“Take the focus off of yourself and find out what you can do to help others reach their goals.”
When I started my Arbonne business in March of 2003, ENVP Linda Parker was an RVP-in-qualification. My friend, RVP Nicole Bennyhoff, and I laughed and talked about how we did not want the responsibility of maintaining a District, let alone a Region. The fact that I am now writing my Nation story two years later is amazing to me.
I politely declined an invitation to an Arbonne Presentation in December of 2003; however my friend was the type of hostess we all wish for, and she called me back. She was persistent and encouraged me to, “just come for a girl’s night out.” I told her I would not be able to purchase anything, yet would be willing to listen to what this Arbonne “thing” was all about. I was so impressed with the products that I wound up purchasing an entire skin care line and scheduling a Presentation. After hosting three Presentations, ENVP Linda Parker said, “You are doing all the work, and I am making all of the money.” If hanging out with friends, eating together and trying skin care products was work, I wanted in!
After promoting to Region 18 months after starting the business, ENVP Linda Parker asked me to speak at her training to share how I had gotten to that point in my business. I remember feeling as if I had to make excuses for why I had not become an RVP faster. However, I reminded myself, there are not many jobs that allow you to work part time, choose your own schedule and earn a Mercedes-Benz.
Promoting to RVP was an exciting time. I earned my Mercedes-Benz, had my car presentation, was recognized at NTC, and received flowers and gifts. I never imagined anything could be more exciting than earning a white Mercedes-Benz; then, I started promoting Regions within my team. Seeing dreams come true for other people I had introduced to Arbonne was truly a turning point for me. It has been said before, and my success is proof — when you take the focus off of yourself and ask what you can do for others, you will see positive changes in yourself and in your business.
Arbonne has afforded me the opportunity to have a successful career and still be a full-time mother of four fabulous children. My husband and I had our 10-year-old daughter, Samantha; 2-year-old son, Kane and our 2-week-old daughter, Jayda, when I started this business. Two short years later, while trying to qualify for Nation, I gave birth to our fourth child, Harrison. It has been so rewarding to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
When I started in this business and heard things like goals, belief and personal growth, I did not realize how all that would apply to me. However, when an incredible upline, crossline and SuccessLine surround you, you cannot help but grow personally, learn to believe in yourself and make goals to achieve your dreams. This has been a journey I had not been prepared for; yet it prepared me to be a part of a fabulous company run by amazing people.
To ENVP Linda Parker: Words alone cannot describe how thankful I am to you for sharing this opportunity that has changed my family’s life. You are an incredible mentor and friend. Your tireless efforts to help me become the leader I am today are inspiring. I am so fortunate to be a part of your team and I am a Nation of-my-own because of you. Thank you.
To ENVP Cecilia Stoll: When I was just getting started in my business, I attended a training where you told us the only difference between you and the rest of us was that you had heard more no’s than us. This got me through the last two years. Each time I heard a no, I thought, “I am one step closer to being like Cecilia!” Thank you for your words of wisdom. When I hear no, I no longer think it is a dirty word.
To President Rita Davenport: I am amazed that you take the time to get to know and love each one of us. You are a wonderful example to all of us. You make me proud to be a part of this company.
To Chairman and CEO Bob Henry: It is exciting to have you as a part of the Arbonne family. You have already been so hands on, and it is proof that you fit in perfectly with the incredible personnel we are already surrounded with.
To the Home Office staff: Thank you for all you do to help us run our businesses so effectively.
To my aunt, ERVP Leslie Sodano: Thank you for the intense passion, energy and creativity that you bring to our Nation. You have made this journey an exciting one for all of us.
To my aunt, ERVP Barbara Soriano: I find so much comfort in your gentle, caring spirit. You bring a balance to our Nation that is so appreciated. I am thankful you chose to share this journey with us.
To RVP Lynn Williford: I love your engaging and contagious personality. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our team.
To RVP Fran Adler: Thank you for re-affirming that we should not pre-judge who we think deserves to be offered this amazing opportunity. The hard work and perseverance you share with your team shows and I know there is no stopping you and your team now!
To RVP Nicole Bennyhoff: Thank you for being by my side and taking this journey with me. I look forward to the day I get to eat chocolate while you plug away toward qualifying for Nation.
To my dynamic team of AMs, Susie Detweiler, Lynette Pagdanganan, Susan Borelly, Erika Murdocca, Dana Geraghty, Joanna Ravaris, Cathy Gabrielson, Barb Gunselman, Dori Zingmond, Gen Moyer Groff, Angelisa DiPalma, Missy Brown, Lori Hunt, Tina Shingleton, Theresa Petterson-Chu and Elke D’Onofrio: Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. You are an amazing group of women who are creating incredible teams of your own. Region is knocking on your door!
To my DMs: Borrow the “vision goggles” that ENVP Linda Parker loaned me and see a fleet of white Mercedes-Benzes within your SuccessLine. What an exciting place to be. Your journey to RVP will be an experience you will never forget. Make sure you take time to embrace it.
I am honored to have each of you on my team.
To my mother-in-law, Barb Hayford: A million thank you’s could never match the generosity, love and support you have shared with me. I am eternally grateful for all you do for my family and me.
I would like to thank my sisters, Suzanne and Sara Kane: You have always made yourselves available to help me meet any challenge, sometimes even against your will. I know you may think you go unnoticed, but I am truly thankful for each and every little thing you do.
A special thank you to my brother, Andrew Kane and cousins, Jon Fisher and Tim Egan for their service in the war to fight for the freedom that has allowed me to build my business. Your selflessness touches the lives of many.
To my best friend and husband, Marc: I would be lost without you. Thank you for supporting me, believing in me, drying my tears, sharing in my excitement, and for being a cheerleader not only for me, but for my entire team. I could not and would not want to do this without you by my side.
To my children, Samantha, Kane, Jayda and Harrison: Thank you for your unconditional love, your patience and for understanding when I had to leave for Arbonne events. Know that I do it all for you.
To the rest of my family, friends, Consultants and Clients: I am so thankful for your support and encouragement, and all you have done to help my business become what it is today. I appreciate each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, I give thanks to God for his faithfulness, wisdom and strength, and for reminding me that through Him, I can do all things. I will continue to follow in His direction and hopefully touch the lives of many along the way.
To everyone reading my story, my wish for you is that you take control of your future, visualize your dreams as realities, enjoy the journey and just believe!
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.
