“Find the joy in every day and it will attract a team!”
When I first began my Arbonne business, I was in the busiest season of my married life. There was no time to take on one more thing. I was homeschooling a 13, 10 and 6-year-old for the first time. My husband, Ed, just went through a traumatic split with a business partner, leaving us skeptical, drained emotionally and financially spent. Because of this, Ed accepted a position that was stressful and time consuming. He was required to travel nationwide every month, sometimes being gone for three weeks in a month. To add to this strain, my mom’s health took a dip due to her heart disease. I was frustrated and heartsick, tired and broke. This was not a season of idleness. Life had taken a difficult turn. I saw how my husband’s mind was consumed by the demands of his job even when he was home with us. The kids wanted to spend time with their dad after being with me all day. Most days he was recovering from the time change of traveling or working up the strategy for the upcoming month. When your livelihood depends on pleasing a boss within a company, that takes priority over playing hoops with the kids. There was no money, no time and no husband around for most of the days.
Enter Arbonne. One day I woke up and thought, “I am going to create a giant team in a thriving network marketing company and receive residual income and potential freedom for my family for the rest of our lives ...” Not! When I went to my first Arbonne Presentation back in April of 2004, I was stressed out and looking for Prolief botanically-based cream.
I went for cream and left with a dream.
I remember loving what I heard about the product, wanting the whole thing and having a tiny part of me imagine that maybe, just maybe, this could really be the answer. Of course, the dominant part of my mind was skeptical, but still, I figured at least I could have the potential to sell enough to send my oldest to a Christian high school.
When you find what you are looking for, you will know it when you see it.
So much for a huge vision! Still, there was that seed of hope, however small, that Arbonne could be the direction for me and the answer. I read the Eye on Arbonne stories. They seemed like a fantasy, but I needed one at the time. I read them at night and laughed, and even cried. At a time when I thought I could not squeeze one more thing into my life, or use up one more drop of emotional or mental energy, I decided to go into the business of selling Arbonne. Did I have fear? Yes! I did not know one person who was doing Arbonne, much less making a huge income at it. Did I have doubts? Yes! More doubts than confidence. I did not have the time, energy, or even the contacts to build a team, but I had a tiny seed of hope. I have read that is all I needed to move mountains when it is your providential path.
I did my Presentations and opportunity. I even signed a few. However, I remained a DM for eight months and felt like a one-woman show. Where was this “team” I was supposed to be getting? This is not for the weak at heart. You commit to it, and regardless of what happens, do your best for 12 months. You cannot fail at Arbonne, unless you quit. You will either become bitter and quit, or you will become better. Commit for a year. Enjoy the journey, it will grow you!
In those times when I felt overwhelmed, rejected or just plain tired, my favorite author would come to mind. Anyone who is tired and burdened, come and I will provide rest. Learn from me — my burden is light. In those moments of clarity, I realized I had put unnecessary burdens on myself. I encourage all of you to release any worries. Just find the joy in every day and it will attract a team. Joy needs to be found in the journey, not just the destination. Find the mountain mover in your life. Put on the full armor, and go for it. Arbonne will be a vehicle for personal growth, increased faith and potential financial freedom.
Nineteen months later, thanks to my team — the most amazing team in all of Arbonne history — my husband is home with us again. He coaches our two son’s basketball team and built his own Arbonne Region in four months. (Yes, we have two white Mercedes-Benzes in the driveway.) We are what they call a “power couple.” I know where this power comes from and the difference it has made in our lives and those around us. “Work” for us is encouraging and praying for our team, having coffee once a week with anyone in our team who needs to talk or train, fun monthly meetings and sharing with others who have the same need. It is funny. I used to think I would be done once I became Nation. How can I hide this secret now? How can I turn my back when I know we have the opportunity to help someone get on their feet, bring their children’s daddy home and claim their life back? When we share Arbonne, it feels like ministry because we know what it has afforded us and everyone on our team.
To the most amazing team in all of Arbonne history: Thank you so much!
To my first two business builders, ERVP Prizilla Catino and RVP Jill Fawcett: I made Region in four months because of you. You will always be God’s gift to me. You cannot know how many times I relive that day you showed up and how you showed such an unstoppable belief in Arbonne. It took off! Thank you, Prizilla, for having me over that day, and for sharing your family with us over the years!
To RVP Heidi Tortorici (The Backyard Evangelists): Now it will be the undercover Arbonne Evangelists. The cloud has moved and the cruise started it all!
It was such an awesome four months to RVP with you! Thank heavens we met on that Alaskan Cruise. I love your whole family. We will be friends for eternity! I am so excited for what is in store for our families on this Arbonne cruise in life. Thanks for being such an encourager and helper to all who know you. This is “reality.”
To RVP Hilary Corcoran (Proverbs 31 Woman): Our first pastor wife Region! You are in good company with ENVP Lisa Voorhies. I am amazed at the speed and tenacity you showed in the four short months it took you to get to Region. When someone says they cannot afford to buy a REsults Approach set, I think of you. You treated this as a business, somehow got the funds and never looked back. Your inspired verses are such an encouragement to the whole team. I look forward to many years with your beautiful family and ours!
To my own ERVP Ed Bell (My fulfilled Why): You do Arbonne so much more effectively than I do! It is amazing what men can do in business. I am so glad I finally signed you up (after you referred me three strong business builders). You are my Why and my everything — my soulmate, my best friend, my hearts desire and my all. With you at my side, life is safe and sweet. Thank you for loving me so much and for being the most amazing dad our kids could have. You are now home with us and not traveling all the time. We are working together again. I love being next to you. God is good!
To my AMs, Peggy Ewing, Andrea Bridgeman, Daria Marandola, Julie Walden, Leila Ross, Victoria Miligan, Debi Matske, Lisa Mills, Kathleen Pedick, Laura Jackson and Heather Powers: You are almost there, keep swimming!
To my mom, Mary DiPietro, who has joined my Arbonne team: Thanks for being so supportive of me. It means so much when “mom” believes in us. We are going to cruise Arbonne together!
To all the DMs and new Consultants: Do not quit. It will make you a better person if you commit.
To all those who support me in the upline and crossline: Cathy Epperson, Tammy Knowles, Kelly O’Hagan (We made it!), Toni Garn and Lisa Voorhies!
Thanks to the Arbonne support team in Irvine: Franny Teran, Rebekah Ziegler, Christine Cho and the entire VP support team who are so gracious and generous with their time. You always come through for me when I am backed in a corner. President Rita Davenport, Sr. VP Product Development & Field Events, Candace Keefe and Chairman and CEO Bob Henry: It would not feel so safe without the backbone of your support!
Thanks to my beautiful kids — Noah, Dominique and Elijah: Prayer works. Dad’s home!
Mostly I thank God, Who knows all, and Whom I trust completely in moving whatever mountains that He allows before me!
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.
