Donna Maria

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November 25, 2020

Coconut Cauliflower Vegetable Soup with Bok Choy and Thyme

Family • Food • Fun If you've ever chosen a restaurant with me, you know that I am partial to Thai food. One of the reasons is because I love the flavor of coconut milk, which is an ingredient in many signature Thai dishes, including soups. Coconut milk in soup Coconut milk gives a soup a creamy texture and an exotic and perfume-y aroma. It blends well with fresh herbs to create a bowl of soup that is intriguing and delicious. After seeing a partial demonstration oof how to make a ... Read the Post

August 7, 2020

La Shonda Tyree Interviews Me About Lead + Pivot

Lead + Pivot Recently, my friend and colleague La Shonda Tyree interviewed me for her brand new Level Up and Create podcast. We discussed my mindset as the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, the importance of building community around your brand, and my advice to people looking to build a business. Who is La Shonda Tyree? La Shonda is my friend, Indie Business Network member, and little sister. We met nearly two decades ago at a conference for soapmakers and discovered ... Read the Post

July 4, 2020

Happy Independence Day?

Conflict + Uncertainty + Fear + Hope I woke up this morning, feeling uneasy. That is nothing new. For most of my life, I have awakened on the morning of the 4th of July feeling unsure about exactly what I am expected to celebrate on this date. Of course I know about the Declaration of Independence and freedom from tyranny and all of the things I was taught in school. And of course, it has always been fun to "take off" work and school on the 4th of July. Through the years, it's been pretty ... Read the Post

April 13, 2020

Andrea Evans, Esq., Interviews Me on Leadership

Purpose + Community + Leadership Earlier this month, my friend and colleague Andrea Hence Evans, Esq., interviewed me for her series focused on empowering you during this challenge pandemic season. We discussed my mindset as the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, the importance of building community around your brand, and my advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs. Watch the interview below. Time stamps You can use these helpful time stamps to enhance your ... Read the Post

April 5, 2020

Want to Create a Legacy Business Model?

Create a business that will last decades Coaches, consultants, trainers, and service providers who are familiar with my two decades of entrepreneurial success are asking me for private strategy sessions to help them think through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and what it means for their businesses. I am not in a position to host one-on-one consultations at this time, but I can host group coaching, so that’s what I am offering now, with my new (and one-time) 90-Day Sprint Mastermind ... Read the Post

January 23, 2020

Introducing the Lifestyle CEO™ Club

Purpose. Profit. Play. My legacy, expanded .... I am excited to introduce the Lifestyle CEO Club, an elite women's entrepreneurial networking group celebrating purpose, profit, and play. If you've already heard about it and wish to request an invitation, click here. Otherwise, continue reading to learn about The Lifestyle CEO Club, an entrepreneurial community unlike any other. It is the next iteration of my life purpose, currently fulfilled through the Indie Business Network, to empower ... Read the Post

November 4, 2019

How to Build a New Habit

Think small and track your progress I admit it. Whenever I have wanted to create something new in my life, I am generally met with good results. I think it's because I'm a hard worker and a naturally good problem solver. I tend to quickly cut through "stuff," get to the core of an issue, and promptly take action. It's a great approach, and it works. Except when it doesn't work. And, for me, it has generally not worked in the area of health and wellness. As a mom, having a business of ... Read the Post

October 29, 2019

How Entrepreneurs Should Use Social Media

Be selective and intentional When I launched the Indie Business Network in 2000, there was no social media. The first YouTube video was not published until 2005, Twitter launched in 2006, and Instagram didn't come along until 2010. During those years, it was easy to use social media, not only because there were so few outlets, but also because I could add them on, one at a time. By contrast, when you start a business today, you are immediately overwhelmed because you are looking ... Read the Post

August 31, 2019

Don’t just build a website …

101 Membership Tips - Tip No. 1 Don't just build a website ... build a business In the coming months, I'm sharing a total of 101 tips to help you build a solid recurring revenue membership business. Here is Tip No. 1: Don't just build a website … A membership site is great. A membership business is better. In recent years, I have noticed an increasing tendency for people to confuse membership sites with businesses. They are not one and the same.The confusion seems to happen when ... Read the Post

July 20, 2019

Join the Recurring Revenue Group

Start and Grow Your Recurring Revenue Membership Business Recurring Revenue Membership: the Business of Today and the Future I launched a recurring revenue membership business by "accident" nearly 20 years ago. It's called the Indie Business Network, and as far as I know, it's the first recurring revenue membership business on the Internet. My entire entrepreneurial career has been up and to the right, and I believe in the power of recurring revenue. Today, I teach from my experience, ... Read the Post

June 5, 2019

Turn Customers Into Members

3 Ways to Turn Customers Into Members The Secret to Brand Loyalty and Repeat Sales Did you know that treating buyers like members is a great way to encourage brand loyalty and repeat sales? You see, a customer is a customer. She is great, and you appreciate her. But a customer will not help you build a sustainable business. Only a repeat customer can do that. So, why not incentivize your customer to become a repeat customer by treating her like she's more than a customer? Why not ... Read the Post

May 11, 2019

What I Learned at The Focused Leader

What I Learned at The Focused Leader What I Discovered at Michael Hyatt's One-Day Event I recently attended The Focused Leader, a one-day intensive hosted by author, speaker, and leadership expert Michael Hyatt. It was such an unforgettable experience for me that I thought I'd share a bit about it with you. In order to provide you with as full a view as possible, I'm going to cover the venue, the format, and the content. The Venue The venue was The Factory at Franklin, a ... Read the Post

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Heard you like instagram...follow me @donnamariaceo

American Makers are changing the world. . This nec American Makers are changing the world.
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This necklace, earrings and bracelet set are handmade for me by my @indiebusiness member over at @wisdombodyandsoul in Arizona.
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I love it because it is handmade by someone I know. I love it because it matches my blouse perfectly.
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I like it because it’s the only set like it in the world.
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There will always be a place in the world for mass manufactured jewelry. Like, when I am rushed and just need a quick piece of jewelry in a pinch, or when I am looking for some statement piece I can get on the cheap.
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But when I want something special, and that I can wear with true joy from the inside out, I am selecting something made with care by a real human who takes pride in their work.
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I’m so excited to have this matching set. Thank you, Cassie. Make me some more!!
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#everydaydm #donnamariaceo #ceolide #ceolifestyle #lifestyleceo #indie #indiebusiness #indiebusinessnetwork #handmade #handmadeisbestmade #makersgonnamake #jewelry #handmadejewelry #tucson #arizona #jewelryfashion #lovewisdombodyandsoul #naturallyderived #jewelryartist #instajewelry #jewelryoftheday
THROWBACK THURSDAY . Throwing it back to #IndieCru THROWBACK THURSDAY
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Throwing it back to #IndieCruise 2019 when we headed to Turks + Caicos for a week of masterminding, laughter, bonding, and this amazing sunset cruise.
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One of the locals on board our chartered catamaran showed us how to make the most delicious conch salad. We ate every morsel and begged for the recipe and secret ingredients, but he was not budging.
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It was fresh from the sea and so delicious.
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In this picture, I am with two of my @indiebusiness members, the amazing @officialpurplesage (left) and @evansiplaw (middle). We had a spectacularly gorgeous day for the most amazing experience. Just look at that late afternoon sky! Swipe to see the conch and sunset.
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We have decided against international travel for now, but later this month, I'm leading a small Indie Business Retreat mastermind group to @pelicanbeach where we will squeeze out every bit of socially distanced awesome we can.
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Along with the venue, we have taken extra safety precautions to ensure that we are together, but not together. We'll remain at least 6 feet apart and unlike any previous event I have hosted, this one will take place completely outside.
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The energy will be amazing. Even with masks and distancing, you simply cannot stop the entrepreneurial energy from flowing — even in a pandemic.
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📸 @ecoofficegals 
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#donnamariaceo #everydaydm #indiecruise #indiecruise2019 #indiebusinessretreat #indie #indiebusiness #indiebusinessnetwork #puntacana #conch #conchsalad #sunsetcruise #indiecruise #indieretreat #indiebusinessretreat #sailing #picoftheday #throwbackthursday #lifestyleceo #ceolife #ceolifestyle #tbt
I am learning from @fruitstotheroots how to make a I am learning from @fruitstotheroots how to make artisan tea blends at @IndieBusiness School. My first blend is rose petals, ginger, camellia, hibiscus, chamomile, and holy basil. A well blended tea should have active, supporting, and catalyst elements.
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#donnamariaceo #everydaydm #tea #herbaltea #makersgonnamake #teablending #artisantea #handmadetea #makingtea #drinkingtea #teadrinker #indie #indiebusiness #indiebusinessschool #indiebusinessnetwork #chamomile #holybaail #ginger #lifestyleceo
I recently purchased some back issues of @essentia I recently purchased some back issues of @essentialherbal magazine. I had heard about it from my @indiebusiness members (thanks @coloradoaromatics and @sunrosearomatics in particular), for years, but had never purchased it.
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When I heard they were switching from print to digital in 2021, I decided to stock up. They are a treasure trove of herbal and aromatherapy recipes (personal care, food, beverage, gift, and medicinal).
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I love handling printed learning materials. It’s like what I am learning and planning actually become a part of me as I consume the information. I feel more connected to it when I can run my fingers across the paper and hold the pretty illustrations in my hand.
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I am so excited to have these issues. They are wonderful, and I plan to go back and get all of the other printed back issues that are available.
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Do you have any favorite printed materials that affect you in this way?
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#printedmaterials #printedmagazines #magazines #printdesign #favoritemagazines #herbals #herbalmagazine #essentialherbal #donnamariaceo #everydaydm #indie #indiebusiness #indiebusinessnetwork #happybeforehustle #aromatherapy #certifiedaromatherapist #herblover #essentialoillover #essentialoillovers
As an entrepreneur, few things are as satisfying a As an entrepreneur, few things are as satisfying as looking back over a week well planned and executed.
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Especially during this bizarre and unsettling week, I have found that my business is a bit of a professional sanctuary.
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I am powerless, except through prayer and heartfelt wishes, to really impact the legal and political activities now spinning around us.
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But I can continue to make my little corner of the world as good as it can be. I can wrap my arms around my family members and reassure them that, no matter what, I am here for them.
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I can serve my @indiebusiness members in ways that encourage all of us as a community to focus on taking action in areas where we can actually make a difference. For entrepreneurs, that means inside the world of the people we serve.
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So, as I invest some time this afternoon reviewing last week and planning next week, I am comforted by this custom order Caramel Nut candle made by my member @rooteofficial. It’s like comfort food without the calories.
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I am renewed with a sense of energy and power to make a difference, and to never stop living out my unique purpose on this earth. Even as the world seems to spin out of control, I remain very focused on places where I can roll up my sleeves and get busy doing work that matters in people’s lives. I am grateful for the opportunity and hopeful for our collective future.
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#donnamariaceo #everydaydm #ceolife #lifestyleceo #ceolofestyle #planning #planneraddict #plannercommunity #planner #weeklyreview #lifepurpose #purpose #makeadifference #rooteofficial #candleaddict #candlelover #ilovecandles #indie #indiebusiness #indiebusinessnetwork #happybeforehustle
I am not a chef, but sometimes, dang it, I feel li I am not a chef, but sometimes, dang it, I feel like one.
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Like when I make Chicken Chow Mein for the first time, and my very picky eater son devours it and gives a thumbs up. 👍 
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Why is this such a great feeling? It’s just chicken and noodles with vegetables and a sauce I made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fresh ginger, crushed garlic, and peppers.
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🦪 🌾 🧄 🌶 
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I feel like a kitchen ninja 🥷 right now, and therefore, I had to come over here and tell you.
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#donnamariaceo #chickenchowmein #chowmein #chowmeinnoodles #everydaydm #kitchenninja #asianfood #ansianfusion #asianinspired #ceolife #lifestyleceo #happybeforehustle #dinner #nomnom #delicious #whatsfordinnertonight #whatsfordinner
Throwback Thursday . Here I am with @pookalita on Throwback Thursday
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Here I am with @pookalita on the second #IndieCruise in 2012 when we set sail to the Caribbean.
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After a decade of knowing this lady, my life is much more fun.
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Here are 5 things I learned from @Pookalita over the years:
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1. The art of being happy despite circumstances that are not optimal. She "teaches" this by example. In the midst of tragedy, Dawn will find and leverage the silver lining.
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2. Trying new things is important to growth. Dawn is not afraid to put herself out there and give something new a try. She is an adventurer, a trait shared by all successful entrepreneurs.
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3. Riding every wave you possibly can leads to more waves. When Dawn catches a wave, she rides it until it fizzles out at the shore. She then pivots to the next thing, never bemoaning that the ride is over -- always thankful for the ride.
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4. Dawn is grateful, and she lets me know she values our friendship. That is important to me. I always feel the love across the miles.
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5. Laughter heals everything. When Dawn and I talk, sometimes, we cannot get a sentence out because we are screaming in laughter. We talk and laugh over each other, and then have to repeat ourselves because all we heard was part of the joke. We talk and talk, and then realize over an hour has passed. Then, we hang up super fast because we realized we have actual work to do.
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Do you have friends like this? Tag 'em! Show your love.
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Love you, @pookalita!! Thanks for not being mad that I'm sharing this old picture of you without asking.
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#throwbackthursday #throwback #donnamariaceo #everydaydm #happybeforehustle #indie #indiebusinessnetwork #indiebusiness #indiecruise #friends #friendship #joy #ridethewave #pookalita#lovepooka #bestlifetribe #wellness #instapic #instagood #lifestyleceo
Today, my thoughts are with our next executive lea Today, my thoughts are with our next executive leaders.
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The haters will be neutralized. Congress will resume its duties.
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These protestors may slow the train down, but they will not stop it.
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@JoeBiden, @KamalaHarris: I am pulling for you. I am praying for you, your transition team, your staffers, your families @drbiden @douglasemhoff and everyone responsible for holding you up as you put your lives on the line to revive this nation and return it to a dignified state.
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Shine the light on the ugly underbelly.
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Bring us out of this darkness.
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Lead us to a place of healing.
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Amen.
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#america #americathebeautiful #iamanamerican #proudamerican #homeofthebrave #progressnotperfection #joebiden #kamalaharris #healing #leadership #inauguration #hatersgonnahate #donnamariaceo #everydaydm #politics #protests #politicstoday #politics #whatamess #lovewins #happybeforehustle

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