The Natural Beauty Workshop

What You Can Do to Help Oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008

As many of you know, Donna Maria, of The Indie Beauty Network, has been making a huge effort on the behalf of hundreds of indie business owners in opposition of The FDA Globalization Act of 2008.  In it's current draft form, this legislation could negatively affect small businesses across the nation, and even cause countless businesses to close their doors forever.  While this prospect is indeed frightening, Donna Maria has continued to encourage indie business owners, and choice conscious consumers to band together against this unfair legislation.  Working together, our voices can become loud and clear. 

What can you do to help oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008?

• Help Donna Maria reach her goal of collecting 100,000 signatures by signing her online petition.
• Speak out by writing a letter to Congress. Donna Maria has thoughtfully put together some sample letters on her blog to help inspire us.
• Spread the word by contacting your local media including newspapers, television stations, and radio stations.  Check out Donna Maria's sample letter to the media to help you get started.
• Pass it on by getting your family, friends, and customers involved in the movement.  Remember, this legislation has the potential to affect more than business owners.  Many consumers prefer buying handmade skin and hair care products to buying from big box companies.  You may be surprised to find that many consumers are more than willing to fight on behalf of their favorite product.  After all, to many people skin care takes an important role in their lifestyle.  Use your blog, newsletters, and word of mouth to spread the word. 
• Keep in touch by following Donna Maria's progress on The Indie Business Blog.

FromNatureWithLove.com Opposes The FDA Globalization Act of 2008

A few words from Kibby, the C.E.O. of Natural Sourcing, LLC and FromNatureWithLove.com regarding The FDA Globalization Act of 2008:

"As an American.... as a mother.... as a health conscious individual.... as a citizen concerned about the economy.... as a business owner who started from home.... and as a supplier who promotes the handcrafted skin care industry everyday, I strongly oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 in its current form. The proposed act was clearly not prepared with the whole cosmetic industry in mind. The small business sector has been grossly overlooked. That is NOT the American way, nor it is good for the American economy! The high, flat fee structure is unfair to those who have worked so hard to establish themselves in business and are just starting to mature as businesses. Small business owners have dedicated their time and resources to develop their knowledge, their products and their businesses so they can secure their futures and improve the lives of their children. Countless numbers of these artisans will be forced to go out of business if this act is passed without fair regard for their ability to pay the proposed registration fees. I'm sure that each and every one of us opposing this act can appreciate having regulations in place to protect the consumer, but surely the registration fees could be tailored to fit company revenues. Implementing a high fee structure will eliminate most, if not all, small businesses, allow the existing giants to monopolize the industry, halt the creative spin that handcrafters tend to set off within the industry and eliminate the birth of businesses like Carol's Daughter, a small company that took spark in a kitchen."

"As a supplier of ingredients to the cosmetic industry, my husband and I are well aware of how large, well branded companies make product. They cut costs, they cut ingredients and they go for label claims (1% is all it takes!). Their packaging is more expensive than the product in it and their definition of quality is questionable. Small businesses, on the other hand, are acutely aware of the need for high quality, chemical free alternatives for people who suffer from skin sensitivities and choose to use premium quality ingredients. Without the passion and dedication of small businesses, like our customers, we would not have a choice to buy high quality, conscientiously crafted, AMERICAN MADE products. I want the choice to choose!"

Sincerely,
Kibby Mitra
CEO, Natural Sourcing, LLC (FromNatureWithLove.com is a trademark of Natural Sourcing)

The FDA Globalization Act of 2008

Donna Maria, of the Indie Beauty Network is continuing to crusade on behalf of indie business owners in opposition of The FDA Globalization Act of 2008. To show your support of her efforts and to let congress know what you think about The FDA Globalization Act of 2008 sign the petition that Donna Maria has on posted on The Indie Business Blog. Make sure to list your name, city, and state when you leave your comment.

The Serious Side of Summer Sun

I am a summer girl through and through. Every year when Winter is finally over and the sun begins to peek out again I come back to life along with the flowers and trees.  The sun is the key to my heart.  It is my license to run free outdoors again.  Whether I am sitting contented in my garden, traipsing along a rocky trail in a nearby state park or body surfing in the frigid ocean waves of the Maine coast I come alive in the sunlight.

But there is a price to pay for that daily dose of light.  According to the American Cancer Society the majority of more than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed every year are sun-related.  On top of that, in 2006 over 60,000 cases of Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, were diagnosed.  Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.  It accounts for nearly half of all cancer cases nationwide.  Protecting ourselves from UV damage is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

The American Cancer Society recommends avoiding direct sunlight between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm as your first precaution against skin cancer.  For most of us that is simply not an option.  Between commuting, working, and simply enjoying the outdoors most of us will find ourselves in direct sunlight almost every day.  Also, you may be surprised to know that UV rays can penetrate clothing, clouds, fog and glass, including home and automobile windows.

So what can we do to protect ourselves?  The first line of defense is always sensibility.  Do not over-expose yourself to sunlight on a regular basis and never ever expose yourself to sunlight without some kind of SPF protection.  The classic SPF protection is sun screen.  The American Cancer Society recommends using sun screens with an SPF of at least 15, and they recommend that you reapply every two hours no matter what degree SPF you are using. Even sun screens as high as SPF 60 must still be reapplied regularly to remain effective.

The next step is physical cover.  Wide brimmed hats, parasols, and visors are all great choices for giving your face a little extra protection.  Sunglasses are available with 99% and 100% UV absorption lenses.  These can help to prevent cataracts and other serious sun-related eye problems.  Your clothes can even become UV barriers.  Many retailers offer clothing that comes with SPF protection.  Additionally there is a product available called Sunguard that you can use to add SPF to your own clothes. The product is added to your clothes in the washing machine and can change a plain white T-shirt from UPF 5 to UPF 30.  Garments will remain effective for up to 20 washes at which time, Sunguard can be applied again.

There are even window films available to screen harmful UV rays from entering your home.  A list of products approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation can be found here.

For more information on skin cancers or sun protection please visit the American Cancer Society’s Sun Safety Page or The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.

Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008

Recently, the FDA drafted a legislation that could change the way that Soap and Toiletry makers operate and do business.  This draft legislation is called The Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008.  If passed, this new legislation will impose new regulations and registration fees on businesses that supply cosmetics to American consumers.  While these new regulations are intended to help protect the public, there is an industry wide concern for the implications these regulations may have on small business owners.

Donna Maria Coles Johnson, president of The Indie Beauty Network, recently posted this announcement on The Indie Business Forums.  In her announcement, Donna Maria points out the the key regulations that are a cause for concern.  Please take a look at her article to learn more about The Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2008.  It is a worthwhile read for anyone in our industry.

Donna Maria has also announced her intention to take action on behalf of the over 700 members of The Indie Beauty Network.  If you are an Indie Beauty Network member, be sure to post your opinions, questions, or suggestions to the Indie Business Forums to let Donna Maria know where you stand on this issue. 

The Colors of Spring 2008

According to the Pantone Fashion Color Report, the colors of Spring this year will feature bursts of bright color accompanied by dusty neutrals.  I've collected the stars of the show to give you an idea of what they mean. 

Fresh, light scents are always popular during the Spring.  This year, you'll see a large variety of green scents, and light, fruity florals such as Lily, Cherry Blossom, and Neroli.  Light body lotions, sweet smelling soaps, and fun, youthful perfumes and body splashes tend to be very popular during the Spring.  Above all, Spring is fresh, playful, and full of joy! 

Home scents and candles are also great Spring products.  These items can help to compliment the massive Spring cleaning and airing that will go on in countless homes over the next few months.  While people are throwing open their windows, and changing over to Spring linens, they'll want to invite fresh, clean scents into their homes.

What scents and colors will you be adding to your Spring lines? 

The Shades and Scents of Fall 2007

As the warm breezes and sun-kissed complexions of summer give way to autumn's cooler attitude, styles shift with the seasons. Last year, neutrals were the main focus. Tans, creams, and beiges were complimented by the careful addition of bold color. This Autumn, the tables have turned. The popular color palette for fashions and home decor will be composed almost completely of bold colors. Peacock green, goldenrod, deep cantaloupe, and rich, cherry red. Lilac and Royal Purple will also be making an appearance this year.

Popular fragrances also change with the seasons. The tropical, sugary scents of summer are often traded off for warmer, spicier aromas. This year, fruity smells are continuing their popularity into the Autumn season. Apple, pomegranate, spiced orange, and even mangosteen are being used in popular designer fragrances this fall. There will be no shortage of classic autumn aromas either. Creamy vanilla, pumpkin, and even coconut, will be the tantalizing choices for many designer products this year. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger will be found completing many of these delicious fragrances. For floral lovers, this fall seems to be favoring the richer flower scents, such as jasmine, rose, and gardenia.   

The beginning of a season holds so many wonderful surprises, from fashions to formulations, the many creations being introduced this fall are sure to turn heads and noses alike. Many skin care enthusiasts, like myself, will be breaking out our most moisturizing ingredients in preparation for the chilly days ahead. When you are creating bath and body recipes, an immense amount of focus is given to the effectiveness of a product. As important as that factor is, in any formulation, the aesthetics of a product are also imperative to its success. Often, how a product is colored, scented, and packaged, will have a huge effect on how it is received by a consumer. This is usually what will get a customer to try your product in the first place. The actual quality of the product is what brings them back for more.