Join award-winning small business mentor Donna Maria Coles Johnson as she shares her best advice for creative entrepreneurs on making money selling handmade products, starting a business, increasing profits, effective marketing strategies, leadership, confidence, and more. Donna Maria is the founder…
Charlotte, NC
makers, small business, entrepreneurs, learn something, creative, learned, guests, right, content, great, thank, always, love, listening, donna maria's, donna marie, indie business podcast.
Listeners of Indie Business Podcast that love the show mention: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,… 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®.
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… 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®.
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… 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®.
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… 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®.
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… The post The Power of Personal Pace with Artist Entrepreneur Rachel Beyer – Indie Business Podcast Episode 95 first appeared on Indie Business Network®. The post The Power of Personal Pace with Artist Entrepreneur Rachel Beyer – Indie Business Podcast Episode 95 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.
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… The post Make More Than Products with Chelsea Selby Randazza of Witch Baby Soap – Indie Business Podcast Episode 94 first appeared on Indie Business Network®. The post Make More Than Products with Chelsea Selby Randazza of Witch Baby Soap – Indie Business Podcast Episode 94 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.
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… The post Life in the Expand Phase with Toushonta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps – Indie Business Podcast Episode 93 first appeared on Indie Business Network®. The post Life in the Expand Phase with Toushonta Hogan of Scentsational Soaps – Indie Business Podcast Episode 93 appeared first on Indie Business Network®.
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… The post Overcoming Mental Health Challenges Through Entrepreneurship with Lauren Vanscoy of Essence One – Indie Business Podcast Episode 92 appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Grow Your Business by Solving People's Problems with Tiana Coats of Winding Wick Candles – Indie Business Podcast Episode 91 appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post A Supportive Spouse or Partner is Key to Business Success with Jennifer Watt of Jenny the Hemp Goddess – Indie Business Podcast Episode 90 appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Lakisha McMillian of Simply Unique [Indie Stories: Episode 89: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Brittany Hogan of Nefertem Holistic Skincare [Indie Stories: Episode 88: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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.… The post Rhonda Walters of RareGlo [Indie Stories: Episode 87: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Christie Krasteva of CEVARI [Indie Stories: Episode 86: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Christine Mineart of Sent Nudes [Indie Stories: Episode 85: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Patty Liu of Free Flow Botanicals [Indie Stories: Episode 84: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Sara Jennetten of Blank Mason [Indie Stories: Episode 83: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Nadja Renise of FEMMENOIRE [Indie Stories: Episode 82: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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,… The post Ayanna Jackson of Arbria Creations [Indie Stories: Episode 81: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Mindy Cheng of Fyve, Inc. [Indie Stories: Episode 80: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Patricia Nizalowski of Green Valley Herbal [Indie Stories: Episode 79: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Isabel Alvarez of Albisa Candles [Indie Stories: Episode 78: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Laura Luther of Olive My Skin [Indie Stories: Episode 77: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business™.
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… The post Ciara Fritsch of Pure Body Nantucket [Indie Stories: Episode 76: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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… The post Lisa Kennally of Wild Air Skincare [Indie Stories: Episode 75: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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… The post Kirsten Conner of Flourish Beauty Lab [Maker Stories: Episode 74: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Melissa Troupe of Mocha Whip [Maker Stories: Episode 73: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Alana Rivera of Etta and Billie [Maker Stories: Episode 72: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Make Your Business Support Your Life: Indie Business Podcast: Episode 71 appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Marissa Bethoney of Precious Skin Elixirs [Maker Stories: Episode 70: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Pam Rodgers of Stella Chroma [Maker Stories: Episode 69: Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 68: Amber Malcom of Shabby Chick [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 67: Sandy Engels of The Purple Sage [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 66: Zondra Wilson of Blu Skin Care [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 65: Joanne Voelcker of Mt. Airy Lavender [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 64: Michael McPolin of Birch & Main [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 63: Kayla Fioravanti of Ology Essentials and Work+Shop Create [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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, […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 62: Valerie Reed of Valana Minerals [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 61: D’Shawn Russell of Southern Elegance Candle Company [Podcast and Video] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 60: Sierra Zamarripa of Lovewild Design [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 59: Dawn Fitch of Pooka Pure and Simple [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Maker Stories: Episode 58: Lisa Wynne Salvatore of Purely Lisa [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 57: Danielle Vincent of Outlaw Soaps [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 56: Hassan Sayyed of Haus Urban and Creative Hustle Podcast [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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, […] The post Episode 55: Paul Chambers of The Gentleman’s Box [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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. […] The post Episode 54: Exciting Changes at Indie Business Podcast! [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 53: Briar Winters of Marble & Milkweed [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 52: Nieves Rathbun of By Nieves [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 51: Mike Neustrom of Prairie Lavender Farm and US Lavender Growers Association [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 50: Meagan Sincock of Wildly Natural [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.
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 […] The post Episode 49: Ronda Porter-Altema of Soude Haiti [Podcast] appeared first on Indie Business Network.