Indie Families Rock!

The media devotes a lot of attention to moms in business, as well it should. But let's also hear it for the dads who are also charting their own course!

Today, I taped an interview for Ron Haney, talk radio host at Froggy 104.1's Community Focus Show which airs throughout western Tennessee. (I'll post when the show will air.) Ron asked me several questions about Indie Business success, one focused primarily on how dads are getting into the Indie Business act. I told him what Indie Beauty Network member Maggie Hanus of A Wild Soap Bar told me years ago: the family that grinds together binds together. Who says that only government and big business can create a family friendly work environment?!? I've said it before, and I'll say it again: we can create our own!

Indie Beauty Network members Kibby and Jay Mitra of From Nature With Love exemplify how dads and moms are joining forces in business to create their own brand of family and work balance. When the Mitras had their first child, Kibby left her job to be at home and discovered a knack for making herbal bath and body products to help with the baby's eczema. She eventually began selling the products, teaching others how to make the products and selling ingredients and supplies.

Their business was formally birthed when Jay, who has a background in finance, noticed that the more eczema cream Kibby made, the more the family checking account grew. He eventually left his job and today, he runs the financial end of the business while Kibby's psychology background is put to good use on the marketing side. Ten years later, the couple has 4 children and their family business has expanded to include several independent revenue streams, all managed from their home office in Oxford, Connecticut.

How cool is that?! Read on for Kibby's tips on being successful in Indie Business.

Kibby's Indie Business success tips:

• It's hard work to own and manage a business well, but if you see your business as an extension of your passion and yourself, it's worth it, no matter how hard it gets.
• To make things go more smoothly, focus on being disciplined and organized. Set goals for yourself and your business and evaluate your progress and performance frequently.
• Hire key people you can truly trust. Make sure that your employees are happy.
• Network, network, network with others in your industry.
• Last but not least, take time out to regroup and refocus periodically. Business is an art, and like all art, its beauty takes shape through discipline and innovation.

You can get a close up view and more tips on how Kibby and Jay mix business, life and family at this link.

Indie Family Businesses Rock! This blog is about encouraging and supporting family members who are putting their talents and gifts to work to pursue their passions and suppport each other emotionally, spiritually and physically. If your family or a family you know about is doing that, tell me about it, and leave a link to the applicable blog or website.

Let's show the world what's possible!