“When you have the attitude that quitting is not an option, then you will succeed.”
The seeds of The Grace Vine Region were planted on a dock in Michigan in the summer of 2003, at my lifelong friend, Mary Underwood’s lake house. Her sister, NVP Karen Steele, was also visiting that weekend and decided to share Arbonne with me. It started as a facial, and then a NutriMinC® RE9 sample. Almost immediately, I saw a huge difference in my skin. When I got back to Texas, I could not wait to receive my products. I read through everything, and learned I could possibly earn a white Mercedes-Benz, qualify for trips, and most importantly, enjoy the potential for financial freedom. In August of 2003, I dove in head first, determined to succeed at this business no matter what.
No matter what … what a statement! About a year after I started my business, I was nearing qualification for RVP when I received a phone call from my doctor that would change everything. He told me the biopsy I recently had was positive, and I had breast cancer. Shocked and blindsided, I wrestled with his words. Not me — not now! Every emotion stirred within me … what about my family, my business, my life?
I started doing Arbonne because I wanted to make a difference in others’ lives. Along the way, I hoped to also make some money, earn that white Mercedes-Benz and enjoy some great trips with my husband. After I promoted to RVP in May of 2005, however, I realized I have received far more than I ever asked for. In spite of everything that has happened in the past year, I am living and growing abundantly. I decided to persevere, and in doing so, I found out who I could truly become. After breast surgery and chemotherapy, and with radiation treatments next on my plate, Arbonne continues to be a great source of joy and motivation in my life.
We all face challenges in our lives and in our businesses. Bad things should not overshadow the good in life, or your resolve to live it fully. When you have the attitude that quitting is not an option, then you will succeed in your business and your life.
I love what a “grace vine” illustrates to me. A vine is a plant whose stem needs support as it branches out and climbs to new heights. To me, this is Arbonne. One person, powered by grace, firmly planted, cannot help but grow. They will grow and climb in all directions and in the process touch others’ lives. And they just might find more than they expected — their best self and best life. First of all, I thank God for His grace and love. Even though life got tough, things always had a way of working themselves out, and I knew He was working out the details.
To my sponsor, NVP Karen Steele: Thank you for the gift of Arbonne, your guidance and support. I have enjoyed this journey because of you. To RVP Glenda Hibbert: You were my first business partner and the first RVP on my team to promote. I am so proud of your success and the great team you have built in Illinois. To RVP Becky Mechler: I am so happy that you called back and told me you were going to sign up under me. It was a blessing and a total faith thing! I love your spirit and enthusiasm. To ENVP Jeanne Sterner: Thank you for being the leader you are. You have given your whole Nation a huge vision for a more abundant life. You work tirelessly and never stop giving us your best. Thank you.
To AMs, Cathy Greeneberg, Danya Casey, Amelia Benavides, Roger Laramee and Sherri Leopold: I am so proud of you all. Your hard work and dedication are paying off. You will make a quick stop at Region and then be Nations before you know it. I will see you all at the top.
To my absolutely wonderful DMs, Rhonda Waldrop, Elaine Bolling, Nancy Wall, Stephanie Wall, Becky Burkhart, Janet Tallon, Dawn Nation, Mary Holland, Amy Scheets, Bonnie Boitnott, Tim Bayley, Ava Campbell, Allison Perkins, Whitney Lytle, Shawnna Upchurch, Cheri Cordet-Zettel, Norma Marcell, Jessica Childers, Nicole Hidalgo, Nancy Giordano, Tiffani Morales, Laura Giordano, Sondra Strohecker, Patti Whitlock, Lydia Wisegarver, Linda Hickman, Noe and Kelly DeLeon, Denise O’Leary, Katie Corsi, Catherine Parvino and DM-in-qualification Josie O’Donnell: I am so proud to have each of you on my team. Each one of you works so hard. Before you know it, you will be driving your own white Mercedes-Benz and enjoying the potential for financial freedom. Thank you so much.
To our new business partners and Clients: I thank you all for loving Arbonne and its products as much as I do. I really appreciate your business.
To my husband, Jay: I could not have accomplished this without you! You are my rock. You have given so much of yourself to the kids and me. Your limitless energy amazes me. I thank you for your love and support, and most of all, for being my best friend. The best is yet to come. To our children, Sean, Jack and Jaime: You are my blessings from heaven! It has been a tough year with a lot of changes, but we made it through. I am so proud of you!
To my mom and dad: Words cannot express the gratitude and love I have for you. You came to Texas while I went through my chemo treatments and on Arbonne trips. It has not been easy, yet you did it and continue to do it. I just love that you are always looking for new recruits for me. To my sister, Debbie, and brother, John: Thank you for being here when I needed you the most! We have grown closer during this past year and I will be forever thankful.
A very special thanks to my dear friend, AM Tammy Meister: Your turn is right around the corner. To Myra Medina and Queenie Powell: Thank you for all of your help.
To Founder Petter Mørck: Thank you for your vision. To President Rita Davenport: I think the world of you and want to be just like you when I grow up! To the entire Home Office staff: Thank you for all of your support.
The testimonials on this Web site reflect the actual experience of each individual, are anecdotal only, and may be atypical. The testimonials are not based upon any clinical study.
