Indie Business Podcast with Donna Maria

Ruminate and Reflect with Hannah Hon of Ruministics – Indie Business Podcast Episode 100

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 Podcast The 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 Tweet Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Hannah Let's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Robbin and I discussed in this episode. 1. Streamline your product line Hannah'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.” 2. Test the waters to achieve success In 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. 3. Create a business that works for YOUR life, on YOUR terms Hannah 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 Episode In this episode, Hannah and I mentioned the following resources. Learn more about Ruministics Follow Ruministics on Instagram Aromatherapy certificate: American College of Healthcare Sciences Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here. Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast If 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 Comment If 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®.

Let Your Customers Be Your Guide with Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare – Indie Business Podcast Episode 99

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. And on today’s episode, we're diving deep 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, and this makes it so much easier 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 Podcast The 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 Tweet Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Robbin Let'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 do Robbin 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, and 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.” 2. Build your community Your 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. 3. Put a video camera in your hand Robbin 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 Episode In this episode, Robbin and I mentioned the following resources. Learn more about Violet Botanical Skincare Follow Violet Botanical Skincare on Instagram Robbin's YouTube show: Work With Me Wednesday Article: 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly Article: Community is King by Donna Maria Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here. Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast If 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 Comment If 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®.

No-Stress Content Creation Strategies with Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist – Indie Business Podcast Episode 98

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 Podcast The 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 Tweet Important entrepreneurial and content creation insights from Larissa Let's unpack some of the most significant business and content creation insights Larissa and I discussed in this episode. 1. You are a content creator No 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. 2. Just get started I 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. 3. 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 Episode In this episode, Larissa and I mentioned the following resources. Learn more about Jargon Gist. Follow Jargon Gist on Instagram AI tool: Open AI AI tool: Google Bard Learn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs Meet Larissa's amazing mom, IBN's first member, Kathleen Lewis of Kathleen Lewis Beauty Worldwide Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here. Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast If 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 Comment If 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 first appeared on Indie Business Network®.The post No-Stress Content Creation Strategies with Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist – Indie Business Podcast Episode 98 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

The Introvert Entrepreneur with Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas – Indie Business Podcast Episode 97

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 Podcast Learn how the introverted founder of @wildwoodaromas creates aromatherapy products for wellness and wellbeing in her Springfield, Missouri studio!! #indiebusiness #indiebusinesspodcast #wildwoodaromas #aromatherapy #introvertentrepreneurClick To Tweet Important Entrepreneurial Insights from Catherine Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Catherine and I discussed in this episode. 1. Suck it up, buttercup As 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 sales Catherine 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 down Catherine 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 Episode In this episode, Catherine and I mentioned the following resources. Learn more about Wildwood Aromas Follow Catherine on Instagram Learn more about the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs Email marketing services: MailChimp, Mailerlite Aromatherapy training and certification: School for Aromatic Studies Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here. Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast If 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 Comment If 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 first appeared on Indie Business Network®.The post The Introvert Entrepreneur with Catherine Robinson of Wildwood Aromas – Indie Business Podcast Episode 97 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.

The Joy of Getting Over Yourself with Kimberly Cross of Zhi Bath and Body – Indie Business Podcast Episode 96

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 skills 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 really 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 Podcast Learn how the founder of @zhibathandbody creates goat milk skincare products in her Charlotte, North Carolina studio!! #indiebusiness #indiebusinesspodcast #zhibathandbody #bathandbody #entrepreneur #cltentrepreneurClick To Tweet Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode In this episode, Catherine and I mentioned the following resources. Learn more about Zhi Bath & Body Follow Kim on Instagram Taste of Charlotte Festival Kim in a Minute on YouTube Learn more about the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs Important entrepreneurial insights from Kim Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Kim and I discussed in this episode. 1. Get over yourself For 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 your 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. 2. Don't keep it to yourself As 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 a part of her product line. One of the examples we discussed are her popular coloring books which 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. 3. Wear your brand Kim excitedly shared how 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 call the Ultimate Trifecta of a happy life, a profitable business and a meaningful legacy. This is a great example about how all three complement each other and go so well together. Binge Indie Business Podcast Episodes If you want to binge listen to previous episodes, you can do that here. Subscribe to Indie Business Podcast If 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 Comment If 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 first appeared on Indie Business Network®.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®.