So, some time has passed since my last entry. I think about making them a lot, but never actually sit down to do it. Do you do that with something in your life? Have every intention of doing something, but life just gets in the way? Whether "life" is a family emergency, social media, a TV show that catches your attention, etc? Yeah, me too. It's been a busy summer! I had an amazing time at my company's convention in Denver in July, Spent a ton of time at Safeco Field with the love of my life, and we just got back from spending a week in the wilderness at Kalaloch Beach with our extended family. We also celebrated 6 years of being married on Sunday. It's a pretty fantastic time for me right now. That's not to say that I haven't had my own trials recently. We've been battling with our insurance company and a specialist's office for a procedure related to our fertility struggles. We have spent a LOT of time crying out to God for answers, patience and peace, knowing He will come through for us, just not knowing how or when. I also have been struggling to find the motivation or inspiration to overcome the negative voices in my head about the completely attainable goal I have of earning the Spa Destination Trip to the Dominican Republic with my Lemongrass Spa Products business. If I am not over-achieving, my human/perfectionist brain tells me I might as well give up. *insert the clip of the record screeching to a halt here* Wait... WHAT?! Why am I thinking like this?? Because I'm not placing my faith in God, I'm placing it in me. That's an issue. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who is my strength." Note that it doesn't say I can do all things because I'm awesome. It's through Christ because HE is my strength. Yes, I'm a "strong" woman. I am a business owner, I'm a survivor - but I'm only those things because of Him. He gave me life, He gives my my dreams, He directs my path. When I put my eyes on Him, when I ask Him for my direction, to show my what my next step is, things may not get easier, but they do get more clear and I can see my path more clearly - maybe even a light at the end of the tunnel. I got a new tattoo yesterday. It is the word "Brave" with an arrow. Lots of people are making the correlation with the Disney Princess with which I share a hair color, spunk and the first few letters of our names. While that's a big fat bonus, my love of that little spitfire isn't what inspired my new ink. It's a reminder that He makes me a Warrior. I Am Fruitful posted an instagram story this morning reading from Zechariah 10:3b-5. We were created to be warriors, and He is with us, fighting, holding us up, leading us through. One of my very favorite worship songs is "You Make Me Brave" by Bethel Music. We weren't made to stay on the shore, friends. He is making a way for us to get out of our comfort zones and accomplish things we never thought we could! "No fear can hinder now the promises you've made" - How powerful is that lyric? Lord knows I need to be reminded of that daily, if not hourly! Another song I'm absolutely in love with (along with the artist) is "Brave" by Sara Bareilles. Whenever I need a little pick-me-up or a kick in the butt to get going, this song is one of my go-tos. If you need some encouragement, speak up! If you've got encouragement to share, speak up! I want to see everyone I know and love be brave in their own way.
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But that's just not going to happen yet. That's one thing that happens to me when I am in a season of writing - I can' t focus on tasks until I get my thoughts out of my fingers. Last night I spent most of my time putting some finishing organization touches on my office. It's not 100% done, but it doesn't look like a tornado hit it anymore, either. I got to thinking as I was making sure that my business materials for tomorrow night's party were in order. I am so incredibly blessed. Not that I don't know that, or that I'm not thankful for it every day, but sometimes it just hits you. I have a partner who makes enough to provide for our needs without me having to have a job outside of the home. It hasn't always been like that in our marriage, but right now it is, and that's AMAZING. It has afforded me the opportunity to not only follow my own passion of pure, natural products to be used on our bodies, but to help others branch out and do the same. I have been asked a lot by people who are interested in our new life in Western Washington if I'm working. My usual answer is, "I am! I have a direct sales business and it keeps me pretty busy!" It's always interesting to see their reactions to that. I know Direct Sales isn't everyone's cup of tea, and that's OK. For a while I thought it wasn't mine, either. I've always been intrigued by the business model, being able to make your own schedule and be your own boss. I tried several other companies through the years. I was a rep for (the now defunct) Sensaria Natural Body Care, they were my first foray into the natural skin care and the direct sales worlds. That was kind of fun because my sister and I were both on the same team and both used and loved the products. However, neither of our businesses got very far off the ground. Not long after I gave that dream up, I was introduced to Arbonne International. WOW - I got a TON of information, education and networking experience in my time with them. Honestly, I think I could've done well if I had been in a different financial position at the time - I couldn't very well sell the products if I couldn't afford to use them myself. Before we got married, Corey and I decided that trying my hand at a Pampered Chef business would be a good idea. I had a great friend who was my upline and I LOVE to cook. The products pretty much sell themselves, but my network was too small to get started well in Yakima - my market was really saturated with consultants at the time, and I didn't have any recruits. I have a kitchen full of incredible products and still host shows for my friends who are consultants, it just wasn't the best choice for me. Skip to March 2015. My friend Mary posted on Facebook about a new business venture she had - Natural, Pure, Fresh and Organic skin and body care, and on top of all of that goodness, it was AFFORDABLE. I believed her, she's a very down-to-earth woman with 6 children. I offered to host a party for her, but living 1.5 hours away and her still having a teeny little in need of her being close, Erin Sheeran, her director, came up do pamper the gaggle of women I had in my sitting room that Friday night. I absolutely fell in love with the products immediately. In fact, my wish list was so long that it was cheaper for me to use my hostess credits toward the business kit than it was to purchase everything. I remember the conversation I had with Corey very clearly. "So, I'm going to sign up, but it's just to get this stuff at a discount, it's only $25 a month in product to get the 25% off discount. I promise I'm not going to do this like I did Pampered Chef." Oh, the things we say when God has other plans for us... I decided that since I had this giant kit of goodies, and the products were so awesome, that I'd go ahead and have a few friends over and see if they wanted to order anything. I very quickly made my first "Jump Start" goal and had friends wanting to host parties with their friends. Weeeellll, maybe I'll do this as a business a little bit... Cut to March 2017. I wasn't sure how moving would effect my business. I'm happy to say that I am now a Team Leader, with a goal to be a Director by the beginning of 2018. I have several amazing friends and family members on my team all over the state (and beyond!) at varying activity levels (Some $25/month, some $500-$1000/month) and I couldn't ask for better ladies to be surrounded by, mentored by and able to mentor. It hasn't been a rocket-rise of success for me, it's been hard work, blood, sweat and tears. But every step of the way I've been encouraged, lifted up and had confirmations all around that this is the business, field and team that I'm supposed to be in. I don't want to be confined to a schedule that I can't adjust to see my husband more than just in passing, or not be able to take vacation at the same time as him. My friend Julie (a fellow BossBabe) posted the graphic above on Facebook earlier today with a reminder that she gets about following her dreams. Man, as someone who is following hers right now, and seeing how God is blessing it because I am doing so prayerfully and thoughtfully, not for money or fame, but to educate and help people, it's SO resonating with me! If you feel like checking out what Lemongrass Spa Products is all about, either hosting or purchasing click HERE, or comment, shoot me a text, FB message or email. If you're interested in seeing if this could be a good option for a business for you, I can help you see if it is, or if it's not, I know a lot of great BossBabe leaders who may be a better fit for you. I'm so passionate about helping other women achieve the life they were born to live and it would be my pleasure to be a part of your story! How can I pray for you and your dreams? |
AuthorA 30-something living life in the PNW. Wife, Jesus-follower, Business Owner, Hockey Lover, Craft & Glitter Obsessed. ArchivesCategories
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