Indulge Yourself

I'm happy to introduce you all to this week's Making It Happen Mama, Kelli Parisian of Pure Indulgence, a product line that turns five next month. Kelli believes in connecting with clients and giving value for every dollar spent. Her business is built on integrity, not hype. She saw a need in her industry and filled it. And by filling that need and following a dream, she created her skin care line. Here's her story... AND a chance to win some of her fabulous products:

Hello! I'm Kelli Parisian, a 53 year old Single Christian woman and the Mom of two beautiful daughters Brianna and Brittany. Aside from business and family, my other "passion" is gourmet cooking & entertaining. I consider myself to be a Foodie. Parisian's Pure Indulgence. Inc. consists of myself, my daughter Brittany, my assistant Ariel, and Aesthetician Tiffany. Brittany is just beginning an Aesthetician program this month. My hope is that one day she'll take over the reigns of my company. But not any time soon...

I started in the beauty business as a manicurist specializing in natural nails twenty nine years ago. I saw the need to create something more for my clients... more of a Spa Manicure experience. I soon realized I couldn't create the luxurious experience I desired with the limited products offered to manicurists. That's when began a six month journey of researching every scrub, creme, lotion, & body oil out there. I wanted to see what made them special and began a quest to understand ingredient labels. What I found was synthetics, fillers, alcohols, harsh preservatives, and high levels of fragrances in the majority of products available. I wanted to do something different. I dreamed of formulating a product that would be effective, yet pure and safe for those of us with sensitive skin. Above all, I wanted my clients to have a luxurious experience.

So, at age 48, with my understanding of how ingredients work together (gourmet cooking background, remember?), I formulated and whipped up a sugar scrub, called Sugared Butter Whip. I took it into the salon to use on my clients. The response from my clients was incredible! I whipped up 40 containers hoping to sell them all during the holidays. Well, I ended up selling an additional 200 containers in one month! Parisian's Pure Indulgence was born. My daughters and I spent endless hours labeling containers and packaging scrubs as holiday gifts every night that December. After that success, I formulated two other body products. Soon, I was being asked about facial care products because my clients were demanding the same purity for their face. At that point, I aligned myself with an incredible natural skin care formulator and together, we have expanded my line to nearly 40 products!

The challenges in the first couple of years were to educate myself in all area's of business, from legalities (incorporating, insurance, trademarks), web sites, accounting, and marketing. I made a few mistakes along the way, but learned from them. Another challenge I still have is balancing business and personal life. I'm still working on that...

Because I'm very comfortable in the Salon/Spa setting, speaking with Salon owners has been easy for me and today Parisian's Pure Indulgence products are found in a number of high end salons and spas. Our web business continues to grow as well, but one of my most cherished business values is staying connected to my customers. I enjoy being a "boutique" skin care company. It allows me to have a personal relationship with the men and women that are benefiting from our products.

My advice to other women beginning a business is to find a mentor, and take things slowly. Educate yourself in every aspect of business. Remember there is a big difference between cash flow and profit. Keep that in mind when pricing your product, no matter what it is. Do what you're passionate about and don't compromise integrity. Also, I truly believe in giving first. A core personal value of mine is to give of myself, to help others any way I can. I consider it a privilege.

Parisian Pure Indulgence is pleased to participate in Sugar's Making It Happen Mama Monday. As a gift to one of her lucky readers, we are offering the opportunity to win a Pink Eco-Friendly Tote filled with of over $200.00 worth of facial care and body care treatments. All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter at Parisian Pure Indulgence. You'll receive tips and discounts from Pure Indulgence, and of course, a chance to win! The winner will be announced on Wednesday in the comments of this post.

Enjoy Indulging!


Kelli and her girls:

Mini Mall Melt Down

I love it when I freak out in public…

And quick! Hit play so that this ridiculous freeze frame shot of me will disappear!

Mommy Melt Down at the Mini Mall from Sugar Jones on Vimeo.

How Many Times Can I Say "Amazing" in Five Minutes?

I can't help it!

It has been amazing, so you'll have to forgive me for saying it too much... which, apparently I do. I hope you can see the huge TouchSmart screen (that will be one of yours) behind me when it lights up... I shout out the names, so no worries... you will definitely know if you won. And I don't know how to use my editing software, so this is pretty amateur looking... whatever.

Make sure to come back here Friday. I will be highlighting some of your stories and some of the great seeds that have been planted. A suggestion was made that I thought was a great idea. No matter who wins, having one day of the week or a separate forum dedicated to all of our endeavors continuing the raising of awareness for groups large and small. I always dreamed of that... can't wait to make it happen!

So, here goes:


Untitled from Sugar Jones on Vimeo.
Congratulations!!

I'm Not That Kind of Mom

It dawned on me that many people being directed here from the blogoshpere might be wondering if this is a "Mommy Blog." Since humans like things in categories, I might bug you a little... and I'm okay with that. While I am a Mom...

I'm not *that* kind of mom.

I'm not the kind of mom that makes breakfast and packs lunches and whistles the whole time. I'm the mom that makes her kids get their own cereal, not only because I want them to learn to do things on their own, but because I'm a late riser and like to sit with my coffee on the patio in peace during my ME time before starting my day as "mom."

I'm not the kind of mom that cares if the Chicken Dinos will cause my children to lose 3 days at the end of their life. Chances are, they will live full and happy lives regardless. I do buy organic milk and eggs and read labels like crazy, but I need easy. Microwavable chicken in the shape of T Rexes make my life easy!

I'm not the kind of mom that will smile politely when your child is being naughty and say "Oh, how cute." I will call him out on his behavior, usually beginning my interaction with a strong, "Hey buddy! Don't do that!" If you have a problem with that, control your young...

I'm not the kind of mom that will let a mom bash another mom while she's not there to defend herself. I don't think there is anything that shows the ugly side of humanity more than a bunch of women clawing at the reputation of another woman. I'd love to see those same catty women try to say this with a straight face to their kids: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

What kind of mom am I?

I'm the mom that will squirt whipped cream into her kids mouths when they say they want dessert.
I'm the mom that will suffer mess after mess so that her kids can be creative.
I'm the mom that screws up... a lot... and cries about it... a lot.
I'm the mom that is ALWAYS late. To everything.
I'm the mom that hates homework more than her kids ever could. That's one reason we homeschool.
I'm the mom that hates volunteering in the classroom more than she hates homework. Another bonus reason for homeschooling.
I'm the mom who never folds the laundry and some mornings forgets to check if the kids brushed their teeth before leaving the house.
I'm the mom who tells the kids to turn the music up.
I'm the mom that unabashedly and imperfectly loves her kids.

I'm responsible... but I'm not perfect. And I don't ever want to be.

So I blog and I happen to be a mom. I guess I'm a mommy blogger if that's how you want to categorize me. But don't forget... I'm not *that* kind of mommy.

And if that bugs you... don't look.

...

I wish I could tell you...

I am doing my best not to blurt out some fan-stinking-tastic news.

No, I am *not* pregnant!

The news is amazing... for me... and for other moms who could use a little help to keep things going without going crazy. You don't have to be a mom that's going crazy to get in on all the fun. But chances are, you likely know one. Maybe even two... cuz you could help two... and yourself...

Damn those rules! Must. Stop. Typing. NOW!

Check back in tomorrow... it's going to be magical!

...