Before finding Arbonne, my life read like a completed checklist. Wonderful husband? Check. Three amazing children? Check. Successful custom jewelry business? Stay-at-home mom? Wonderful friends and family? Spirituality? Check, check, check and check! What could a person like me, who already had an amazing life, want or need from Arbonne? Well, to tell you the truth, I did not want anything to do with this business for almost a year. Here is the story of how that changed.
In October of 2004, I received a call from NVP Tory Brandt. She asked if I would bring my jewelry to her “holiday bazaar” function. We connected immediately and by the end of the event, I had ordered a lot of Arbonne products and she was wearing a great, new piece of jewelry. As our friendship developed, one thing about Tory never made sense to me. Why on earth was she involved in a network marketing company? I knew there had to be a good reason.
I decided to get more information about Tory and her business on my own, so I secretly began to watch her. I watched her for about eight months and what I learned from my little “investigation” was enlightening. I discovered that she worked fewer hours than I did in my jewelry business, while her potential income was greater than mine. She was not a pushy salesperson, had really fun people surrounding her and actually loved “going to work.” I learned about residual income and how the work Tory was doing right now would possibly pay her back for years to come. I thought to myself, “Maybe network marketing was not so bad after all.”
After coming to these conclusions, I knew that I wanted to be involved, but two things still held me back. First, I had a fear of public speaking. And second, I could not bear the thought of my friends laughing at me. I was faced with the choice of letting my fears lead my life, or facing my fears head-on and making an attempt to improve myself. I chose the second option and I have never looked back.
Three words come to mind when I think of my Arbonne journey. The first word is passion. When my husband and I met, we were both collegiate athletes. Derek always told me how much he loved my passion, competitiveness and drive when I played volleyball. These were some of the qualities he fell in love with. Within two weeks of starting my new business, he pulled me aside and said, “You have it back!” And I did. I woke up early, stayed up late and shared my new energy with anybody who had hair, skin or a pulse.
The second word that describes this journey is challenge. My path to RVP has not been paved with golden bricks. I have never been forced to look into the mirror this often, and constantly challenged to change something, or improve something within myself. I was faced with the daily decision to either give up or keep moving forward. This business has challenged my integrity and character, and the priorities in my life. I have felt angry, intimidated and scared, but I have learned to face each one of these unique challenges with confidence. To this day, I remain proud of the path I have chosen.
The third key word I would use to describe my experience is reward. It is rewarding to see yourself grow and build something really big. It is also rewarding to be able to help others do the same thing. At first, I was skeptical and reluctant to start an Arbonne business. Now, I can honestly say that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I get to spend time with my best friends and call it a job … now that is rewarding!
I may never know why the Arbonne opportunity came into my life. I was not in a desperate place. Our family did not need a second income, a new car or any of the other wonderful “things” that Arbonne continues to bring into my life. For me, Arbonne brought back the passion I had somehow lost. It presented me with new and exciting challenges that forced me to grow and improve on a personal level. It has rewarded me with the opportunity to become more than I thought I could be. It has given me so much more than I thought possible and the countless blessings continue to surround me and my family.
I want to thank my team for pushing hard to achieve their own goals and for building our team into a Region. You cannot do this without an amazing team! You all make “going to work” such a joy.
To my DMs, Becky Adams, Janet Andrea, Gabby Balz, David Balz, Maureen Beccari, Sharon Benstock, Shannon Cheatley, Alison Dodder, Tina Eckman, Jackie Garro, Carrie Haub, Sarah Hudson, Sheryl Janosky, Rita Johnson, Stacy Miller, Kristi Orr, Tonya Sandoval, Jolene Sebring, Dana Taylor, Felicia Trone, Karen Welcher and Jennifer Wilburn: What a dynamic group you are. Keep dreaming, face your fears head-on, roll up your sleeves and make it happen.
To Mariesa May, Jeanette Stoll and Tamara Stavrianoudakis: When you all joined Arbonne, you lit a fire beneath everybody else. Congratulations on your success and enjoy your ride to the top.
To Summer Kabaker: Oh, my “Summertime!” Love defines you, laughter surrounds you and success follows you. Thank you for making my Arbonne journey so much more memorable.
To Matt Barnes: From day one, you were on my “Dream Team.” You are smart, dynamic, driven and so much fun to be around. There is no doubt in my mind that you will make it to the top. I love you and Jules.
To Tory Brandt: Wow, what a fun ride! We have learned about “skills,” eight-point font and “puffer-fish.” I just love you and cannot believe how much you add to my life.
To Derek, Sophia, Calvin and Benjamin: Wonderful husband? Check! Three amazing kids? Check! Thank you for being my biggest fans. You all bless my life on a daily basis and make being a wife and mom so much fun. You are all so amazing and I love you so 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.
