Testimonials

Over the years, I have enjoyed receiving emails and comments via FaceBook, Twitter and elsewhere sharing how much IBN has enhanced their personal and professional lives. I'm honored and excited to share with you what some of your friends have to say about how I help others. If you have questions or wish to add your own comments, fee free. Thanks for being here!

Maggie Hanus of A Wild Soap Bar, Manor, Tx

IBN Member Since April 2000

"As one of the early members, I can say that the Indie Beauty Network has proven invaluable to me and my business over the years. This is the perfect place to learn, share and grow your entrepreneurial spirit. Donna Maria is a tireless advocate for small businesses and I cannot recommend her services enough!"

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Julie Lutz

"Donna Maria is a constant inspiration to keep charging forward every day with passion and determination whether it is business related, family, physical health, etc! I am new to owning a small business and her wealth of information and free will in sharing her knowledge and resources has been so helpful. I also work a ...full time job in a very demanding industry that has nothing to do with my small business. At the end of a every very long day handling both my job and my small business and trying to fit relationships and fitness in as well, she makes me motivated to keep going the next day and the one after that :) IBN has truly been a blessing and an inspiration. Thank you DM!"

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Renee Lovejoy Brown

"Being a new small business owner, I have no idea which direction I'm going in! But thanks to IBN and Donna Maria the clouds are starting to clear and things are starting to come together for me and my business! It is a blessing when those in Donna Maria's shoes take the time to share the wealth of knowledge that they... have to help those of us who might in other words became the statistics of those whose businesses fail in the first 2 yrs. Thank you very much!"

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Torrian Denise

"Never could I have imagined that IBN and Donna Maria would be such a blessing to my business as well as my spirit. Donna Maria is such a wealth of knowledge, constantly pushing herself, kicking down closed doors, making changes, and lending her voice for the greater good of small business owners. I truly thank dM's fam...ily for sharing her with us, and ask that the blessings continue to flow!"

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Lela Barker of Bella Lucce, Columbia, SC

IBN Member Since March 2005

"Donna Maria's presentation at HSMG was a heady blend of enthusiasm, empowerment and practical tips designed to propel your business forward. Having been a member of IBN for 5 years now, I have come to depend on her as a valuable business coach, small business advocate and personal mentor. Her passion in contagious, her... methods practical and she has a special gift for demystifying the complex and intimidating into digestible packages of information that anyone can understand. I cannot thank you enough and look forward to the next time I'll be able to get a DM fix!"

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Erin Pikor

"I have had the privilege of hearing Donna Maria speak twice now and both presentations showed me new and exciting ways to harness social media to improve my business and build lasting client relationships - she has changed my life! As a small business owner being involved in social media is a must! Donna Maria makes th...is seemingly daunting task easy, breaking it down into smaller achievable tasks. Donna Maria leads by example. She is always available to answer questions and give support and she is full of a positive energy that is contagious. I am excited to step into the future with Donna Maria and IBN at my side!"

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Robert Tisserand

"Donna Maria, this was inspired, inspirational, and practical. It also helped me see some connections I had not seen before - I know I am my business in theory, but I had not seen the implications of this in terms of social media. And most usefully, how to do a video or audio interview, and seamlessly load it onto YouTu...be, WordPress etc. Thank you for shining a light, and making your technological wizardry understandable."

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Elissa Klaver

"Love Love Love Donna Maria! She is an absolute ball of positive energy, incredible insight, and inspiring! I attended her presentation on social media at the HSMG Conference and came back with a wealth of valuable information. I highly recommend visiting http://indiebeauty.com/ and join in on the conversations!"

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Selena Cozart

"Donna Maria - your presentation at the HMSG Conference was fabulous! I was inspired by your energy (Jump!) and by your engaging and encouraging demeanor. It was so cool to watch you record a quick video and upload it to your blog and facebook right in the midst of your presentation. After the session, I got to work col...lecting short interviews of fellow conferencees. My blog will feature those videos shortly.So practical. So immediate. So Effective! Thank you! This will really take my business to the next level."

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Sarah Nesbitt

"Donna Maria really knows her stuff. Very fun and motivational. Best business-related session of #SoapConf10 I attended. It was such a delight meeting you at the HSMG conference this past weekend! I've been working on scaling down my swirl tutorial so it'll fit on YouTube. You inspired me to dive into it. Thank you! :-)"

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Rachel Lane of Barcelona Bath & Body, Texas

IBN Member Since January 2004

"I've been a member of IBN since 2003 and had the privilege of hearing Donna Maria speak in person several times as well as her daily communications with IBN members through conference calls, blogs, newsletters, twitter, facebook and the IBN online community. She has a unique ability and mission to provide valuable, fr...esh, relevant content in useable bite-sized chunks. And she's always challenging us to grow.

I loved her two presentations at HSMG last week. Some of my takeaways:

~Social media is simply a conduit for communication back and forth with our customers; when I think of it like that, I realize there's nothing more important I could be spending my marketing time on.

~I really appreciated the clarification of the agenda behind the draft of the pending 2009 legislation (not big business trying to salvage market share eroded by the handcrafted industry, but rather influence from environmental working group/safecosmetics.org). Most of the information shared by the panel was familiar, but hearing about how our leadership got involved with the Colorado proposed legislation at the 11th hour made me realize that I need to be more aware of what's going on in my own state.

Donna Maria provides an incredible amount of value for the IBN membership dollar. In addition, I've been so inspired by the way that she sees a need in our community (for example, product liabilty insurance, legislative advocacy, etc.) and goes to work with other leaders quickly, efficiently and effectively~without ego.

I'm so honored to consider Donna Maria a valued mentor, friend and an incredible example as The Lifestyle CEO. She's a major reason I never worry about having the resources I need to run and grow my business."

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Jennifer Hardaway of KLEAN Bath & Body, Valley Village, CA

IBN Member Since December 2005

"Donna Maria has been a part of my business life for almost 5 years! I hadn't had the opportunity, however, of meeting her in person until last year. Before meeting her in person, she sets the tone and on how to run a business. Even if she has not told me directly how to use the internet and social media to grow my busi...ness, she shows by her example. She is consistent and ALL OVER IT! Then, when I got to meet and hear her in person, she showed me that blogging, twittering, and vlogging doesn't have to be so hard. She makes it easy to understand! I am so grateful to have her as part of my team, even thought she doesn't know she's a part of my team...(wink)...I look forward to growing along with her as the internet landscape evolves and and we evolve in our businesses. Thank you Donna Maria!"

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Cindy Jones

"Great meeting you this weekend at the HSMG meeting; always encouraging, always positive. Good advice using social media and ways to connect more with customers. I ordered my video camera while I was watching you use yours because it seemed so 'doable'! Can't wait to start video-ing (is that a word?) my herb garden and products."

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Hall Mayes of Alabu Soap, Mechanicville, NY

IBN Member Since October 2007

"I heard Donna Maria give a presentation on social media at this year's HSMG conference. She was articulate and inspiring, and she really showed how easy it is to connect with your customer and grow your business through social media. Thanks dM!"

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Nikie Brown of After the Rayne, Grangerland, TX

IBN Member Since December 2005

"I have been to two HSMG conferences and both times Donna Maria's presentation inspired me to do more with my business. The great thing about Donna Maria is that she just doesn't give you the information and leave it. She is there for you as well wanting to help you as you aspire to greatness!"

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Holly Port

"Amazing!!!!! Donna Maria is on fire!!! I have ordered my camera and have 10 interviews lined up!She was so inspiring I am so blessed I was able to hear her speak. My business is going to grow so much from what I have learned! I can not thank you enough!Holly"

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Tami Thornton

"Donna Maria's presentation was on fire! She engaged the audience immediately and gave powerful information that will help each of us in our businesses. She not only told us what we needed to do -- she literally showed us an example live!! Loved it! "

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Amy Kalinchuk

"Donna Maria is full of ideas and motivation. I recommend her as a speaker and entrepreneur to watch. She is taking all of her supporters with her, straight to the top of their own games, which they created. There's nothing like having a great person like Donna Maria on your side. "

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Lori Nova of The Nova Studio, Point Richmond, CA

IBN Member Since May 2006

"I first met Donna Maria in person (a few years after I "met" her on-line) when she came to The Nova Studio to teach part of a Business Boot Camp I put together for people who wanted to start their own Bath & Body businesses. She spoke about The New Brand of Business Leaders, How to Save Your Business Before it Starts, ...Hidden Intellectual Properly Assets, and How to Be the News You Want to Be. We had a sold out boot camp and everyone LOVED her! She encouraged all of us to follow our dreams, but also to be realistic and educate ourselves about key business concepts like business plans and embracing social media. My business would certainly not be represented on Twitter or Facebook had it not been for her. We all left the boot camp feeling INSPIRED and with a plan of ACTION. I was so honored to have her teach at my studio and thrilled to be able to offer her wisdom and guidance to my students. If you ever get the opportunity to meet her in person or to hear her speak, take it. Donna Maria is a true gem and her Indie Network is an invaluable resource for any small business owner."

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Alana Rivera

"I am so thankful to be a part of the IBN network. Donna Maria is driven, inspiring, enthusiastic, and supportive. Her energy is absolutely contagious. I know that I can always get the support and help I need from Donna Maria and my fellow "Indies". I cannot say enough good things about IBN.owner, Etta + Billie"

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Christine Bellia Grudecki

"I've learned so much from dM in the short amount of time that I've been reading her blog and following the Indie Business fanpage. I can't believe what a wealth of knowledge she is! I'm working on it dM, watch out here I come! http://www.facebook.com/pmicreations"

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Luci Weston of Here We Are With Luci, Cranford, NJ

IBN Member Since December 2004

"No matter what the question, issue, or obstacle, Donna Maria will do her best to help you find the right solution. She exemplifies what the word "leader" means by her devotion, interaction, and continued support of the IBN members. Donna Maria has the uncanny ability to make each one of us her priority. She sets the st...andard of excellence in business that we each aspire to achieve."

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Charlie Heck

"Scandle has been a member of a number of social networking groups online and, often times, with such groups you lose that "personal touch." We've never experienced that with Donna Maria or the Indie Beauty Network. If you make a comment or suggestion, Donna listens and will go out of her way to help you or find someo...ne who can! As a result, IBN is probably one of the few groups we will renew with. Great benefits, great relationships, and great personal service is what makes Donna Maria and IBN a must for any Indie Beauty Entrepreneur!"

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Valerie Reed of Valana Minerals, San Marcos, CA

IBN Member Since October 2007

"I was referred to Donna Maria through Andrea Kane when I initially started my business. I certainly needed insurance but also found a wealth of information, support and mentoring. Indie Business has provided me with opportunities for networking that have been absolutely amazing. The Indie Business network is a must for my business and I recommend joining."

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Funlayo Veronica Alabi of Shea Radiance, Ellicott City, MD

IBN Member Since June 2006

"Where would my business be without the support and insight gleaned from the Indie Beauty Network? Donna Maria has offered many small businesses a lifeline of information, expert advice, business savvy and hope to stay plugged in to their vision.

My business is on the verge of experiencing major growth. I know one of the reasons is that... we have made our mark using the social media tools like facebook, twitter, blogging and other tools to stay plugged in to customers. Donna Maria, helped create a blue print that we could follow to establish our businesses brand. We are now building with that blueprint and making adjustments as we go along.

Most of all, I want to thank Donna Maria for being a listening ear during my times of anguish, trying to juggle family, work and business. I have since resigned from the corporate world with more time to devote to family and business.

Funlayo Alabi

Shea Radiance Supplies (Bulk Shea Butter Supplies)"

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Lisa Kasper of Blue Moon Candles, San Jacinto, CA

IBN Member Since August 2008

"I found Donna Maria when I was looking for business insurance. What I actually found was so *much* more! The Insurance is great, but the business advice and social networking are even more amazing! I have met some wonderful people through the Indie Business Network and had some fantastic opportunities as a result. Donna Maria has ...helped me many times and her ability to fix practically anything still leaves me amazed. If you want to truly be inspired and motivated to excel I highly recommend joining the Indie Business Network!

Lisa Kasper
Blue Moon Candles"

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Kelli Parisian of Parisian's Pure Indulgence, Woodland Hills, CA

IBN Member Since May 2004

"have been a member of Donna Maria's Indie Business Network for nearly six years now. I look to dm as a leader in our industry, a champion for our cause (indie businesses!), and a mentor. She gives of her time, energy, and expertise on a daily basis. I've learned more from her than any other person in the past six years when it co...mes to growing my business.

dm, it's my privilege to write this review. Just a tiny way I can show my appreciation for all you've contributed to our industry over the years.

A perfect example of how dm continues to give is her recent tip on facebook fan pages. I'm on my way over there now to add the "Review" button to the PPI fan page. Thanks for another great suggestion!

Kelli Parisian

Parisian's Pure Indulgence"

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Gina Rafkind

"I can't begin to say how much Donna Maria and her business, The Indie Beauty Network has helped transform my business. When I have an issue I need to learn more about, I head right over to the IBN site - it is such an amazing resource of information!

I've been a member of IBN for a few years now and the benefits of membership have bee...n growing and growing. I don't know how Donna Maria does it, but she is on top of everything and openly shares her successes and challenges with all of her members in order to help them grow.

Donna Maria is inspiring and has all the qualities you would look for in a leader. She is kind, knowledgeable, supportive and has a passion for her work that shows through in all that she does. I am proud to be a member of The Indie Beauty Network!

Gina Rafkind

VedaSun ~Raise your inner vibe!"

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Kelly Ann Taylor

"It is so easy to recoginize leaders in any given industry. They are not cookie cutter people or voices. They distinguish themselves with a few key ingredients: 1) Vision: They dare to go higher and beyond and blaze trails and inspire a wake behind them by seeing into the future and drawing that reality into present day difficultie...s 2) Passion: Consumed by the call of their chosen aspiration they tirelessly work day and night fueled by a raw passion that can only be "caught" not taught. 3) Inspiration: Leaders inspire and draw others and fuel and motivate them to do what they think they cannot do themselves. 4) Simplicity: they make it seem, if not effortless, possible and do-able because of the above three.

Suddenly the lights come on and they pause, turn and look back...... and there is a whole crowd running and also tirelessly pursuing a dream all their own!

I appreciate Donna Maria as an innovative leader not of an industry but a movement!

Donna Maria, you inspire me everday and I look greatly forward to the day when I can be part of your network!

Kelly Taylor

Cassia Beautiful Living"

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Amy Jo Turner

"Life is tough, then we try to make it harder on ourselves by starting a business of our very own. We hope, we dream, we work long and hard all to attain a peice of success to call our very own. If it were not for the expertise, caring and generousity of people like our very own Donna Maria, it would be that much harder. I have been inspired when I was ready to give up, just by reading her blog and articles. Her wisdom and caring nature give you hope and a strong beleif in yourself to keep pushing forward, that giving up is not a solution. She is truly inspiring!"

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Joan Morais of Joan Morais Naturals, Fairfield, Ca

IBN Member Since January 2008

"Donna Maria is a pioneer in social media and networking through building a community on the web. She is a great thinker and puts action behind her innovative ideas. I first had contact with Donna Maria in 2004 when I emailed her a question on her book; making aromatherapy creams & lotions. She responded right away. I have watched her ...evolve from handmade beauty network to indie Beauty and Indie Business. I consulted with her on my business. I have the utmost respect for her as an entrepreneur, intelligent business woman, mother, wife and supporter of small businesses. I am a more successful business owner because of Donna Maria and her valuable tools and knowledge she shares. I highly recommend Donna Maria and to join IndieBeauty.com (Indie Business Social Network).

Joan Morais

Joan Morais Naturals"

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JoAnne Bassett

"Donna Maria is a caring leader and wonderful source. I love to read her blog and learn how to do things and why it is important. She also encourages you to try new things with social media. She has created forums on IBN and on the members only side there is great information for businesses who want to share, learn, and grow their b...usiness. Thank you Donna Maria for always being there on Facebook or IBN and giving of your time and love. Your support of small business and people just starting out is a great source.

JoAnne

Owner, JoAnne Bassett Perfumes"

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Debbie Chialtas of Soapylove Glycerin Soap Design, San Diego, CA

IBN Member Since November 2007

"Donna Maria is one of my favorite guardian angels! She is a driven and giving leader in our industry, constantly providing great resources and helpful articles to keep the IBN members educated and motivated. I am also amazed at how personally connected she is to her "Indie Beauties." She's not only an amazing mentor but a wonderful... friend, too. I can't say enough about Donna Maria!

Debbie Chialtas
Owner, Soapylove Glycerin Soap Design"

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Debbie Chialtas of Pooka Pure & Simple, East Orange, NJ

IBN Member Since April 2005

"Donna Maria has been amazing as far as being a mentor, advisor and friend to my business. I have been in business for 9 years and have called Donna Maria on so many occasions and she has always made time for me. She has helped me with advertising, marketing, product information, finding vendors and the latest legal issues pertaining to my trademark. I know my business would not be where it is without the help and guidance of Donna Maria and Indie Business!"

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Matthew Gallizzi

"Some people might say Twitter is pointless. Well, I met Donna Maria on Twitter... and I can tell you right now, it's not pointless. I've made several important contacts, and Donna is one of them. I have since followed her blog posts, and we've shared several tweets back and forth. She definitely goes above and beyond what is expected. After reading various articles by Donna, I can also attest to her quality content. I look forward to journeying with her more in 2010 and I respect the positive energy she spreads. She's the kind of person I would want more of in my life. :)"

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Liana Spiegel of Marmalade Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI

IBN Member Since November 2009

"Donna Maria is a truly inspiring person! She makes me feel like I belong to a family and not just another network web. She is extremely supportive, positive and knowledgeable! Her networking abilities are absolutely amazing! She is an endless source of information on any topic an independent business owner may feel lost in. Thank you for always being there for us, for your high spirit, wise expertise and groundbreaking ideas!"

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Marlon Smith

"Donna Maria's passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others is inspiring. My wife and I have been blessed by the Indie Business mission because it was through Donna's encouragement that we started our InspireYourFamily.com blog site. Donna goes beyond the call of duty because she is driven by her heart to help other business owners maximize their potential. Having developed Indie Business from just an idea to where now over 11,000+ Twitter followers are connected to her illustrates that she has an incredible wealth of knowledge. Continue your mission!"

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La Shonda Tyree

"Donna Maria is a gem in the Handcrafted Beauty/Indie Business industry. She is always on the forefront of the issues that affect our industry particularly with federal legislation advocacy. I am amazed at how she is always on the cutting edge of technology and how she educates others so they are not left behind with her weekly talk radio show. I am so glad our paths have crossed!"

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Andrea Butje

"Your blog is a huge resource, thank you for all that you offer to small businesses. The information you share is both personally and professionally valuable!"

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Katherine Hutt

"Donna Maria is one of the best friends an indie business owner can have! She combines her legal skills as an attorney, her communications savvy, and her knowledge of the industry to give IBN members terrific advice on a wide range of topics. And her networking abilities are amazing - both in the way she attracts top business experts t...o share their wisdom and in how she connects people through social networking.

Katherine R. Hutt, APR, Fellow PRSA
President, Nautilus Communications, Inc."

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Jeff Coles

"Donna is the BEST source of advice, information and inspiration on the Net for independent business owners. Her posts are always timely and relevant to what is going on in the industry. She eats, sleeps and breathes the Indie Lifestyle. I’m a follower, user and beneficiary of her talents. Thanks Donna Maria!"

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