“You must act your way into right thinking — you cannot think your way into right action.”
My life’s dream has always been to make a difference in the world. I am an award-winning high school social studies teacher and have loved the kids and enjoyed this career for 10 years. Although the long, exhausting hours did not bother me, the financial insecurity and lifestyle of a fixed income could be very depressing. Since the money ran out by the eighth of every month, my thoughts and life were consumed by monetary worries: budgeting, coupons, no vacations, discount stores and secretly totaling groceries in the cart, and then buying food on credit cards. My identity was wrapped up in being a noble, though poor, servant of the community.
I was first introduced to Arbonne in October of 2002 at ERVP Stacey Upton’s launch Presentation. I have always had troubled skin and thought I had tried everything. With Arbonne products, my skin cleared up, and for the first time in my life I experienced the subtle self-confidence that comes with looking my best. I signed up as a Consultant, though I was absolutely determined not to sell the products.
In August of 2003, three things made me realize I had to do this business. One, the NutriMinC® RE9 Eye Cream eliminated my eye wrinkles in three months, and my younger sister noticed! Two, my last credit card hit its maximum and I needed another source of income. Three, I became completely disgusted with being poor. My original Arbonne goal was to be able to possibly pay off credit card debt and buy necessities with cash. At first, I only envisioned earning enough to support myself. My belief kept me from quitting and I thought, even if it takes me 10 years to build an Area, so what? I will have the potential to make more money than if I did not do Arbonne. Early on, I realized if I wanted what others did not have, I had to be willing to do what others would not do.
I quickly discovered building an Arbonne business exposed areas of my life I needed to work on, like my addiction to approval and paralyzing fear. I have been terrified at each stage of my business. As soon as I let go of what people thought of me, and instead focused on helping others become successful, my business exploded. The only way to combat fear is to do the thing you fear the most — and the earlier in the day, the better! I am so grateful I got into action and forged a path on the road less traveled.
When I launched my business in September of 2003, my family was very supportive. I was so relieved to hear my mom say, “I will do anything to help you be successful!” I learned not to pre-judge anyone because the friends I assumed would jump on board and support me did not. I kept doing the footwork anyway. I finished District in two months, and then my first two business builders quit. By February, I was feeling sorry for myself and seriously considered quitting. Despite my negative thinking, I showed up to an opportunity meeting where ERVP Liz Barlak pulled me aside and encouraged me to keep going slowly rather than stopping altogether. Thank you, Liz! Within a few weeks everything turned around. My mom, DM Elaine Benthuys, became my first DM. Sharing Arbonne with my family is an incredible gift. Then, I was willing to train with my coach, ERVP Stacey Upton, and began my personal growth journey. My team finished qualification for Area while my fiancé at-the-time and now husband, AM Eric Muhl, and I were in Cancún with Arbonne! He was so impressed with Founder Petter Mørck and President Rita Davenport he launched a business as soon as we returned.
It is humbling to promote to RVP because it is only possible with a team. I would like to thank ENVP Sandra Tillinghast and ENVP Donna Weiser for making our journeys so much easier with their Business Aids, ongoing training, beauty, wisdom and encouragement. To ERVP Sally Hallada: Thank you for your humor and expertise at crunchin’ the numbers! To ERVP Stacey Upton: Thank you for your patient “dripping” for almost a year. You have been an incredibly supportive and patient mentor, friend and coach.
I am so proud to work with an amazingly courageous group of men and women! To AM Cyndi Youse: I am so proud of your leadership, enthusiasm and belief in yourself, your team and Arbonne. I have learned so much from you. To my pioneering husband, AM Eric Muhl: It is so much fun to share this business with you. Your belief in the company and our industry has added credibility to the team. I love you!
To DMs, Elaine Benthuys, Heather Frankson, Janeen Beltran, Tammy Alcantar, Tina Lewis, Tanya Verbiesen, CeCe Spangler, Kari Regensberg, Michelle Pendergast, Sharon Hason-Tilles, Gena Solar, Judi Ragasa, John Ragasa, Maria Jimenez, Lenore Allen and Melanie Vovk: I love you all! Keep planting seeds, taking the right actions and never quit. You have what it takes to go all the way. To my customers: You keep me in business, and I thank you for your ongoing support. To everyone at the Home Office: Thank you! You are so kind and enjoyable to work with. I also want to thank the Executive Team for their ongoing support, integrity and professionalism. I am so proud to represent such a first-class company.
Most importantly, I am humbled to celebrate success while American soldiers are risking their lives to give others a chance at freedom. We are so fortunate to live in a land of freedom and opportunity.
I titled this story “Keys of the Kingdom” because, for me, Arbonne is the key to a new way of life. However, I must also find the courage to accept the key, walk to the door, turn the lock and walk through it toward potential financial and spiritual freedom.
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.
