Starting My Business

I've recently started a home based business and have been meaning to blog about it for quite some time. Most people reading this blog understand my compassion for animals and know when I find something animal friendly I tend to support it. Well, I found Arbonne, or maybe Arbonne found me, and jumped in feet first. What I didn't realize is I'd land in an incredible opportunity to not only tote high qaulity products but to aslo create a lucrative long-lasting business and make good money.

It started when my friend Nichole recommended I try and all natural acne product. The more running I did the more frequent breakouts I'd have on my forehead. I gave it a try and needless to say LOVED it. Not only was it the ONLY product that actually worked for me, I felt good about using it because it's organic and vegan-certified, like all Arbonne products. The Clear Advantage set is similarly priced to ProActive but doesn't have any harmful chemicals with damaging effects like the industry leader.

When I started to learn more about the company, it's mission and it's products I wanted to get involved. So I did just that. I signed on as a consultant and starting selling Arbonne products. Because Arbonne is a hybrid of a Direct Selling Company and Network Marketing, we are the voice of Arbonne. There are no commercials and no models. We market. We model. And this is why we make money: no middle man to pay (i.e. models, actresses, distributers, retailers, etc).

I kicked of my journey with a launch party. At the party I served:

-Peanut Butter Protein Bars to highlight the yumminess and versatilty of the Arbonne Protein Powder
-Dark Chocolate covered almonds, raw almonds, wasabi soy sauce almonds
-Blue cheese stuffed olives
-Veggies, dip, hummus
-A cheese and cracker plate
- WINE: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio

Unfortunately I failed to take a any photos of the spread. But below is a shot of the products I had on display.

We had a product demonstartion with my Regional Vice President and then went over the business opportunity. It was a lot of fun and by the end of the night I had many intersted prospects. That was back in February.

Since then, I've moved up to a District Manager position due to the amount of products I've sold and the consultants I've signed. I've recieved a few gifts from Arbonne to thank me for my success (jewelry, products and extra $$), and expect many more in the future. And I only do this part-time!!

ANd I've also discovered so many products I LOVE. You see, I already spend money on shampoo, lotion, make up, etc. Why not get paid to spend my money with a company I love?? I now regularly use their products daily: shampoo, body wash, conditioner, face wash, day cream, night cream, firming body cream, tinted moisturizer, minderal powder, bronzer, eye liner, mascara, hand cream....you name it I use it and it's all Arbonne. Because it's Arbonne I know it's pure, safe and beneficial for me and the planet. It's green, organic and vegan.

This has been an exciting journey so far. My goal is to reach executive Area Manager by September 1 and Regional VP by Feb. 1. I know I can do it. All I need to do is represent my company well and sow others how amazing these products are. I'm also looking for consultants to add to my team. There's a ton of opportunity with Arbonne and room for everyone at the top!!! If you'd like to learn more about the products or the business please reach out to me. a.byelich@gmail.com. Arbonne ID # 19841366.

Check out my video reviews of Arbonne products too!

Arbonne Before-Sun Products
Arbonne FC5 Line
Arbonne Cosmetics

Quick and Easy Make-Up Routine

Arbonne has taken cosmetics to a whole new level with the launch of Arbonne Cosmetics, a comprehensive makeup collection utilizing beautiful science to promote gorgeous skin, eyes and lips. The products feature new technologies and superior ingredients packaged in upscale, sophisticated packaging.  

My favorite thing about using Arbonne cosmetics is their Optilight technology which gives you a photo finish! No need for airbrushing an Arbonne girl!! Optilight Technology was developed by Arbonne to promote maximum radiance. Optilight Technology works in two ways: First, finely sized pigments deflect light from the skin, creating a soft-focus effect that gives skin a flawless appearance. Simultaneously, finely sized pigments allow skin to breathe, imparting a “light as air” feeling and promoting a healthy glow. 

To order, please visit www.Arbonne.com. Click "Join Arbonne" and be sure to enter Sponsor ID# 19841366, You'll then be registered as a client under me. You can shop online, pay online and have the products shipped right to your door!

Stay Moisturized and Youthful

Radiance and hydration are key to skin's beauty.  FC5 helps preserve, protect and revitalize the skin's appearance thanks to innovative techonolgy and progressive plant cell ingredients.  Our groundbreaking technology allows us to extract cells, while keeping them fresh and intact.  Each cell retains it's original wealth of essential nutrients.

I use the FC5 products morning and night. Because I tend to be on the oily side, I use the FC5 Oil Absorbing formulas. Arbonne also offers a nurturing formula for those with normal ti dry skin. This kit includes a rich and creamy night cream which I absolutely adore! The FC5 line is one of the most popular lines, offering a wide variety of products. Below is my review of the face products alone.

To order, please visit www.Arbonne.com. Click "Join Arbonne" and be sure to enter Sponsor ID# 19841366, You'll then be registered as a client under me. You can shop online, pay online and have the products shipped right to your door!

Have Sun-Kissed Skin this Summer

Summer's here and it's time for fun in the sun. Our weekends are filled with beach days, back-yard BBQs, pool parties, dock "meetings" (aka dock cocktails)  and more! Play it safe this summer while improving the quality of your skin with Arbonne's collection of Before Sun skincare products for adults and children.

A good sunscreen should protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburns, and UVA rays, which danger's can result in more permanent damage to the skin such as cancer, sun spots and premature aging. Remember, apply 30 minutes before going outside and use SPF everyday!

To order, please visit www.Arbonne.com. Click "Join Arbonne" and be sure to enter Sponsor ID# 19841366, You'll then be registered as a client under me. You can shop online, pay online and have the products shipped right to your door!

Movin' On Up To the East Side

Wow. It's been a month since my last blog post. Let me start off by saying I am a poor excuse for a blogger! But life have been crazy and I do believe you'll enjoy all the exciting news.

The biggest reason for my absence lately is I have been leaving the house everyday around 8am and getting home around 8:30 pm. Then it's dinner, laundry, and quiet time with the hubby and our furry kids. When we're not working or at the gym, we've been having a good time!

Helen, GA for Southern Worthesee was exciting as usual. This year we rented a cabin for 10 of us. It was an awesome crew and the cars were incredible, as was expected.

We drove up Friday around 1pm and met up with our friends at the cabin. We stayed in Friday night, catching up, washing cars, and getting pumped for the next 2 days. Some of the people we met up with we only get to see once or twice a year so spending a weekend together was a real treat!

Saturday was the main event. Thousands of Volkswagens and Audis were on display, with custom body and mechanical work. Vendors sold fun t-shirts, parts and accessories, and enthusiasts walked the field and enjoyed the show. It was an awesome day! My pups were pretty hot in the sun so we spent a lot of time chillin' in the shade.

Sunday was the annual drive through the mountains, which thankfully was uneventful and brief enough for us to get back on the road at a decent hour and make it home by 11pm.

Just 2 weeks later we went to Asheville, NC for our annual BeerCity Festival. Asheville is one of my favorite places and I can't wait to some day own a home there. Again, we rented a cabin for 10 of us. Shenanigans ensued with beer olympics after the beer festival. Again, we had a great group that got a long very well. My sister and her boyfriend Nate even drove all the way down from PA for it!! I loved spending time with my sister and the rest of the group in one of the most eclectic and enchanting cities I know :)

VW Touareg, Audi A4, VW Golf and Audi R8 a top Mount Mitchell, NC

Holly, Pat, Nate, Melissa, Me, Doug, Joe, Leah. Jonathan, Ashley, Pepper and Karma

Cheers!

Renting cabins for both trips allowed us to keep our meals both less expensive and healthier! Doug is trying to maintain his 200 lbs of muscle and low body fat, which requires 6,000 calories a day! I know, he's nuts right? But he went from 180 to 200 in no time and is looking big and sexy!

We were also able to bring both Pepper and Karma along for the trips which I loved. They spent time outside, sniffing, running and playing which I always prefer to being cooped up in a kennel. They enjoyed the short walk to the top of Mount Mitchell, and the chilly air didn't bother them one bit! There was a 10 degree difference from the top of the mountain to back in town. CRAZINESS!

Other than the 2 trips it's been  work work work with an occasional boat ride with my friends. And all this work isn't for nothing. We have something very exciting and scary happening at the end of this month.

Wait for it.

Wait for it....


I'm buying a house!!!

That's right! I'm buying my very first house! Doug and I have been renting here in Bluffton for the last few years. We love our current house and our neighborhood but we couldn't pass up this deal. The home we're moving into is a foreclosure and a great investment. It's listed way below what is appraises for, is an IDEAL location for us (Golf cart distance to the dock AND downtown Bluffton) and it's on 3/4 of an acre.

We fell in love with this house about a year ago when my mother and I stumbled upon it during one of her visits. It had a contract pending, then went to foreclosure...then finally it came back on the market and we made an offer immediately.

With foreclosures the time-frame is very quick. After my offer was accepted, I had 5 business days to have my home inspections done and the closing date was set for a month away. Preparing all the documents for a foreclosure has been time consuming, not to mention nerve racking because this is my first time buying a home. Doug has bought 2 homes in the past, and still owns one, so he's not nearly as intimidated as I am.

But I couldn't be happier and can't wait to move in! 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, lots of space both inside and out. It's perfect! I'll keep you updated on the progress. Next week I find out if I am approved for the loan. FINGERS CROSSED!!!

Complete Slaker

Generally I average about 7 posts a month. In April I wrote one. Yup- one measly little blog. So today I play catch up. I'm going to catch you up on my April, and why I've spend so much time away from this blog. This is going to be a marathon post...so I apologize in advance.

First I spent some time in early April at a Digital Dealer Conference in Orlando. I didn't find the trip to be as educational as it was last year and don't see myself attending in the future. There were some good take aways that I plan to implement in my department. But first I have to dig through my pages of notes and get it all straightened out in my head!

While in Orlando, my co-worker and I decided to find cool local places to eat. We had attempted the first night and drove 15 minutes only to learn the cool local place that everyone loved so much was only open until 7. We ended up having dinner at Chipotle instead. So the next night we were more thorough with our search and headed out feeling confident. We made it to Julie's in about 20 minutes. Although the tacky entrance made us a bit hesitant, once we got inside we knew we found the perfect spot.

We enjoyed a nice dinner on the water, and even watch dusk roll in.

After sending 3 days in Orlando the workload had piled up back in the office. The next days were spent working late and playing catch-up. But it all paid off mid-month when I met my sister in Tampa for our first cruise!

The view of Tampa from the ship

Melissa aboard the Jewel of the Seas

I don't have many pictures from the cruise because I was terrified of international charges and kept my cell phone off. Instead, we used my step mom's digital camera and I've yet to receive any of the photos.

We cruised on the Royal Caribbean ship Jewel of the Seas. It was a 5 day cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel. We had a blast. While on the ship we visited the gym, read a lot, napped in the sun, spent some time in the pool, ate whenever we felt like it, and made so incredible friends. While docked we took advantage of the excursions and did a jungle hike and toured the Mayan Ruins. Sure, we got completely soaked while in Costa Maya (it rained the ENTIRE time) but it was totally worth it.

When we got back to Tampa I flew back to Philly with my sister to be Matron of Honor in one of my oldest friends weddings! Shayna and I have been friends since we were about 7 or 8 years old and I love that I was able to be part of her special day! Unfortunately she wasn't able to make it to my wedding (as many people couldn't because it was in Mexico), so being there for her really meant a lot to me.

We had to hustle to make it from the airport to the rehearsal dinner and ended up being about 40 minutes late :/ But the feeling of the wedding and the attitude of the bride was very relaxed and no one seemed to mind very much. Everything went absolutely perfect the next day and the wedding was beautiful. More details and photos to come!!

So after missing work for an entire week I was one again SLAMMED when I got back in the office (hence the reason I'd been absent from this blog). The remainder of my April was consumed with my full-time job, working to meet some goals on my new home-based business (which I will explain more in my next post), and making sure to still eat healthy and squeeze in my workouts. April was a whirlwind for me, but a very exciting one. May looks to be amazing and I can't wait to blog about it along the way.

A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.

Things have started to go incredibly right for me. And although I have said I'm lucky, we all know that none of it is "luck." There's no fairy sprinkling special dust on me that allows everything to go right. Instead there's a 27-year-old woman with a drive to succeed, a hunger to build an empire, and an urge to make everyone around her amazed and proud. I've always been a go-getter, but now I'm the extreme version. I'm a business builder.

I'm using this term "business-builder" because it's loosely describes both my day job and my night job. By day (well, this job often involves staying at work until 9pm, but for all intensive purposes we'll call it a day job) I am the Business Development Center Manager for a large automotive group. I built the department, hand picked my 15 staff members, and continue to grow daily. The job of my department is to grow new business, retain current business, offer excellent customer service...ultimately make more money for the organization. I've spent hours researching, consulting with peers, sitting through webinars...all to learn how to run an effective Business Development Center. I've done it and it's rewarding. The hard work doesn't stop there, however. The market is constantly changing and therefore so must we. We're always looking for ways to better ourselves and will consistently be doing it bigger and better than our competitors.

Again, none of this happened because of luck. It all took a focused team, a supportive CEO, and a lot of hard work.

By night I'm an Arbonne Independent Consultant. In this world I am also a "business-builder." You see, if you can grow your network in Arbonne and set up a successful team that helps to train other women while still redirecting household spending you are golden. There are only 4 management levels in Arbonne and all are clearly defined. All you need to do is meet that goal in that time frame and you're making thousands a month. Once you hit Regional VP you get a free white Mercedes Benz. No strings, nothing crazy....just a free car.

Needless to stay I am working on building my network. The tricky thing is that there are too many people out there that don't see any value in hard work. They'd rather be handed mediocre things than work hard and get the big pay-off. NOT THIS GIRL. I've now seen the fruits of my labor in my full-time job and am applying those exact same principals to my part-time job. I'm going all the way and making it to the top. From an entry level job to a department head in a very successful department. From a consultant to a National VP.

Who doesn't dream about a beautiful home, a gorgeous luxury vehicle, the extra income to not have to pinch pennies?  A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.

If you'd like to hear more about this exciting opportunity to succeed, make real money, and set yourself up for a prosperous future, please reach out to me. Arbonne can be as big or as small as you need it to be. Full-time, part-time...but I promise you that they will take care of you and offer you a chance to sell quality products and potentially change the lives of yourself and others. Be a go-getter!

"What is the vision you have for your life? What are the dreams and goals you have for yourself or your family? Do you have a plan to attain them or, have you forgotten how to dream because you are mired in the reality of daily life? Arbonne has allowed me to reshape the vision I have for my family and myself, and to dream bigger than ever before. The same is happening for many others who are joining me on my Arbonne journey."

Read Barbara's Arbonne Story

Click Here for a Call Recording from one National VP of Arbonne International

There will be a brief information sessions (with drinks and snacks of course) at my home this coming Monday evening. If you're interested in attending (whether to learn about the products or the business), please RSVP by email (a.byelich@gmail.com) or on our facebook event page.