Happy Anniversary!

135 years. Wow! Talk about an enduring legacy! Who would have thought that that when the founder David H. McConnell, who started out selling books door to door, decided to add fragrance samples as an added perk to his female customers, that he would help launch one of the biggest beauty brands in the world. Learn more about David H. McConnell's journey here.

I've been an a proud Avon Representative for over 20 years. How and why did I start with Avon. Well, my story may not be so different from anyone else. I was working a full time job in the creative industry. I booked models, hair & make-up, stylists, and photographers for photo shoots. Sounds pretty glamorous, right? It could be at times, but most other times, it was like any other job. It had it good days and bad days. I was on the phone along with on a computer sending out emails most days looking for work for the talent that I was representing at the time. This was a very competitive field so booking jobs was not as easy as it sounds. At the time economy was slowing and one of the industries that slows down first is usually advertising. So, when that happened, the small agency I was working with also slowed down and I was laid off. Sigh!

On my way home, I was thinking of other agencies I could reach out to, and then I passed an Avon office. In the window was a sign that said, "Start Your Business Today". I remembered my grandmother having Skin So Soft Bath Oil by the bathtub and VitaMoist lotion on her dresser. I used to love that scent. It bought back happy memories so, I thought to myself, why not? I went in, talked with the district manager and she told me that I could indeed start my own biz and begin making income as soon as I wanted to. At the time, starting an Avon biz was a $15 investment. Sounded like a great deal to me and I liked the idea of making an income while I was looking for another job. Sign me up!!! I became an Avon Representative and have been grateful for all it has given me.

Now don't get me wrong. It has had it's ups and downs like any other business. And I did find another job, so it was a side hustle that helped me in between paychecks and allowed me some fun money. I did not take my Avon business seriously until I had to move south to help my mom who was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully it was caught early, but I had to start over. There were no jobs in the industry I was in so I had to find other employment. I ended up working at a supermarket on the weekends, an aftercare during the weekday and then eventually a full time job with the local school system as a teaching assistant. After a few months of essentially working 3 jobs, I remembered that I had my Avon business. Why not treat it more like a business, not just a hobby or side hustle? So, I did just that! I began working my business more and eventually, I was able to quit my weekend supermarket job! It was a great feeling!

I am currently working to replace another one of my incomes. It is work, but it is fun as well! I like serving my customers, letting them know when their fave products are on sale and introducing them to some new ones. I especially love helping those who want to make extra income by introducing them to the Avon opportunity. It certainly helped me!

Most importantly, I appreciate the incentives and rewards! I'm currently working toward an all expense paid trip to Hawaii! Can you say "Aloha"?

And did I mention the recognition and rewards? I've been fortunate enough to have earned a few Avon recognition rewards.

When was the last time your job offered you rewards and or a paid vacation? I can tell you that of all the "traditional" jobs I've had, not one gifted me with rewards or the possibility of an all expense paid vacation! Moreover, the more you do to earn the rewards, the more income you make. Which brings me to another point. You can decide when and how much income you would like to make and how to make it! I was able to give myself a raise last year!

So that is my story in a nutshell. Thanks to a book salesman 135 years ago, I have the opportunity to be my own boss, have more choices and to help my family financially.

If any of this strikes a cord or if you have been looking for a way to earn extra income without having to punch a clock, I would urge you to consider Avon as an option. And did I mention that you can start an Avon business ASAP and for free? Yep! No money to start! And signing up is easy! Take a look:

When you are ready to start, just click on the photo below:

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. Do you have a story to share? I would love to hear it! Till then, keep smiling!