If you know anything about myself or my business journey, then you know it hasn’t always been an easy road.
For starts, I started with nothing except an outdated camera, a laptop with half the keys missing, and the newbie excitement to fuel my ambitions & dreams.
My husband and I were barely scraping by, living in his parents house, and crammed from wall to wall with our 2 kids and all of our belongings into one tiny bedroom. For 5 years we lived on the verge of being broke and fighting to keep our heads above water, financially speaking.
But over time, we dug out of that hole and my business really came in clutch to help us dig faster.
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t always fun. But I found purpose and pride knowing that I could stay at home with my children AND help our family finances.
I also took my business online and started a photography blog. I sold digital products & I even created a YouTube channel to help increase my blog’s traffic and income – which it did tremendusly!
My business has been nothing short of a blessing to our family and I will eternally be grateful for all the fruit it has given to us. And most importantly, for all of my customers and clients who made it all possible.
But, as you well know, life changes.
More babies came into the equation.
I started homeschooling the 2 older kids.
Life wasn’t as carefree and simple as it was before.
Instead of just focusing my efforts on being a Mom and working when I could manage it, I was now thrown in the mix of schooling my kids. And the lifestyle change really threw me for a loop.
I constantly felt pulled in all directions not knowing where I should go.
If I stopped working on my business, then our income would dry up. If I neglected my kids education, I would be a failure as a homeschooling Mother.
Looking back, I am not sure how I managed it all for as long as I did. But, those struggles and trying times are the experiences that led me to where I am today.
And for that, I am GRATEFUL.
So I decided to calm down my efforts with my online business/blog.
The money was still flowing at that point, so it made it easier to let go of my hustling little heart and focus more on my kids and their education.
But, if you neglect something long enough, it will start to wear down and tatter. Like a blazing fire unattended – left idol and slowly burning out. You do everything in your power to rekindle the flames, but without more starter, it’s just a lost cause.
Years pass and the flames are still there, but slowly dying.
Another baby added was then added to the mix which complicated matters even more than ever. At this point, I was so conflicted about my photography business, my blog, and my role as a Mom.
I knew deep down that I couldn’t continue to run a business BY MYSELF and also be the type of Mother I wanted to be. I knew it was all too much for myself – personally. Not to say that it cannot be done, but I am easily overwhelmed and having 4 kids at home while you work on a business is no joke.
The core of my being right now is being a Mom. And business was getting in the way.
My heart literally felt pain when I would leave my baby at home to go work with a client. I felt guilty when I’d have to deliver goods or talk on the phone with a prospect with my kids in the background arguing over who gets to watch their favorite TV show.
It wasn’t fair to them and it wasn’t fair to my clients. But really, it wasn’t fair to me for spreading myself so thin.
Then the pandemic hit and it really humbled me.
My photography business was at a standstill during the shutdowns and my online shop wasn’t making sales. It was truly a scary thing as I had never been in such a money drought before.
I knew deep down that it was time for a change. A pivot. A huge leap of faith. But, I let my ego run the show and so I pushed those feelings aside.
Because there was NO WAY that I was giving up at this point.
How could I give up when I had worked so dang hard to get to where I was? After all of the success and triumphs? After all of the time and investments I had made? After creating a client base from the ground up solely built on my efforts and hard work?
Pride is a funny thing though.
It can be a good thing, but it can also be our greatest enemy. In this case, it was the enemy that was preventing me from opening new doors that I was terrified to open.
But, I finally came to grips with myself after a good long 2 year struggle of trying everything in the book to increase my sales and keep my had above water.
It just wasn’t working and pride wasn’t allowed to conquer my thoughts any longer.
It was while I was laying in bed, struggling to catch my breath at the tail end of catching covid, that I started to reflect on my life and my business.
In that moment, I wasn’t letting fear run the show. I took a hard look at my business and KNEW FOR A FACT that what I was doing was not what I should be doing.
I was on the wrong path.
And knowing that in 7 short months, I’d be holding another baby in my arms, I came to terms with the fact that I can no longer keep grasping at straws out of desperation. I needed to make a change and I needed to make it fast – because the road that I was on was only leading me to frustration, burnout, and a deep sense of unfulfillment.
For a long time, I had this idea in the back of my mind to join an MLM to help supplement our income.
I see nothing wrong with MLM businesses and some of my most favorite products are sold in that way. And the mere fact that I can help support people in my community by making purchases through them is so rewarding.
So in my bed, struggling to catch my breath, I decided enough is enough. As soon as I am well, I am not holding back any longer. I am ready to make a change and commit already! Not because it’s the easy way out, but because it’s a more simple structure for me to follow as a stay at home, homeschooling Mom.
You see, when you have your own business, all of the planning, marketing, research, selling, doing, EVERYTHING is put on your shoulders.
YOU are responsible for making an action plan.
YOU are your own accountability partner.
YOU are the decision maker.
YOU are the funder of on-going education.
And to be quite honest, I was tired of all of that responsibility during the season of life that I currently am immersed in.
I NEED structure.
I NEED support.
I NEED community.
I NEED a business plan that is laid out for me.
I NEED on-going education that doesn’t put a burden on my finances (and the stress of where that money is going to come from).
And let’s not fail to mention: I need a career that doesn’t conflict with my family’s schedule and the lifestyle I am committed to live.
So I knew that there was only one possibility that would fit all of these needs and desires: to join an MLM.
But, not just any business. One that that had great products, business integrity, community, training, and on-going support. A business flourishing every day and expanding their network globally.
This is why I decided to partner with Monat.
While I back their products 100% because they fit all the bills in terms of non-toxic hair and skin care (something that is super important to me), their unique community built on gratitude and support really drew me in.
The materials that have been provided to me is unreal. They have given me the resources and a laid-out plan to set my business up for success.
I am only 2 weeks in and have already seen positive results.
The best part is that I can sell in a way that feels authentic to me. Unlike other network marketing tactics, Monat NEVER recommends cold approaches or direct selling. Instead, they focus on relationship building, getting involved in your community, and sharing the products in a way that feels natural and inspiring.
So knowing that Monat never teaches cold approach methods in their training is a breath of fresh hair – I mean air.
All in all, I wanted – needed – more flexibility and freedom with my schedule.
Thinking about having another baby and running around meeting clients with a newborn simple crushed my heart. Then add in the extra stress of planning meetings and working on weekends when that is sacred family time left me feeling stuck and sad.
But now, I don’t need to worry about that. I can continue to provide, follow my business ambitions, and do so within my own quirky lifestyle.
And if you happen to be in a similar position, I urge you to reflect long and hard about what’s holding you back from making a change that could lead to a better life?
What’s standing in your way?
Your ego? Your pride? Your fear of failing?
No matter what it is, you won’t ever get to experience anything else without taking a leap of faith and that first courageous step in a new direction.
And if you’re ready to take that first step, then I invite you to learn more about the opportunity of working with me 1-1 with Monat. As your sponsor I will personally take you under my wing to help you reach your goals, both personally and professionally.