“My net worth is determined by the number of lives I have touched.”
On the road of life, we come to many crossroads. I was never interested in the safest or easiest path. I have always loved a challenge; so, when we moved to Tennessee several years ago, I opened a unique salon. Against all odds, we grew very quickly in three years. Believing bigger was better, I then partnered with two other salons to create a new salon and upscale spa. After eight years of blood, sweat and tears, we had 22 employees and appeared very successful. Bigger business, however, also signified bigger headaches. I was working 60-hour weeks when it finally dawned on me that I did not own my business, my business owned me. I knew then that my “dream” salon was not going to get me where I wanted to go. Seeking a new path at the tender age of 50, I had to be sure it would be the right one. There was no room for error.
Shelly Slaton, a former employee, introduced me to Arbonne in 1997. Shelly, thanks for opening the Arbonne door for me. Almost instantly, I fell in love with the products. But I had yet to research the company. I signed up a few days before NTC 1997 Dallas and decided to check out the company myself before announcing my decision publicly. I bought a last minute airline ticket, begged to room with my upline Managers and took off hoping someone would not show up for NTC so I could buy their ticket. I sat through every session taking copious notes. I knew nothing about the business opportunity or promotion plan, but after three days at NTC, I knew this was the opportunity I was looking for. Once I signed on and committed myself to working toward Arbonne success, I never looked back. My intentions from the very beginning were to go to the top. I just did not think it would take so long to get there.
After two years of part-time business building, I had a serious desire to work Arbonne on a full-time basis. I sold my salon/spa, then sold my house. My husband and I bought 50 acres in the middle of nowhere and started to build our “dream house.” First, we started with the guesthouse, but in the midst of doing this, we had contractor nightmares. I lost my focus and my Arbonne business began crumbling at every corner of its foundation. I became very frustrated and discouraged. I questioned my abilities as a leader and whether this was even the right road for me. In the fall of 1999, my quiet despair grew and I found myself following a daily routine of prayer, begging God for direction. I was lost and did not know which way to turn. I was barely working my business and beginning to experience my worst fear … defeat. I had sold my “successful” salon/spa business. It was gone for good along with the sense of accomplishment that went with it. I had sold my large comfortable house and was now living in a 950 square-foot unfinished guesthouse. My Arbonne future was bleak and my dream of a beautiful new home was melting like hot wax on a candle. I had hit bottom emotionally, spiritually and physically. Little did I suspect at the time that it was just where God knew I needed to be. It was time for me to follow His direction in my life. Despite my uncertain footing, leaning on Him gave me peace. To my absolute delight, I saw that I was meant to remain with Arbonne. This time, however, it would be different; I had a guide. He was teaching me to have patience and faith in His timing. Two things I knew little about.
Compared to my last experience, this time around, I was not very excited about going to NTC Orlando in early 2000. My business had regressed back into its infant stages. The pride I had swallowed kept coming back up. It was not pleasant. I was still confused about the direction my business should take, but God was ready to open up my life in a bigger way than I had ever dreamed possible. At NTC, Arbonne launched a new product called PhytoProlief, a Natural Balancing Cream. When I learned of the impact that this product could have on women, the hair stood up on my arms.
After the launch and training, I walked the corridors that night until just before daybreak, overcome by this information I had just heard about. Was it possible that there where actually alternatives available to women seeking balance? Since that NTC, my mission statement has been, “My net worth is determined by the number of lives I touch.” I realized that I was being given the opportunity of a lifetime to truly live out this statement on all levels — physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. From that point on, I was a woman on a mission. Because I knew nothing about achieving a natural balance through alternative means, I set my sights on reading and researching everything I could get my hands on. The more I read, the angrier I got and the more determined I became to pursue my mission of educating women.
I set a goal to go Region within a year. It took two. There were more obstacles to overcome. My husband had a heart attack and a quadruple bypass. I ruptured two disks in my lower vertebrae and had to go through painful and extensive therapy. This is just the “stuff” that life throws at us. I maintained my composure by remembering Rita’s sound advice to, “Put your big girl pants on and deal with it.” I pulled mine up and moved on. That resolve led me all the way to my destination … Arbonne success.
Now, I want to introduce you to the true driving force behind my success story — my team leaders. You see back in December of 1999, I made a bargain when I saw that Arbonne was my destiny. I said, I get the picture … but if this is what you want me to do, and this is where you want me to go, then I need help. Send me strong spiritual leaders that are as passionate about making a difference in this world as I am. They need to be better and stronger in faith than me.” I got exactly what I asked for. Together, we make up the Nation in every sense of the name. But these leaders are indeed the wind beneath my tattered, but determined, wings.
I want to thank each and every one of them for all they are … my best friends as well as my as my business partners. To my first promoted out RVP, Liz Kendall from Florida: What a strong and loving leader you have become. I want to acknowledge my Area Managers for their commitment to achieving Region in 2004. AM Stephanie Yewcic: You are my ball of energy. AM Linda Paskiewicz: You are a newcomer on fire. AM Brenda Merritt: Thank you for being an incredibly loyal and committed leader. AM Donna Willard: I consider you a faith warrior to the max. AM Susie Lanier: I characterize you as a natural born leader destined for huge influence. AM Betty Ringo: Thank you for being dedicated and passionate about women’s health. AM Esther Warriner: You are incredibly focused on making a difference in women’s lives on all levels. AM Vicki Owen: You provide a perfect example of loving and caring leadership. AM Rachael Ciarlante: You have pushed forward with great determination and perseverance through rough times.
To my District Managers and future team leaders — Paula Marzi, JoAn Darrow, Cheryl Abernathy, Linda Riley, Lynn Taggart, Kelly Graham, Karen Hall, Michelle Gray, Tonya Kale, Lisa Conley, Dr. Stacey Carlton, Sheila McLerran, Gloria Haupt, Darlene Billings, Kim Cannon, Liz Perry, Theresa Johnson, Jane DeVries, Kathleen Carter, Sheila Zbosnik, Julie Hunsinger, Gail Vause, Becky Stewart, Debra Pegram-Harde, Joy Bethany, Susie Minarchik and Lynn Blevins: Great potential is emerging from all of you. Thank you for your dedication and efforts. To all the Consultants on our team: Thank you all for being the true foundation of my business.
To RVP Lisa Jared: Thank you for providing an example of persistence. To ENVP Cheryl Kemp: Thank you for always encouraging and supporting me on all levels. To the wonderful VP Support team and Stian, Candace, Hal and Steve: Thank you for setting Arbonne on fire. Petter: Thanks for a vision that has given each one of us an opportunity to excel. Rita: A special thanks for believing in each of us and challenging us to be more than we ever thought we could be.
Last but not least, I want to thank my family. To my parents: You taught me to finish what I started and always believed in me. To my husband, Jim, whom I love and adore: I would not be where I am without your love, patience and unwavering belief in me. To my wonderful and precious children and grandchildren, one of my big Whys. “Sissy,” you are truly my kindred spirit. Deep reverence and gratitude goes to God who never gave up on me and continues to bless my cup, pressed down and overflowing.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well preserved body but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, Wow! What a ride.
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.
