How to Launch a Successful Beauty Business With Marla Bosworth

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Comment by Marla Bosworth on April 17, 2012 at 7:00pm

Hi Klara!

Nice to meet you and looking forward to getting to know you! Do you have a website address that you'd like to share?

Comment by Klara K. Ibarra on April 17, 2012 at 9:36am

Hi Marla, and everybody in this group! I am just now joining, and I am looking forward to learning from these discussions, and even contributing to them! I run a small business handcrafting botanical body oils made from organic or wild plants. My business principle is to conduct ethical business practices, so we are earth friendly and are fair trade. Marla, I will be reaching out to you soon with some questions. Today I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello;)

Comment by Marla Bosworth on April 10, 2012 at 8:04pm

Try http://www.zapplication.com to check out some of the better (but more expensive) shows. Search for "Arizona" and try it first by leaving out Phoenix.

Comment by Pat White on April 10, 2012 at 7:58pm

Thanks and Marla you are correct that often I am not in the right venue.  Very frustrating.  This is my second year and have crossed many off my list.  I live in Phoenix and they are sooo many.  I thought Framer's Markets would be a good target audience but found that a good portion of the sellers are Avon and such.  I keep trying and the positive is I have had several people contact me later with offers to participate in special events.

Comment by Sara Nesbitt on April 10, 2012 at 6:47pm

Sharon, it's a fabulous fruity scent!  My site is www.SarasSoapsnSuch.com.  My husband makes that soap, and it's got an awesome swirl.  I have some in stock, and he made a fresh batch last night, too, for a video tutorial.

Comment by Marla Bosworth on April 10, 2012 at 6:39pm

Hi Sharon,

I recommend only getting barcodes if you plan on selling to chain stores. I waited until Whole Foods prodded me to do it.

Good luck at HBA!

Comment by Marla Bosworth on April 10, 2012 at 6:37pm

Hi Pat,

Great questions and concerns. In a nutshell, with the information you've provided, I'd have to say that you are not in the right selling venue. When I hit the mark on my target audience, they "get it" and they buy it. No need to explain. They actually gush over everything. You want to find those crowds.

I empathize with you, though. I've been at those shows where I feel invisible. I mark them off my list and move on.

Where are the better shows? Well it depends on what type of line you are selling and what defines your target market. For me, it's almost always a juried show or an upscale event. People there don't bat an eye at higher price points. I often co-market with an upscale jewelry designer because her customers become my customers and vice versa. We do a lot of successful home selling events together with no booth fee, some wine and cheese, a relaxing evening of a few hours, and no major setup hassles.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Comment by Sharon Hackney on April 10, 2012 at 6:33pm

Sara,

"Monkey Farts?"  That's hysterical!!!  Do you have a web site?  

Comment by Sara Nesbitt on April 10, 2012 at 6:30pm

I have fun with the husbands, because they're drawn to my beer soaps and some of my funkier named soaps (i.e., Monkey Farts).  Then their wives will buy the soaps for them.  My older daughter has her own product line for elementary aged girls, so we have something for the kids, too.

Comment by Sharon Hackney on April 10, 2012 at 6:18pm

Pat,

Also women are less likely to buy beauty products at family events when they have their kids and much worst...HUSBANDS!.  I found more success with venues such as "Girls Night Out" or charity fundraisers.  It's hard to learn how to be assertive but it will come with time.  Be patient.  I was terrible at sales pitching and now I'm presenting at the HBA Global Expo in NYC.  Go figure.

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