“Simply accept the gift that was offered to you and go for it.”
I knew this year would be the year I would realize my dream of promoting to RVP. The gift of Arbonne was offered to me three years ago and although, compared to others nowadays, it has taken a long time for me to reach this goal, there was never any doubt in my mind that I would become an RVP. Over the past year, I could feel our strength and growth as a team beginning to peak as I recalled the words of ENVP Nancy Wilcox during a lovely luncheon for her Area Managers at the Bellagio during NTC 2005 Las Vegas. She told us, “The majority, if not all of you ladies sitting here, will be RVPs within the next year if you will just trust and follow the leadership of your uplines. We can see the growth that is coming.” Now, as I visualize the ones sitting at that long table, I realize that most, indeed, are RVPs, while some are even NVPs. That just amazes me.
This year has been bittersweet in many ways. Sadly, we lost my beloved mother-in-law, then my brother-in-law, and then in April 2006, my own beloved mother passed away. Amidst our family’s sorrow was the joy of attending our granddaughter’s, EDM Jesse Rose (Williams) Harris, beautiful beach wedding in Florida on February 4th, the wedding anniversary date of my parents. In the midst of this activity, I insisted on going to Costa Mesa, California, for our Area Manager’s leadership retreat started by ENVP Sandra Tillinghast and hosted by our wonderful NVPs. I attended the retreat in 2004, but I have to admit the 2005 one was simply outstanding. Almost everyone had the honor of being called up on stage. They lined up along the wall and across the front of the room because they had promoted to either RVP or NVP since the last Area Manager’s retreat. I was stunned.
In a way, I found it very strange that my Why was now my husband, because for years, it had always been our children. I loved being domestic and always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but we could not afford for me to be home without some kind of income. Now the children have families of their own and my big Why is now my dear husband. It will be wonderful for him to retire secure in the knowledge that we will still have a nice income to enjoy our life together.
I was introduced to Arbonne in 2003 by my daughter-in-law, ERVP Beth Williams. At that time, I was working in a financial institution and just wanted some skin care. After using the sample one time, I could visibly see the difference. Although I was so amazed, I had not planned on joining Arbonne as a business. Then, one Friday afternoon, I received my pink slip. My company closed the whole department down and outsourced the work. I was so tired of always starting over and receiving such low wages because I had no special training. So, I accepted the gift of Arbonne.
I was the first in my family of six children to graduate from high school. That was a huge and wonderful accomplishment for my family. I was raised under some difficult circumstances and lived through hardships most people cannot relate to. Just try to imagine children being raised by a father who could not read or write. “Poor” was not even the right word for it. My hardworking parents followed the crops from state to state during the harvest season, whether it was cotton, potatoes, lettuce or fruit. Back then, there were no programs for financial help, or housing, for such laborers and their families. We lived in tents or shacks. My oldest brother had to quit school at the age of 13 (eighth grade) to help raise the rest of us children. Many in America do not believe this, but many unfortunate people still lead such a difficult life. So, if you can read and write, you are truly blessed. Count your blessings and go for it!
I hope people take this the way I intended it. I am not complaining about how I was raised, but praising the opportunity we all have to make our lives better. America has always been a melting pot of many nationalities. I encourage everyone that no matter what your education and language are, go as far as you can. Do not let anyone belittle you and your efforts. Go for it! You can be successful.
To Founder Petter Mørck, President Rita Davenport, Chairman & CEO Bob Henry, Executive Vice President Stian Mørck, Sr. VP of Product Development & Field Events, Candace Keefe and the Home Office team: Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to you all for creating and maintaining an amazing company like Arbonne. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I want to thank God for blessing me so much. After years of yearning, I finally get to visit Bethel in July because our upline, ENVP Nancy Wilcox, is treating us to a New York City visit. I have always wanted to see “The Lady,” too. Thank you, Nancy.
To my wonderful husband: Thank you so much for your help and support. To my children and grandchildren: I am sorry I have been a little busy the last three years. Thank you for being so understanding. I love you very much.
To my team: After losing my mother in April and promoting to RVP in May, I realized what a tremendous support system you were to my business and my life, as well. You literally picked me up and flew high above the clouds of despair until I was strong enough to flap my wings again. There are no words to express the depth of my gratitude to you all. You are the best!
To ERVP Beth Williams: Thank you so much for all your help.
To my Area Managers, Vicki Kottas, Tamsen Sherman and Ann McMasters: Your Mercedes-Benz keys are within reach; just reach out and go for it!
To my District Managers, Jesse Rose Harris, Mary Schimmele, Sharen Cobetto, Kim Harris, Robyn Migneault, Chelsea Villela, Christine Villela, Mitzi Greenwood, Desiree Wible, Carey Jackson-Smith, Glenda Oldenburg and Maureen Spell, as well as to our 13 new DMs-in-qualification: You all are fabulous! Thank you and I love you all very much.
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.
