I want to apologize for my lack of blogging! Since last Saturday, I've been a little out of my element. I was a top ten finalist on the Salem Sharks! It was an investment event themed after the show, "The Shark Tank." I was blessed with an investor and $25k in start-up funds. I'm also getting a website, sales and marketing, along with several other highly-valued business services. My investor is knowledgeable and has proven his success. He runs a successful construction-type business. I'm not going to get too into it tonight. I'm rushing through finals. I graduate next week.
After the storm passes, I can focus on my business. We are going to rapidly expand. I am so excited. Get ready for an all-natural bath and beauty line!
Love,
Jenny
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Follow Love Me Recovery on Facebook! (Enter to win a free foundation!)
I need to maximize my social media presence! Currently, I have 122 people following me on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
I'm giving away a free mineral foundation (30g jar) when I reach 150 "likes." Please join me! I share several updates throughout the day on Facebook, lots of specials, and photos.
My fundraising campaign will start taking form on June 1st. I want everyone to stay updated. I have two blogs, a Facebook page, Twitter, and Linkedin. At times, I won't have them all updated. Facebook is part of my hour-to-hour routine.
In other news...
I just made another eyeshadow color! "Highlight Gold." Golds are popular this spring and summer. I just can't help myself, to be honest. I love mixology! I've got over 50 eyeshadow colors now. I know I will keep adding more and more.
My photographer partnerships are going fabulous. May Faith Photography has used my eyeshadow in two shoots. I have one photo below. Soon, I will have one from her Alice in Wonderland shoot!
The green eyeshadow is Love Me Recovery. I've developed multiple relationships with photographers. I'm hoping one of these partnerships might turn into a magazine article/review on my company!
I had the opportunity to sit down with two new customers this week and play with all of my samples. These women had fun! They picked out foundation, bronzer, and a few eyeshadows. We talked about having a makeup party and maybe purchasing makeup for their other sister. These one-on-one relationships are so important. That is what I strive for. I love offering custom-makeup. My current selection is also very versatile. These women were able to pick up one of my 9 already made foundations and it matched their skin tone perfectly!
I'm waiting patiently (not really!) to find out if I made the cut for a huge business grant opportunity! The actually event is one week from tomorrow. It would make everything possible for Love Me Recovery. I could open a local shop, get my product on retail shelves locally, purchase a ton of supplies to finish my product line, streamline operations, and start bringing my bath and beauty products to the masses!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=236378679&trk=tab_pro
https://twitter.com/LoveMeRecovery
Thank you!
Love,
Jenny
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
I'm giving away a free mineral foundation (30g jar) when I reach 150 "likes." Please join me! I share several updates throughout the day on Facebook, lots of specials, and photos.
My fundraising campaign will start taking form on June 1st. I want everyone to stay updated. I have two blogs, a Facebook page, Twitter, and Linkedin. At times, I won't have them all updated. Facebook is part of my hour-to-hour routine.
In other news...
I just made another eyeshadow color! "Highlight Gold." Golds are popular this spring and summer. I just can't help myself, to be honest. I love mixology! I've got over 50 eyeshadow colors now. I know I will keep adding more and more.
My photographer partnerships are going fabulous. May Faith Photography has used my eyeshadow in two shoots. I have one photo below. Soon, I will have one from her Alice in Wonderland shoot!
I had the opportunity to sit down with two new customers this week and play with all of my samples. These women had fun! They picked out foundation, bronzer, and a few eyeshadows. We talked about having a makeup party and maybe purchasing makeup for their other sister. These one-on-one relationships are so important. That is what I strive for. I love offering custom-makeup. My current selection is also very versatile. These women were able to pick up one of my 9 already made foundations and it matched their skin tone perfectly!
I'm waiting patiently (not really!) to find out if I made the cut for a huge business grant opportunity! The actually event is one week from tomorrow. It would make everything possible for Love Me Recovery. I could open a local shop, get my product on retail shelves locally, purchase a ton of supplies to finish my product line, streamline operations, and start bringing my bath and beauty products to the masses!
"All-Natural Bath & Beauty Products under $9.99"
In the meantime, I am working diligently on my fundraiser. I will roll-out my final plan June 1st with a PowerPoint presentation, video, and detailed explanation on what I am trying to accomplish. Please help me build my social media presence and follow Love Me Recovery:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=236378679&trk=tab_pro
https://twitter.com/LoveMeRecovery
Thank you!
Love,
Jenny
Thursday, May 23, 2013
All-Natural in 90 days update!
http://allnaturalin90days.blogspot.com/2013/05/will-you-pledge-for-all-natural.html.
Make sure to follow my other blog! Lots is happening and I want everyone involved!
Make sure to follow my other blog! Lots is happening and I want everyone involved!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Party Ideas for All-Natural Bath & Beauty Products Under $9.99
The typical makeup party can be daunting for a guest. The expectation of buying something because your friend or friend-of-a-friend is trying to make it through selling Mary Kay, Avon, ECT. makes you feel obligated to spend that $20 or more dollars. If your like me, you host a party just to get free makeup. Then you are really a makeup pusher because you have to sell $x.xx to get your free makeup. I've come up with a whole new concept for a home makeup party which includes bath products too!
Party Ideas
1. The host isn't in it for profit.
2. They don't have to sell a certain dollar amount to get free product.
3. The choices are not limited to makeup.
4. Products are all-natural and affordable.
5. Guests get to custom-order their products
6. Products are available onsite. No waiting!
I've considered bringing on associates to sell my makeup. I just don't think I want to add that aspect to my business plan. I'm thinking bigger. Eventually, when I have a store front, I will franchise. For now, the host is not having a party to make money. They are just having the party to get free makeup. I give them free makeup no matter what my sales are at the party. My product line is vast.
Product line:
Bath & Body
shampoo, conditioner, face and body wash, shaving cream, toner, body butter, body lotion, face lotion, sugar scrub, detangler, leave-in conditioner.
Makeup
foundation, eyeshadow, blush, mascara, eye and lip liner, lipstick, bronzer, nail polish
These products are all-natural and all under $9.99 each. Guests can customize everything. For example, you order shampoo and conditioner. You have a choice of taking the product as-is (no fragrance and loaded with essential oils and minerals) or adding more essential oils and fragrance. Maybe your scalp suffers from dandruff. I have an essential oil to help clear up that dandruff. Maybe you want a fragrance. I have tons to choose from. My favorite is juniper breeze!
Another example using makeup....
One of your guests has the hardest time matching her skin to the correct foundation. I have 9 different color blends to work with. We can develop the perfect tone and texture. I have three bases: sheer, medium, and full-coverage. Maybe one of your guests suffers from eczema. I can add an essential oil to her foundation to help clear up the eczema.
Another makeup example....
Love Me Recovery has over 50 eyeshadows to choose from. But...one of your guests has an eyeshadow color she really wants. My friend was paying outrageous amounts of money of Nylon by MAC. I custom-made a champagne color eyeshadow that was just what she wanted! Only $5.99 instead of $25.
The possibilities are endless. The standard Bath & Beauty party is set-up with the host booking a party and inviting her friends. The friends each pay individually and get their products that day. The host gets a set of Love Me Recovery Bath & Beauty products!
I have also created pay-in-advance parties which are tailored to bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, pre-prom, pre-girls night out, any planning event where the host is footing the bill. These parties are stacked with product and discounts!
Planning a bridal shower is time-consuming and can be expensive. The same goes for any other type of party where the host is footing the bill. Preparing those goody bags, prizes, party favors, games, ECT. I've lumped all that planning into one big bath & body party! I take away all the stress of preparation and give the host something to look forward to: free product!
Bridal Showers
Your guests and bride will never forget this adventure! Imagine getting all the girls together and picking out the makeup for your big day! Also, just makeup and bath products for everyday use. Everyone gets to watch the customization of the products while sipping wine and eating cheese (something like that). Huge discounts are awarded for booking a wedding kit (more on that later). Let me breakdown the party.
Party Specs:
I'm working on a brochure, making connections, and hope to offer discounts on photography for weddings and other events when booking a party. This party platform will ensure my profitability as a business. By offering an excellent product, at an affordable price, I hope to open a store front in less than two years. I will still offer parties! I'll hopefully have a few rooms in which to hosts these parties in my store.
Love,
Jenny
Party Ideas
1. The host isn't in it for profit.
2. They don't have to sell a certain dollar amount to get free product.
3. The choices are not limited to makeup.
4. Products are all-natural and affordable.
5. Guests get to custom-order their products
6. Products are available onsite. No waiting!
I've considered bringing on associates to sell my makeup. I just don't think I want to add that aspect to my business plan. I'm thinking bigger. Eventually, when I have a store front, I will franchise. For now, the host is not having a party to make money. They are just having the party to get free makeup. I give them free makeup no matter what my sales are at the party. My product line is vast.
Product line:
Bath & Body
shampoo, conditioner, face and body wash, shaving cream, toner, body butter, body lotion, face lotion, sugar scrub, detangler, leave-in conditioner.
Makeup
foundation, eyeshadow, blush, mascara, eye and lip liner, lipstick, bronzer, nail polish
These products are all-natural and all under $9.99 each. Guests can customize everything. For example, you order shampoo and conditioner. You have a choice of taking the product as-is (no fragrance and loaded with essential oils and minerals) or adding more essential oils and fragrance. Maybe your scalp suffers from dandruff. I have an essential oil to help clear up that dandruff. Maybe you want a fragrance. I have tons to choose from. My favorite is juniper breeze!
Another example using makeup....
One of your guests has the hardest time matching her skin to the correct foundation. I have 9 different color blends to work with. We can develop the perfect tone and texture. I have three bases: sheer, medium, and full-coverage. Maybe one of your guests suffers from eczema. I can add an essential oil to her foundation to help clear up the eczema.
Another makeup example....
Love Me Recovery has over 50 eyeshadows to choose from. But...one of your guests has an eyeshadow color she really wants. My friend was paying outrageous amounts of money of Nylon by MAC. I custom-made a champagne color eyeshadow that was just what she wanted! Only $5.99 instead of $25.
The possibilities are endless. The standard Bath & Beauty party is set-up with the host booking a party and inviting her friends. The friends each pay individually and get their products that day. The host gets a set of Love Me Recovery Bath & Beauty products!
I have also created pay-in-advance parties which are tailored to bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, pre-prom, pre-girls night out, any planning event where the host is footing the bill. These parties are stacked with product and discounts!
Planning a bridal shower is time-consuming and can be expensive. The same goes for any other type of party where the host is footing the bill. Preparing those goody bags, prizes, party favors, games, ECT. I've lumped all that planning into one big bath & body party! I take away all the stress of preparation and give the host something to look forward to: free product!
Bridal Showers
Your guests and bride will never forget this adventure! Imagine getting all the girls together and picking out the makeup for your big day! Also, just makeup and bath products for everyday use. Everyone gets to watch the customization of the products while sipping wine and eating cheese (something like that). Huge discounts are awarded for booking a wedding kit (more on that later). Let me breakdown the party.
Party Specs:
- 25% discount on Wedding package (includes Bath & Beauty kit for the honeymoon)
- Optional makeup artists for makeovers
- Tons of samples on hand
- Custom-made products available onsite
- Huge discounts on our "Absolutely Everything Kit" (includes our whole line of Bath & Beauty products)
- 3 hour flat free plus the cost of bridal package (quote required-varies depending on # of guests)
- Everyone takes free samples home! (goodie bag)
- Prizes awarded
- The makeover is a great way to substitute games
I'm working on a brochure, making connections, and hope to offer discounts on photography for weddings and other events when booking a party. This party platform will ensure my profitability as a business. By offering an excellent product, at an affordable price, I hope to open a store front in less than two years. I will still offer parties! I'll hopefully have a few rooms in which to hosts these parties in my store.
Love,
Jenny
Friday, May 17, 2013
Countdown to June
Only a couple weeks away from starting my "All-Natural in 90 days" campaign. Some may say I'm crazy for attempting to jump-start this campaign and graduate from college, but I am only taking one class. Then, my bachelors degree in Linguistics is finished! This is a short blog. I just want to communicate two things:
1. I need volunteer campaign coordinators to host pledge parties in July.
2. I need someone with video experience to record a fundraising video.
All coordinators and volunteers will get free makeup and bath products. I need to set up coordinators and volunteers for a video by the beginning of June.
Love,
Jenny
1. I need volunteer campaign coordinators to host pledge parties in July.
2. I need someone with video experience to record a fundraising video.
All coordinators and volunteers will get free makeup and bath products. I need to set up coordinators and volunteers for a video by the beginning of June.
Love,
Jenny
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Safe or Unsafe?
The controversy is widespread. Is sodium lauryl sulfate safe? Well, I am not a scientist. But, like I have indicated in earlier blogs, you don't need to be a scientist to know how a bath and beauty product makes your skin look and feel. I have an ingredient challenge for you today. I want you to look at the ingredient labels on the bath and beauty products you use on a daily basis:
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Body and Face Wash
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Laundry detergent
- Hair products
So what is sodium lauryl sulfate?
Simply put, it is sodium salt from lauryl sulfate. It's function is quite simple. It's used as a denaturant, surfactant, cleansing agent, emulsifier, and foaming agent. Mainly known as a detergent, this chemical is cheap for companies to use.
I am not going to argue to cancer-causing case against SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). However, I'll say this. Canadian and UK studies are compounding and showing evidence that this stuff isn't so great in our bath and beauty products (www.ewg.org/skindeep).
I want to focus on why you should illuminate SLS from all of your bath and beauty products and I believe my reasons will be easy to relate to, for the most part. Let me address the top 3 concerns related to SLS for consumers:
- Irritation
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproduction)
- Ecotoxicology
I did. I still do. I am in the process of removing the chemical from my shampoo and conditioner. I've already got rid of my face and body wash. I'm coming up with a whole new line of all-natural shampoo and conditioner for only $5 ea. (8oz. bottles). My hair is either oily or dry. There really isn't an in-between. I also stopped using hair moose and hair spray. The ingredients in these products were ruining my hair. Since I ceased to use them, my hair has never been so curly, soft, and fuzzy-free. I am working on a Shea butter recipe for curls!
Simple fact is this: is your bath and beauty products giving you the outcome you want? Is your hair soft hours after you've taken a shower? Is your face silky smooth and blemish-free like all those brands promise? Are you flaky? Are your eyes irritated? Is your skin red? The most common issues with SLS is irritated skin.
This is something to ponder. For more information:
www.ewg.org/skindeep
safecosmetics.org
greenpeople.co.uk
All-Natural Mineral Makeup
www.lovemerecovery.com
(Coming soon! All-Natural Bath and Beauty Products under $9.99)
Follow me on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
https://twitter.com/LoveMeRecovery
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=236378679&trk=tab_pro
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Do you really need eyeshadow primer and foundation primer?
NO!
1. You don't have to buy primer for your makeup to last all-day.
2. You can buy an eyeshadow, blush, and foundation from Love Me Recovery Mineral Makeup that will last all-day and doesn't cost over $20 ea. (My eyeshadow and blush starts at $5.99 and my foundation is only $9.99.
The only ingredient really missing from my makeup is silica. I do however use magnesium stearate which offers the same silkiness silica offers. In addition, I use kaolin clay which is another common ingredient in primer. Both the magnesium stearate and kaolin clay provide excellent adhesion and help fill-in lines and wrinkles.
STOP BUYING PRIMER!
Also, stop paying large retail corporations over $20 for foundation that requires primer. In addition, Love Me Recovery Mineral Makeup is 100% all-natural. We do not use bismuth, paraben, talc, nano-size titanium dioxide, and many other common ingredients used in makeup today. I encourage you to visit these two websites to checkout the ingredients in your makeup:
www.safecosmetics.org
www.ewg.org/skindeep
How did I arrive at the conclusion? I made some primer tonight and did half my face with primer and the other half without. My makeup had way better adhesion without the primer. I will sell primer if someone really wants it. But, it just isn't necessary.
Keep reading and make sure to checkout my other blog I just started: "All-Natural in 90 Days"
Love,
Jenny
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Mineral Makeup for Spring and Summer
I failed in the beginning to pay close attention to seasonal styles. I was gently reminded by a Facebook follower that I needed brighter colors. I immediately went back to the mixology and created a new spring/summer collection of eyeshadows. I also made bronzer tonight. I have a few more colors to mix up and I will have a complete spring/summer collection of eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer.
So what is popular right now?
I did some research into this seasons color trends and the results were pretty consistent. Blue and green is key to eyeshadow. In addition to blue and green:
What about foundation?
The spring and summer trends include a flawless and shimmery glow. Harper's Bazaar called it, "sicilian summer" effect. This is why I made bronzers. My mineral foundations are also perfect for summer. The last thing you want on your face is liquid foundation and pressed powder in the hot weather. The sweat doesn't compliment the ingredients. My loose mineral foundation is perfect! Also, I make a mineral veil that will add a little glow to your overall complexion.
Bonus! One of each (bronzer, mineral foundation, and mineral veil) is only $30! I sell my loose powders in 30g jars and offer refills for only $6.99. They are all-natural and chemical-free. My base is kaolin clay and it allows your skin to breath and absorbs oil. It also helps prevent skin irritation and breakouts.
I am going to share a few of my eyeshadow colors here and checkout my website for all my products. The bronzers will be listed early next week.
Pearly Green
Lime
Dollhouse
Cotton Candy
Showgirl
Summer
Aquarius
Moonstruck
Flambe Red
Plum Passion
Queen Elizabeth
Ultramarine Blue
Pyrite
Hot Mama
Just Peachy
Rockstar
Apple Pop
Honey
Peaches 'n" Cream
My eyeshadows are only $5.99 ea. They are full of shimmer and have all-day wear. Please visit my website to learn more about Love Me Recovery and buy some makeup! You can start with one foundation, one eyeshadow, and one blush for under $22.00!
So what is popular right now?
I did some research into this seasons color trends and the results were pretty consistent. Blue and green is key to eyeshadow. In addition to blue and green:
- Orange
- Yellow
- and various shades of blue/green
- turquoise
- jade
- aqua
- teal
- sage
What about foundation?
The spring and summer trends include a flawless and shimmery glow. Harper's Bazaar called it, "sicilian summer" effect. This is why I made bronzers. My mineral foundations are also perfect for summer. The last thing you want on your face is liquid foundation and pressed powder in the hot weather. The sweat doesn't compliment the ingredients. My loose mineral foundation is perfect! Also, I make a mineral veil that will add a little glow to your overall complexion.
Bonus! One of each (bronzer, mineral foundation, and mineral veil) is only $30! I sell my loose powders in 30g jars and offer refills for only $6.99. They are all-natural and chemical-free. My base is kaolin clay and it allows your skin to breath and absorbs oil. It also helps prevent skin irritation and breakouts.
I am going to share a few of my eyeshadow colors here and checkout my website for all my products. The bronzers will be listed early next week.
My eyeshadows are only $5.99 ea. They are full of shimmer and have all-day wear. Please visit my website to learn more about Love Me Recovery and buy some makeup! You can start with one foundation, one eyeshadow, and one blush for under $22.00!
www.lovemerecovery.com
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
My new eyeshadows!
I have 20 new eyeshadow colors for spring and summer and a few dark and sensuous colors for a girls night out or any special occasion. I was inspired by constructive criticism to get some shimmery spring and summer colors created. I did just that. They are full of brilliance and all-natural ingredients. Nothing makes me happier than mixology and offering a product that isn't going to irritate my customers skin or cause harmful side effects. I use kaolin clay for a base, jojoba oil to soften, and an all-natural cap-5 preservative. My makeup will recover your skin from those icky cosmetics full of talc, paraben, and other skin irritants.
Here is my new eyeshadows! Only $5.99 ea. on www.lovemerecovery.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
https://twitter.com/LoveMeRecovery
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=236378679&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150
Love,
Jenny
Here is my new eyeshadows! Only $5.99 ea. on www.lovemerecovery.com
Pearly Green
Purple Pop
Lime
Dollhouse
Cotton Candy
Showgirl
Summer
Aquarius
Moonstruck
Flambe Red
Plum Passion
Queen Elizabeth
Ultramarine Blue
Pyrite
Hot Mama
Just Peachy
Rockstar
Peaches 'n' Cream
Apple Pop
Honey
Hope you like! Come join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Me-Recovery/518677474849952
https://twitter.com/LoveMeRecovery
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=236378679&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150
Love,
Jenny
Monday, April 29, 2013
Not all mineral makeup is created equal
You don't need scientific research to make an educated choice about your makeup. But, if you are on the fences about what makeup to wear this research will help you make the right choice. When BareMinerals was first introduced I was ecstatic! I picked up my first kit at Fred Meyer, went home and applied my foundation. My psyche was telling me, "Oh, Jennifer...this stuff is so healthy for your skin, you won't breakout, it won't turn you orange, and it's not expensive. After a few weeks of use, I started breaking out, my skin was irritated, my sister attempted to tell me the tone wasn't right. I kept coming up with excuses, "Something else is causing my breakouts, there is no cure for my sensitive skin, at least it's not expensive." I ended up switching back to liquid foundation and pressed powder. Just going back to what I knew. I went on for years like this. The past few years I've just given up on foundation all-together. I looked dead, tired, purple under my eyes. Nothing ever worked.
That has all changed.
My life directed me into opening my own business and I chose mineral makeup because I was personally motivated to find a solution for sensitive skin. I believe I've found a solution. I've quickly learned that all mineral makeup is not created equal. Consumers are being lied to, the FDA regulations are too loose, and consumers don't have the time or energy to stay properly informed. But isn't makeup supposed to make us feel better and help our skin actually improve? I expect my makeup to make me feel good and to help my sensitive and fair skin. I don't think I should have to pay over $25 for mineral foundation. It's minerals for goodness sakes! Minerals are all-natural and HELLO! they are not expensive. Not only are we as consumers being lied to about our makeup ingredients, we are being royally ripped off.
All of my mineral products are under $9.99 each.
I believe in honesty, quality, and affordability. Mineral makeup supplies and all-natural preservatives are not expensive. I can make a decent profit selling my mineral foundation for $9.99 (30g jar). Of course, once I get my product recognized for its quality and affordability I will have an opportunity for moderate profit. Honestly, I just want to take care of my family and live a good life. I want to make a product that consumers can buy with confidence knowing it's truly all-natural and good for their skin.
The research doesn't lie.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and EWG (The Environmental Working Group), along with many other organizations have compiled the research. Our main cosmetics companies, bath and beauty companies, along with other organizations have been taking consumers for fools. Even our babies aren't safe. Johnson and Johnson is stepping up to the plate and making changes. Carcinogens in our baby products? Really? This should never have happened. EVER.
BareMinerals is one of the leading culprits.
There is nothing bare about BareMinerals. Instead of going on a huge rant about it. Just visit this website and google the ingredients in your makeup.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=bareminerals&h=Search
Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation is the worst.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=rimmel+lasting+finish
Maybelline and Jane Iredale are leading the way to unsafe cosmetics.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=maybelline
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=jane+iredale
Just go back to what I said in the beginning. You don't need scientific evidence to know your makeup is bad for you. Just think. How does it make your skin feel? Are you breaking out? Do your pores feel clogged? Are your eyes irritated?
Is it worth it? Does expensive = good for your skin?
NO. NO. NO.
Just take the ingredient challenge. Visit these two websites and look up the ingredients in your makeup. Try Love Me Recovery Mineral Makeup. I don't use any talc, paraben, bismuth, nano-particles, or animal testing. That makes a huge difference. My makeup is won't clog your pores, cause breakouts, or irritate your skin. My skin has never felt better. I won't sell my makeup if I won't wear it myself.
safecosmetics.org
ewg.org/skindeep
Love,
Jenny
That has all changed.
My life directed me into opening my own business and I chose mineral makeup because I was personally motivated to find a solution for sensitive skin. I believe I've found a solution. I've quickly learned that all mineral makeup is not created equal. Consumers are being lied to, the FDA regulations are too loose, and consumers don't have the time or energy to stay properly informed. But isn't makeup supposed to make us feel better and help our skin actually improve? I expect my makeup to make me feel good and to help my sensitive and fair skin. I don't think I should have to pay over $25 for mineral foundation. It's minerals for goodness sakes! Minerals are all-natural and HELLO! they are not expensive. Not only are we as consumers being lied to about our makeup ingredients, we are being royally ripped off.
All of my mineral products are under $9.99 each.
I believe in honesty, quality, and affordability. Mineral makeup supplies and all-natural preservatives are not expensive. I can make a decent profit selling my mineral foundation for $9.99 (30g jar). Of course, once I get my product recognized for its quality and affordability I will have an opportunity for moderate profit. Honestly, I just want to take care of my family and live a good life. I want to make a product that consumers can buy with confidence knowing it's truly all-natural and good for their skin.
The research doesn't lie.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and EWG (The Environmental Working Group), along with many other organizations have compiled the research. Our main cosmetics companies, bath and beauty companies, along with other organizations have been taking consumers for fools. Even our babies aren't safe. Johnson and Johnson is stepping up to the plate and making changes. Carcinogens in our baby products? Really? This should never have happened. EVER.
BareMinerals is one of the leading culprits.
There is nothing bare about BareMinerals. Instead of going on a huge rant about it. Just visit this website and google the ingredients in your makeup.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=bareminerals&h=Search
Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation is the worst.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=rimmel+lasting+finish
Maybelline and Jane Iredale are leading the way to unsafe cosmetics.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=maybelline
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=jane+iredale
Just go back to what I said in the beginning. You don't need scientific evidence to know your makeup is bad for you. Just think. How does it make your skin feel? Are you breaking out? Do your pores feel clogged? Are your eyes irritated?
Is it worth it? Does expensive = good for your skin?
NO. NO. NO.
Just take the ingredient challenge. Visit these two websites and look up the ingredients in your makeup. Try Love Me Recovery Mineral Makeup. I don't use any talc, paraben, bismuth, nano-particles, or animal testing. That makes a huge difference. My makeup is won't clog your pores, cause breakouts, or irritate your skin. My skin has never felt better. I won't sell my makeup if I won't wear it myself.
safecosmetics.org
ewg.org/skindeep
Love,
Jenny
Friday, April 26, 2013
Planning my next fundraiser. Thinking big!
I had a lot of time to breakdown my short-term and long-term goals for Love Me Recovery today. My initial fundraiser on Indiegogo (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150) has been an epic fail. No one has contributed anything. The campaign only has 24 days left. I need to do some serious legwork before starting my Kickstarter campaign (http://www.kickstarter.com/). I've made some new connections this week. Exciting connections. For example, I found someone through my Craigslist ad who owns a bartering network (TradeonBarter.com). She and I will be trading services for my website development. I also came across a new supplier. This connection will bring down my overall product costs by over 35%. I was worried that my goal of offering all of my products under $9.99 ea. couldn't become reality. Now, I think I can manage to profit while offering all-natural products at an extremely affordable price.
So...what's my plan? Let me talk about all products for under $9.99. I've decided to make this goal a top priority. If I plan on reaching the masses I need to stay price competitive. I want my customers to come back over and over again. I also want to equate quality with affordability. So many makeup companies call their products high-quality but they don't mean all-natural and high-quality. I want Love Me Recovery to offer both aspects. Mineral makeup isn't complicated or expensive. The natural bases for bath and body products aren't either. My profit margin will rely heavily on quantity of purchases and not a higher profit margin per product. Imagine this...
I want part of my fundraising campaign to include a day of recovery. I want customers to buy in advance $100 of product with their contribution. Basically, the perk has two parts. The customer donates $200 and 50% of that donation is directly put back into their pockets through receiving $100 in product. Second, the customer is going to throw away all their previously used products and replace them with their new LMR kit which includes:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Body Wash
- Toner
- Foundation
- Blush
- Eyeshadow
- Lip Balm
- Facial Moisturizer
10 products for $100. That is my pitch. Help me start a company that is going to offer all their products under $9.99 ea., all-natural, and environmentally friends. The environmentally friendly piece also means I will offer refill packs at a discount rate for those who reuse their packaging. I plan on marking these refills down 25% of the original cost of the product.
I need to start putting together a fundraising team. There are several components to the Kickstarter campaign. I'm working on solidifying my supplier relationships and building a network of local support. I need to build relationships for sales and marketing opportunities. I also need to find a few investors to make my dream of opening up a shop come true. First, I must copyright and register my trademarks. This means I need to raise my initial $5k to move to the next step.
I've even sketched a new custom-compact design for my makeup today! It's a compact that will have room for your foundation, blush, eyeshadow, concealer, color corrector, brushes, and liners. It will be deep for mineral makeup and have a large mirror for makeup application. Of course, I have to find a company to manufacture my design. Just keep thinking BIG!
Last, but not least, I will talk about my eBook I plan on writing. I have organized a layout of topics. I plan on charging $4.99 for the eBook. It's main theme is safe cosmetics and bath/beauty products. It offers an ingredient challenge, encouraging consumers to read their labels and get rid of unsafe products around the house. It debunks the rumors that all mineral makeups are manufactured alike and the truth behind companies like Bare/Essential Minerals. I'll talk about how expensive doesn't necessarily equal healthy or good for your skin and body. I will talk consumers through taking my challenge. A campaign to throw away the old stuff and invest $100 in Love Me Recovery. We'll walk through my product line and all its benefits. Finally, I will encourage ongoing support of Love Me Recovery and our mission to offer all-natural and affordable solutions for your head to toe business needs.
I am getting tired. This isn't meant to confuse anyone. I am rambling a little. Just so excited!
Love,
Jenny
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Facebook Following
Facebook is so powerful as a sales and marketing tool. The connections are endless. You can build a network of people you barely know and they draw people to you seamlessly. Just in 24 hours, I doubled my companies page "likes" because I knew this one person. She owns an amazing photography company and her connections doubled my pages exposure. I believe that action will have a positive ripple effect. My pages "likes" are growing every hour. I am meeting new people, chatting up on Facebook, and my confidence is boosting 300% that my mineral makeup company might have a fighting chance after all.
I started shopping around on the internet last night for private label liability insurance. I am determined to open my market locally through selling at independently-owned locations. In order to accomplish this, I have to harbor the liability with appropriate insurance. The premium shouldn't be too bad since my products are FDA-approved and all-natural. I just want to open the doors to many local opportunities. I want to make connections with my community and become recognized for amazing and affordable mineral makeup.
I need to work on some tedious tasks over the next couple days. Mainly, product labeling and data entry. I need to streamline my tracking for product, printing for labels, and get all my recipes in one place. Before everything gets out-of-hand and I have over 200 recipes! I'm working hard to locate the perfect mascara recipe for vegan and all-natural mascara. I'm going to try a couple different kinds and get people to try them before selling the product. Also, I'm dabbling with the idea of offering candles. Not just any candles. Cupcake candles. They are so amazing and smell so good! This is mainly for my vendor fair but I could sell them on my website. I'm obsessed with these DIY projects.
I just feel so much better starting my own business, having control over everything: creation, organization, sales and marketing, no bosses! I'm gonna try and keep the dream alive!
Love,
Jenny
I started shopping around on the internet last night for private label liability insurance. I am determined to open my market locally through selling at independently-owned locations. In order to accomplish this, I have to harbor the liability with appropriate insurance. The premium shouldn't be too bad since my products are FDA-approved and all-natural. I just want to open the doors to many local opportunities. I want to make connections with my community and become recognized for amazing and affordable mineral makeup.
I need to work on some tedious tasks over the next couple days. Mainly, product labeling and data entry. I need to streamline my tracking for product, printing for labels, and get all my recipes in one place. Before everything gets out-of-hand and I have over 200 recipes! I'm working hard to locate the perfect mascara recipe for vegan and all-natural mascara. I'm going to try a couple different kinds and get people to try them before selling the product. Also, I'm dabbling with the idea of offering candles. Not just any candles. Cupcake candles. They are so amazing and smell so good! This is mainly for my vendor fair but I could sell them on my website. I'm obsessed with these DIY projects.
I just feel so much better starting my own business, having control over everything: creation, organization, sales and marketing, no bosses! I'm gonna try and keep the dream alive!
Love,
Jenny
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Please share my fundraising page on Ingiegogo! Less than 30 days left!
Please share my fundraising campaign for Love Me Recovery Cosmetics. This campaign has less than 30 days. I am trying to raise sales and marketing start up funds of $1,000. I am offering great perks for contributors!
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150
Sunday, April 21, 2013
I'm so ready! Let me share my dream.
I made four new eye shadows tonight. It actually calms me, mixology. I had my b-roll for my fund raising video today. I am working with 4 journalist students from the U of O who are helping me make a video to use on my Kickstarter campaign. I made makeup and applied makeup to friends and family. I also gave the girls who videotaped eyeshadow and foundation. I'm so excited to raise money. I started thinking, realistically. $1,000 just isn't enough to really get things going for my new mineral makeup business. I need to be honest. I have such high hopes for my company.
So....I am going to raise my fund raising goal. There isn't anything I can do about the Ingiegogo campaign. It's already launched and has less than 30 days left. We haven't raised any money. I also haven't dedicated enough time and energy to the campaign. I want to start fresh with kickstarter.com. I am going to raise my goal to $5,000.00. I do hope to exceed this goal but I can't go too high. If you don't raise all the funds you ask for you don't get any of the money. My dream mineral makeup company needs more like $15k to get started. Let me explain.
The $5k will help me sell makeup locally and on the web without a store front. I will be able to get a real, full e-commerce web site, buy profession business cards, stock up on packaging and labels, buy retail displays, a banner for vendor shows and other events, advertise locally and on the internet, and buy a few more products and supplies. Most importantly, I can pay for minimal copyright and registration of my company and product idea. I could sustain myself, until I become profitable.
Ultimately, I want to open a local retail store. Once this store is successful, I want to open a chain of stores. I'm thinking franchising the business. Here's my idea. Imagine walking into a cosmetics store and seeing rows of colors. Every color you can imagine. All of these rows are labeled: eyeshadow, foundation, blush, concealer, mascara, lip balm, ECT. You take a tray. This tray has little tins. You get to walk through these rows and pick whatever color, texture, tone, shimmer, and container you want. There will be posters of colors you can mix to make any color under the rainbow. There will be consultants on-hand to help you pick and choose. Then, you sit down with a personal mixologist you consults and mixes you makeup on-the-spot.
more...
You can tell the consultant if you want power or pressed makeup. Maybe even both. Do you want shimmer or a matte look? What kind of coverage do you want for your foundation? Sheer, medium, or full-coverage? Maybe you want a little darker tone than last time because you are tanner from the summer sun. We can do that! Then, you watch your beautiful colors mix, we package them, you can even name the colors if you want. We give you a card that you swipe every time you come in. We save your color choices for the next time. Oh! You get a punch card: buy 5 and get one free!
more....
If you don't want to walk through rows of colors, our store will have plenty of ready-made eye shadows, blushes, foundations, and more! Did I mention that we will also have shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toner, bath products, and even laundry detergent? Yes! You can custom-make these too or just order what we have in stock. All of these products we be:
Wanna have a makeup party? We will have rooms reserved for these parties! Perfect for bridal, baby showers, birthdays, graduation, and any other party. Everyone gets makeup, bath & beauty products, and gets to choose their colors, scents, and well...everything! I will also offer makeup consults for weddings, prom, events, anything you need makeup and beauty products for. Just imagine the fun!
This is my dream. My goals as a business owner. I want to share Love Me Recovery Mineral Makeup with everyone. Makeup is personal. I want to offer an infinite selection of colors. The spectrum is endless! Help me make this dream come true and donate to my fund raising campaign.
Click here to visit my current fund-raising campaign:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150
Love,
Jennifer
So....I am going to raise my fund raising goal. There isn't anything I can do about the Ingiegogo campaign. It's already launched and has less than 30 days left. We haven't raised any money. I also haven't dedicated enough time and energy to the campaign. I want to start fresh with kickstarter.com. I am going to raise my goal to $5,000.00. I do hope to exceed this goal but I can't go too high. If you don't raise all the funds you ask for you don't get any of the money. My dream mineral makeup company needs more like $15k to get started. Let me explain.
The $5k will help me sell makeup locally and on the web without a store front. I will be able to get a real, full e-commerce web site, buy profession business cards, stock up on packaging and labels, buy retail displays, a banner for vendor shows and other events, advertise locally and on the internet, and buy a few more products and supplies. Most importantly, I can pay for minimal copyright and registration of my company and product idea. I could sustain myself, until I become profitable.
Ultimately, I want to open a local retail store. Once this store is successful, I want to open a chain of stores. I'm thinking franchising the business. Here's my idea. Imagine walking into a cosmetics store and seeing rows of colors. Every color you can imagine. All of these rows are labeled: eyeshadow, foundation, blush, concealer, mascara, lip balm, ECT. You take a tray. This tray has little tins. You get to walk through these rows and pick whatever color, texture, tone, shimmer, and container you want. There will be posters of colors you can mix to make any color under the rainbow. There will be consultants on-hand to help you pick and choose. Then, you sit down with a personal mixologist you consults and mixes you makeup on-the-spot.
more...
You can tell the consultant if you want power or pressed makeup. Maybe even both. Do you want shimmer or a matte look? What kind of coverage do you want for your foundation? Sheer, medium, or full-coverage? Maybe you want a little darker tone than last time because you are tanner from the summer sun. We can do that! Then, you watch your beautiful colors mix, we package them, you can even name the colors if you want. We give you a card that you swipe every time you come in. We save your color choices for the next time. Oh! You get a punch card: buy 5 and get one free!
more....
If you don't want to walk through rows of colors, our store will have plenty of ready-made eye shadows, blushes, foundations, and more! Did I mention that we will also have shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toner, bath products, and even laundry detergent? Yes! You can custom-make these too or just order what we have in stock. All of these products we be:
- All-natural
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Talc-free
- Icky chemical-free
- Affordable
Wanna have a makeup party? We will have rooms reserved for these parties! Perfect for bridal, baby showers, birthdays, graduation, and any other party. Everyone gets makeup, bath & beauty products, and gets to choose their colors, scents, and well...everything! I will also offer makeup consults for weddings, prom, events, anything you need makeup and beauty products for. Just imagine the fun!
This is my dream. My goals as a business owner. I want to share Love Me Recovery Mineral Makeup with everyone. Makeup is personal. I want to offer an infinite selection of colors. The spectrum is endless! Help me make this dream come true and donate to my fund raising campaign.
Click here to visit my current fund-raising campaign:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/start-up-funds-love-me-recovery-mineral-makeup/x/2750150
Love,
Jennifer
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Only 29 days left on my fundraising campaign! Donate and share!
Only 29 days left on my Indiegogo campaign! Please contribute and share! Thank you
http://igg.me/at/lovemerecoverymineralmakeup/x/2750150
I really need your help getting Love Me Recovery jump started. I need $1,000 for sales and marketing. I've divided my spending into several categories including:
Local $100: retail sales and marketing at 3 consignment shops
Web $300: I need a new website! Mine is templated. I need to start a Cafe Commerce.
Packaging $100: I need to streamline my packaging and buy in bulk to save money.
Labeling $90: I need labels for product with my logo and ingredients.
Display cases $100: They are $32.50 each and are for my local retail consignment shops
Banner $70: This is for vendor fairs
Business Cards: $240
I appreciate your support and I am offering great perks to contributors. Please visit my campaign sight above for all the details.
Love,
Jennifer
http://igg.me/at/lovemerecoverymineralmakeup/x/2750150
I really need your help getting Love Me Recovery jump started. I need $1,000 for sales and marketing. I've divided my spending into several categories including:
Local $100: retail sales and marketing at 3 consignment shops
Web $300: I need a new website! Mine is templated. I need to start a Cafe Commerce.
Packaging $100: I need to streamline my packaging and buy in bulk to save money.
Labeling $90: I need labels for product with my logo and ingredients.
Display cases $100: They are $32.50 each and are for my local retail consignment shops
Banner $70: This is for vendor fairs
Business Cards: $240
I appreciate your support and I am offering great perks to contributors. Please visit my campaign sight above for all the details.
Love,
Jennifer
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
My new mineral blushes and foundations!
I wanted to share pictures of my new makeup with you! I won't post everything here. Make sure to visit my website: www.lovemerecovery.com. I registered www.homemademineralmakeup.com today courtesy of Moon Fruit when I upgraded my website. I had to upgrade in order to add more products. Now, I can have 150 products listed and I only pay $20 a month for hosting and website development. Not too shabby. I'm dropping off blush and foundation to my local consignment store today. They are already selling my eyeshadow. It's a 75/25 split. Not too bad.
I start selling at the Monmouth Market tomorrow. I have everything ready-to-go! I'm just waiting for the rest of my lip balm stuff to make that. I'm starting out with two flavors: pineapple-banana and bubble gum. The lip balm is all-natural and awesome! I'm selling them for $2.50 each. I recently posted on my Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin that you can buy a eyeshadow, blush, and foundation off my website for less than $22.00! That is one awesome deal. Some mineral foundations cost over $20 on their own. My product is all-natural and homemade. You can still custom-order your colors for the same price. That is a deal. I hope sales increase soon.
On Friday, I start my Kickstart campaign. My fundraising campaign on Indiegogo hasn't made one cent. I am pretty disappointed. I'm trying to raise $1k. I need to jumpstart my marketing efforts. I have a streamlined plan including local and internet advertising that will be cost-effective and successful. I just need the start-up capital. I've investing well over $1k already into my business. I'm working hard to get noticed by my local boutique "Amanda's Closet." I know my makeup would sell there because her clothes and accessories really draw in the college women. These women have no way to get into town and buy makeup. My makeup is reasonably priced and great quality. I hope she contacts me soon!
So...here are my pics! Thank you for reading.
Love,
Jenny
I start selling at the Monmouth Market tomorrow. I have everything ready-to-go! I'm just waiting for the rest of my lip balm stuff to make that. I'm starting out with two flavors: pineapple-banana and bubble gum. The lip balm is all-natural and awesome! I'm selling them for $2.50 each. I recently posted on my Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin that you can buy a eyeshadow, blush, and foundation off my website for less than $22.00! That is one awesome deal. Some mineral foundations cost over $20 on their own. My product is all-natural and homemade. You can still custom-order your colors for the same price. That is a deal. I hope sales increase soon.
On Friday, I start my Kickstart campaign. My fundraising campaign on Indiegogo hasn't made one cent. I am pretty disappointed. I'm trying to raise $1k. I need to jumpstart my marketing efforts. I have a streamlined plan including local and internet advertising that will be cost-effective and successful. I just need the start-up capital. I've investing well over $1k already into my business. I'm working hard to get noticed by my local boutique "Amanda's Closet." I know my makeup would sell there because her clothes and accessories really draw in the college women. These women have no way to get into town and buy makeup. My makeup is reasonably priced and great quality. I hope she contacts me soon!
So...here are my pics! Thank you for reading.
Love,
Jenny
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