Parisian's Pure Indulgence

Latisse Eyelash Enhancer

I've been asked what I think about the new eyelash enhancer, Latisse.  First of all, does it work?  Absolutely, yes.  Would I use it personally?  No.  I have my own reasons for not using an eyelash enhancer (I'll get to that later).  The purpose of this blog is to inform, and then let you decide whether the product is for you or not.

 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Latisse, which is made by Allergan to treat a condition known as hypotrichosis of the eyelashes, or in others words, thin, sparse eyelashes.  Interestingly, it was discovered while treating glaucoma patients with one of their other drugs, Lumigan, that patients eyelashes became more lush.  In clinical trials, Allergan confirmed this finding and created Latisse.

That's the good news....the down side is

According to Romona Bates MD, in EMaxHealth.com  "Approximately 4% of users of Latisse will have side effects such as an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. Pigmentation of the eyelids and iris may occur. Other less common side effects which typically occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied, or in the eyes, include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids."  Allergan confirms these findings in their literature on the drug.

Temporary darkening of the skin may be reversible. In addition, Allergan notes that the drug may also permanently darken the iris of the eye as well as promote hair growth in other skin areas that the treatment applicator may touch.  Caution is advised in wiping away any excess product from under the eyes.

You should be aware that once you stop using the treatment, your eyelashes return to their former condition.

Reviews:

The drug costs $120.00 for a 30 day supply.  It is suggested that it take 3-4 months to see full results.  I have seen the results of using Latisse, on two of my clients, and they are dramatic.  Neither reported adverse reactions. 

Denise Casey reports, ""I have been using Revitalash (same as Latisse and Jan Marini's products) since April and there is a remarkable difference in my length. When I have mascara on, they touch the inside of my glasses. Is amazing. I am still on the same tube and use it 5x a week. Cost: $150.00...Looks: priceless"  Revitalash is the over the counter version of, prescription only, Latisse.  Both have similar ingredients. 

As for me...

I choose not to use either Revitalash or Latisse, simply because I have extremely sensitive eyes (I also have a dry eye condition), so much so, it was in part the reason I developed my own skin care line.  I had never found an eye creme/treatment that didn't cause me to have some sort of reaction, before our Creme de la Creme eye revitalizing creme was formulated.

Please feel free to share your experience of Latisse or Revitalash here.  We welcome all informed comments.

 

Networking Groups...why I appreciate them

and why I am joining more groups

1.  I enjoy learning about other's businesses.  I would never know about many fabulous businesses if I didn't attend networking meetings regularly.

2.  I believe in todays economy that we must learn about, and support one another's businesses, in a cost effective manner.  Networking through various groups affords me that opportunity.

3.  I enjoy bartering services and products.  Here's a perfect example of how bartering has grown two businesses.  I asked Rosalie M. if she would barter a couple Tastefully Simple products for Parisian's Pure Indulgence products.  She welcomed the idea.  I shared one of the Tastefully Simply products with a friend, he loved the product (Pomegranate Chipolte Sauce-Yum!) and is placing a order for his friends for the holidays!  Rosalie enjoyed her Parisian's Pure Indulgence products and sings their praises at the networking meetings she attends. 

4.  Going to meetings allows me to get my products in more people's hands.  I always bring samples. 

5.  I appreciate hearing different ways others are growing their businesses. 

Networking Group do's and don'ts

Do:

1.  Do consider giving away your products and services in order to allow others to experience what you offer and tell their friends about it.

2.  Do attend regularly.  Let people get to know who you are.

3.  Follow up with an email, phone call, or newsletter.

4.  Join social media connections with the people you meet at meetings, such as, facebook, Twitter, Linkedin.  Can't say enough about the importance of supporting each others business through fb Fan Pages!

5.  Learn all you can about Social Media and networking through programs like http://www.blogtalkradio.com/social-paradigm-/2009/09/17/guerrilla-marketing-tactics  This program has helped me learn how Social Media is one of our most powerful marketing tools!

6.  When you like what another business offers....tell your friends!

Don't:

1.  Don't go to one or two meetings and expect a ton of new business.  You must be consistent, attend regularly, allowing others get to know who you are and why they would want to do business with you.

2.  Don't forget to support someone else's business first.  Because I blog regularly, I take a photo and feature someone from every networking meeting I go to, in my weekly blog.  I believe in supporting others first.

3.  Don't forget to follow up.  This is very important!

I have seen excellent results from attending Heart Link Networking meetings for 9 months now.  I started going to one a month and now attend two per month.  I go to these meetings in different areas and meet lots of new entrepreneurs, like myself.

Here's the wonderful women I met at our Heart Link Networking group meeting this week.

Brittney M., Isagenix and our wonderful Heart Link leader, Susan F., CPA, Cory C., Bast Insurance, Marty V., KikaPaprika Clothing line, Kelli P., Parisian's Pure Indulgence, Pamela K., Organizing Solutions, Rosalie M., Tastefully Simple, and Renee U., Math by Renee.

Share with us your experience of networking.  What groups do you belong to?  How has networking supported your business?

 

 

Tastefully Simple

One of the things I enjoy most about being a business owner is networking with other business owners.  I attend two networking group meetings a month and I'm always excited to hear what other business women are doing and what motivates them in their chosen fields.

I met Rosalie (photographed here with me) a few months ago at a Heart link Women's Networking group. She brought a appetizer and an almond cake dessert.  Being the "Foodie" that I am, I was intrigued with both.  I asked about both dishes and found out Rosalie made them from two everyday goodies her business,  "Tastefully Simple" offers.

Typically, I'm a purist and prefer to make my desserts, sauces, and dressings myself, but one taste of the Tastefully Simple "Pomegranate Chipolte" sauce made me take notice.  I knew this was every bit as good as I could make myself, and what a time saver!  I've tried many of the other delightful treats they offer, and one is better than the next. 

                                                    

Last weekend I attended a party and here is the dish I made with the Tastefully Simply Pomegranate Chipolte sauce.  It's grilled, pinneapple, white nectarines, and chicken, brushed with the incredible sauce.  I put a little of the sauce in a dipping dish and voila...I had a crowd pleaser.

 

 

We asked Rosalie....

Tell us a little about youself?  I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I'm married with a grown son and daughter.

How and why did you get started in Tastefully Simple and Heart Link?  My “why” for joining Tastefully Simple was for the money. We had a daughter in private college and I wanted to help keep our lifestyle the same as before private school tuition. Since then I have realized that I love the recognition the business gives me and allows me to shine.

What made you decide to become a heart Link leader? My “why” for starting the Heart Link Meetings was simply to network and help other women meet and grow their businesses.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years in your business? In five years, I see myself as a Senior Team Mentor in Tastefully Simple with a thriving business and many team members.

To contact Rosalie email her at www.tastefullysimple.com/com/web/rmeyer or call her at 805.796.6777.