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Indie Business Podcast

Indie Business Podcast

By: Donna Maria Coles Johnson
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 Sharing the inspirational success stories of American Makers and Handmade Entrepreneurs.Indie Business Media, LLC Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Ruminate and Reflect with Hannah Hon of Ruministics – Indie Business Podcast Episode 100

    Ruminate and Reflect with Hannah Hon of Ruministics – Indie Business Podcast Episode 100
    Feb 6 2026
    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 RuministicsFollow Ruministics on InstagramAromatherapy certificate: American College of Healthcare SciencesLearn 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 ...
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    48 mins
  • Let Your Customers Be Your Guide with Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare – Indie Business Podcast Episode 99

    Let Your Customers Be Your Guide with Robbin Turner of Violet Botanical Skincare – Indie Business Podcast Episode 99
    Feb 16 2024
    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 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. 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 SkincareFollow Violet Botanical Skincare on InstagramRobbin's YouTube show: Work With Me WednesdayArticle: 1,000 True Fans by Kevin KellyArticle: Community is King by Donna MariaLearn about the benefits of the Indie Business Network – for American makers and artisan entrepreneurs and join today! 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, Spotify, i Heart Radio, Google Podcasts 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®.
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    48 mins
  • No-Stress Content Creation Strategies with Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist – Indie Business Podcast Episode 98

    No-Stress Content Creation Strategies with Larissa Lewis of Jargon Gist – Indie Business Podcast Episode 98
    Nov 22 2023
    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 InstagramAI tool: Open AIAI tool: Google BardLearn 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 ...
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    53 mins
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