To become an Executive Regional Vice President at age 25, when everyone else expected me to be struggling despite my talents and intelligence, feels pretty amazing. Even though I graduated with honors from Northwestern University, the mere fact that I was pursuing a career in the arts as a performer meant that I was immediately placed inside a box labeled “Starving Artist”. I was never really comfortable with that, yet it took a little while for me to figure out how to think outside that box. I knew that the typical “artist” jobs were not for me I would make a terrible waitress! For one thing, I felt that I had a duty to make more of myself after my incredible parents had spent so much of their resources on my education. Furthermore, I had a real issue with others telling me what to do!
For a while, I cobbled my life together by tutoring children in French and Italian, as well as teaching in afterschool programs. Then I spent 2 years teaching kindergarten drama at a fantastic Montessori school. I felt fulfilled working with kids, which has always been a passion of mine. However, as my acting career took off, it became more and more difficult to find the time to get to the auditions I needed to attend. Having been always taught to do my best, I dreaded having to ask for someone to sub for me, just as I dreaded calling my agent and letting them know I would not be able to make it.
I felt torn between making a living and putting 100 percent effort into my dreams. I yearned to be an independent and self-sufficient adult, not just another person “trying” to succeed. I know I am not alone there are many of us who have passions that do not come with a paycheck. This is where Arbonne comes into the picture.
Shortly after the network marketing industry came onto my radar through exposure to another company, I received a phone call from my father, Ira Wagner. My dad is my hero and my role model, not to mention a highly successful private equity executive. When he asked me, “Hey, kiddo have you heard of a company called Arbonne?” I had no idea what he was talking about, but trusted that he must be onto something good. You see, his company had investigated Arbonne as a lucrative acquisition. He saw the explosive growth, opportunity and integrity of Arbonne, and suggested that I become an Independent Consultant. Everyone is looking for “greener” products nowadays, and I had always been interested in conscientious consumerism and environmentally-friendly companies. That, coupled with the wide open opportunity to take charge of my financial situation, made it a perfect match.
Doing anything new is always a challenge, and Arbonne is no exception. Thankfully, through a referral to her Arbonne Web site, I found an incredible mentor in NVP Carrie Carlson. She and ENVP Heather Jones have never given up on me, no matter what challenges arose. After attempting to reinvent the wheel and creatively avoiding the brilliant Six for Success system that Arbonne teaches, I finally rolled up my sleeves and got to work. It has been about two years since that day, and I can wholeheartedly say that it was so worth it. My team does a combination of “Group” Presentations and “One-on-One” Presentations, knowing that if we simply commit to have a great time sharing Arbonnes amazing products and opportunity with others, our Clients and business builders will eventually surface. So long as you are willing to learn, you will get there, so never give up no matter what your goals are! Doing Arbonne is a lot like auditioning, you have to be willing to hear a lot of “nos” in order to “get cast!”
This achievement truly belongs to my team, the “Big Break” Region. Many of them have similar backgrounds to me, and have pressed on despite everyone else balking at our future success. To RVP Natalie Myre: You lit a fire under me on day one of joining our team, and have never stopped since. You are the definition of an ACE, and I am so proud to see you blossom into such an amazing leader.
To our Area Managers and AMs-in-qualification, Roni Geva Orlina, Stephanie Myre, and Lauren Creel: Thank you for your enthusiasm and “no-matter-what” attitudes. You are next in line, and your teams are an awesome reflection of your leadership!
To our District Managers Aimee, Jaime, Caitlin, Nicole, Kenny, Aine, Vayram, Melonie, Christine, Lauren, Parrish, Luann, Lesley, Johanna and Kelly: Never forget that Carrie was a DM when I was referred to her Web site, and I had no idea what I was doing! I thank you, and all of our consultants for being the beating heart of our team; you each played such an integral role in our becoming a Region.
To my wonderful family: Thank you for always believing in me. Mom, I will always try to model your commitment to fun, and your inner strength. Dad, the lessons I have learned from you make me the person and leader I am today I love you! To my little sisters, Sara and Ari: you guys are the best online shoppers I know! Who knows, maybe we will do this together one day? To Aidan: Thank you for sharing me with my team, and for all of your love and support.
A huge thank you to the Arbonne corporate office staff, especially President Rita Davenport, Chairman & CEO Bob Henry, Sr. VP Product Development & Field Events Candace, Sr. VP International Operations Jack Crowley and Sr. VP Marketing Brad Wayment for your vision, integrity and down-to-earth attitudes.
I was tired of waiting for someone else to give me my “big break,” so I decided to cast myself in the most important performance there is my life. I now have the freedom to spend my time doing the things that are important to me, which is all I ever wanted. What does that mean to you? I encourage all of you who are waiting in the wings to step out on stage and find your spotlight I promise the show will be a hit.
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.
