“To lead is to serve; open your heart and guide others to become all they intended to be and more.”
I was a successful businesswoman with a perfect job that offered flexibility, high pay and room for professional growth. Then one Monday in January 2003, another company acquired the financial institution where I had worked for 10 years, and my role was eliminated. Reality set in quickly and I was faced with the challenge of finding a new career opportunity that would provide me with the same income and perks I had worked so hard to obtain. Most importantly, I wanted a job that allowed me consistent time with my two young boys. But most opportunities appear at the back end of a challenge or set back, often we do not see them for what they truly are ... as was my case with Arbonne.
Arbonne came knocking on my door 24 months ago when I met the Collins family. Here was my answer, but clearly I did not see the business for what it was in the beginning of my journey. Dana Collins invited me to an Arbonne Presentation to learn more about the company and the products. I went purely out of politeness with the intention of telling her “no thank you” at the end of the evening. During the Presentation I realized the power of this business and the lifestyle my family could enjoy if I signed up. I was impressed with the women and men of Arbonne; they were a diverse group who wanted to be more, do more and have more, so they could give more.
After researching Arbonne’s business, I decided to jump in totally committed. I was fearful and doubtful, as we sometimes are when embarking on something new and different. Nonetheless, I trusted my sponsor and did as she instructed. I followed the simple system of six Presentations a month for success. I attended all of the events and brought guests, did 30 minutes of daily self-development and shared the opportunity with anyone and everyone I came across. I remained coachable and learned something from each challenge I encountered. As my belief grew, so did my team and their visions for success.
Within 11 months, we blossomed, and the Endless Possibilities Region was born. Since becoming a Region, I have learned that this opportunity is much bigger than me. Arbonne is a vehicle that can make hopes and dreams become a reality. It is about honoring others and helping them see their greatness and all that is attainable. With Arbonne, you can design the life you were intended to live ... whatever that means to you. As a leader, I learned that to lead is to serve. A team that once began as a business-based alliance has become a network of loving friendships that will last a lifetime. These relationships were fostered through listening and guiding others, sharing disappointments and successes, and by celebrating one another’s accomplishments. My team is committed and compassionate, constantly working toward a common vision of success that has created the Endless Possibilities Nation!
Having Arbonne in my life has given me the ability to experience the simple things each day that make life worth living. I love shopping in the middle of the day, mid-day yoga, and even surprising my husband, Chris, for lunch several times a month. My sons, Brandon and Tyler, appreciate the free time this business allows me; they love it when I bring their favorite snack to school and enjoy it with them and their friends. Every day I make the choice of how my day is spent. Gone are the days of the alarm clocks, bosses, asking for time off and being excited about a cost of living increase.
If you are ready to grow your business and see your dreams come true, then follow this recipe: First, do not be afraid of wanting more, having more and becoming more. Believe in yourself and have a clear mental image of your success; success is created in the mind first. Follow the duplicatable simple system and be coachable. You must be able to give and receive because Arbonne is a gift for all. Learn to listen more, talk less and find solutions to help others grow. Shift your business focus from that of receiving, to one of giving. Give others your time, your knowledge and your belief in them. Lastly, spend as much time developing yourself as you do working on your business; read 30 minutes a day and apply what you have learned to your life and business.
My journey has been breathtaking and there are many who have made my dream a reality. Thank you, Dana Collins, for sharing this opportunity with me.
Thank you to all of the VPs who have paved the way and believed in Arbonne even before the system existed — it is because of your persistence and dreams that I am here today.
To Founder Petter Mørck: Thank you for your vision and your determination to create the best. To President Rita Davenport: You are the heart and soul of this company and you make Arbonne what it is — a true blessing for many. To Sr. VP Product Development & Marketing, Candace Keefe: Thank you for your vision and excellence in our products; without them, we would not be the best. To the awesome Home Office staff: Your positive attitude, love and dedication to making our lives easier are appreciated and recognized. Thanks, from our entire Nation.
Special thanks with love and kisses to my mentors and support system: Sandra Hicks, Judy Pressman, Susan Evans, Kathy Lutz, Judi Valentine, Gaye Ouellette and Diane Hinkle. You all took me under your wing and have helped me fly. I am honored to know you all and I love you from the bottom of my heart.
To my best friends and crossline buddies, Colleen Cunningham, Kathy Beuttel, Senora Hunter-Neil and Gregory Dean: I do not even know where to begin to show my appreciation for all your friendships and support. You all believed in me from the time we met and have been there the entire way. My heart fills with love for each one of you. You all are next. I have saved four very special spots at the top for each one of you.
To my life coach, friend and mentor, Mary Ann Masur: You have shown me all my greatness, that I am enough, and lent me a listening ear. I have grown in more ways than I can express. Thanks for being my guardian angel.
To my team, the Endless Possibilities Nation: You are the most amazing, loving, dedicated and caring group of men and women. I have been blessed to know each one of you. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Your energy, passion for success and commitment to your dreams is contagious. I honor all of you and have learned so much from each one of you. I love you all and will not rest until all your Arbonne dreams have been met. I believe in you and your excellence ... see you at the top.
Gracious thanks to AMs, soon-to-be RVPs, Shara Hine, Shelley Mazzuca, Kim Magrogan, Leah Heise, Jennifer Hayes-Klosteridis, Heather Binnix, Tricia Smith, Kadiji Townsend and Tonya Hatosy-Stier. You all helped to build this Nation and I thank you for your leadership, honesty and integrity. What a year we have in front of us — each one of you reaching for RVP and celebrating your success. I cannot wait until you get the keys to your white Mercedes-Benz.
To RVP Karen Mikalaski: You had a vision of what you wanted and when you wanted it and you did just that — RVP within one year. Thanks for being the first of many and for paving the way. To all the DMs: I am grateful to have all of you on this journey and my best advice is to keep learning, sharing and doing the system. It is the consistent activity you do each day that will build all of your dreams and teams.
To my Why and my most amazing support team, my husband, Chris, and our two boys, Brandon and Tyler: You all have been there with me from the word “go”, cheering me on, listening to my challenges and sharing in all the successes. Your belief in this business and me has never wavered from day one and I could not be where I am without the three of you. I am forever grateful and I love you so much. I joined Arbonne because of you.
Most importantly, thank you, God, for the freedom and the endless possibilities you have presented in my life. Arbonne is a blessing; it has transformed my life in every way!
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.
