Black Enterprise Profile: Ed Dugger

Nadine Thompson has turned her passion into profit and she’s co-authored a book about how you can do it too. Newly released, Values Sell: Transforming Purpose Into Profit Through Creative Sales and Distribution Strategies is written for people who want to begin — or grow — a socially responsible business. “I want to inspire and show other entrepreneurs how they can have value-based businesses,” says Thompson. The book includes interviews with thirty different owners of socially responsible businesses who share their “challenges and wisdom learned.”

The wisdom of Warm Spirit is its unique marketing plan to empower women with financial independence and to fill a void in the marketplace with products made especially for them. Warm Spirit’s commission-based sales program is designed with the African American woman in mind. The complete line of naturally and botanically based skin and hair products all include shea butter, used for centuries in Africa for its moisturizing and healing properties. Thompson explains, “shea butter is a good moisturizer because it is easily absorbed and protects the skin.”

Along with the company’s products, Thompson’s commitment to empowerment extends all the way to Africa. “Two years ago, my husband and I went to Ghana. We were moved by these women who were supporting their families with the sales of the shea butter,” she said. Since then, the company has been importing shea butter from Northern Ghana where it is produced by women’s cooperatives.

Thompson’s long-term vision includes reaching out to the Native American community. “In 2008, we plan to do research through planned opportunity meetings and gatherings about healthcare, wellness and empowerment in predominantly Native American communities. We will teach the same model that has worked for African American women who have a similar experience in the marketplace — who are building businesses to support their families.”

Founded in 1999, Warm Spirit generated $15 million from product sales in the U.S in 2006. Today, the company has over 25,000 consultants, all recruited from word-of-mouth. “We provide business tools, training, and back office support for customer service,” explains Thompson. “The company is exploring further expansion into the global marketplace due to interest from Canada, the Caribbean, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”