My Personal Christmas Gift

www.snerbyarn.com/

My Personal Christmas Gift

I decided to treat myself to something unique and handmade this Christmas. I love and strongly believe in supporting small businesses as much as possible! I saw a post in one of my soaping groups that I frequent on Facebook, and I knew then what I wanted to buy: HANDSPUN COTTON WASHCLOTHS!!

www.soapguildstores.com/blessed_body_market

I ordered these beauties from Bren Boone over at Snerb Yarn, and I am in love! THESE WASHCLOTHS ARE PHENOMENAL! They are sturdy and durable, and they are gentle on my skin. I have to select special washcloths (not the inexpensive colorful pack for $4) whenever I use traditional washcloths because they are generally VERY scratchy to me; however, I didn't have that experience with these washcloths. Combined with my handcrafted soaps, they don't strip my skin like traditional rags and soap, but I am still exfoliated. My skin looks and feels fabulous! Even though I've only had the washcloths for about a week, I know that I can attribute some of my skin success to these washcloths and my soap too! No more crocodile legs and grandma hands! You can visit her website, Snerb Yarn, to contact her about purchasing your handspun washcloths today, and as usual for all things Blessed Body Brand, you can visit our webstore! Be blessed!

Shanta

HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR IN 2015

There are many ways to become a successful entrepreneur, but most would agree that there are a few keys that are universal. We'll take a look at two today 1) define your market 2) refine your products. It is very important once you make the decision to go into business that you know who you are going to be serving and what specific products you are offering.

When you know your market, you can choose the best pricing and marketing strategies to reach the most people while encouraging sales. Knowing your market will also keep you from getting caught up in fads, trends, or suggestions for new products or services
from well meaning family and friends. You will only create products and services that cater to your current and potential customers that will generate revenue for your business.

Refining your products can be a long journey, but if you define your niche before you begin it saves so much time and money later, trust me!

Always remember:

1. You are IN BUSINESS to create relationships and revenue!
2. Your time/products/services are not free, so limit the amount of freebies that you give away by only giving them to potential and established customers.
3. Create products/services that you personally believe in!
4. Know your products/services and what you have to offer to potential customers.
5. KICK THE FEAR HABIT! Fear of failure will hold you back from reaching your success. You'll never know what you could have done or could have been if you had not started or tried.

Shanta

 

What will you do with your days?

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." ~Mark Twain

 

 I have seen this quote many times over the last several months. In the last two days, I've seen it at least 6 times! We are all on this rock for a reason, and living life with purpose is the best way to live! However, balance is the key to happiness! This brings me to today's topic: bucket lists. Once you have identified your purpose, work towards accomplishing it, but don't forget to enjoy the journey. Joi over at Peace Of My Love (Follow the link to view my inspiration for this post) recently wrote about her bucket list, and it truly made me think about what I want to do on this planet before my last day! Here's my current list (it could change at any moment)!!

1. Travel to Ghana to see the local culture and how the old ways meet with the new ways.
2. Assist in making Shea butter and black soap.
3. Make real Castile soap in Italy.
4. Take my son to a Day out with Thomas!
5. Plan, schedule, and invite guests to my son's birthday party IN ADVANCE (sorry baby). This year he's turning four, so it's a must!!!
6. Go on a cruise & walk about in a bikini.
7. Be bikini ready at all times.
8. Drive a race car.
9. Learn French and Spanish Fluently.
10. Run a 5K.
11. Meet and marry the right man for me, think Teacake and Janie without the rabies.
12. Have an outdoor lunch or dinner date.
13. Yoga in India!
14. Sing Karaoke without being terrified (I'm always nervous!).
15. Write several bestselling books and a few moderately selling books (LOL).
16. Run a majorly successful crowdsourcing campaign (coming soon).
17. Be the "keynote" speaker in front of a large audience of other professional men and women as the authority of natural hair, natural personal care products (I shy away from the term "cosmetics" here), and business development in minority communities.
18. Enjoy the ride.

Some of these items are FRIVOLOUS, and I have so much more that I could add!! Your list should be fun and forward. Don't do anything that could distract you from your purpose, but be sure to make it memorable! I encourage each of you to make a bucket list and add it in the comments below! Your list should evolve as you evolve, and as you accomplish an item replace it with a new one. Let's see those lists!

Are you thinking about starting a business in 2015?

Don't overthink it. Get ready to research! Start with the SBA website. Get familiar with the information and steps that are listed there. The website is MASSIVE! Take time to browse, read, and bookmark articles particular to your situation. There is so much information available to you for FREE! Also, get a few books geared to your intended industry. I purchased the Crafty Superstar by Grace Dobush (pictures below), and there is a newer updated version available now! Research tax laws in your county and state. Some states require you to file a Business Privilege and/or use Tax within 2.5 months of filing your business formation documents. When you start your business, you are considered a sole proprietorship and all income is personal income. You can elect to change your business status at any time to an LLC, partnership, or corporation by filing paperwork within your county/state, but be aware of the implicaions of changing your status. You will also need to file for a FEIN once your election changes.

It's also important to spend some time on the FDA website if you are going into the product industry like Blessed Body Brand. You need to know what you can and can not say on your labels, website, or in person regarding the efficacy of your finished goods. Insurance is important as you begin to sell, but I didn't make the investment until I was sure I was going to be able to sustain a business. The Indie Beauty Network is awesome, so I'm a member there!!! I have insurance through the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild because at the time they didn't offer just a membership, and I need their online storefront (a decision that I would gladly make again). I'm still working out of my kitchen, but I am looking to expand. Keep in mind the following information as you begin the process of starting your venture on the business side:

1. Your business will direct your needs. Don't rent a storefront just yet!
2. Focus your product offerings when you're just starting off.
3. Know what is and is not allowed to be sold in your state. Some states are stricter than others when it comes to the personal care industry.
4. As you grow and your customers begin to make requests, then you can expand, but to ensure you minimize startup debt, stay focused. I learned this the hard way!
5. There's a lot of research involved.
6.  KEEP A NOTEBOOK HANDY! I advise writing things down in a notebook if that helps you to retain information better. You may also create a Word or OneNote file with all of your findings and ideas. This will help keep you focused, motivated, and accountable.

There's s much more that I can say, but I'll save that for the next post. Happy venturing!

ISBN: 978-1440320378

ISBN: 978-1600613203

Happy New Year: 2015

WOW! I can't believe that 2014 is already done! It brings to mind the plans and goals I started it with. Have I accomplished what I set out to do? Did I get sidetracked? Was I successful? The answer for me: How can you tell? I always have a vision for my life. I have plenty of ideas, and plenty of dreams. However, the mistake that I have made nearly every year: not writing them down and holding myself accountable for reaching each goal/milestone! This year, I'M READY! This year I am equipped with a vision board and a MAP (master action plan)!

My vision board is a challenge for me to be bolder, to focus, to kick fear in the face, and stop chasing my dreams. The challenge this year is to CAPTURE MY VISIONS!!! You should join me! Take out paper and pen, go to the dollar tree and buy a foam poster board, and start making a list of what you want in your life. On your poster board, print or cut out pictures from a magazine of items that you want and paste them there. Start living on purpose with purpose. I learned that last lesson from a group of very wise women.

In my MAP, are all the things that I want for myself professionally: the direction that I want to take my businesses in. I have so many ideas that I will be executing this year! I am so excited to start the process of sharing each milestone with you!! This is phenomenal guys!!

Another lesson that I am learning: Make room in the physical realm for what is in store for you in the spiritual realm. Prepare your physical home to receive all the good that the Universe has in store for you. Stop blocking your growth! From this day forward, DO NOT HOLD YOURSELF BACK!! Reach out and grab everything that is in reserve for you! Make the decision that 2015 is the start of your greatest you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Manifesto!

Every entrepreneur should have a manifesto! A manifesto, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer. Your manifesto should be a continuation of your businesses vision, mission, and values with a personal component to help your business become accessible to potential customers. I'm working on my company manifesto, and so far I'm pleased. It is a document that can be updated to reflect your company's growth and development over time, but you should always keep a copy of your first manifesto to mark your growth.

Your manifesto can be fun and engaging or serious and intellectual. Whatever you choose, make sure that your manifesto reflects the core of your business. I've drafted a few manifestos over the last few months. Our first and latest manifesto drafts are below.Take a moment to read and review them and let us know what you think. Then write your own manifesto. You can even write a manifesto for your personal life! With 2015 right around the corner, it may help you define who you are and where you want to take yourself during the year!

 Draft 1:When I wake up in the morning, the very first thought in my mind is: "Just 30 more minutes...." and after that, I roll out of bed and get to work, usually. My heart glows when I create a product or offer a service that customers love, and my heart breaks when I realize that I can't do everything at the same time *sigh* My customers are my life force. More than anything else I care about helping them live their best life possible! In my world, creativity (and innovation) is an absolute necessity. Innovation is always a fabulous idea. Mediocrity is overrated and stagnation is a definite NO! Fantasizing about Shea butter is totally reasonable. Striving for my goals is a must, but at the end of the day, my sn is all that really matters. When I die, I want to be remembered as a person who changed the world by positively influencing the people around me and who inspires others to dream, plan, and build too. ~Shanta

Draft 2: Everyday is an opportunity to be successful! My family, my relatives and my customers, keep me motivated to work at top capacity. My heart glows when i am able to deliver a product or service that a customer loves and needs. I experience heartbreak every time I try to take on too many projects at once and some or all don't turn out right. More than anything else, I care about helping families live their best life possible! In my world, creativity, innovation, and motivation are must haves. Innovation is always a phenomenal idea! Mediocrity is overrated and stagnation is DEATH! Fantasizing about Shea butter and soap is totally reasonable. Striving for and achieving my goals is a must, but at the end of the day, my baby boy is all that really matters. When I die, I want to be remembered as a person who conquered the world by positively influencing families and individuals to take a chance on themselves and build a future that is better than the past and present. Remember me as a woman who built companies to inspire others to dream, plan, and build too. ~Shanta
  

Thank you!

Dear Prosperity family,

Thank you all so much for supporting Blessed Body Brand and Prosperity Legacy, LLC! Most importantly, thank you for supporting me! Thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to do what I love and support my family! Thank you for each and every purchase and special request that you have made that challenged me and helped me to think outside the box! Without your support this venture would be impossible, so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

As a token of my appreciation, any orders of $20 or more placed on our web store from now until December 31st will receive $5 off with code THANKS. You guys make my dreams possible!

With love,

Shanta