Texas Beauty Labs

Small Businesses Worldwide!

Alyssa's Thoughts

Today I learned about an amazing three-year-old non-profit organization called Kiva - I am so excited about it!

Kiva is "the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world," according to its website.

Anyone interested in lending can search through the profiles of entrepreneurs from different regions of the world. After selecting an entrepreneur, one simply uses a PayPal account or credit card to make the loan and then Kiva collects the funds. The funds are passed on to a "Kiva partner" in the area who is responsible for selecting qualified entrepreneurs and distributing the funds. A chosen entrepreneur uses the funds to expand his or her business and repays the loan over time - typically six months to a year. Updates are provided to the lender.

I believe in donating money to charity, but I also love the Kiva concept because, as its website states, it empowers people in developing areas to lift themselves out of poverty. I also love that Kiva is committed to making "the system more transparent" so that people can actually see where there money is going, what their money is doing, and who their money is touching. In addition, many of the loans are small and a lender has the option of funding only part of a small loan.

I am eager to start browsing through the lists of entrepreneurs in need of loans. Becoming involved in Kiva could be a creative, meaningful staff project for small business teams - how incredible to have your small business play a key role in making a small business in a developing nation a success!

Check it out!

Nickels, Dimes, And In This Case, Dollars

Alyssa's Thoughts

As a college junior in charge of my own finances, I keep a close eye on where my money is going and how much of it is leaving. (I'm a Quicken fan!) Today, for example, I went over my budget for the semester to rethink some numbers. I also compiled a list of money-saving ideas that I've posted to my bathroom mirror as a reminder of my goals.

Yesterday I found myself perusing the back of my H.E.B. receipt for coupons that might come in handy for future grocery shopping trips. I found one! Oh, how I love useful coupons! (I have a stack of them next to my recipe book - a free specialty salsa here, a free regular size drink there... advertisers know just how to catch my eye: "Free!")

If you love coupons and great deals as much as me, consider signing up for the Texas Beauty Labs Newsletter. One thing I've learned from working with small business owners is that every cent counts. We understand that at Texas Beauty Labs, so our email newsletter always includes a helpful coupon - sometimes for a featured product, sometimes for free shipping, and sometimes for a percent off your entire purchase.

To sign up for the TBL Newsletter, go to our homepage and scroll down to the footer. Simply enter your email address... and you're in! Enjoy!

President of the Texas Soapmakers Association

Mary's Thoughts

I am the new President of the Texas Soapmakers Association!  The other new Board of Director members are:

Vice President Robert Ungemach from Shambhala Body Gallery, Secretary Sarah Bogle from In the Soap Dish, Treasurer Lea Sandoz from Violet Crown Soap Company, and Parliamentarian Evelyn Martin from Lathers Del Corazon.

We are really excited about the upcoming year and we hope to serve this fine organization well! 

Posh by Tori

Mary's Thoughts

I've already told you guys about my friend and fellow local entrepreneur, Tori Alvarado, who started Babycake Truffles. Before Babycake Truffles was a twinkle in her eye, she started Posh by Tori handbags. And O-M-G - her designs are SO super cute! She has diaper bags, laptop bags, skinnie mini bags - all in super cute fabrics.

While her designs are mostly for "hot mamas," there are plenty of things for those of us who are not yet hot mamas! My favorite style is the bangle clutch. I own like, five of these. I use them for my camera bag, make up bag, and iPod bag. They are so convenient because you can just throw them in your big bag or slip them on your wrist. Check out these fabulous bags at www.poshbytori.com!

Tantalizing Truffles & Personalized Products

Alyssa's Thoughts

Yesterday we had yet another fun team time here at TBL! To celebrate a summer of productivity and hard work, Mary treated staff members to a variety of delicious, melt-in-your-mouth truffles and an opportunity to create personalized products of their choice. We gathered around the chocolate truffles to indulge in what staff members have breathily dubbed a “chocolate experience” and then passed essential oils around – would we choose to create a coffee-scented body butter? A flowery bubble bath? A sweet perfume? Regardless of which scents we selected and which truffles we ate, one thing was abundantly clear – Texas Beauty Labs team times top all others!

The Best Kind of Team Time

Alyssa's Thoughts

Our most recent staff meeting was my very favorite kind of staff meeting... poolside! After putting in several solid hours at work, we retreated to Mary's luxurious neighborhood pool and picnic area for team time, dinner, and fun in the sun. Yes!

Calista Cove

Mary's Thoughts

As you guys may have already guessed, I love to shop. And because I'm so super busy, I mostly do my shopping online. I've been a loyal customer of Jennifer Grove for a while now. In 2003, she started buying b.pure, my first bath and body line, for her online boutique, Maiden America Style. I started buying accessories, jewelry, and beauty products from Maiden America Style.

Fast forward five years and Jennifer opened Calista Cove - and I'm still one of her biggest customers! Calista Cove specializes in East Coast preppy-luxe designs and designers. Right now, I'm loving the Latico Double Framed Clutch Wallet, the Blue Ribbon Design Thank You Notecard Set, and for funzies, I love the Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Bee Ring.

Of course, you can never go wrong with b.pure Island Candles - my fave is Tahiti.

P.S. Always check out her Sale section for even greater deals!

Babycake Truffles

Mary's Thoughts

What can be better than a fresh and creamy chocolate truffle?  A fresh and creamy chocolate truffle with a sweet cake-like center!  My friend and fellow local entrepreneur, Tori Alvarado, started Babycake Truffles with her partner, Trish, last year and they have been a real hit!  I ordered my first batch right when they opened for a special treat for the staff here at Texas Beauty Labs.  I expected them to be good – (everything Tori is involved in is exceptional) but I was totally shocked when I took my first bite.  Instead of a firm, chocolate center, I bit into a super yummy, soft, fudgy center.  Mmmmmm.  We were all quickly hooked and the box I bought that I expected to last two days lasted two hours.  Embarrassing, but true.  Check them out at http://www.babycaketruffles.com!

Going Green

Gretchen's Thoughts

It seems like everything these days is about “going green,” and here at Texas Beauty Labs, we too realize the importance of being environmentally responsible. Like any beauty product manufacturer, we have certain byproducts of production – used cardboard boxes, empty plastic jugs and glass bottles, used computer paper – all of which we take the time to package up and take to our local recycling center. 

There’s this great website called “Earth 911” that we used to find the best recycling center for our assortment of recyclables. You can search by zip code (and what you want to recycle, if you like) and it will find the center closest to you and tell you exactly what kinds of recyclables they accept. 

David Orr, environmental educator and writer, briefly states why we should all take the time to recycle: “When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.”

Who Wants to Go to the Beach?

Mary's Thoughts

Something that I look forward to every year is our annual sojourn to the beach.  My husband and I go to Rosemary Beach every year with friends.  We drive from Austin with an overnight stop with my old friend, New Orleans.  I have a very specific routine that I stick to for our short time in the Big Easy.  Laissez les bon temps roulez! First, check into the W Hotel in the French Quarter.  Then it’s off to Emril’s for an excellent meal.  After some time people-watching and walking the beautiful streets, it’s back to the hotel for some serious sleeping.  Up in the morning, I have my morning café au lait and beignet at Café du Monde in the Quarter.  On our way out of town, we always stop at Aunt Sally’s to load up on their delicious pralines.   

Once we get to the beach, I am in deep relaxation mode.  We usually stay in one of the lofts in the heart of Rosemary and it’s the perfect distance to the beach.  We wake up midmorning, stumble to the white sand beach, where they have the most comfortable beach chairs reserved just for us.  After a quick morning dip, I get into my magazines/book/iPod and become lost to the world.  Around noon, after we’ve had our fill or morning surf and sun, we head back to the loft for a light lunch and some air conditioning.  Around 2 pm, we’re ready for the sun again!  We will either go back to our beach chairs or we’ll go to the beautiful Barbados pool for a lazy afternoon in the sun.  Back to the loft at around 6 pm, eat dinner at a local seafood restaurant, to bed by 9 pm (yes, we’re Grandma’s)!  The next day, up again midmorning for the beach.  Lather, rinse, repeat. 

I didn’t go through my whole vacation to make you envious of my special relaxation time – quite the contrary.  I want to inspire you to have your own special relaxation time.  As small business owners, we are so busy, busy, busy that we forget to take time out for relaxation.

One thing I have learned is that if you don’t take out time for relaxation, it takes a toll on your business.  When you are the owner and CEO of a business, your employees look to you for leadership.  Your clients look to you for great products and great customer service.  If you are not rested and relaxed, it’s hard to give them your very best. 

It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as my beach vacation.  You could take two hours out of your week and get a great facial from a local spa.  Take an extra long walk on the hike and bike trail.  Take a few deep breaths at your desk.  Anything!  Just take some time for relaxation.