Life is a journey that continues on sometimes even when we are not in the driver’s seat. Circumstances happen in their own time, at their own pace, despite all of our hopes and plans. I have often wished that I had discovered Arbonne 10 years earlier than I did. It would have been a blessing to a single parent of two teenage sons, putting herself through nursing school and struggling to make ends meet. I have come to realize that there are reasons I was meant to experience what I have … hardship, loss, failures, challenges, triumph and success … all of these ingredients have made me into who I am and led me to where I am today.
When I joined Arbonne almost four years ago, I never dreamed I would become a Regional Vice President and drive a new Mercedes-Benz. I had simply fallen in love with the products. As a registered nurse and the mother of a child who grew up with serious health issues, product ingredients have always been of great importance to me. I was very impressed with the integrity of Arbonne’s products and wanted to get the discount. The farthest thing from my mind was that this would become the best business opportunity I had ever come across. Do not get me wrong … like many people, I had always dreamed of owning my own successful home-based business. In fact, I had tried more than once to start my own business and had failed miserably at it. Naturally, I let those dreams die in favor of the security of an RN’s income and the satisfaction of helping others. I was loyal to the profession that allowed me to raise my sons comfortably. Little did I know that nursing would allow me to foster a successful Arbonne business, as well.
The pivotal point in my Arbonne experience was when PhytoProlief was introduced years ago. Despite being a nurse in women’s health, I admit I was quite ignorant about the need for balance. After researching the subject, I was shocked by what I learned and felt an intrinsic duty to educate women on protecting their health through the use of natural balancing cream.
My dedication to this calling stems from an experience that hit close to home. In 1986, I lost my little sister Ginger. I have since made it my mission to help others like her fight to reclaim their health. It was time to merge my nursing experience with my computer knowledge (a side-effect of a failed home business) and get the word out. Thus, my Arbonne business was born. Unlike any other opportunities I had pursued, I have been able to find success with my Arbonne business for the simple fact that Arbonne is the right company, with the right products, at the right time! Everything has its purpose and its time … even the hardship and failure of days long past. I knew if I was going to resurrect the dream of a home-based business all over again, it would take a lot of work, personal resources and even more resolve. Fortunately, my sons were healthy, grown and out on their own, so there was nothing holding me back. I have taken to heart what I have heard so many Arbonne leaders say about what it takes to make it work, “Short-term sacrifice for long-term rewards.”
To finance and support my home business venture with Arbonne, I took a job at a nursing agency where I worked 40 hours over the weekends. This gave me Monday through Friday to work the business. My efforts have been blessed with a team I am truly proud of and results I can’t complain about. In September 2001, I promoted to District Manager then to Area Manager eight months later. Now I am picking out my own beautiful white Mercedes-Benz!
Arbonne has also provided me with some of the best moments of my life. In February 2002, I had the honor of being named Parade of Champions winner at NTC Long Beach. I will never forget the moment when ENVP Donna Johnson presented me with a beautiful gold and diamond necklace and Petter gave me an amazing antique brooch, purchased exclusively for the winner. I can never replace the precious memories of basking in paradise on the Caribbean Cruise I earned, through Arbonne. Who would have ever believed I would have the pleasure of frolicking on the shores of St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess Cays! Now I can hardly wait for the next exotic escape!
Although my team is scattered all over the country, they had a single-minded vision that has enabled us to act, build and succeed as one. I would like to express my gratitude to these Managers and Consultants: Sheila Boutwell, Kari Kampen, Janet Adair Dee Masters, Jill Rogge, Keriann German, Michele Rogers, Kathie Adler, Melonie Hanni, Donna Gold, Debbie Severson, Lori Teague, Tracy Mandelin, Kathleen Marchese, Laura Sanchez, Kathy Polatis and so many more!
Thank you, Petter, for your vision. You have given us life-changing products and opportunities. Stian & Candee: Thank you for guiding and directing our great company. To the Home Office Staff: If it were not for you answering the phones, processing the applications, filling our orders, creating the print materials, tending to our amazing website, and solving our problems, none of us would have a business. To Rita Davenport: Thank you for being the President of our company and inspiring me to reach beyond the comfort of my security and take the risk of following a dream.
My business and I have been nurtured under some of the most amazing Field leaders in the company: Neta Irwin, Joyce Owens, Cindy Pipkin, Misty Whitfield and Jennifer Combs. Neta was speaking at the very first training meeting I attended. I thought to myself that if I ever decided to pursue the Arbonne business I wanted to be just like her. To my sponsor, dear friend, and traveling pal Jennifer Combs: Thank you for never giving up on me and never letting me give up on my dream. I truly admire the woman, wife, mother and business partner that you are. Misty Whitfield: Thank you for being the perfect example of an Arbonne leader and guiding me through the process of growing my business. Joyce Owens: Thank you for being a great Arbonne Grandma! A special thanks to Cindy Pipkin: You are my Arbonne hero. You stood beside me, fought for me, and helped me through a very challenging time in my business. Thank you for all you do!
Enormous thanks goes out to my family. To my Mother, who died of cancer in 1989: Thank you for your example and the courage it took to raise four children and teach us to never give up on ourselves or our dreams. To my little sister Ginger: I miss you and think of your pain whenever I talk to a Client. Know that you are the impetus that started me on this road to helping others and I do so in your honor. To my Dad and stepmother: Thank you for your love, help and faith in me. To my big brothers: Thank you for cheering me on along the way.
To my sons: Brandon who five years ago demonstrated the priorities of love, faith and courage when he postponed his first big career move to stay home and donate one of his kidneys to his brother, and my dear Ryan, you are the real heroes in my life. Thank you for loving and supporting each other and for believing in me … my dreams … and my ability to make this Arbonne business a success. Dreams can come true!
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.
