Indie Business Blog

A Free Spirit In An Indie Business Yoke

A few days ago, I sent a "let's keep in touch" email to Sandy Maine, the keynote speaker at last month's Conference of Handcrafted Soapmakers and the founder and CEO of SunFeather Natural Soap Company in Potsdam, New York. I thought I'd get a reply of a similar nature, and Sandy did not disappoint. But true to form, she also did more than that.

          

In her reply, Sandy described herself as a "free spirit in a soap business 'yoke.'" As a craftsy entrepreneur whose business started with a weekend soap making adventure (with a Lemon Soapmaking Kit from SunFeather no less -- how's that for serendipity!!?), Sandy's statement intrigued me, so I asked her to tell me more.

Soapin' Sisterpreneur

Stirring Up Beauty and Prayers For the Lord

The word of "sister" has a variety of meanings. From the girl you were raised with to a very dear friend, it is almost always used to describe a most treasured relationship. Another type of sister takes sacred vows in a religious order, a lifestyle that for most of us is shrouded in mystery. Last month at the Conference of Handcrafted Soapmakers, I met up with one such sister -- Sister Cathleen Marie Timberlake** of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri. In addition to a life of prayer and devotion to God, Sister Cathleen Marie makes and sells handmade soap.

            

How cool is that? You can purchase Sister Cathleen Marie's soaps and body care products at Monastery Creations.

I am always fascinated to meet entrepreneurs from different walks of life. Until Sister Cathleen Marie, I had never encountered one who so eloquently combined her mission as a person of faith with her mission as a person of business. I am inspired and impressed.

What do you think?

Have you ever met someone who combined faith with business in a unique way? If so, or maybe it's you, please share in the comments section below.

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**Due to "technical difficulties," Sister Cathleen Marie's name is misspelled in the video, and I managed to say it incorrectly a few times. Rather than leave Sister Cathleen's inspiring story on the editing room floor, I hope you will overlook my flaws and see into the heart of this incredible and inspiring woman.

Radio Show from May 26, 2008

- Title: Blow Up Your Business With Email Newsletters
- Description: Kitara Wilson, the Writing Wonder Woman and author of "Captivating Content: Success Stories and Expert Advice on Using Ezines to Skyrocket Your Business" joins us to share ways you can use email newsletters to grow and expand your business.

Wanna Know What Real Men Talk About?

Indie On a Mission Makes it His Business to Tell You

Have you ever met someone that you knew you'd like, but you just don't have the time during your first meeting to get to know each other? Every time you see that person, you feel a "click," and you have this gut feeling that says, "You know, I really feel a synergy here. I'd like to get to know that person." But then, you know how life gets in the way.

          

A few months later, your paths cross again and you have a minute to chat. Your gut feeling is confirmed.

That's what happened when I met Marlon Smith, motivational speaker and co-Executive Producer of the multi-media stage play, "Real Men Talking." Marlon and I had been in the same room numerous times before we had a chance to sit down and chat.

Why is this Indie, husband, father, motivational speaker and all around nice guy so engaging? Well, you'll find out in this interview.

From Medicine Cabinet to Millions

Some people discover treasures in barns and attics. Dennis and Kayla Fioravanti discovered them in their bathroom medicine cabinet, when they began making natural remedies to treat their kids' little boo-boos. From humble beginnings making small batches of lotions and salves in their kitchen and selling them at home parties, Dennis and Kayla have grown Essential Wholesale into a multi-million dollar enterprise with a 35,000 foot manufacturing facility and 30 full-time employees.

Kayla took a few moments at last month's Conference of Handcrafted Soapmakers to share a little of her business, family and lifestyle philosophies.

            

Like Dennis and Kayla, my husband and I work very closely together in our business. It's interesting to make love and money at the same time, but it's also fulfilling. And there's nothing like being able to train your kids in the ways of business without even trying. We live it so they live it too, by default!

What do you think?

Are you inspired by this episode? Does it energize you to think that in 10 short years, a family could not only create an enterprise that provides for itself, but also 30 other families in their community? How cool is that?

Who to Follow On Twitter

If Susie Asked You To Jump Off a Bridge, Would You?

If you're like me, you heard this from your parents all the time. It was my mom's standard response when I wanted to do something she didn't want me to do, and I told her that "Susie's" mom let her do it. Sound familiar?

          

Let's apply the same logic to Twitter. Would you follow someone on Twitter just because they asked you to? Or just because they are following you. I think not, and let me tell you why.

Radio Show from May 19, 2008

- Title: How to Make Money Writing Books and Media Columns
- Description: Marcy Goldman is a professional pastry chef, master baker and food consultant who is also a talented writer. Hear the inspirational story of how this single mom turned her gifts into a prosperous career and lifestyle for her and her 3 sons.

Indie Confidential: Prepare For 5 Indie Business Pitfalls

What You Don't Know Could Hurt You

This post is about the stuff most people don't talk about because it hits too close to home. But I don't want you to be caught like a deer in the headlights as you grow your business, so I'm telling you the real deal on some of the most personal issues you will encounter if you are successful in your business.

         

These things apply to just about any business, but they are especially important to prepare for if you are Indie, meaning you are not only running a business but also managing a home and trying to have a fulfilling personal life at the same time. Like any girlfriend worth her salt, I'm going to tell you like it is. If you don't know already, it's not all sweetness and light, as some would have you believe.

The New Family Business

Nine Reasons Why Home-Based Business Ownership Works For Parents

So you’re a parent, or thinking about becoming one. No matter what your background or walk of life, you are probably dealing with the question of combining parenting with holding down a job outside the home. If you ponder these things, you are not alone. I wondered the same things as a new bride in 2000.

         

My husband and I wanted a family, yet his job as a camera man on ABC's Nightline required him to work from late in the afternoon to long past midnight. I worked like crazy from morning until after the dinner hour at a Washington, DC law firm. We had a fantastic combined income, yet we knew that it would be impossible to have a child with our schedules and the stress caused by our jobs.

Radio Show from May 12, 2008

- Title: How Business Makes The World Go 'Round
- Description: Bruce Piasecki, author of "World, Inc.: Businesses Are Now More Powerful Than The Government" and president of ACH Group, Inc., joins dM to discuss why we can do more than Uncle Sam to make the world a better place.