“Make the effort to recognize and connect with your team.”
I saw myself as a National Vice President from the moment I decided to do this business. I was never satisfied or content to remain at any level less that that. I had vowed to make it to the top, but I was going to do it in such a way that when my name showed up on people’s caller ID they would still want to answer the phone, and I did it!
I am so happy to be writing my Eye on Arbonne NVP story, yet so sad at the same time. My goal in this business was to get to National Vice President as quickly as possible, but now that it is here it seems that it came too soon. I suddenly realized that my phone does not ring off the hook as it used to, I have a lot more free time on my calendar, and I am not needed as “the girl who actually has the car” at every function. When my title changed, there was suddenly an eerie calm in my business. I could not figure out what was happening, and then it struck me. I had built a business with amazing people who had become the leaders of their own teams with their own white Mercedes-Benzes. They were now self-sufficient enough to cut the strings and head off in their own direction. I never imagined I would experience the “empty nest” syndrome with my team over and over again. As delighted as I am about this continuous cycle of success, I am filled with mixed emotions of both joy and sorrow.
When I started my Arbonne journey, I had just moved to a new town and had no upline near me. The thing I always loved about this business was that I could do it my own way, on my time, with the people I selected. I wanted to pass this process on, so when someone on my team promoted to Area Manager I would push them from the nest and let them fly out on their own. I wanted them to be viewed right from the start as leaders by their teams, who was capable of running their businesses on their own terms. My strategy paid off and the process, I set in motion a well-oiled Area Manager-making machine.
Not only do I have incredible leaders in my life, I also had the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships that I never would have without this business. I found out right away that the people who usually succeed in Arbonne have great character; therefore, I have found myself surrounded by people who make me want to be a better person. I choose the individuals I want to work with, and have become adept at only letting people who inspire me into my inner circle of influence. Everyone in my Nation has a quality I admire and by just being with them, I am able to better myself. I have surrounded myself and my family with great people and we have made them a part of our lives, as well as our Arbonne business. It is unreal how my work now consists of hanging out with my friends. There is no clear distinction between the two anymore. When people ask me how many hours I work, I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that it does not feel like work anymore. I come home from almost every Arbonne function feeling inspired and invigorated. What a job!
With an incredible business and amazing people in our lives, we have created the life that I always dreamed of. As a young girl, my goal was to get married, have children and hang out at the country club. My days now consist of waking up in my gorgeous house next to my gorgeous husband, getting my kids off to school and heading over to the club for either tennis or golf. What a life! I guess it pays off to visualize what you want in order to make it happen. The crazy thing about all of this is that it is only going to get better. I guarantee if I would have stayed with my job as an accountant, we would not be in the place we are now. Because of my Arbonne business, we have the potential to have the money and the time to enjoy life the way we always wanted, with the people we love.
The greatest thing about Arbonne is, once you create this life for yourself, it is your job to help your friends and business partners create this life for themselves. It is so exciting to see your friends accomplish the goals they set with you and see the dreams they shared with you become a reality. I love that I play a role in these miracles. I never knew how rewarding it was to help others succeed. This journey has been so fun for my husband and me, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who was a part of it.
I have such amazing people in my life now and I am incredibly thankful for each one of them. I will begin my acknowledgements with the most important first.
To my husband, Dave: You have no idea how much better my life turned out after you became a part of it. You have such great wisdom and self control. You have always supported me, but have never been afraid to put me back in line. You have taught me to think before I act and believe that I can do anything I put my mind to. Most of all, you have always made me feel safe. I love you for making me a better person.
To my children, Jack Henry and Hayden: What would I do without you two? You are my favorite people on this earth! Everyday you make me feel like I am the best person in the whole world and I treasure every minute that I have with you … even the ones when you drive me crazy! I am looking forward to creating wonderful memories with and for you. We have an incredible life ahead of us and it is only going to get more and more exciting.
To my parents: You two should get an award for putting up with everything I dished out. For some reason, you were always behind me and kept giving me second chances. After having my children, I now understand the unconditional love that you have for me. You are both such incredible people and I could not have asked for better role models. Thank you for always making me feel loved and valued.
To my sister, ERVP Kelly Silva: Thank you for always being a great sister, as well as a great friend. I have had so much fun doing this business with you. I knew you could not stay away from me for long and I am so excited that you are moving your family to be near me. I know that Damon can hardly wait to have his second wife back. We have so many more memories to make here in Bakersfield. Hopefully, we will still get along after Dave builds your house!
To my superstar, ERVP Gina McMurry: Thank you for raising the bar for the rest of us. The day you came into my business was the day I truly knew I had my first National Vice President on board. I do not know anyone who can keep their life in order as well as you do. Only you can raise two high energy boys, run an incredibly successful business, deal with Nate and always have vacuum marks on your carpet! I love your confidence and your way of “getting things done.” You are a great friend and inspire me to get up every morning and get in gear!
To RVP Cheri Geers: I bet you never thought on your first date with Brian at my wedding that we would be in business together. It has been so great forming the S.A.E wives club with you and Gina. Now our husbands will never complain about going to Arbonne functions since all of their fraternity brothers are there! You have been so much fun to work with and I am so happy that we have been able to become closer through the last couple of years.
To ERVP Keri Borda: You quietly came into my business and took it by storm. I still do not know where you came from. One day you were starting your business and next thing I know you are not only a Regional Vice President, but you are promoting out your own RVPs! I am so happy that we have begun this incredible friendship, and that our husbands and children have become great pals also. It is amazing to me that you were at my very first Presentation and still wanted to do this with me! I guess it was not that bad after all!
To RVP Kelly DeMoes: I hope you know that every one of us look up to you. You have such a pure heart and you are bringing the best into this business. I love that you never have a mean thing to say and you always see the best in every situation. You and your husband, Joost, are beacons that shine for all of us.
To all our Area Managers: I cannot wait for your car presentations. I am so excited to celebrate with you on your special days. You all know what it takes to succeed in this business. Now your job is to find people who want this incredible life as much as you do!
To all our District Managers: Keep on doing what you know you are supposed to. If you just keep doing the activities, your business will fall into place. The only way you will not be a National Vice President is if you quit. I know sometimes it can be frustrating, but in the end it is well worth it. You are all very special to me and I want this for you as much, or even more than, you do.
To ENVP Donna Weiser and ENVP Kristin VanderVeen: I admire both of you ladies and thank you for giving me the inspiration to keep striving for more.
To DM Kelli Gruszka: This is your year! Let’s do this!
Finally, to my dear friend, RVP Kellie Yurosek: You are such an amazing woman that I cannot help but learn from you everyday. I was so happy that day when you decided over mojitos to do Arbonne with me. I knew from the first day we met that you would be amazing at this business. I love your passion, competitiveness and your work ethic. I still cannot believe what you have accomplished even when your 2-year-old son was in a body cast! You are living proof that when you want something bad enough, anything is possible. You and your family have become such huge parts of our lives, and I absolutely do not know what I would do without our five-plus phone conversations a day. Thank you for always being so such a great friend to me and making me feel good about myself. Hopefully, I do the same for you.
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.
