Day after day, my inbox is filled with inquires from women who want to break away from the Corporate world and start their own businesses. Because I know there are so many of you out there, who are looking for inspiration, I have a wonderful story to share with you. Meet Claudia, a single mom who went from receiving public assistance to creating an income for her and her kids on her own terms with AVON. Learn more about her and read how she became woman who refused to let adversity get the best of her.
Check out our Q&A session below:
Claudia, first off, I want to say kudos to you for being so resilient under the face of adversity. Our stories are very similar. You went from receiving public assistance to being an AVON Executive Unit Leader that is financially independent. How did you do it?
Thank you so much Danyelle for the words of encouragement. When you need to do something to provide income for yourself and your children, you do whatever it takes. I was praying a lot and asking God to help me find something that I could do from home so that I could stay home with the kids. I had just become a single mom of 4 children and my youngest was only 3 months old. I had to go on welfare for a little to help me get back on my feet, but that was definitely not where I wanted to stay. I originally didn’t consider Avon. I called Avon to have them send me a Representative to service me. Then the District Manager suggested I give Avon a try since I liked the products and could get a discount on my own purchases – so I said why not. Avon is a company that has been around for a very long time. The prices are great and if there was ever another recession, people would continue to purchase because it’s affordable. Also, most women will never go without some sort of make-up. I remember something my father had always told me: When there is a recession, people will always buy alcohol, cigarettes and anything to do with beauty because they are “feel good” things. So I said, why not give it a try! When I started with Avon, my sister, my mother and I were my primary customers. I then decided to go to a sales meeting because I wasn’t making any money and since I was never in sales before, I did not know what to do. When I was at the sales meeting, I could not believe the amount of money other women were making with their Avon business. I said “If they can do this so can I.” These women were regular women just like me – they weren’t women with lots of college degrees or dressed in formal business suits, they were regular women making money. The month I decided to go full force with Avon I realized by the end of the month I would profit enough money to pay my rent for the following month. That’s when I realized that if I could do this for one month, I could do it over and over again. I wrote a letter to public assistance and to close my account, and I have never looked back since.
How has AVON changed your life?
I cannot explain the feeling I have every day knowing that I am the boss of my own company and that I can determine how much money I want to make. I have been able to support myself and my children for the last 91/2 years with Avon as my only source of income. I put my kids on the bus. I am here when they get home from school. Summers are great because I can actually be with them every single day and not have to worry about who will watch them because I am home and I can still work my Avon business. I still get very emotional and teary eyed when I share my story because it is not easy raising four children by myself ( I also have the help of my family who is local though it is not the same). I have also become a National Trainer and Recruiter with Avon so it gives me the chance to help other women start their own Avon business and help them achieve long term income. I show them exactly what I have done and they duplicate my strategy to get their results. I enjoy helping other women become independent and knowing that they have someone who will always be there to help and mentor them every step of the way.
Do you think your hardships make you a better AVON Representative?
Absolutely! I care more about people than I ever have and I don’t take any customer or team member for granted because they are the ones who help me make the money I need to support my family.
What are some of the perks of being a WAHM?
Spending the summer with my children! Waking up at 6am excited about my day because I am the boss. No stress or pressure from “work.” My children are my life and I would not change my circumstances a bit because they have helped me bring out my best.
What advice would you give to struggling moms?
Trust God and have faith. You are going through whatever it is for a reason, and there is always a way out. You just need to try different things until you find it. Never ever give up on yourself. You are made to be a winner!
As a single mom, how do you juggle it all?
I am more organized when school is in session but you still need to have some routine. I make a “To Do” list at night or first thing each morning so I know what I have to do for that day and can then prioritize from there. I also plan my calendar at least a week or two in advance to focus on productivity. What are the things I need to do that will make my business grow while the kids are in school?
Why is AVON a realistic way that women can obtain financial independence?
You can work it around ANY schedule, I don’t care how busy anyone is. Avon can be incorporated in your everyday life because you can meet so many people as you go about your regular life. For example, at the supermarket while you are on line or at the bank teller, you can hand a brochure to anyone and say “When was the last time you have seen an Avon brochure? I have a sample just for you of our latest product.” You can do that wherever you go.
If Claudia’s story doesn’t show you that you can win even under dire circumstances, I don’t know what can. She truly shows that with hard work and determination, you can live a life of fulfillment.
· Website: www.youravon.com/cclinton
· LinkedIn: Claudia Clinton
· Facebook group: Avon Beauty and You
To read more of AVON Brand Ambassador series of posts, click here.
I love her story.
My Mom was an Avon lady for years and we still rely on their products. She had so many local customers from her FT job that Avon was her PT income to pay for gifts, camp, etc.
Thanks for commenting, Joyce. That’s the wonderful thing about AVON. You can make as much as you want and continue to work if you want like supplementing your income. It’s a great option for working moms, too.