Donna Maria

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February 20, 2019

The Perfect Lifestyle Business

The Perfect Lifestyle Business Follow These Steps to Create Yours I followed 10 specific steps to create the Indie Business Network, the perfect lifestyle business for me. As I look back, I didn't articulate each step clearly as I went along. Instead, I built the plane while I was flying it. In hindsight, however, I can see a clear road map, and I'm going to share it with you here. Before I get to that, I want you to know that there is a bit of irony in my use of the word "perfect." ... Read the Post

February 5, 2019

The Community Economy

Recently, I delivered the opening keynote address to the 2019 United States Lavender Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. My topic was The Community Economy, and it was all about how to build community around your brand. Here is the graphic I used to illustrate my three-pronged approach to building community around your brand. The Community Economy I was thrilled to share the secrets of how I have built a solid community over the past 20 years around my brand, the Indie Business ... Read the Post

January 28, 2019

2019 Lavender Conference Recap

Last weekend, I delivered the opening keynote address to the 370 attendees of the 2019 United States Lavender Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. My keynote topic was The Community Economy, which I chose because of its importance to the success of your business. If there is no strong and engaged Community Economy around your brand, it's not going to last very long. Here I am doing my thing. Not only did I get the chance to empower hundreds of small business owners to be more ... Read the Post

January 23, 2019

US Lavender Conference

I'm coming to Charleston. Squee! In a few short days, I will deliver the opening keynote address at the United States Lavender Conference in that beautiful and historic city. I recently read that there are more than 300 independently owned lavender farms in the United States today. How great that we no longer have to travel internationally to enjoy the many benefits of this beautiful herb. If your business includes working in any way with lavender (growing it, distilling it, cooking with it, ... Read the Post

January 8, 2019

FUN: Laughter Is Medicine

Laughter is the best medicine, don't you think? My daughter and I got a good dose of it on Christmas day. With unseasonably warm weather in Washington, DC, we went outside and had some great laughs as she took pictures of me with the camera Santa bought for her. Here's one of them. I Laugh. A lot. I'm not a model, but I love pretending to be one, and this cracks my daughter up.When I strike a new pose like I mean it, I hear her snickering behind the lens, and she comments on how cute she ... Read the Post

January 4, 2019

FREEDOM: Retreat

Each year since 2011, I've hosted the Indie Cruise Mastermind Retreat where I and other entrepreneurs rejuvenate our souls and re-connect with the energy that allows us to be successful in business and in life. We've been to some amazing places on Indie Cruise Indie Cruise has taken us to Belize, Cozumel, Haiti, Punta Cana, the Florida Keys, Ixtapa, Cancun, Grand Cayman and more.Next week, I'll depart to host Indie Cruise in Turks and Caicos. Have you ever been on an entrepreneurial ... Read the Post

January 3, 2019

Evolving Friendship

When I launched the Indie Business Network in 2000, I thought I was just starting a business. Little did I know that what I was really doing was leveraging a business to build a lifetime of incredible long-lasting relationships. One of them is with this lady, Jamila White, an intuitive consultant and psychic medium. But it didn’t start out that way. Evolving: Business + Friendship As our businesses have evolved, so has our friendship. Two decades ago, when we first met, Jamila was ... Read the Post

January 3, 2019

2018 Best Nine

For the past few years, I've enjoyed seeing people post their "best nine" Instagram photos from the previous year. I was always so engaged with other things at the start of a new year that I never did it myself, but this year, I'm on it! Here are my "best nine" from 2018! From left to right, top row to bottom row ... • Sipping fresh coconut water in South Beach with my husband • Enjoying being chauffeured by my newly driving 17-year old ... Read the Post

January 3, 2019

Flexibility: Make It Yourself

Before I launched the Indie Business Network in 2000, I held multiple jobs, each of which I enjoyed. But when I decided I wanted to get married and have a family, suddenly, the opportunities that suited me dried up. Nothing appealed to me. I looked into job sharing, but I could not figure out how I could "share" a job and fully own the results.I looked into part-time work, but every woman I talked to told me that "part-time" always turned into "full-time," and I didn't want that ... Read the Post

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Heard you like instagram...follow me @donnamariaceo

There is so much energy and excitement in discover There is so much energy and excitement in discovering new independent business that are thriving in the midst of the pandemic. People are friendly and seem to really appreciate your presence.
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As I head down to #indiebusinessretreat, I am excited to be exploring along the way.
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Catch the adventures on my stories!
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#everydaydm #donnamariaceo #lifestyleceo #ceolife #ceolifestyle #exploring #exploringsavannah #savannah #goosefeatherscafe #citymarket #historicsavannah #indie #indiebusiness #indiebusinessnetwork #indiebusinessbrand #cafe
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

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