My Why

I began this year with the intention of getting my “sparkle” back.  I think we’ve all gone through trying times, some much worse than others.  Mine’s lasted longer than I would have liked, but I was intent on designing a life that I wanted – not one that I was going to settle on or one that was thrust upon me to bear. 

Surprisingly, it’a been harder than I anticipated.  With the self reflection and healing that I’ve been doing the last 2 years, I don’t think I recognized the toll that a former job had taken — I let it steal my virtually all my self confidence and light.  That, on top of learning how to parent an Autistic child resulted in many fits, starts, fears and challenges.  “Courage” is the word that kept coming up for me at an art retreat I attended with my sister.  Courage to explore, courage to change, courage to be authentic circled around in my brain.

I’ve wanted to return to having a career outside of motherhood and homeschooling — while I’m proud of my achievements in my past as a lawyer, it’s not something I ever intend to return to.  My last job in that profession essentially robbed me of my confidence and I experienced the truly ugly side of corporate law. 

The Past does not Define the Future

For those of you who know me, you know that I’ve tried several Direct Sales companies.  Some have gone out of business, some have not been a good fit, and the last one I devoted my time and energy to ended up having a product that I still enjoy, but a plan, leadership and “leaders” that were disastrous for many, including myself.  Still, why do I love direct sales?  There are many reasons:

1) I’ve found a product that I love that I want to share with others

2) I love the flexibility that it provides as to schedule

3) I love the camaraderie of other women

4) Earning potential to help with our family finances, and

5) There is no ceiling and I’m responsible for what I get out of it

During the last few months, I’ve explored many options and looked at a variety of companies from the inside. I believe that I’ve found what I’ve been looking for.  A company that is invested in me, has excellent training, benefits, mentorship and products that I’m proud to both use and share.  What is it, you ask?  Honestly, I’m as surprised as you may be.  It’s Mary Kay. 

Yes, Mary Kay Ash is the Answer for Me

I recall going to a Mary Kay party when I was about 15 or 16 and didn’t really think much about it in the years since.  About a year and a half ago I met a lovely woman at a trade show I was doing – she was in the booth next door and was there with her Mary Kay team.   They were enthusiastic and very kind.  After the show, she came to my home for a private appointment.  Boy, have things changed since I was 15 (LOL!).  The product and color is superior and rivaled the skincare that I was using (and at 1/2 the price).

I’ve been exploring the opportunity and the company for several weeks and am very impressed.  I feel my spark returning and my confidence building.  I ran across this as one of Mary Kay’s sayings and it spoke volumes to me:

I won’t let another job or person dull my sparkle.  I intend to sparkle even brighter in the future.

I still enjoy using Tastefully Simple products and will still write about food — but I’m not going to be active in that company.  You’ll see other posts about my journey in getting my “self” back.  And I felt I needed to address why I may have jumped around a bit before finding the company that I felt really fit what I wanted for my life and my future.

Thank you, friends and family, for sticking with me.  The best me is yet to come!

And if you’d like to learn more, please contact me here, or check out www.marykay.com/lisaburnsmiles and www.lifewithlisab.com/marykay