My Journey: Why I Chose Direct Sales

In case it is not already known, I am a proud Avon Representative and also a Tastefully Simple Consultant. I also work full time. So why do I have not one but 2 side hustles?

I started with Avon about 20 years ago. I had my hours cut from the full time job that I had at the time and needed something to supplement that income. I passed by an Avon store and saw a sign about making money part time and thought "Why not?" At the time, it cost under $15 to join and after talking to the district manager, I walked out an Avon Lady!

I did manage to find a steady clientele and was able to keep up with my bills. Eventually, I did find another full time job but kept the Avon because it was a fun way to make some extra money. The brand recognition helped because hey, everyone knows about the Avon Lady, right!? It was also my own little business and it helped me to earn some mad money and keep up with bills as well.

But of course, life happens and I had to relocate. I moved south where I did not really know anyone. I had to find a new a new job, not in my original field and get to know my new area. And since I don't drive, getting around in an area not know for public transportation is a challenge to say the least. I managed to find work close enough to where I lived that if I needed to walk to work, I could. Long story short, I ended finding part time work, then full time work. At one point, I was even working 3 jobs! Yes, 3!

Well, you can imagine, this was a bit stressful and tiresome. There had to be a better way to make a living! And then it dawned on me. I had my Avon business. Doh! Why did I not make that a way to earn a better income? I was so used to it being my little "mad money" business that I did not take it seriously. That is when I started looking at my other Avon colleagues and saw how they were making some serious money. With Avon! Yes, some were still working full time and this was still their part time hustle, but it earned them trips, paid for their kids sports activities, home repairs, etc. You get the picture. If they could do this on a part time basis, imagine what the possibilities would be with a full time business!

With that thought, I got to work. I started reviewing videos and reading blogs and other materials on the ways that my fellow Avon reps were making it happen. I started following leaders and listening to podcasts. One of my favorites is about a fellow rep who was a teacher and was tired of clipping coupons and bargain shopping. She just wanted to buy brand named cereal! How is that for an incentive!? Her name is Carla Lytle and she is one of the leaders that I started following. I identified with her because she said and felt all the things that I was feeling and thinking. I was no longer alone! And if you work in the education field, then you know what I am talking about. Take a listen to her story:

https://shows.pippa.io/avon/episodes/shifting-gears-how-to-shift-your-career-path-into-the-succes

Along the way, I found my 2nd direct sales company, Tastefully Simple. I fell in love with it because it helped save me time in the kitchen, as I am the designated cook in my household. I found a few loyal clients who fell in love with the Beer Bread and it helps keep me on schedule with my cooking chores with easy meal prep and freezer meals. Win win in my book. Yes it is a second biz, but it is something that I can enjoy along with my clients and get great discounts! I just have to stop eating the profits! LOL

I guess what I am trying to say is that I was too busy trying to find a keep jobs instead of putting all of that energy in earning an income. It took a very long time to realize that. I am now redirecting those energies into building my business. I am very happy to say that I am down to 2 jobs now, a full time and part time, and currently working on just working the full time by next year. Am I saying that having a direct sales biz easy? No, I am not. I am also not saying that everyone should run out and sign up to a direct sale company and everything will come up unicorns and rainbows. Work and effort is involved. What I am saying is that I would rather spend my time and energy working on a business that will earn me an income and give me more choices. More time for myself. More independence. Chances to earn trips that I don't have to pay for. Opportunities to show others how to do what I do so that they can earn income, not just having a J.O.B. This quote pretty much sums it up:

So, that is my story in a nutshell. The reason why I chose direct sales. My "why" so to speak. Do you have a why? Comment on this blog page. I would love to her your story.