“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap from the dark to our success!”
My search for a botanically-based skin care system began more than two decades ago. I had bought and tried direct marketing products, top-of-the-line department store brands and health store lines. Coming from a science background, I was very ingredient-conscious and would not settle for anything less than an herbal and botanically-based product. But in the early 1980s, even with the advanced technology available, it did not appear that there were any products out there that would meet my standards. So I made due with what was available.
The health and look of my skin was important to me because I had three part-time jobs that required me to look and feel good in addition to my full-time job in a world-wide semiconductor company. As an Aerobics Instructor, I needed to maintain my health inside and out. I also took on modeling jobs which obviously required me to maintain beautiful skin. On the weekends, I waitressed and dealt with the public. As busy as I was, I was still searching for all-natural skin care products when a gal at work asked if I would like to attend a skin care Presentation she was hosting. I asked her the name of the company and she said Arbonne International. That was a new one for me. I was curious about their products and asked her what made their skin care line any different. She looked at me puzzled and replied, “They are botanically based.” Like the magic words I had been searching for all this time, this was music to my ears. I told her she could definitely count me in!
Linda Shaw hosted a Presentation conducted by two Arbonne Consultants, Romaine and Julie. While Julie distributed samples, Romaine explained the ingredients as she gave Linda a facial. After applying the samples to the back of my hand, I read the ingredients on the containers and was excited to see descriptions such as no animal testing, no animal by-products, PH correct, hypoallergenic and formulated without dyes, chemicals, or mineral oils. On top of all that, the containers were recyclable. Little did I know that we had not even reached the tip of the iceberg. By this time the hairs on the back of my neck were standing straight up out of sheer excitement, Romaine had started in on the benefits of the Arbonne business opportunity. When she was done explaining all about being your own boss, time-leveraging and controlling your own schedule, world travel and the white Mercedes-Benz, I was ready to sign on. I even persuaded my co-worker and host, Linda, to sign on along with me. Together we drove five to six hours, one-way, to be trained! After the training I knew I had found everything I had been searching for and so much more!
My affiliation with Arbonne continued even though I moved from Nampa, Idaho to Portland, Oregon. I simply picked up where I left off — selling products and scheduling Presentations. In Portland, I met honorary RVP Joyce Raker, B.J. Voltsted, Barbara Furusho, Sally Rudnick, Pat Sullivan and other wonderful ladies. They taught me how to understand the compensation plan. Once I did, a light bulb finally came on and I was able to push myself to District. Just as I was halfway to Area status, my then boyfriend and future husband received his transfer orders to Fresno, California. Another move was not going to disrupt my Arbonne ambitions. On the contrary, I relished the challenge of single-handedly building a strong base in Fresno.
As the 1990s approached, Arbonne as a company went through a number of transitions. I rode the waves of change and persisted in my business, never giving in or giving up! Instead, I opened up, spoke out, asked questions, listened and learned. I was able to build my business through a diligent work ethic of holding Presentations, establishing Clients, asking for referrals, joining the Chamber of Commerce, Leads Club, New Comer’s Group, and keeping a minimum of 10 appointments on my calendar at all times. Before I knew it, I soon had Consultants promoting to District.
In 1994, my life took another turn, the year before I married my long-time boyfriend, Tom. We had moved again, this time to Southern California. I took a hiatus from my business to help him start his. After a couple years, he could see how much I missed my Arbonne business and encouraged me to jump back in full-time. It was not long afterward that I got my District back!
By the late ‘90s, I was fortunate to have found Donna Weiser and eventually hitched my District up to the Weiser Region. Through Donna, I received guidance, support, encouragement and training! I entered the new millennium with a goal of reaching RVP. By the middle of 2002, I knew it was within grasp. And over the last seven months, I finally learned what it was going to take to push me over the top. Although I always thought I had God in my life, I never realized how much a part of every facet of business my faith was. It was not until I made this a key factor in my success and acknowledged it throughout my business day that I began to move forward quickly. It was then that I opened my eyes and heart and began to “let Go and let God!” Never underestimate the power of prayer!
I want to begin by thanking God. Next I want to thank my awesome and incredible team of Managers: RVP-to-be Kristin VanderVeen, Katy Addington, Kathleen Reitmeier, Shayne Andrade, Heidi Colburn, Keri Moore, Kelly Rudolph, Krysti Findley, Tami VerSteeg, Kelly Silva, Gina Schoenbucher. In addition, I want to thank my Managers-to-be: Ann Marie Dowd, Diana Maciel, JoAnna McDaniel, Laura Davis-Coontz, Sheila Buelow, Mary Glatt, Tara Welsh, Kathy Fewel, Kathi Cameron, Val Mohr and their respective teams. Special thanks go out to all my Clients, past Managers and wholesale buyers!
I would like to express my gratitude to ENVP Sandra Tillinghast for her guidance, support and encouragement. I also want to show my appreciation to my many friends in her SuccessLine. Thank you again, NVP Donna Weiser, for everything. Sally Hallada: Thank you for your support and smiles. Renee Futter: Thank you for your support and friendship. Very special thanks go out to Donna Johnson, Kathy Lutz, Dana Collins, Stasia Trivison and Kathy Whittington.
Many thanks go to Petter and Stian for their vision, commitment, and Arbonne’s wonderful business opportunity. To Rita: Thank you for your love, humor and willingness to give to us all. To Candace: I appreciate your laughter and expertise in providing us with the best products on the market. To the entire Home Office staff, including: Hal, Christy, Stacy, Sheila, Angelia, Shane, James, Jason and Jose: You are awesome!
An extra special thanks and so much more goes to my wonderful coach and friend, Jerry Condi. Thanks to Bob for his encouragement and pats on the back. And last, but certainly not least, I want to especially thank my first-ever Client and biggest supporter — my mother, Mo Thomason. Enormous thanks go to my brother and sister, Brett Reitmeier and Bobbi Jo Jordan, for encouraging and rallying me on. My appreciation goes to my dad, Lloyd Reitmeier, for his love and support. And to my husband, Tom: Thanks for reminding me of my progress and giving me encouraging words through the struggles in growing my business. I appreciate you always believing in me.
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.
