“Let your dreams become the goals that you strive for.”
I never imagined that my husband, David, and I would one day be involved in network marketing. Why would we need such an opportunity? We had a plan. Our future was set … or so we thought.
David had worked hard to become an attorney. We felt financially secure when he entered that field. I would certainly be able to fulfill my dream of being a stay-at-home mom. Even if we did not save a lot of money at first, there would always be time to get ahead later. We had plenty of time to save for college tuitions, retirement and dream vacations … or so we thought.
Time became a very important factor for my family in the year 2001. Life threw us a curveball that we did not see coming, and it put a huge dent in our plan. David was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition involving his heart. Two open-heart surgeries later, we found ourselves emotionally and financially drained. It would be months before we knew at what capacity David could return to his job, or if he could return at all.
While David was experiencing his own personal fears and anxiety during those months of recuperation, I, too, found myself in a constant state of panic. Not only was I worrying about David’s health, but I had three small children who needed me. I was facing the reality that I could become the sole provider for my family. I was scared. I had no idea how I could do this and do it well.
I found myself dreaming of a way to earn a living that would keep me at home with my kids and allow me to potentially earn enough money to retire David. I decided that I had to turn my dreams into my goals. Once I did that, I felt the power of those dreams unleash and I set out to make my dreams a reality. Over the next few years, I explored many options and continued to pray for the right opportunity to come along … and then came Arbonne.
I was introduced to Arbonne in the spring of 2004 by my sister, ERVP Dorothy Carothers. I cannot thank her enough for sharing the opportunity with me and encouraging me in the business. Realizing my dream of RVP has been one of my proudest moments. Looking back however, it is the journey and the people who have traveled that road with me, that truly make me smile.
To ENVP Janet Elliott, RVP-in-qualification Shelly Long and DM Janice Ladd: Thank you for your support and guidance. I appreciate all you have done for me.
To my dear friend, DM Susie Reel: You were my easiest sell! I remember you saying, “If you believe in it, then count me in.” I cannot thank you enough for trusting me and for trusting Arbonne. You will be home with your beautiful girls in no time!
To RVP Sue Colvin: You were number one on my chicken list! I thank God every day that I had the strength to make that call. To DM Dave Colvin: Thanks to you and Sue for all that you do. You are awesome business partners and wonderful friends!
To DM Julie Worsham and AM Lori Orman: Your perseverance and determination inspire me daily. Thank you so much for your friendship.
To my sister, AM Terese Griesemer and AM-in-qualification Jennifer Thacker: You guys are well on your way to RVP. Thank you both for your giving spirit. I am proud to work with you and your terrific teams.
To DMs, Jennifer Wheatley, Renee Skipper, Natalie Swearingen, Mary Anne Schaefer, Candice Jarboe, Daisy Brown, Nancy Walton and Wilma Couch: Thank you for all of your hard work. I promise it will pay off. You are the best!
To RVP-in-qualification Delanie Schembra and AM Jennifer Summers: I am so impressed with your no-matter-what attitudes. Thanks for your leadership and commitment to your incredible teams.
To my Consultants: Keep dreaming big. Together, we will make those dreams come true!
To President Rita Davenport: I cannot express how much I appreciate you calling to congratulate me when I promoted. Thank you for taking the time to make me feel special. I admire your integrity and leadership.
To my parents, Steve and Mary Anne Schaefer, and siblings, Dodie and Joe Carothers; Terese and Kaden Griesemer; and Joe and Kim Schaefer: Thank you for always being there for me and for believing in me even when I did not believe in myself. I cannot wait until we each have our own Mercedes-Benz!
To my children, David, Olivia and Graciana: You mean the world to me. Thank you for helping around the house and understanding when I had to be gone, or on the phone. You are my biggest cheerleaders, and your love and support mean everything to me. I am so lucky to be your mom! Love you bunches.
To my husband, David: I thank God every day that you are still here with us. I am so proud of what you have been able to overcome these past few years. I want nothing more than to spend as much time together with you and the kids as a family. Arbonne is giving us that potential freedom. Thank you for supporting me on this journey. I appreciate everything you have done to make it easier for me. I love that we are now working the business together. Thanks for your awesome business Presentations. You are a gifted speaker and have been able to spread the word about Arbonne to many. I love you so much. You were my very first dream come true!
Finally, I need to thank God for hearing my prayers, and for answering me in His perfect timing. I thank Him for blessing my family and others!
Never underestimate the power of your dreams. With faith and hard work, they really can come true!
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.
