Wow, what an incredible two-and-a-half years it has been in Arbonne. I would always hear my upline say, “It’s the journey that makes it so worth it,” but I never knew what that meant … until now. No one person can be a great leader unless he or she takes joy in the successes of those under him or her. To me, success is not much if you do not live by that motto.
Have you ever experienced that empty feeling inside? Almost as if you know there is something out there … waiting … but you have no idea how to get there, or where to look? I always knew my potential was big. After working as a nanny for five years and feeling insignificant, I wanted to make a difference in the lives’ of others. I felt empty inside and all that emptiness lead to self-pity, and resulted in my settling for less then my full potential. I needed more.
I started working as a photographer and that is when I met my Arbonne sponsor, Linda Loveless. She introduced me to Arbonne and I knew I did not want to do the business. The thoughts that ran through my head were, “What would everyone think of me?” “I’ll look like a fake.” I had already invested money in my photography. At the time, I was an off Christian. You know what I mean; some of us are on again, off again. Well, at this time I was really off. I found myself feeling depressed a lot and questioning my Christian beliefs. My first year with Arbonne I did it for the Mercedes-Benz, the potential to make money and the recognition. But, something was still missing. For me it was God. On my way back from NTC last year I was riding with three of my incredible Managers who are great Christians. I was talking with them about their faith and Christian beliefs and within a few minutes of each other, we witnessed signs that seemed to spiritually reaffirm our beliefs. We were all amazed and inspired.
It is not about us ... it is not about us! When I host a Presentation, I want to get to know every woman there. I want to love them, and let them know I am there to help them no matter what their needs may be. It is not the “sale gang;” it is not even the products. We already know the products are amazing; it’s about the lives we touch. I want to touch hundreds of thousands. One of my favorite books says that God has gifted us with what we have for His purpose, not our own. Our work is merely the vehicle. It is not supposed to be our life. So, I handed it all over and told Him to use me so I can teach others to love one another and themselves. It works; take it from a believer, to non-believer back to a believer again. This road that you have been blessed with is much more purposeful with God by your side. When you grow yourself, your business will grow. You are reading this story right now for a reason; God has put this before you for a reason. Do not ignore Him like I did for so long.
If you are a mommy out there, I want you to know that in the beginning I questioned what I was doing and the time I was spending away from my boys. Would I miss my babies growing up? I took the chance with one stipulation: To get there fast. Take time for your family and remember: It is not the quantity of time you spend with family, it is the quality. Now my husband gets to take a very active role in the boys’ lives. Plus, he is living his dream as a landscape designer. We are closer as a family now than we ever were before. I used to always tell myself that it is my husband and I whom the boys rely on to feed, clothe and love, therefore I did what it took to get to where we needed to be. Short-term sacrifices for long-term gains.
Learning and growing is important. Do not be afraid to admit your mistakes and listen more than you speak. How many people can you get to District Manager, Area Manager or Vice President? Do not only think about your goals in Arbonne, think of others’ goals as well. When you make that change to think of others’ growth before your own, you will automatically become the woman or man you have always dreamed of being. You cannot make it happen for others if they do not want it yet. My advice is to bless them as they are, and let them be. You will be there for them when they are ready. There are thousands of people out there who are lonely and afraid, just like I was. I was looking for Arbonne and did not know it. We should all step out of our box and grow. Do not keep the Arbonne opportunity from anyone ... share it. If they say “no,” that is okay because you believe; you believe in Arbonne and the power of your dreams, and must always know that people say “no” to their fears, not to you.
Imagine yourself at 80 years old, how do you want to look back on your life? Will you have regrets? Have you changed lives? Have you made a difference? Two-and-a-half years have been a small sacrifice for me. My husband can now work from home and start his dream business. The night I made NVP, my 8-year-old son, Dylan came up to me and said, “Mama, why are you so happy?” I said, “Your mom just made NVP with Arbonne.” He hugged me and said, “I’m so proud of you, you did that in only two years!” I could not believe he knew how long I had been doing Arbonne. He looked at me with the sweetest smile on his face; I will never forget that look on his face. It is moments like this that make everything worth it. You out there reading this Eye on Arbonne story are worth it. Your family is worth it. Arbonne did not hire me in as an NVP; I worked hard to get here. Anyone can have his or her dreams in Arbonne. You can too; just don’t give up!
To my unbelievable husband and best friend, Scott: I am so excited to take this journey into our new life together with our beautiful children, our friends and family. I know we will bless thousands of lives together. I love you so much! To Dylan, Nash and Cruz: You are mommy’s pride and joy, I love you more than you will ever, ever know. Thank you for being the best kids a mom could ever want! I love you more than all the stars in the sky!
To Petter, Candee and Stian: You all are so humble. You have changed thousands of lives; we could not have done it without you! To Rita: Thank you for telling me to put “my big girl panties” on two years ago when I was whining to you. I did it!
To my mother, AM Carolyn Wright: You have always been my foundation. You will make an awesome NVP. I love you! To Carol, Crystal, grandma, grandpa, Brian, dad, Dan, Elaine, Jodi and Brian: Your encouragement has meant so much to me!
To my sponsor, ENVP Linda Loveless: You helped me become the woman I always knew I could be. I love you! To my good friend, ERVP Valerie Edwards: Your motivation, encouragement and perseverance blesses so many. I am so glad we have taken this journey together. I’ll always love you!
To ENVP and NVPs, Cathi Almquist, Teresa Epps, Debra Fox, Kim Hoffman, Nisé Davies, Carol Waugh, Dana Collins, Sandra Tillinghast, Stasia Trivison, Stacy Thorn, Donna Johnson, Dr. Deanna Osborn, Neta Irwin, Holly Warnol, Misty Whitfield, Kathy Lutz, Thea O’Donoghue, Cecilia Stoll and Shannon Johnson. All of you have impacted me and motivated me to keep going by your awesome leadership! Thank you!
To my team: You have loved me more than I could love you at times. My heart has a place for each one of you, always and forever. The times we have shared have been awesome! I look forward to all of us growing old together and helping one another to help others. Thank you to my AMs: Carolyn Wright, Jenny Robison, Joi Lee, Denise Smith, Lisa Tobin, Allie-Inman Kuehn, Sharon Speer, Jean Liebau and Pam Swann, Beth Ramos, Kelli Wilson, Julie Nitshke, Sheri Dace, Lynn Hagedorn and Jill Holub.
Thank you to my central region: Leslie Kahle, Gail Mayfield, Linda Bennett, Jan Huster, Shannon Myers, Sally Rowan, Cris Miley, Jill Williams, Sylvia Crisler, Sue Brothers, Kathleen Watson, Leissa Gregory, Heather Johnson, Marina Proctor, Cari Reinmuth, Vanessa Montgomery, Joanne Galbrecht, Jodi Loy, Angie Loy, Lynette Childers, Kathy Roth, Heather Kinsey, Erin Ohnesorge, Michele Carron, Kathy McDonnell, Jan Cullings, Kayla McDonald, Stacey McDaniels, Becky Winterschied, Tempe Harty, Sunny Bravin, Liz Lowe, Susan Cain and Rachel Wiseman.
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.
