My Arbonne journey started back in February of 2004. I was with my girlfriend of over 23 years, Colleen Krebs, who is now a National Vice President. We were spending a few days at her cabin in Brainerd. It was there that she introduced the Arbonne products and mentioned she was considering representing them. We had fun trying the NutriMinC® RE9 anti-aging skin care set, the masques and Awaken Salt Sea Scrub, to name a few. I quickly fell in love with them all. Colleen had all the brochures, audiotapes, Eye on Arbonne stories, and other Arbonne materials laying around the cabin, which I enjoyed reading and listening to. I remember listening to a tape on the Figure 8® Weight Loss Program and being very impressed with its properties of no sugars or dyes, low calories, and still having 18 grams of protein … wow! The Eye on Arbonne stories were also amazing. These women were just like me. By the end of my visit, I decided to become a Consultant and purchase the NutriMinC® RE9 anti-aging skin care set, and many other products to share with my family.
I really was not thinking seriously about a career in Arbonne, instead I was thinking about the benefits of pure, safe, beneficial products, purchasing them at a discount and fun travel with my friend. We had heard that NTC 2004 was going to be near Dallas. Well, that sold me, one of my greatest passions was travel and fun fellowship with women. Colleen did host one Presentation for me, but I did not even announce I was doing the business. No new Presentations were booked, but we did sell a lot of product. My closest friends fell in love with Arbonne and they continue to purchase the products. Back then, I did not know what network marketing was really all about. I was not inviting anyone to join me in my business. I felt if I just sold a little to my friends (at retail prices, by the way) I would have a small, very part-time job, and keep the benefits and simple goals described above.
My background was in advertising and I worked as an advertising director during my company’s startup to its glory days. My days were long and very busy. I remember having to work from my hospital bed after giving birth to our son, Michael. I saw how a family business could transform and grow from two people, to being sold for millions. Wow, what a success story for them, but not me. I received only the salary I was given and had no piece of that pie, even though I know I contributed greatly to the company’s growth and eventual sale. Rather than staying on after the sale, I decided to take on the new and exciting job of raising our family and supporting my husband in owning our own business. I continued to keep this job for 18 years until Arbonne came into my life.
At my first NTC in Dallas, my eyes were starting to open up and see the Arbonne opportunity, but I was mostly impressed with the wonderful, Executive Team. Hearing President Rita Davenport speak for the first time was transforming. She spoke from the heart and with humor. She was honest and open and put so much value in every single Consultant. Her belief in me helped me believe, too. I had many join my business, but after going though their warm market, some slowly dropped out. I wondered what kept me going when my business was not moving. Something inside me caused me to never give up. Deep down, I was feeling good about myself and I believed the promises that were told to me. I was told if I did not give up, I would eventually get there. I remembered Rita saying, “Do not quit before payday!” and believed deep down I would be a VP some day!
My first big Ace was Tricia DeVries. She joined my team and had a drive to succeed. I watched her soak up all I had to say and she became my first RVP in just seven months! How proud I was for her. It made me want to continue to strive to find more great team members and maybe some day I too, would be an RVP. Since then, so many others have joined my team. (Jamie, Susan, Holly, Jane, Kay and Teresa, to name a few. They have been a true blessing in so many ways. As I mentioned before, fellowship with women, and now helping them to fulfill their dreams, will always be part of my Why. It has always been one of my loves. What is really neat about Arbonne is it allows me to build a business filled with women and men who work together and truly care for each other, which is the greatest blessing to me.
I now have the big picture and my Why has evolved. I can see the potential for financial freedom that my family can enjoy with Arbonne. With our two children in college, I want them to continue attending their school of choice, while providing them with the financial support necessary for them to graduate with little or now debt. I also hope to travel and see more of the world.
To my sponsor and friend, NVP Colleen Krebs: Thank you for sharing the gift of Arbonne. It has been so much fun working, traveling and playing together. To ENVP Janet Elliiott: You have been a wonderful example of generosity and encouragement. To my wonderful team: I could not have done this without you. I look forward to celebrating all your successes. I will stand by you all the way. To my first Ace, RVP Tricia DeVries: You are an amazing woman of integrity and drive. You have set the bar for all of us. I appreciate all you and your team have done. You all are so special to me. To AM Jamie Anderson: You are a phenomenal leader, full of character and compassion. RVP is just around the corner. To DMs, Kay Moe-Duffy, Teresa Gillen, Jennifer Maves, Bethany Christianson, Holly Adams, Beth Ginther, Susan Morton-Herges: Keep moving forward because you have bright futures ahead. To all my Consultants and faithful Clients: Thank you for enjoying Arbonne as much as I do and for being so supportive!
To my family: You are my Why. My dreams and goals are all about you. To my parents, Darleen and Bill Stoppel: You gave me a firm foundation of faith and love. To my wonderful husband of 22 years, Jay: What can I say, except you are the best. Your belief, love and encouragement are amazing. To my children, Mike, 20 and Chelsea, 18: You have always been a gift to us. I believe in you and your future. You have it in you to be anything you desire.
Most of all, I want to thank God for making everything possible.
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.
