“"Life happens ... what happens next is up to you and your beliefs."”
In 1996, I became an Arbonne Consultant with no intention of building a business. But after a health scare, all that changed, and 13 months into my business, I became an RVP. At the time, I thought my life could not get any better. I was happily married, with a 1-year-old son, Lake, and an 8-year-old stepdaughter, Taigan Prow. I also ran two successful businesses. Then … life happened! In 2000, I combined two businesses into one and was working my Arbonne business consistently, when I had my second child, Gabrielle. She was born with a breathing problem, and I lost a dear friend and nanny, Stephanie Wolfe, to an unexpected death. I also experienced a very painful divorce. At that moment, I lost everything I had ever wanted.
My children and I started a new life. Just as I was getting my feet back on the ground, learning to be a working, single mom, I took another hit. In 2003, overnight, I lost 80 percent of my family’s income. I almost lost myself. I had a decision to make and that decision was bigger than me — I had a family to support. I could pull the covers over my head or just deal with it, knowing from my recent past that those bad days became hours, and those hours soon became moments.
I truly defined the statement, “Fake it until you make it.” It was important for my team not to know how bad it was. In 2004, the financial domino stopped, and I was forced to file bankruptcy. Even though my Arbonne income was good, I had still lost 80 percent of the income we were used to living on. We lost our new home, my car, a business I had opened 12 years ago and my son, Lake, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, all within a three-month period (Tracie Hefner, I will never forget you being at our side that night at the hospital, thank you).
But read closely to find out what I gained. I gained myself back, and the ability to help others realize the same thing I had; that there is always a choice, you just have to believe to receive. I believe the doors open, but we have to walk through them.
There is a new stability in my children’s life; we have a wonderful new future with my husband, Chad, and will soon have the potential for financial freedom because of my Arbonne business. To this date, one year later, I have almost replaced that 80 percent of my income, and our future is incredibly promising. If you implement the Arbonne system and get serious about why you are doing this business, it can have the potential to increase the quality of your life in so many ways. Money is not the most important thing, but it is right up there with oxygen (a President Rita Davenport saying), and with money, you get choices. You can choose when to work; you can have a financial loss and still potentially be okay; you can help find the cure, or you can help others who cannot help themselves.
In one year, from May of 2004 to May of 2005, even without my promoted ENVP, Jill Jones, and her SuccessLine, our volume increased fivefold. The difference was activity with a reason; we were not just surviving, but having the potential to create an income and a future for my family that no one could take away.
Six years ago, I sponsored an incredible business builder, and what a business she has built. To ENVP Jill Jones: What a blessing you have been to me, most importantly as my friend, but you are also a powerhouse. Your leadership put Dallas on the map, and I am thankful that you are in my life. We have shared so much and I consider you to be one of the closest friends I have. Kevin, your words of encouragement have not gone unnoticed. Jill and her team became a Nation before I did, and one thing I love about our business is that her promotion did not mean I got a pay cut, but a pay raise instead. To Jill’s sister, Julie: I will never forget the day Jill called me and told me you had decided to do Arbonne. I cannot wait to read your Eye on Arbonne story.
To RVP Allison Mitchell: I am so glad you stuck it out with me. There were many meetings where it was just you, your mom, AM Joyce Mitchell (my Nashville mom) and me. Your loyalty is amazing.
To NVP Christie Feighan and Lynda Runnels: I will never forget your support. I am blessed to know you two. To ENVP Cecilia Stoll, NVP Cindy Pipkin and all my Oklahoma sisters: I appreciate your leadership and friendships.
To my newest RVP, Debbie Huntley: What a leap of faith you took! I knew it would pay off; you have so much to offer to your team, and I learn from you daily. I know you will be a Nation this year, as well.
As I am writing this, I can only imagine how many of my Area Managers will be writing their own RVP stories soon. Thank you for your dedication and perseverance. To Jodi Paris, Dee Haupert, Betsy Robinson, Jeanette Mandrell, Teresa Glenn, Tabitha Sanders, Kelley Ellis, Joyce Mitchell, Kim Forkum and Renee Reed: You guys are an incredible, get-it-done team.
To the many Districts in the Dynasty Nation: You are the rising stars of our business, and we are all grateful for you. To my first DM, and the grandmother to my beautiful children, Gayle Prow: We love you and Granddad David. To Cindy Dinwiddie, Shannon Reagan, Trina Williams, Dina Schwartz, Shelly Orr, Patsy Massey, Sue Billingsly, Leigh Greenwell, Crystal Culp, Deb Overby, Teresa Finnell, Teresa Travis, Julie Dossett, Holly Higgins, Kim Lisi, Becky Mason, Chris Talbott, Danelle Hughes, Julie Boyd, Sue Weis, Jennifer Preston, Kim Perry, Sheila Robinson, Teri Baskett, Jaime Landrum, Dezerae Nash-Spacek, Deborah Nash, Christy Bullington, Lyn Walker, April Neuwirth, Tammie Thomas, Anita Krayer, Kaye Ingram and Nancy Weathers: Thank you.
Last, but most important, to the Consultants in the Tina Prow-Angus Nation and our SuccessLine Nations: A sincere thank you to all of you. I wish for you to achieve all that you want.
To RVP Michael Anderson: We have been through a lot; success is waiting on us and for your sweet mom, Peggy, too. To Jacqueline Barron: I cannot wait to read your Eye on Arbonne story. And to the other Tennessee VPs: Thank you for your support. To the sister I never had, ENVP Sharon Metzgar: You have been there for me in the darkest hours and the happiest times, and I will never forget that.
To my upline, ENVP Reneé Moss: Thank you for introducing me to Arbonne — my family and I are indebted to you. Thank you, ENVP Carol Waugh, for your professionalism. To ENVP Euphiazene Linder: You have a true servant’s heart. I do not think I have ever met anyone more giving than you.
To Founder Peter Mørck: Thank you. To Sr. VP Product Development & Marketing, Candace Keefe, Executive Vice President Stian Mørck, and all of the Home Office staff: Thank you for your leadership, as well as Shane Clemens in the Events Department and Franny Teran in VP Support.
To President Rita Davenport: What can I say? You have taught me about tough love, and that if I think I cannot do something, I am right, and if I think I can do it, I am right too. I cannot picture what my life would be like without your leadership and inspiration. You are incredible; I hope I can become even half the woman you exemplify.
There are so many people I want to thank, and I am sure I will forget someone, so forgive me if I do. But now that the dust has cleared, it is apparent that you have been there to lift me up and would do anything to help. Charlie and Will Dunn, the phone calls you have endured and your support have been incredible. Heather Stevens, no matter what the crisis, I can always count on you, and you too, Lori Caver. To Tiffani O’Brien, Suzanne Campbell, Tyler Prow, Paige Prow, Carson Pearcy, Aunt Jenene and Uncle Andrew, Brenda Lehman, Tammy Billingsly, Lisa and Michael Wairy and Mary Griffin: Thank you.
To my parents, Eldie and Treva Ferrell: I am so proud to say you are my parents. Your emotional and financial support have been incredible this past year. I am honored to be your daughter. I live to be the parent you have been to me. Dad, from the very beginning of my business you had no doubts; even when I did, you did not. Thanks for that kick out the door every once in a while.
To my brother, Carl Ferrell: Until Chad, you were the rock for Lake and Gabrielle, and I will never forget that. You will be an incredible husband and father when you and Lindsey start your family. To my grandmother and mentor, Lucile: You have done more for me than you will ever know.
To Taigan Prow: I have watched you grow up into a beautiful young woman. I am so happy to have you in my life. You are such an incredible sister to Lake and Gabrielle.
To my son, Lake: You are my hero; you are so brave and incredible. You have been through more than a lot of adults ever go through in a lifetime; what an inspiration you will be to so many. I promise, the best of your life is now and forever, and we will find the cure for you. Thank you for all you did to help me get to Nation.
To my princess, Gabrielle: I love your spirit. Without a doubt, I know you will achieve whatever you want, and the world will have to get out of your way.
To my husband, Chad: You came into my life during a serious time of discovery. You were there in those darkest hours and days, have wiped many tears and been there for Lake and Gabrielle. We have been through a lifetime of trials. When I am down, you will not let me stay there, and when I am up, you keep me balanced. Thank you for being you; I am grateful. The best is yet to come. I love you. To Linda and Bob Angus: Thank you for your incredible son, and your own support.
There are so many people, especially women, who have experienced something similar to what I went through. I am committed to helping as many people as I can. Know that whatever your circumstance, it is not your future; it is up to you. Decide what you want your life to look like and then go to work. Believe in yourself and the rest will come. See you at the top!
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.
