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A Publication of The Handmade Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Vol. 5, Issue 22
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Learn more about our members and their exciting activities by visiting their Web sites through HBN's Online Member Directory, now with 4 ways to search: (1) by state/country; (2) by member business name; (3) by keyword search; or (4) using our new alphabetical listings.

When you visit MakeYourCosmetics.com, it's easy to buy the ingredients you need by clicking on our Selected Supplier links:

Essential Wholesale: pure essential oils, over 200 cosmetic bases, hundreds of carrier/fixed oils such as meadowfoam, cranberry, jojoba and shea butter plus a new Short Run Private Labeling Program!

Bramble Berry, Inc.: over 105 different fragrance and essential oils (including their exclusive "Energy" and "Relaxing"), all soap tested, soap molds and unscented soap bases!

SunRose Aromatics: pure essential oils (many organic), carrier oils and other aromatherapy products, each carefully selected for quality. Check out their new Perfumer's Emporium.

The Scent Shack: fragrance oils and soap supplies. Fragrance oils are pre-tested in cold process, melt & pour soap, and candles, and test results are listed at the Web site. Scents tested by soapers for soapers!

From Nature With Love: over 1,600 ingredients and supplies, including cosmetic ingredients, spa supplies, bath accessories and packaging supplies!

Last Week's Question: Lisa's first marriage took place when she was a part of a pan-African religion that focuses its attention the practice of the Khamitians -- the ancient name for Egyptians. To win this week, state: (1) the name of the religion; (2) the first name of the man Lisa married; and (3) Lisa's age when she married him.

Last Week's Answer: (1) Ausar Auset; (2) Manuel; (3) 20

This Week's Question: What is the full address and telephone number of Carol's Daughter in Brooklyn, NY?

Be the first to correctly answer this week's questions and win some lovely handmade soap made by a member whose products were featured in Oscar Gift Bag!

Please read the contest rules here before submitting your entry. Put "TRIVIA CONTEST ANSWER" in the subject line or your answer will not be considered.

While time does not permit me to respond personally to all entrants, the winner's name will be announced in the next newsletter!

Moving through life as a Lifestyle CEO sounds fun and stress free. When you work on your own terms, you can go grocery shopping when no one else is in the store, you avoid the hassles of rush hour traffic and you can fix dinner using fresh vegetables and still sit down with your family and eat before 9:00pm. Those are all great things and all Lifestyle CEOs should be thankful for them. But speaking for myself anyway, that doesn't mean it's easy. Working at your own business still means "working." The fact that it can be done in less than full business attire means that it can be less stressful than it otherwise would be. But that does not mean that it's easy -- especially when you have a family. In that case, your day is often a blur of activity -- a strange mixture of business calls and laundry, coupled with tripping over toys, buying school supplies for the latest project and making sure that customer needs are met as well.

It's tempting to complain, isn't it? "If only I had that full time job back again! Then, I'd be able to afford to hire a maid!" Or maybe you've been heard to mutter, "Running a business solo is so isolating! I wish I could be back in an office where I'm at least surrounded by people and don't feel so alone!" These feelings are normal. Being the only person in the vicinity for several hours at a stretch is inevitably draining. And yes, working for yourself means that you are more available to tackle that housework and spend more quality time with the kids -- which is great, but it still can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Do you ever experience these emotions? If so, ask yourself what you are doing about them? Are you just complaining? Or are you trying to be Super Everything with a "No Help Wanted" sign posted outside the door? Well, maybe it's time to reconsider that strategy and get some help!

In June 2002 when my daughter was about 8 months old (she's now 2) our in-home nanny suddenly quit while my husband was away on a business trip. What timing!! We were left with no child care, and I was left with a business that needed my full time attention. For a moment, I panicked. I remember sobbing uncontrollably. But then I gathered myself together, picked up my daughter and went to a local ice cream joint to wallow in a scoop of calories. While there, I noticed several high school aged girls working behind the counter. "They must be summer jobs," I thought. Since I was no stranger to the shop and had enjoyed a few pleasant conversations with the owner, I bought an extra large scoop and went over to say hello to him. I asked him if he could recommend any of his part time employees to help my family out with child care for the rest of the summer. He pointed out Lindsey, a young lady whose shift was was starting in a few minutes. He introduced us and I told her I was looking for help with my daughter and some office work for the summer. She said -- and I'm not kidding -- "Wow, that would be my dream job!"

I could hardly believe my ears. I had done absolutely nothing to deserve hearing those words, except ask for help. And you can do the same! Take down the "No Help Wanted" and "I Can Do All Things Myself" signs and get some help! Two years later, we are preparing to attend Lindsey's graduation from high school tomorrow. She has referred me to some of her other high school friends who come over and assist me and my family with everything from bath time to washing dishes, and even with office filing. "Linz" (pictured at right with my daughter in 2002) has even been known to mix the occasional lip balm or face mask!! It's great help for me and my husband and my kids think Linz is synonymous with playtime!

Being a Lifestyle CEO is great, but it's not all wine and roses. It's often hard work to create an atmosphere where the business and home work gets done. Today, we have no less than 8 Family Helpers: Lindsey, Tina, Nikki, Jessica, Shari, Shontee, Belinda and Faith. It's rare that two are over at any one time, but when I need help, I ask for it starting with Linz (the most experienced helper). If she's not available, I move down the list. Inevitably, one of them is ready, willing and able to help. They are happy to earn the extra money (we pay them from $3 to $8 per hour, depending on experience), we're happy to have the help, and their parents are happy to know they are doing something productive in a wholesome environment and not having to rely solely on fast food joints as their first job opportunities. Sometimes, if they are going to the grocery store for their family, they will call me to ask if I need anything. They've been known to buy diapers, fruit cups and cough medicine just in the nick of time! With their help, it's easier and much more rewarding to organize for fun and fulfillment. (Remember -- Forget Balance! It will never happen!)

Asking for help may be difficult for some at first. After all, many people struggle with admitting that they cannot easily manage the daily tasks of life all by themselves. But if you don't act to change it, you'll never have fun or fulfillment (-- much less balance!). Are you looking for a way to more gracefully integrate work and family? Is your head spinning from trying to do it all? If so, Stop The Madness! Don't throw your hands up in despair, letting life run circles around you! Ask for some help! Like me, you'll discover that if you really need help and you set out to find it, you WILL find it. If you look hard enough, and leave no stone unturned, it will turn up in the most unusual places.

Visit our suite of Web sites serving the handmade toiletries industry:

HandmadeBeauty.com: the leading industry trade organization
MangoButter.com: 450+ suppliers of raw materials and packaging, updated weekly!
MakeYourCosmetics.com: ingredient encyclopedia & original cosmetics recipes
DonnaMaria.com: sound advice for your small business, Create The Life You Love™