May 9, 2002— Bowie, MD — The Handmade Beauty Network (HBN) participated in the first American Botanical Seminars and Reception on Thursday, May 9, 2002 at the beautifully renovated U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory in Washington, DC. Hosted by Donna Bayliss of Bayliss Ranch in northern California, the goals of the event were to: (1) showcase certified organically and conventionally grown herbs and flowers; (2) demonstrate the importance of natural aroma-based products on the American economy; and (3) honor aromatics for active lives, beauty and cosmetics. HBN members donated hundreds of their products for inclusion in the "goody" bags which were given to seminar and reception attendees.

"This event was a perfect venue to make HBN member products available to an audience of people who want to buy personal care products containing more natural ingredients" said HBN founder and President Donna Maria Coles Johnson. "HBN member products have received rave reviews and we were honored to be the only organization at the event to represent this growing industry."

Donna Bayliss, the event coordinator, was both excited and surprised to discover the world of handmade toiletries. "I'm so glad we found HBN," she said. "HBN members responded so generously to our request for product samples, and our guests were delighted to learn how easy it is to work with small companies and entrepreneurs who make luxurious and high-quality toiletries, cosmetics and aromatherapy products"

Samples of "goody" bags provided by HBN member Essential Wholesale contained tons of delicious goodies including soaps and lotions, quality aromatherapy products that help maintain health and well-being, therapeutic bath salts, lip balms, facial saunas and more!! The bags were assembled and distributed to the Seminars and Reception attendees, along with printed brochures highlighting HBN's history and the names and contact information for participating members. The seminars included several lectures by experts in the areas of herbalism and aromatherapy, including HBN member Rachael Shapiro of A Woman of Uncommon Scents, Inc., Melissa Jochim of Avalon Natural Products, Dr. Larry Walker of the National Center for Natural Products Research, and internationally renowned author and lecturer Dr. James Duke.

Founded in January 2000 by attorney, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and author Donna Maria Coles Johnson, HBN is the established, respected voice of the handmade toiletries industry. HBN's mission include harnessing the shared energy and vitality of HBN members to address issues of consumer education, regulation, marketing and public relations, freeing HBN members to concentrate on achieving their business goals. HBN's comprehensive suite of benefits provides members with the tools needed to make their handmade toiletries business a driving force in the competitive beauty industry. HBN members commit to a core set of principles, including quality manufacture, consumer education and respect of intellectual property.

For more information about HBN and handmade toiletries, contact Donna Maria at (301) 464-4515.