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Only Everything, so There's Indies in the City

Several years ago, science proved what we already knew: functionality can be deadly. Remember what happened when they put a baby monkey in a cage with a fake monkey mommy equipped with a nipple through which the baby could nurse? The baby died. The other baby thrived in a cage with a real monkey mommy, equipped with nipple, hugs, love and warmth. We're no different.

That's why I host Indies in the City. This Saturday, me and my Indie co-host Lela Barker of Bella Lucce (winner of the 2007 Indie Beauty Business of the Year Award) will gather with other Indies for hugs, love and warmth in Columbia, South Carolina. Lela has been a member of IBN since March 2005 and over the years, we have of course connected through blogging, Twitter, email and phone calls. But at the end of the day, there's no substitute for the hugs, love and warmth that accompany the real thing.

I don't want a cold, hard and merely functional business. I want hugs, love and warmth and I get it at Indies in the City. Lela agrees.

"Connecting with like-minded women energizes me in a way that few other things can," says Lela. "I walk away from these experiences renewed and refreshed, feeling like I’m part of a common sisterhood. I learn and share valuable valuable information with fellow Indies."

Building the Legacy

Like me, Lela has two young children and a husband. Her 10-year old daughter has already incorporated some of her mother's entrepreneurial acumen into her young life by launching a natural dog treat business.

Says Lela, "I enjoy watching my children learn and grow from having shared some of my entrepreneurial experiences with me. Using the skills I’ve acquired over the last few years, we have had great discussions around the issues of branding, budgeting, defining your target market and distribution strategies, assessing market conditions, etc. I am also to help her ways that only a mommy business owner can. For better or worse."

Indie Business Takes You Places

Through her business, Lela has begun to travel to places she never dreamed she'd see in person. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is one example of the places Bella Lucce has taken her.

While her daughters have yet to board an international flights with her, Lela says its great to set such a positive example for them. She's grateful to her husband, Chris, for holding down the fort as a fantastic dad whether she's at home or flying the friendly skies (or hunkered over a vat of delicious globally inspired beauty.

Speaking of which ...

Bella Lucce Faves

Lela's current (because these things rotate all the time, you know) favorite Bella Lucce products?

Shiitake-Green Tea Antioxidant Serum and Pomegranate Polishing Crème.

Me? I can't get enough of Bacchus Body Oil.

What about you?

What are you waiting for? Come and get your love!! Call that baby sitter, call in a favor from hubby or do whatever you have to to join us! We'll be looking for you on this Saturday morning, July 19, from 9 to 11 in the morning at the Panera Bread located at 1007 Bower Pky, Columbia. The phone there is (803) 407-5773.

Oh, and submit a comment below with your best Indie Business tip or advice to other Indies and be entered into a random drawing to win some Pomegranate Polishing Crème!

Related Posts

Video: Indies In the City: Washington, DC

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My life's work focuses on Indie Business success. But unlike many other small business experts, I focus on creating life and financial contentment rather than on making millions or getting rich. That's why I'm so excited to be traveling to San Francisco (one of my favorite cities) in September to join Lori Nova and other Indies for Lori's Business Boot Camp.

Lori calls this Boot Camp "The Mother of all Business Seminars". I caught up with her to find out more about what she's planning and what sets this Business Boot Camp apart.

dM: What makes this Business Boot Camp special?

Lori: It's a groundbreaking four-day business seminar for people who want to make up the difference between making money and making a profit.

dM: Why is it necessary?

Lori: Because so many people are making money, but so few are making a profit.

Everyone who comes to The Nova Studio is looking for a creative outlet. They come to learn to make soap, candles, bath and body products, perfume and more. Many of them are tired of their non-creative corporate jobs. They want to do something that's meaningful to them - something they are passionate about. The event was designed for those people.

It's for creative people and by creative people -- yet it transcends creativity to help people make the journey from creativity to profit.

This Boot Camp will deliver the goods so people have the tools to make enough money to support an individual or a family, plus have the time they want and need to enjoy the other important things in life.

dM: Who are the speakers?

Lori: Seven experts and veterans in the bath and body products field, many traveling from the east coast, will share their experiences and insight to help budding business owners succeed.

In addition to dM, organizing expert Elizabeth Hagen will be speaking, plus Indie Beauty Network member, author and soap pioneer Kaila Westerman will be on hand. All the speakers:

dM of the Indie Beauty Network
Kaila Westerman of TKB Trading
Jane Doikas of Jane, Inc.
David Critchfield of Mission Peak Soap
Alexis Masters of Design by Alexis
Scott Blackson of the Soap Fairy (enjoy a cool post about Scott)
Elizabeth Hagen of Organizing With Confidence

I'll also host a wrap party on the final day of the event, which will be a great way to solidify connections made during the event.

You can see the full speaker roster and seminar descriptions here.

dM: Why is this event necessary?

Lori: Because people know how to make money, but not how to make a profit. There's so much hoopla these days about getting rich and making millions that middle class entrepreneurs get lost. We are changing that by encouraging a fair and reasonable profit without making it seem like unless it's millions, it doesn't count.

This Business Boot Camp is also important because there is a big difference between making money and owning and managing a business. I've seen many small businesses start with amazing products and all the passion and enthusiasm in the world, and then close within the first or second year of business because they never make the connection between making money and making a profit.

Business requires more than passion and a few good recipes. It requires a plan. It requires a solid understanding of basic business concepts. This Business Boot Camp will provide that, because the speakers have been there, done that.

The speakers have sustained successful businesses for around a decade or more, so they know what it takes. They've persevered in booming economies and in down ones, and they are willing to share their secrets so others can achieve as well.

dM: Have you noticed an increase in people wanting to start businesses?

Lori: Oh yes! People tell me all the time, "I'm just not creative enough to have a good product," or "I just don't have what it takes." But after taking a class and seeing what they are capable of, they gain the confidence to try new things, and business ownership is a logical new thing to consider.

But what next? That's where this Business Boot Camp comes in.

This is my story! The Nova Studio was born out of my love for making things. How could I not host this Boot Camp??!

It gives me great personal satisfaction to know that, as I follow my passion, I am also helping other people follow theirs.

Space is limited and the early bird registration expires soon, so be sure to register while there's still time!

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As a wife, mother and entrepreneur, I have a heart for women who are simultaneously managing home and business. While kudos go out to all Indies, wives who are also mothers, home managers, chauffeurs, short order cooks, interior decorators, boo-boo kissers and life partners get special stars in my book.

So for several months, I have provided financial support to Shahodat Ismoilova in Khujland, the poorest country in the former Soviet Union, located in central Asia. Shahodat, who is married with 4 children, sells perfumes and other household products in an open-air market.

Like me, Shahodat runs her business with her husband. He travels twice a week to bring wholesale goods from another city while Shahodat manages the market shop daily. So far, Shahodat and her husband have repaid 65% of their $1,200 loan. The couple uses the money mainly to reach out to suppliers in an effort to expand inventory.

I am honored to be a tiny part of the Ismoilovas' efforts to provide for themselves and their children in a country that is only 10 years removed from a terrible civil war.

You can support another entrepreneur by investing as little as $25 at Kiva.

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