I am a child of the modern direct sales company model. Thirty years ago, my mom made a decision to “sell a little jewelry on the side,” and it changed the direction of our family forever. My parents will freely share that in the early 1980’s, the recession hit the Houston area, and my dad’s family business was a casualty. They were making ends meet but barely. So in October of 1987, they wrote a check with the last of their savings to start her “little” business. I was three and my sister was six months old.
Recently, I read THIS article in the Huffington Post and I couldn’t agree more. However, most of the articles that I’ve read lately have been from others defending their current choice of a direct sales company. So I’m raising to my hand to say, “YES! My mom did it! It works and it can change lives.” I’ve lived first hand what direct selling companies can provide which is financial freedom, stability for families and opportunities for moms to transcend brick and mortar jobs.
Her “little side jewelry business” has been central to their livelihood for over thirty years supporting a family of five, sending three kids to the college of their choice, and pulling off two dream weddings. But most of all, I am thankful for what my mom has taught me and what I’ve learned by watching her live life.
She perseveres: My mom will be the first to tell you that that she wanted to be available to her kids. For many years, I honestly thought she was just home all day. She was always there for the class parties, she was the room mom, she picked me up from school and she never missed a moment. Little did I appreciate the work she was doing on the phone, or at night or over lunches or during nap time. She made it look easy. Now that I’m a working mom of three, I’m confident that it mostly definitely was NOT. Were there challenges? Sure. Were there days she wanted to give up? Absolutely. But, she kept going. She persevered. I think my mom has a superwoman cape under her clothes at all times.
She inspires: I didn’t fully grasp my mom’s world until I attended her company’s national convention while I was in high school. I sat in awe as my mom shared her story to thousands and thousands of women. Even while standing at a podium, she related to each person in the room as though they were sitting over a cup of coffee. She has superpowers like that. My mom inspires me to always work hard, do my best, and never give up on any dream. Simple right? But powerful because she has lived it.
She loves: My mom is passionate about others and helping them be successful. I saw her pour into others by opening her home and her heart. She always reminded me to listen well and that everyone has a story and a need. Love was the foundation of her home and her business. But the real beauty is that those are can be intertwined.
To the friends of those in direct sales: Support them as best you can. Say an encouraging word, attend a party, like a post, attend a virtual event, listen to an opportunity call, or buy a product. You never know if you will like it too and could be a good fit in your life. Supporting small businesses is always a win-win!
To the mom in direct sales: Go for it! Make your dreams happen because they really are possible with hard work and dedication. If you think of it as a “little” business then it will always be a “little” business. But if you think of it as a “big” business, then “big” possibilities are endless.
To my mom: Thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices and your vision to go beyond the traditional and make your dreams for our family a reality. You are a #bossbabe and a #ceomom, but most importantly you are #mymom and #myhero.
What inspiring words. I am live in Michigan and your mom is my Great Grandmother in Premier. She has been and is always willing to help me anyway she can. AND your dad, he is just as awesome. I am truly blessed to be a part of Premier Designs Jewelry and to be in your parents downline. Blessings from Michigan. Jackie Brazo
Thanks for sharing your story about your mom. My mom too was in direct sales. I remember how proud she was when she earned a station wagon selling Tupperware in the 80’s. I often went to the parties and watched the fun games they played. Fast forward to me, 30 years later. I have built a successful Scentsy business (over the past 8 years) which is another direct sales company. I only wish my mom was still alive to see I followed in her footsteps!
I love this post! Thankyou so much for sharing your experience. I just recently joined up with Scentsy here in Australia and have been working hard to make it a success. I hope one day my currently a teenager daughter will be able to look back as you have and know how hard I worked to make my dreams of working from home a reality!
Great read! I am in direct sales myself and I’m glad to see an outsiders perspective. Thank you!
Thank you for this post. I am a mom and work from home. We have moved many times with my husband’s job but my heart will always be in Texas. I grew up in and around Waco and my two oldest boys were born at Hillcrest. I am thankful and blessed with a job that helps people. I love what I do and the ability to work anywhere I want with my boys by my side. I look forward to reading more of your stories.
Thank you for sharing. I have been in Premier since June 26, 1991. It has not always been easy but Premier is always there. The great thing about Premier is the love and friendships we make. Gregg & Melissa are my great grandparents. How wonderful to be a part of the great company.
Enjoyed ypur post. Daughterts & sons who love respect see all their Mothers give to make families not just make it, but actually bloom where they live. Direct Sales I love my Premier Designs Jewelry business because of the freedom, financial, and new friends I meet. My life is richer for certain
Thank you for the inspiring post and recognizing how life changing direct sales has been for so many families, especially mine.
Thank you so much for this! Direct sales changed MY life many years ago too when I was a new military wife thousands of miles away from home with a new baby. I have since become a direct sales coach to train others to have the same success I had, and I am often saddened by the negativity I see online against our industry. THIS is what we need more of!! Thank you thank you! I have shared in my community and asked them to share as well!
Thank you!! I truly hope my children will see that I am doing this for them. I want to provide a life they cherish and enjoy, not just survive. My “little nail business” has already brought so many things into my life I never anticipated – extras, fun money, less stress, more confidence, pretty nails, better relationships,etc.
It is so refreshing to read a positive view on this industry. Let’s all support one another – no matter how we get the job done, right? <3
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