and vanilla without your personal input — and as an Indie, you want to be anything but bland and vanilla. Don't miss Larissa's extremely informative revelations about AI, plus some super good examples of how to conduct effective AI searches for content you can use to market your business.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Larissa and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Jargon Gist.
2. Follow Jargon Gist on Instagram
3. AI tool: Open AI
4. AI tool: Google Bard
5. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs
6. Meet Larissa's amazing mom, IBN's first member, Kathleen Lewis of Kathleen Lewis Beauty Worldwide

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post No-Stress Content Creation Strategies with Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist – Indie Business Podcast Episode 98 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 97 of the Indie Business Podcast! I'm excited to introduce you to Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas in Springfield, Missouri. A self-described introvert, Catherine started her business after she began making aromatherapy products for people who wanted to use essential oil blends to enhance their daily lives but didn't have, a reputable source to purchase them. She began making products for a small circle of friends and acquaintances, and word began to spread. Catherine quickly realized that she could help more people if she started to sell her products, so in 2019, she started Wildwood Aromas.

While it's not easy, Catherine loves leading her business. Her determination to help as many people as possible with her passion for customizing aromatherapy blends for health and wellness drives her to continue to put on her “big girl panties” every day to make it happen.

I can't wait for you to hear more about how Catherine works to improve herself and her business through consistently yet gently pushing herself forward. Sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Catherine NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastLearn how the introverted founder of @wildwoodaromas creates aromatherapy products for wellness and wellbeing in her Springfield, Missouri studio!! #indiebusiness #indiebusinesspodcast #wildwoodaromas #aromatherapy #introvertentrepreneurClick To TweetImportant Entrepreneurial Insights from CatherineLet's unpack some of the most significant business insights Catherine and I discussed in this episode.

1. Suck it up, buttercupAs a self-described introvert, Catherine struggles to use social media to promote her business and put herself out there. At one point, she hired a coach to help her work through some personal issues so she could develop the confidence she felt she needed to meet this challenge. As Catherine shared, it's so easy to hide behind seemingly legitimate excuses to not reach our full potential and be everything we can be. I'm inspired by Catherine's determination to suck it up as she says, and overcome every limiting belief, and do the hard work to reach her full potential as the founder and leader of the Wildwood Aromas brand.

2. Newsletters produce salesCatherine transparently shared that publishing newsletters on a consistent basis can be a challenge, but doing so always rewarded with either immediate sales or feedback from subscribers that eventually turns into sales. It is so rewarding to be able to trace your efforts directly to cash in your pocket. Newsletters nurture relationships and create sales opportunities. In nearly a quarter of a century of coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs, I have never come across anyone who can dispute that with any credibility, and Catherine's experience certainly bears this out.

3. Chunk it downCatherine reminds us that any goal is achievable when you break it down into bite-sized pieces and attack it in chunks. Allow yourself to make small goals, she says, and when you hit those goals, allow yourself to feel really good about it. Consistently hitting small goals leads to consistently hitting larger goals. And while your goals may be smaller than other people's goals, stay focused on the fact that you are hitting your own goals and moving yourself forward. What matters is what you are doing and what progress you are making, not what anyone else is doing.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Catherine and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Wildwood Aromas
2. Follow Catherine on Instagram
3. Learn more about the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs
4. Email marketing services: MailChimp, Mailerlite
5. Aromatherapy training and certification: School for Aromatic Studies

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post The Introvert Entrepreneur with Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas – Indie Business Podcast Episode 97 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 96 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you'll meet Kimberly Cross of Zhi Bath & Body in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the time she was a child, Kim has been in the beauty industry. She started out as a hair dresser in middle school. Later, after retiring from the military (thank you for your service!!), Kim began creating bath and body products containing goat milk in part because her auntie had told her for years that it would help with her skin conditions.

Like many of us do, Kim resisted her Auntie's sage advice for years, but when she finally wised up, she did the research and discovered the many benefits of goat milk and started making products with goat milk on her own skin. Of course, creating a great product was no guarantee of success. Over the years, Kim has done a lot of inner work to develop the chops needed to get the word out about her products — starting with the skill of getting out of her own way. If this is an issue for you, as it is for so many other entrepreneurs, you'll be motivated and inspired by how Kim's business truly began to open up once she decided to really get over herself.

I can't wait for you to hear more about Kim's journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy my interview with her NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastLearn how @zhibathandbody makes goat milk skincare products in her Charlotte, North Carolina studio, and how her biz opened up after she got over herself! #indiebusinesspodcast #zhibathandbody #bathandbody #entrepreneur #cltentrepreneurClick To TweetImportant entrepreneurial insights from KimLet's unpack some of the most significant business insights Kim and I discussed in this episode.

1. Get over yourselfFor many years, Kim did not use social media because she looked at what everyone else was doing and didn't think she could be that perfect. But she got over herself and pressed forward, and today, she is killing the marketing game on a variety of platforms. Here's the realization that got her there in her own words — based on some advice she got from me over the course of several mentoring sessions:

What I do have is me: my whole for real me and what I do. And once I gave in and trusted [Donna Maria's] advice, I wanted to share. And I do not have to look perfect to get it done. It was easy to strike that balance once I leaned into it. It's like gravy now. It's fun.

1. Don't keep it to yourselfAs Kim designs new products to take better care of herself, she iterates them in ways that appeal to her target customers and then offers them as part of her product line. For example, her popular coloring books complement her bath and body products and encourage people to care for themselves by relieving stress, being creative and enjoying a sense of childhood imagination which for adults can be an effective form of therapy. The lesson here is that you can use what you learn in your everyday life to create products that complement your core line. This is an organic way to evolve your brand, increase your income and create multiple income streams.

2. Wear your brandKim excitedly shared how wearing her branded t-shirt featuring her tag line, her website address and the products and services she offers is a great lead generator. When you listen to this episode, pay special attention to the conversation about the work-life merger where we discuss the importance of using your life to support your business, and using your business to support your life. This is a fascinating concept that all independent business owners must embrace in order to reduce friction and enjoy what we here at IBN call “the Ultimate Trifecta” of a happy life, a profitable business and a meaningful legacy. This is a great example about how all three of those components complement each other and go so well together.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Kim and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Zhi Bath & Body
2. Follow Kim and Zhi on Instagram
3. Taste of Charlotte Festival
4. Kim in a Minute on YouTube
5. Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post The Joy of Getting Over Yourself with Kimberly Cross of Zhi Bath and Body – Indie Business Podcast Episode 96 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 95 of the Indie Business Podcast! On this episode, you'll meet Rachel Beyer of Artist Apothecary in Portland, Oregon. For Rachel, art has always been a passion. Her mother and grandmother taught her how to sew, and growing up, she took extra art classes every chance she got. So it's no surprise that her business is an outgrowth of a combination of her passion, training and expertise as an artist.

After studying graphic design and fine art in college, Rachel realized she would not be happy with a life filled mainly with time spent in front of a computer — even it if was doing what she loved. So she began to study herbs and aromatherapy and eventually, integrated all of her skills and passions into an Etsy shop selling her artwork. She also became a published author and a freelance designer and craft blogger. This has grown into her amazing business of today, which is thriving — as is Rachel, doing what she loves on her own terms.

I can't wait for you to hear more about Rachel's entrepreneurial journey — including how she manages her business while dealing with chronic pain, and how she remains balanced, happy and joyful all the while. Sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Rachel NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastLearn how the founder of Rachel Beyer Artist Apothecary creates original artwork and handcrafted candles and aromatherapy products in her Oregon studio!! #indiebusiness #makersgonnamake #indiebusinesspodcast #rachelbeyerClick To TweetResources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Rachel and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Learn more about Rachel Beyer
2. Follow Rachel on Instagram
3. Learn more about the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs

Important entrepreneurial insights from RachelLet's unpack some of the most significant business insights Rachel and I discussed in this episode.

1. Don't try to be everyone's everythingOver the years, Rachel has learned to be crystal clear on what it means to show up for herself first, in true and authentic ways. As she so succinctly and eloquently put it, Rachel has learned not to be everyone's everything, because that never works.

2. Honor your personal paceRachel lives with what she describes as chronic pain challenges. These have taught her to listen deeply and intentionally to her body, and to create and honor her own personal pace in life and in business. Rachel has created what she describes as an ecosystem that allows her to adjust her schedule around what is going on in her life so she never has to push herself emotionally and physically beyond what is healthy for her. These are lifestyle benefits she never would have been able to enjoy if she was working full-time in a traditional work environment.

3. The importance of communityWhile Rachel enjoys time in her studio in what she calls her “creative zone,” she embraces and understands that community is important as well, particularly as we move out of the pandemic. In addition to enjoying time in person with customers at shows and markets, Rachel's mom, sister and father help her with her business — especially during busy seasons. She also volunteers at a local community garden.

Also, being a part of the Indie Business Network makes a difference to Rachel because it allows her to interact with like-minded artisan entrepreneurs who provide valuable support and feedback and answers to business questions. It's critical, she says, to be a part of communities — online and off — where you can find your people.

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate the show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

The post The Power of Personal Pace with Artist Entrepreneur Rachel Beyer – Indie Business Podcast Episode 95 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Welcome to Episode 94 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, you'll meet Chelsea Selby Randazza of Witch Baby Soap in Cranford, New Jersey. It was nearly a decade ago when, in her kitchen, baby strapped to her chest, Chelsea first started making and selling soap and bath bombs and realized there was a market for products for what she calls “weird and witchy” people like her. As she began to make more products like the ones she wanted to have for herself, Chelsea realized that a business was being born.

After selling on Etsy for less than a year, Chelsea launched her own website with no business background, joined the Indie Business Network, and the rest is witchy history. Today, along with her husband, who has joined the business, Chelsea has a healthy online business selling direct to consumers, a popular subscription box, and several retail stores.

I cannot wait to introduce you to Chelsea and her Witch Baby Soap brand, so sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Chelsea NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastEpisode Show NotesHere are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. The Witch Baby Soap startup story. (starting at 2:30)
2. The “security” of working for yourself. (starting at 6:42)
3. The core messages of the Witch Baby brand. (starting at 8:49)
4. Innovating the “coffin bath bomb.” (starting at 11:44)
5. How to create a product with a meaning and intention, and for a specific target market. (starting at 13:15)
6. Chelsea's journey from Etsy to her own branded website on Shopify. (starting at 16:30)
7. Opening her retail stores. (starting at 18:02)
8. How Chelsea sells her products, and why she does not sell wholesale. (starting at 20:31)
9. How Chelsea sets financial goals for her business. (starting at 22:53)
10. Key business challenges and how Chelsea has overcome them. (starting at 27:15)
11. Employees at Witch Baby Soap, and how they are spread across the various channels. (starting at 29:03)
12. All about the Witch Baby Spell Box, Chelsea's quarterly subscription box. (starting at 30:22)
13. How Chelsea keeps the innovation going in her business: “following the bread crumbs that life gives me.” (starting at 32:15)
14. Why Chelsea begged her husband to quit his job and work Witch Baby with her. (39:45)
15. What opportunities Chelsea sees on the horizon for Makers and creative entrepreneurs. (42:40)

On this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, learn how the founder of @witchbabysoap grew her brand from Etsy to her own website with a subscription box + four retail stores -- and growing! Be inspired!! #indiebusiness #makersgonnamake #indiebusinesspodcast #witchbabysoapClick To TweetSchedule Your Business Growth Coaching CallThanks for listening to the Indie Business Podcast! Let's get started taking you and your maker business to the next level with a 45-minute complimentary personalized Business Growth Group Coaching Call.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Chelsea and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Online website platform: Shopify
2. Online website platform: Etsy
3. Witch Baby Soap on Instagram
4. Witch Baby Soap website
5. Indie Business Network (join today!)

Important entrepreneurial insights from ChelseaLet's unpack some of the most significant business insights Chelsea and I discussed in this episode.

1. Create more than productsThere are a million products out there, folks. For example, says Chelsea, there are tons of bath bombs on the market, but when Chelsea designs a bath bomb for the Witch Baby brand, she's designing more than a bath bomb. She's designing a bath bomb for a specific purpose, for a specific person in her specific target community. Her bath bombs have a purpose. When you create a product, Chelsea recommends that you take a similar approach.

Create products with intention and meaning to your specific target customer. That meaning may not be obvious to everyone, but it will be obvious to the people you are targeting and that's all you need because those are the people you want to buy it. As she says, it's an “If you know, you know” kind of thing, and that's what matters to your customer and to your bottom line.

1. Chelsea on planning …According to Chelsea, focusing too intently on setting hard goals and expectations can stifle creativity and stunt natural growth and learning. Obviously, we all want to make a profit and grow our businesses, but growth year after year and month after month is not the natural way of things says Chelsea. And because she works closely with the cycles of nature in her business and her personal life, she has learned to temper her expectations.

And this is close to a quote that I thought was especially meaningful:

“Nature does not grow all the time. There are periods of dormancy and periods of working within to have a better growth cycle. There are also moments where things will break down, but those are opportunities for building back stronger. I try to just move through the ups and downs of business with very few expectations and take every day as it comes.

I follow the bread crumbs life gives me.

My ultimate goal is not to be the biggest or the most profitable brand. It's to be able to pay our bills, pay our employees and have a comfortable business.

My advice is to have a plan, but don't be rigid. When you have a solid rigid plan you set yourself up for disappointment if you don't end up where you thought you were going to be. I'd rather go with the flow, where life takes me and be happy about that than be worried about getting to a specific goal post.”

Chelsea shared that her business model for product sales revolves around having streamlined to selling soaps only as her core line. She scratches her creative itch by making limited edition products to complement the soaps and boost sales, but soaps remain at the core and are the main focus of the business from a consistent profit center perspective. According to Chelsea, this streamlined approach allows her to be focused on making what sells the most consistently, and adding additional produce income streams on top of that to prevent boredom and remain creative and innovative, yet still profitable.

1. Expect the unexpectedChelsea says that in a post-COVID-19 world, she makes it a point to stay ahead of potential issues by trying to expect the unexpected and staying ahead of potential issues. She pays more attention now than ever to worldwide news reports. For example, a few years ago, she recalls reports of Mexican cartels holding avocado farms hostage. This ultimately resulted in a rise in avocado oil prices which ultimately affected her costs. Had she not been paying attention to worldwide news that might otherwise not have seemed especially important to her, she would not have been able to anticipate the price rises and would not have been able to implement a backup plan in advance.

Understanding how world events can affect your business is more important than ever now, and Chelsea does her best to stay as informed as possible, even in areas that may not seem relevant at first glance.

Chelsea described herself as an ambivert — that is, she is an extrovert when she needs to be, and she is an introvert the rest of the time. It is very important for creatives to be able to integrate both the introverted and the extroverted parts of their personalities together to come out from the shadows. As Chelsea said, when she does this, she sees immediate results because people do want to see and get to know the creative personality behind the product brand. When done consistently, this always leads to new sales opportunities — and opportunities in general — in your business.

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

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As you know, IBN's proprietary entrepreneurial framework, the Maker Method, contains four sequential phases you must past through on the road to building a profitable business that makes you happy and successful and can generate income for life. Those phases are: Emerge > Engage > Evolve > Expand. Welcome to Episode 93 of the Indie Business Podcast, where we introduce you to a member who is planted firmly in the Expand Phase, and share a bit about how she got there.

In this episode, you're going to meet Toushonta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps in Queen Creek, Arizona and Los Angeles, California. You'll hear us dig deep on a very powerful and personal level into Toushonta's journey from emerging her business two decades ago to expanding it today, all the time building her business around her life rather than the other way around. And, what does this have to do with living a success life as a maker entrepreneur? More than you may realize, in today’s times. I cannot wait for you to hear more from Toushonta and her Scentsational Soaps story, so sit back, relax, and enjoy my interview with Toushonta NOW!

Click the arrow to enjoy the Indie Business PodcastEpisode Show NotesHere are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:

1. Toushonta's backstory. (starting at 3:40)
2. Now in the Expand Phase, how Toushonta duplicated herself and her business without skipping a beat. (starting at 7:27)
3. How Toushonta makes and ships her products now that she's operating from two locations. (starting at 10:07)
4. Toushonta talks how streamlining her product line has helped her build her business around the kind of life she wants to have. (starting at 10:58)
5. Toushonta's many creative talents and skills and how she builds income streams around them. (starting at 12:53)
6. How Toushtonta used the pandemic to “step into her own,” now that her children are in college. (starting at 14:09)
7. Toushonta's current multiple income streams. (starting at 18:37)
8. How Toushonta plans and organizes her multiple income streams into a social media marketing “pillar” system that makes business sense. (starting at 24:07)
9. The importance of “finding your happy,” and how it has evolved over time. (starting at 27:51)
10. Toushonta's biggest challenge and how she overcomes it. (starting at 30:20)
11. What's next for Toushonta and her brands (starting at 34:00)
12. “Digital products is everything right now.” (starting at 37:49)
13. Toushonta says: “Keep sticking with the Indie Business Network,” and what to do to be successful in your business today. (starting at 42:33)

On this episode of the Indie Business Podcast, learn how the founder of @Scentsational has moved to the Expand Phase of her business. Be inspired!! #indiestories #indiebusiness #makersgonnamake #indiebusinesspodcast #toushontacreatesClick To TweetSchedule Your Business Growth Coaching CallThanks for listening to the Indie Business Podcast! Let's get started taking you and your maker business to the next level with a 45-minute complimentary personalized Business Growth Group Coaching Call.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this EpisodeIn this episode, Toushonta and I mentioned the following resources.

1. Scentsational Soap on Instagram
2. Toushonta Creates on Instagram
3. Indie Business Network (join today!)

Important entrepreneurial insights from ToushontaLet's unpack some of the most significant business insights Toushonta and I discussed in this episode.

1. Build your business around your lifeAfter two decades in business, Toushonta has raised both her business and her children. Today, her life has evolved in ways that were not possible when her children were in the home. This newfound freedom has allowed her to evolve by duplicating herself so she can maintain homes in two states, California and Arizona, and still make her products and manage all of the details of her business and her life.

If you have followed my teaching for any amount of time, you know how much I emphasize the importance of building your business around your life, and not the other way around. Toushonta's movement into the Expand Phase of her business is a great illustration of that.

1. Streamline your efforts to succeedToushonta shared that her business model for product sales revolves around having streamlined to selling soaps only as her core line. She scratches her creative itch by making limited edition products to complement the soaps and boost sales, but soaps remain at the core and are the main focus of the business from a consistent profit center perspective. According to Toushonta, this streamlined approach allows her to be focused on making what sells the most consistently, and adding additional produce income streams on top of that to prevent boredom and remain creative and innovative, yet still profitable.

2. Come out from the shadowsToushonta described herself as an ambivert — that is, she is an extrovert when she needs to be, and she is an introvert the rest of the time. It is very important for creatives to be able to integrate both the introverted and the extroverted parts of their personalities together to come out from the shadows. As Toushonta said, when she does this, she sees immediate results because people do want to see and get to know the creative personality behind the product brand. When done consistently, this always leads to new sales opportunities — and opportunities in general — in your business.

Binge Indie Business Podcast EpisodesIf you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here.

Subscribe to Indie Business PodcastIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please subscribe so you can get each episodes as it is released. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or your favorite podcast platform.

Rate Indie Business Podcast, Tell Your Friends and CommentIf you enjoy the Indie Business Podcast, please rate my show on Apple Podcasts, and be sure to subscribe there to receive automatic episodes as they are released.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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Welcome to Episode 85 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Indie Story introduces you to Christine Mineart of Sent Nudes, in Oakland, California. Shortly before the pandemic lockdowns, Christine and her friends decided to create a day centered around making their own perfumes and then visiting a local perfume museum. They ordered all of the…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Welcome to Episode 77 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Indie Story introduces you to Laura Luther of Olive My Skin, in Oxford, Connecticut. Laura first owned the Southbury Soap & Candle bath and body business business nearly 20 years ago. After closing down following a challenging divorce, Laura launched Olive My Skin in 2012, and…

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Welcome to Episode 76 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Indie Story introduces you to Ciara Fritsch, of Pure Body Nantucket, in Nantucket, Massachusetts. A native of Ireland, Ciara arrived in America in 1994 and settled in Nantucket where she met her husband. While she helps him manage an antique store on the island, her…

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Welcome to Episode 75 of the Indie Business™ Podcast! Today's Indie Story is about Lisa Kennally of Wild Air Skincare, in Centerbrook, Connecticut. Lisa makes spa products with ingredients inspired by the beauty and seasons of New England. Her brand is partially inspired by the time as a child she spent with her mom making…

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Welcome to Episode 74 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Kirsten Conner of Flourish Beauty Lab in White River Junction, Vermont. Kirsten is a retail store owner and product formulator who makes artisan products designed for people who are super sensitive to ingredients and fragrances. Her main focus is on…

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Welcome to Episode 73 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Melissa Troupe of MochaWhip in West Palm Beach, Florida. Melissa makes whipped vegan body butter with ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and aloe juice. Mocha Whip products can be found online and at dozens of Whole Foods Market locations…

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Welcome to Episode 72 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story features Alana Rivera of Etta + Billie in San Francisco, California. As you'll learn in this episode, this is not Alana's first appearance on Indie Business Podcast. After you enjoy this episode, I encourage you to listen to the first episode we did…

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Welcome to Episode 71 of the Indie Business Podcast, all about how to make your business support your life! If you’ve listened to even just a few of our interviews with amazing Makers and Creative Entrepreneurs, you’ve surely noticed that most of them have one powerful personal entrepreneurial purpose in common. Here it is: they…

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Welcome to Episode 70 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Marissa Bethoney of Precious Skin Elixirs in Boxford, Massachusetts. Marissa left a decade-long career as a jeweler to create a business that allowed her to feel better about simultaneously leading a business and being a mother. As you'll enjoy learning…

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Welcome to Episode 69 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Pam Rodgers of Stella Chroma, a nail polish brand in Richmond, Indiana. Pam started her business in 2012, and today, she manages the business while holding down a full-time job as a nurse practitioner. Since starting Stella Chroma, Pam has…

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Welcome to Episode 68 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Amber Malcom of Shabby Chick Cleaners in Duncan, Oklahoma. After being in business for just over three years, Amber has already appeared on several episodes of a popular home shopping show, entirely dismantled and re-built her business model, and is…

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Welcome to Episode 67 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Sandy Engels of The Purple Sage in Ethel, Louisiana. Sandy purchased her brand from another entrepreneur eight years ago, shortly after she discovered that her friends and family members were interested in buying the soap she had been making for…

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Welcome to Episode 66 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Zondra Wilson of Blu Skin Care in Los Angeles, California. Zondra started her business after a career as a television news anchor. When she began to feel like something was missing, she left the broadcast world and then, as she…

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Welcome to Episode 65 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Joanne Voelcker of Mt. Airy Lavender in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Joanne started her lavender business after a long career in the financial services industry during which time she worked in Belgium. It was then that she fell in love with lavender…

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Welcome to Episode 64 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Michael McPolin of Birch & Main in Port Jefferson, New York. Michael has tons of professional experience in the retail world. When you combine that with his passion for shopping (he can't stop), it will be clear why his retail…

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Welcome to Episode 63 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Kayla Fioravanti of Ology Essentials and Work+Shop Create outside Nashville, Tennessee. For many of you, this may be a re-introduction, since Kayla has been a guest on Indie Business Podcast a few years back when her business was going in…

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Welcome to Episode 62 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Valerie Reed of Valana Minerals in Pahoa, Hawaii and San Diego, California. Valerie is the founder, CEO, and lead formulator at Valana Minerals where she creates vegan mineral makeup specifically for women of color. In addition to leading her business,…

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Welcome to Episode 61 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to D'Shawn Russell of Southern Elegance Candle Company in Raeford, North Carolina. D'Shawn, a teacher by trade, started making candles as appreciation gifts for her co-workers. Everyone raved about them, so she started selling them at the local farmer's market and…

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Welcome to Episode 60 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Sierra Zamarripa of Lovewild Design in New York, New York. Sierra grew up in the East Village outside her parents' antique shop. Her entrepreneurial instincts were first honed by keeping herself busy doing things like offering shoe shine services in…

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Welcome to Episode 59 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Dawn Fitch of Pooka Pure and Simple in Newark, New Jersey. While employed as a professional graphics artist nearly 20 years ago, Dawn received a health diagnosis that caused her to change her life. Along with her diet, she decided…

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Welcome to Episode 58 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Maker Story introduces you to Lisa Wynne Salvatore of Purely Lisa in Greenwich, Connecticut. Lisa has 9 certifications in the natural arts arena, and her Connecticut-based offices provide in-person services to help women achieve and maintain health from the inside out. Lisa's product business is…

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Welcome to Episode 57 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Danielle Vincent of Outlaw Soaps in Colfax, California. Danielle started her business five years ago when she became restless at her job at the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Restless though she was, she's the first to acknowledged that the…

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Welcome to Episode 56 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Hassan Sayyed of Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast. As you listen to Hassan share his story, it's easy to see how he is a natural fit for a career in the performing arts. You'll also get the sense…

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Welcome to Episode 55 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Paul Chambers of The Gentleman's Box and The Subscription Summit. A few years back, through his web design company, Paul was asked to design a website for a subscription box company. Seeing more than just a website design gig,…

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Welcome to Episode 54 of the Indie Business Podcast! This time, it's just me. No guest, and I have something fun and exciting to share with you today. Indie Business Podcast has helped so many people gain the skills and confidence, and enjoy the mentoring, they need to be successful as Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs.…

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Welcome to Episode 53 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I introduce you to Briar Winters of Marble & Milkweed in New York City. Briar launched her business in 2010 after a career as a pastry chef in a Manhattan hotel. The tagline for Briar's business is “analog beauty,” a mindset that very…

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Welcome to Episode 52 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I introduce you to Nieves Rathbun of By Nieves in Petrolia, California. Nieves's business started out of an unexplainable passion for skincare products and perfume. She describes her brand as a kind vintage, but also modern, and she's done an exquisite job of…

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Welcome to Episode 51 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I introduce you to Mike Neustrom of Prairie Lavender Farm in Bennington, Kansas, and of the United States Lavender Growers Association. Mike's lavender business is an outgrowth of a promise to his wife to settle wherever she wanted, after he ended a distinguished…

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Welcome to Episode 50 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I introduce you to Meagan Sincock of Wildly Natural in Bennington, Kansas. Wildly Natural is a fun and fairly new mineral makeup company run by a woman who loved makeup so much that she talked her mom into becoming a Mary Kay consultant…

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Welcome to Episode 49 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I introduce you to Ronda Porter-Altema of Soude Haiti, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping the people of Haiti build self-sustaining businesses and become more economically empowered. I recorded this interview just a few short days after Hurricane Matthew left a path…

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Welcome to Episode 48 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Toushonta of Scent_sa-tional Soaps in Los Angeles, CA. As you'll hear on this episode, Toushonta has had two phases of her business. The first was a warmup phase, which ended when she worked through a bit of an entrepreneurial…

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Welcome to Episode 47 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Andrea Hence Evans, Esq. of The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans outside my fabulous hometown of Washington, DC. (Sorry for calling it episode 46 in the podcast recording.) As you'll hear on this episode, as a former practicing…

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Welcome to Episode 46 of the Indie Business Podcast! This episode marks a bit of a milestone: it's the first ever in which I am not interviewing a guest. I am not changing the things permanently. I will continue to bring you the best inspirational stories of Makers around the nation, but I am changing…

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Welcome to Episode 45 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Christina Wennstrom of Soap Seas in Redondo Beach, California. Before we dive in, I want you to know that I recorded this episode at my mother's dining room table on a day when her alarm malfunctioned and my children…

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Welcome to Episode 44 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Khadija Dawn Carryl of Henna Sooq, Elkridge, Maryland. Khadija launched Henna Sooq 11 years ago when she was the mother of four kids under the age of six. Today, her business has multiple income streams, and she credits a…

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Welcome to Episode 43 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this episode, I'll introduce you to Jennifer Hardaway of KleanSpa in Burbank, California. As you'll hear first-hand, Jennifer got the idea for her brand in December 2004 while driving down the street, just minding her business. By 2005, she was making and retailing sugar scrubs…

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Welcome to Episode 42 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this podcast episode, I introduce you to Michelle Smith of MamaSuds, Maker of natural cleaning products in Goodrich, Michigan. Michelle is a former middle school teacher who began making household cleaners for her family after she and her husband began their family. Encouraged by her…

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Welcome to Episode 41 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this podcast episode, I introduce you to Kara Brook of Waxing Kara and The Honey House in Owings Mills, Maryland. Kara says that entrepreneurship is in her DNA. As you'll hear in the first part of the interview, her business experience includes leading Internet-based startups,…

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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 4 of the Indie Business Podcast! This season is all about celebrating finalists in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. So far, I've connected you with Riche Holmes Grant from the Style category, Gilyn McKelligon from the Design category, and Colin Fickes and Mary Collins from the Food category. Today,…

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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 3 of the Indie Business Podcast! This season is all about celebrating finalists in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. So far, I've connected you with Riche Holmes Grant from the Style category and Gilyn McKelligon from the Design category. Today, it's about the Food category, and I'm pleased to…

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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 2 of the Indie Business Podcast! This season is all about celebrating finalists in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. Last week, we brought you Riche Holmes Grant, our choice from the Style category. Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Gilyn McKelligon of Hannah Bergen in Portland, Oregon,…

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Welcome to Season 4, Episode 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! This season is all about celebrating finalists in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. We start with the Style category, and our featured Maker of choice is Riche Holmes Grant of BambiniWare in Silver Spring, Maryland, and I am thrilled to introduce you to…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 12 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this twelfth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, I will introduce you to Amber Hawthorne of Bambu Earth in San Juan Capistrano, California. Amber just hosted the soft opening of her store this past weekend, and she tells us all about…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 11 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eleventh episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Cindy Jones, Ph.D. of Colorado Aromatics in Longmont, Colorado. Cindy started her business 10 years ago on the heels of a career as a chemist and microbiologist. After serving as a…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 10 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this tenth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet La Shonda Tyree of Handmade Soap Coach in Paterson, New Jersey. Before La Shonda opened her soapmaking studio in Paterson, New Jersey, her business underwent multiple changes and growing pains. She…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 9 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this ninth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Deb Jasien of Fields of Ambrosia in North Conway, New Hampshire. Deb, a former theatrical set designer, has owned her business since 2001, and her store in 2007. Deb also wholesales…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 8 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eighth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Roberta Perry of Scrubz Natural Skincare in Bethpage, New York. Roberta has been a member of the Indie Business Network since 2008. According to Roberta, while her business is 9 years…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 7 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this seventh episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Kristin Fraser of The Grapeseed Company in Santa Barbara, California. Kristin calls herself a “born entrepreneur,” and with good reason. She was born into a family of people who encouraged her…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 6 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this sixth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Torrian Howell of Dorneé Natural Body and Hair Luxuries in Twinsburg, Ohio (near Cleveland). Torrian is the single mother of one son, and even with her business going gangbusters and a…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 5 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fifth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Kismet Andrews of Bar Maids in Brush Prairie, Washington. Kismet held down a full-time job working eighty hours a week for several years after the started her business, and when she…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 4 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fourth episode of my Makers on Main Street series, you'll meet Michelle Rhoades of Mossy Creek Soap in Perry, Georgia. Michelle's introduction to business ownership began with a foray into the world of direct sales. She was very successful at it, but…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this third episode of my Makers on Main Street series, I introduce you to Jamyla Bennu of Oyin Handmade in Baltimore, Maryland. You'll be so inspired by how Jamyla has grown her business from a tiny kitchen operation to a retail store with…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this second episdoe of my Makers on Main Street series, I introduce you to Keith Emmons and Robert Ungemach of Opportunity Market in Dallas, Texas. Keith and Robert are partners in life and in business, and each serves a different leadership role at…

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this first episode of my third season, I'm thrilled to share the theme for Season 3: Makers on Main Street. Don't you just love that?! Considering all the talk we hear from lawmakers and media pundits about “Main Street” businesses that are really…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 12 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eleventh and final episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I introduce you to Neenz Faleafine of Pono Media in Hawaii. Through her business, Neenz helps entrepreneurs develop “virtual solutions for real-life results.” Some might say she is a social media…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 11 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eleventh episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I introduce you to my friend Lisa Price, the founder of Carol's Daughter. In 1992, Lisa began making lotions and potions in her Brooklyn kitchen, and selling them under the brand name Carol's…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 10 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this tenth episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I introduce you to my friend and your Small Biz Lady, Melinda Emerson. Melinda is the author of Become Your Own Boss in Twelve Months, and the host of the weekly Twitter talk…

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Arecent popular thread in the very awesome Indie Business Network Member Secret Forum deals with the issue of “competition.” Among other things, the conversation consists of members encouraging each other and sharing how they approach the very important issue of participating in a competitive market place — which we all are. In a nutshell, it…

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I was fighting a severe cold during this interview, and we had some audio difficulties, but I wanted you to meet Diane as soon as possible so you could have the benefit of her experience right away! Welcome to Season 2, Episode 8 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eighth episode of our Women,…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 7 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this seventh episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I introduce you to my guest Anne-Marie Faiola of Bramble Berry in Bellingham, Washington … and boy, are you in for a treat. Anne-Marie is one of the most evolved entrepreneurs I know. She has…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 6 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this sixth episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I introduce you to my guest Wardee Harmon of Traditional Cooking School in Sutherlin, Oregon. Wardee and I met online four years ago when I contacted her out of the blue to ask…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 5 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fifth episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I introduce you to my guest and dear personal friend, Pierre Bennu, of exittheapple in Baltimore, Maryland. Pierre and I first met in 2010 when he joined me and his lovely wife, Jamyla…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fourth episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, we focus on all things local, rural, and small town with my guest Becky McCray of Small Biz Survival in Alva, Oklahoma … population 4,000 (give or take). Becky and her husband own…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this third episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I am going outside my comfort zone to introduce you to someone I barely know, but who has had a big positive impact on how I view entrepreneurship. One day, I got an…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this second episode of our Women, Wealth and Wow! series, I'm sharing an invigorating conversation with a woman I have known for the past decade, and who has become an intricate part of our my life. While our relationship was once all business,…

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Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this first episode of 2015, I am excited to announce our theme for Season 2. It's all about an undeniably exciting phenomenon that we are not only witnessing, but that many of you — my listeners and members — are also a living,…

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Welcome to the BONUS of Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this thirteenth episode, a bonus for Season 1, you will meet Kayla Fioravanti. Kayla is a wife, mom, author, kitchen chemist, farmer, entrepreneur, aromatherapist and poet, and she's going to share how to publish your book on Amazon. One of Kayla's dreams…

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Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this twelfth episode, you will meet Annie Pham of Cirque Colors in Brooklyn, New York. Like many other Indies, Annie was employed at a well paying but unsatisfying job. Having been raised by parents who were entrepreneurs, Annie knew that there…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eleventh episode, you will meet Erin Pikor of Naiad Soap Arts in San Diego, California. Erin is a graphics designer by trade, and when she was laid off of her job in 2007, she decided to turn a crafty afternoon activity into a business.…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this tenth episode, you will meet Valerie Reed of Valana Minerals in San Diego, California. Valerie is a college sociology professor by trade, and she also works her business, which she founded in 2007. She loves both teaching and mineral makeup, and has found a…

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Elissa has changed the name of her business to Bonblissity. The title, text, and links in this post have been updated in recognition of this change. Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this ninth episode, you will meet Elissa Choi of BonBlissity in San Pedro, California. Elissa and her husband work…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this eighth episode, you will meet Kathy Dannel Vitcak of The Blissful Dog in Pinewood, Minnesota. Kathy has built an empire from her home, which is located nearly an hour from the closest town: population: 10,000. Her success is a testament to the power of…

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While Emma's Friends has closed, I invite you to be inspired by the amazing story of how Lynn built her business to honor her very special daughter. Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this seventh episode, I introduce you to Lynn Elko of Emma's Friends Soaps and Lotions in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this sixth episode, I introduce you to Samantha Irwin of Standard Wax in Chandler, Arizona. Samantha and her business partner, Andrew King, met each other “by accident” at work, they did their first craft show “by accident,” they got their first wholesale customer “by accident,”…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fifth episode, I introduce you to Samantha Dickey of Dirty Beauty Skincare in Woodstock, Georgia. Here is how Samantha describes her handmade products: “Hand-poured and developed by a farmer's nerdy lipstick-lovin' granddaughter.” You should be able to tell from that description that Samantha is…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this fourth episode, I introduce you to Stacia Guzzo of The Handcrafted Honey Bee and Tehachabee Farm in Tehachapi, California. Stacia and I discuss how she manages her two Maker businesses as a wife and the mother of two young children, and how she became…

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Welcome to Season 1 of the Indie Business Podcast! In this third episode, I introduce you to Darren and Carrie Seibert of Soap Commander in Cherokee, Alabama, and we discuss how they manage their business while raising and home schooling seven (yes, 7) children. Being married to an unexpected entrepreneur is not always easy. You…

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Once you know you make a good handmade product, how do you know what to do next? According to Alana Rivera, you hone your skills before “jumping over the edge.” Alana started her handmade bath + body company, Etta and Billie in San Francisco, while she still had a traditional job. Today, not only has…

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I launched my podcast in 2005 as the Lifestyle CEO Show. I later changed the name to Indie Business Podcast, and ultimately hosted a weekly show over 300 times between 2005 and 2012. As technology progressed from the Dark Ages, I switched my podcast from the now defunct Global Talk Radio to Blog Talk Radio.…

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! If you are a foodie of any kind, chances are good you have considered turning…

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Editor's Note: Shama Kabani changed her surname to Hyder after getting married and now goes by Shama Hyder. I‘m thrilled to bring another podcast out of the vault today, and this one is a favorite (like they all are). In this episode, author and social media consultant Shama Kabani shares insights to help you more…

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I‘m thrilled to bring another podcast out of the Indie Business archives today! Why not? I've kept these timeless recordings to myself for long enough, and I'm excited to share them with you. In this episode, Pam Slim shares her tips and insights to help you transition from a traditional job to start your business,…

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The post IBP#013: How to Leave Your Job to Start Your Business, with Pam Slim [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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I‘m thrilled to bring another podcast out of the Indie Business archives today! Why not? It is Throwback Thursday after all. In this episode, Lorrie Morgan Ferrero shares her best tips for writing good marketing copy. Whether it's a website, a brochure, a business card, or an web page, you'll enjoy Lorrie's ideas to produce…

The post IBP#012: Simple Tips For Writing Good Marketing Copy, from Lorrie Morgan Ferrero [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#012: Simple Tips For Writing Good Marketing Copy, from Lorrie Morgan Ferrero [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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Donna Maria and Mari Smith go one-on-one about how to use new media tools to engage in new relationship marketing, to grow your business.

The post IBP#011: Mari Smith on Relationship Marketing [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#011: Mari Smith on Relationship Marketing [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! I have been podcasting since before podcasting was a word. I hosted my first online…

The post IBP#010: Jack Canfield on The Success Principles [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#010: Jack Canfield on The Success Principles [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! I hosted my first online radio show on September 21, 2005, before social media took…

The post #IBP009: Paula Deen on Success and Women in Business [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post #IBP009: Paula Deen on Success and Women in Business [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! How do you transform a small Texas soapmaking venture into a non-profit powerhouse that changes…

The post #IBP008: How Your Artisan Business Can Become a Non-Profit Powerhouse [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post #IBP008: How Your Artisan Business Can Become a Non-Profit Powerhouse [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This episode of Indie Business Podcast is a recording of my “Real People Real Business” radio show which airs live on Saturday mornings on WIXE-AM in Monroe, North Carolina. In this episode, I interviewed Pat Kahle, President of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, and Johnnie McCrorey of Trendy Treats by Johnnie. We discussed a…

The post IBP#007: How Your Local Chamber of Commerce Can Help Your Business Be Successful [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#007: How Your Local Chamber of Commerce Can Help Your Business Be Successful [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This episode of Indie Business Podcast is a recording of my “Real People Real Business” radio show which airs live on Saturday mornings on WIXE-AM in Monroe, North Carolina. In this episode, I interviewed Shane and Elise Fraser of Social Networking Assistance Today about how to use social media if you are just starting out…

The post IBP#006: Social Media For Newbies [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#006: Social Media For Newbies [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! This episode of Indie Business Podcast is a recording of my “Real People Real Business”…

The post IBP#005: How I Quit My Job to Open My Dream Business [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#005: How I Quit My Job to Open My Dream Business [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! This episode of Indie Business Podcast is a recording of my “Real People Real Business”…

The post IBP#004: How I Started My Business and Ideas To Help You Gain Clarity and Succeed In Yours [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#004: How I Started My Business and Ideas To Help You Gain Clarity and Succeed In Yours [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! Rapid advancements in technology continue to present us with a variety of options when it…

The post IBP#003: Creative Entrepreneurs and the Future of Work [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#003: Creative Entrepreneurs and the Future of Work [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! This episode of Indie Business Podcast is about choosing the right kind of business for…

The post IBP#002: How to Decide What Kind of Business is Right For You [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#002: How to Decide What Kind of Business is Right For You [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

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This is one of the preliminary episodes of the newly re-launched Indie Business Podcast. To stream or download more recent episodes of the podcast at this blog, click here or you can download it on iTunes. Thank you for visiting! I am pleased to announce that Indie Business Podcast will return soon. Stay tuned! As…

The post IBP#001: Indie Business Podcast Returns! [Podcast] first appeared on Indie Business Network®.

The post IBP#001: Indie Business Podcast Returns! [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network®.