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What Is An HBN Beauty Call™?
What Is An HBN Beauty Call™? Chat rooms are fine as far as they go, but they are impersonal and do not allow for a genuine exchange of information. In a Beauty Call™, you get to participate in an in-person conversation where you and others on the call benefit from intimacy, camaraderie and an atmosphere of sharing that is simply impossible to achieve in an on-line environment. Even if you don't want to actually talk on a Beauty Call™, you can listen and take notes, thus benefiting from the answers to everyone else's questions - without worrying about the questions and answers being cut off.
How Do Beauty Calls™ Work?
How Often Does HBN Host Beauty Calls™? Who Has Been A Guest On An HBN Beauty Call™? Ron Jonas, President of Willow
Way, LLC "For
me, I think this was one of the best calls yet. I didn't know I could increase
my production and still utilize most of the equipment I already own. The more
soap I can make at once the better!" Renee Deal, Deal
Farm Soap Company, Massachusetts
"I received
valuable information about equipment that I did not know about."
Ann Walls, Afrocentric Imports, California Ron Jona Click Here To Purchase Jonas Beauty Call
Audio Download (Discounted For HBN Members)
Melanie Melia, President of Wildfire
Sales Melanie Melia is a 30-year veteran of the
natural products industry and the owner of the very successful Wildfire Sales
Natural Products Brokerage Company. For Melanie, natural products is not only
her profession, but also her lifestyle. She is passionately committed to helping
herself and others improve their quality of life through healthy dietary and
lifestyle choices. Melanie formed Wildfire Sales in 2000 and today, it is a full
service natural products sales brokerage company serving accounts up and down
the east coast. On the Beauty Call, Melanie shared generously about how the
natural products business works and how products are chosen or rejected for
display on natural products store shelves. She will share tips on packaging,
pricing and positioning new products, how to get products positioned for
wholesale and distribution placement and how best to present products in the
competitive natural products marketplace. Click
Here To Purchase Melia Beauty Call Audio Download (Discounted For HBN Members)
Lisa shared her knowledge of the cosmetics sales rep industry and answer specific questions about how "repping" works, what to expect in terms of commissions and results and how to find a good sales rep. Lisa is a former HBN member (Old Thyme Bath Company) and now works repping cosmetics products. Her experiences at Old Thyme Bath Company with her own hired sales rep gave her a lot of insight into the way sales reps work. She will share her experiences on the call, and also share other ways that she successfully sold her beauty products.
Michael shared his knowledge of the salon and spa markets. Specific questions answered include the differences between the salon and spa markets, how both are (or are not served by reps and distribution companies, tips on selecting trade shows for your business, contact information for various trade show experts who can help provide guidance and direction, how to interact with spa and salon managers tips on marketing your products to chain salons and beauty stores as well as to small and independent spas and salons. Michael also addressed "handmade beauty" specific questions such as the value most salons and spas may place on products that are handmade. December 5, 2002, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST Casey shared her extensive knowledge of how to create and launch a successful product line. She answered HBN member questions on such things as: (1) what forms the basis for a solid product line? (2) what scents should be the staples of a successful line? (3) how can packaging be used a tool to ensure success? and (4) what pitfalls should I avoid if I am to be successful? She also shared the top items needed to launch a successful line, how to include the most popular fragrances and tips on how to add new products to an existing line. This is a great call for anyone struggling with issues associated with creating and launching a new group of products.
October 24, 2002, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST Kathleen, a former fashion model and stylist, and a wife and mom, combines traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic to produce handmade beauty products and accessories in her New York City studio where she also shows her line to clients. Kathleen, one of HBN's first members, has been featured in a variety of magazines, including Elle, In Style, Lucky and Real Simple. Along with other unique products, Kathleen's line is featured at Rubber Ducky and, in August 2002, her handmade cream was the "Editor's Pick" of an Elle Magazine beautify editor! Kathleen shared her tips for obtaining maximum publicity for your beauty products. Included are her proven ideas about getting the attention of magazine editors, do's and don'ts for creating an eye catching press kit that stand out in the crowd and how she successfully facilitates sales of her products without the use of a Web site.
March 21, 2002, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST In this Beauty Call with Houston Gray, the Assistant District Director of the Washington, DC district office of the United States Small Business Administration members learned all about the SBA small business loan process. Mr. Gray, who has been with the SBA for 10 years and had a distinguished career as a banker before joining the SBA, shared a wealth of information about how to apply for and obtain an SBA loan. Topics covered include: (1) an overview of the SBA's online resources, (2) the most significant parts of a business plan, (3) how the SBA small business loan program works with banks to guarantee small business loans, (3) the importance of good credit to the loan application process, special programs for minorities, women and veterans how to obtain a free listing as a vendor of products and services to the federal government and much more. If you need additional funds to grow your business and are considering applying for a loan, this is the Beauty Call for you!
February 21, 2002, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST In this Beauty Call, Donna Maria, a practicing attorney in suburban Washington, DC, provided callers with an introduction to contracts from a layperson's perspective. During the call, HBN members reviewed an actual contract and its components and Donna Maria provided information members can use when preparing a contract for their businesses. Among the topics discussed were: (1) what is an enforceable contract; (2) how to prepare your own contract; (3) what things should a contract contain; and (4) what sorts of contracts should you avoid signing. The tape comes with a 10-page sample contract from which you can choose paragraphs to adapt to your needs.
January 17, 2002, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST September 13, 2001, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST If you are thinking about scaling up your manufacturing capacity, Tom can help with information about equipment options, both large and small. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University. His 13+ year mixing career includes sizing and scaling-up mixers of all sizes for literally thousands of applications. He has made presentations to clients both large and small, including topics ranging from mixing fundamentals to cutting edge impeller technology. On our Beauty Call™, Tom will discuss principles of scaling up mixing processes and things to consider when choosing a mixer. August 30, 2001, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST Kim is HBN's Chief Technology Officer and the designer of HBN's suite of Web sites serving the handmade toiletries community. Kim is an expert in new technologies, networking and the Internet, has played a key role at HBN in shaping the future of the organization. She has also collaborated on the production of dozens of Web sites for HBN members. Kim's technological innovation in the handmade beauty business is well known. As the owner of ThymeWise SpiritWorks, Kim is a handmade soapmaker and member of HBN. In her Beauty Call™, Kim will discuss the "do's" and "don't" of designing and maintaining a superb Web site that attracts visitors to return again and again, facilities sales and interacts easily with search engines. She will also discuss color selections, graphics size options to minimize site loading time along with a host of other issues that can spell either success or disaster for your online business.
Our mid-year Beauty Call™ features HBN member Kristen Leigh Bell of Aromaleigh, Inc. Kristen, a former graphics artist professional, has been formulating handmade beauty products for ten years. Her 250-product line features 50 products for pets alone! She makes everything from "Jasmine Shimmer Cream", a whipped cream type product with tiny sparkles and pure jasmine absolute, to "Soothing Canine Ear Puffs," an aromatherapy product designed for dogs. Kristen has been featured on several radio programs featuring natural and alternative health topics and writes for numerous pet magazines about the benefits of aromatherapy. On our call, Kristen provided information on how to select and deal with a graphics artist, the importance of developing and using a professional identity package for your business, tips on logo design and marketing, how she broke into the business of contributing to magazines as a way of obtaining publicity her small businesses and how she developed a successful product line in the up and coming pet niche market. May 17, 2001,9:00pm-10:00pm
EST HBN member Melody Upham of Rainbow Meadow, Inc. Melody has been a backbone of the aromatherapy/handmade toiletries industries for a decade, providing quality essential oils and other raw materials and supplies to the industry. In our Beauty Call™, Melody talk one-on-one with HBN members about how she grew her business and transitioning from manufacturer to supplier. She also shared her many tips for business success in the handmade toiletries industry and answered questions about using essential oils in handmade beauty products. January 30, 2001 As
the coordinator and developer for adult continuing education and member of
the teaching faculty at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois,
Carolyn conducts a wide range of aromatherapy education programs at all
levels, from the introductory "Whiff of
Aromatherapy" through "Core Studies" and the "Fragrant
Art," to a year-long College of DuPage Certification Foundation. She
is also faculty member for the advanced course on Medical Esthetics held
by the American Academy of Medical Esthetics with US Advanced Medical
Research, and the
Australasian College of Herbal Studies, Inc. As Director of the Chicago Aromatherapy Arena, Carolyn has been associated with
HBN member Auroma
since 1998, and in conjunction with Auroma's owner, Kevin Coffey, presents
the "Chat With Carolyn" online aromatherapy sessions. She has
developed a line of aromatherapy blends designed especially for the spa
industry.
In our Beauty Call™, Carolyn
shared the secrets to employing true essential oils to maximize the
positive effects handmade toiletries formulations have on the skin.
Participants heard about skin absorption of essential oils, tips on
selling spa products to clients, choosing complementary essential oils,
innovative new blending techniques and how to create skincare blends for
specific purposes. November 30, 2000
Samuel Allen is the owner of Nutriteam, a source for grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Samuel has been involved in the health industry for 5 years, starting when his wife's health was greatly improved by using grapefruit seed extract to help rid her system of a parasite. On this Beauty Call™, Samuel addressed various reports that GSE is not an effective preservative and will provide valuable insights into his experiences and the experiences of his customers who use GSE as a preservative in soaps and cosmetics. We also discussed several questions -- what is in GSE? Is it 100% "natural?" Why is its use so controversial? What about studies showing that it is not an effective preservative? And more!! October 26, 2000 October 10, 2000 September 1, 2000
August 2000
July 2000
How Do I Participate?
Member Feedback About HBN's Beauty Calls™ "Thank you for the incredible
opportunity you afforded the HBN members with Katherine Hutt's public
relations Beauty Call Thursday evening. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed
it. I am honored to be affiliated with HBN. Thank you for all of your
efforts." Ellie Trinkowski, Moonshine Soap Company, 1/02. "I just want to thank you for arranging the informative Beauty Call™with Tom Blocher. I learned quite a lot and it is a wonderful service that HBN provides." Leslie Plant, Leslie's Garden Handcrafted Soaps. "I received the Carolyn Sajdecki and Samuel Allen Beauty Call™ tapes I ordered in the mail and they are both excellent tapes, and provided me with a wealth of information that directly affects my business. I'm glad to have them on tape because they contain information I'd like to listen to again." Colleen Heraty, Greenridge Herbals, 9/01. "I love HBN's Beauty Calls™! They are very informative and, more importantly, they help to create community within the organization." Vienna Carroll, Vienna's Herbal Compounds, 9/01. "I loved last night's Beauty Call™ with Kristen Bell! Hearing how she made her start and built her business was very encouraging and inspiring. I found it reassuring to know that Kristen went through the same growing pains I am going through. It was also wonderful to be on a call with people in the same business who all face the same dilemmas and triumphs. I felt very 'at home' during the call, and that the other business owners and I really share a common bond. Now, I'm doing some major revamping of my Web site and business ... all as a result of inspiration received on the Beauty Call™! Jenn Givler, Lavay Bath Products, 7/01. "I really enjoyed the Beauty Call™ tonight with Craig Van Doren from the insurance company. My mind is relieved now that I know I *do* have product liability coverage. I'm so glad he cleared that up for me!" Karen White, Natural Impulse, 10/00. "Thanks again for arranging that fabulous Beauty Call™ with Aubrey Hampton. HBN is proving to be one of the best investments I've made yet!" Barbara E. McNiff, Airmid, 9/00. "The Beauty Call™ with Aubrey Hampton was a thoroughly delightful hour. I echo the positive comments already made and would like to add my compliments to Donna Maria as a delightful, warm, thoughtful, efficient hostess for the discussion. Her skills kept the hour moving smoothly. I've been in some disastrous conference calls. This was wonderful." Deena Gentle, Gentle Ridge Emu Products, 9/00. "The Beauty Call™ with Sandy Maine was delightful!! It was organized, easy to follow and incredibly interactive. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the hostess for HBN, Donna Maria pulled things together nicely, did well as a spokeswoman for the group. She is to be congratulated for organizing such a successful lecture/workshop." Scott Blackson, The Soap Fairy, 8/00. "The Beauty Call™ with Aubrey Hampton was great! What a nice person. I think he had a lot of interesting questions and good answers. I know I want a copy of the tape." Barbara Bobo, Woodspirits, 9/00. "I just wanted to say thank you for the Beauty Call™. It was really wonderful and inspiring. It's good to know that others have already gone through what I am right now. Very reassuring! Thanks again for organizing it!" Katrina Kahn, SunShower Soaps, 8/00. "I loved the HBN Beauty Call™ last night! Thanks Sandy -- you've always been such a generous and gracious mentor to other soapmakers. I loved hearing about your gradually increasing batch sizes, not taking out loans and growing naturally. It gave me the confidence that I'm on the right track. Donna Maria is a fantastic moderator. I wasn't sure how much I would learn from a Beauty Call™ but it went very smoothly. HBN is the best for bringing all these networking ideas into fruition. Thank you!" Leslie Plant, Leslie's Garden Handcrafted Soaps, 8/00. "It was certainly generous of Sandy Maine to spend her valuable time sharing her knowledge with us on HBN's Beauty Call™. The questions everyone asked were so interesting. It made me realize that all handmade toiletries makers have similar growing pains and questions about how to get where we want to go. I really look forward to HBN's Beauty Calls™. Hopefully more HBN members will join future calls. They don't know what they're missing!!! Joanne Burns, The Soap Garden, 8/00.
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February
26, 2004, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST
July 31, 2003, 9:00pm-10:00pm EST
Katherine Hutt, a public relations expert,
provided members
with tips on publicizing their businesses on a shoestring! Katherine is a seasoned public relations professional with several years of experience working with small businesses
to publicize
their activities and increase their visibility in the marketplace. She has 17
years experience in public relations/public affairs in the nation's capital and
is the current president of Washington Women In Public Relations and has been
honored by that organization as "Washington PR Woman Of The Year" in
1994. Katherine is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America. In
this informative and popular call, Katherine chatted with members about the most efficient and cost-effective ways to
publicize their businesses, how to get the attention of members of the press and
how to interact with them, how to prepare for an interview, how to make your business stand out in the crowd and
MORE!
July 12, 2001,
9:00pm-10:00pm EST