Time: the best of times, the worst of times

My last post I wrote about the concept of time and how it seems to control so much of our life, not enough time… or let time pass and it will heal you. Both of which seem to be the case for my situation right now, not enough time to make this work and hopefully with time Ill feel better about it….

It is with the saddest of hearts Bona Clara announced their close on Jan 31st. Bona Clara was far from perfect but I didnt think we were that close to the end.

A heartbroken and shaking Jasmina told us one by one on Thursday morning, despite the previous days efforts to “do what it takes” we would not be able to continue Bona Clara and we would not be looking for outside funding. It took me a while, actually its still hard for me to swallow this being the right decision. Their was just not enough time to do this properly and Jasmina “wouldn’t be able to sleep at night, knowing she is asking us to sacrifice but can’t promise something like this wouldn’t happen again. Maybe its selfish, but I saw this being big for me, I saw my entire career here in front of me… I saw myself being Jasmina’s partner in this, she would be the face + I would be the voice, or maybe I would be the face…. no she would be the face, she would be the brain behind the amazing products, and I would be the funny voice that told reps they can do it!!!! I saw these reps, these founding leaders being in my wedding some day, or even introducing me to the wonderful Mr. Francesca… This is the one thing, I didn’t see coming…

We were told last Tuesday there was a problem, we instinctually said we would fight this, do whatever it takes, now its Wed night and I will only have 2 more wakeup’s to the best job so far, the job that took me from I cant do anything to I can do EVERYTHING, maybe I still haven’t started dating again or made a million bucks, but it made me happy, it filled my cup + I was able to be a little part of filling someone elses. I will post more on this later as I am really trying to just soak it all in, I have no idea what is next but I do know I am beyond grateful for the past 16 months.

For anyone interested in the “smarter beauty products” they will be on sale at 50% off through friday! Just go to the Bona Clara site for orders!

Seattle

One of my fav tour stops this month so far (yes I know its only the first week of November) has been Seattle. Jordan and I did a Portland/Seattle weekend and stayed with her family in Olympia, WA. While I did get to see much of the more rural areas – I was so excited to experience Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.

It was a foodies dream land – I bought Truffle salt and oil – it was AMAZING. I swear sometimes I must be a marketers dream! We didnt get to explore quite as much as I would have liked but it was after all a work trip 🙂

What is your fav West Coast City?

The Appreciation of Character

Soon after we finished in San Antonio we were off to a small town about an hour away called Fredricksburg. As soon as we arrived I knew I would love it. Kathy, one of the reps in town was hosting her launch at a wine bar on the main street. Fredricksburg is a mini Germany they say, all the restaurants serve german fare and – it felt like I had traveled back in time.

Back to the wine bar, it was the most adorable antique shop in the front and the most hip wine bar in the back! I am not normally one for antiques, but I have begun to appreciate certain ones in my old age, not to mention, the way everything was displayed was nothing short of perfection.

Here are a few of my favorite gems!

I thought this “b” must have been for Bona Clara!

Just as fast as we arrived, the Fredricksburg leg of the 543 tour had ended and we were on to the next city!

543 Tour: Dallas

One of the cities on the 534 Tour was Dallas, one that we have yet to experience any growth in but know this will be a gem once we do. We lucked out with a hotel in Plano where Ericka’s friend lived, he suggested NYLO, a modern, boutique hotel in downtown Plano.

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I loved the way the rooms were set up, it was all super modern + the beds were TO DIE for!!

nyloplanopool

I am so excited to be a part of Bona Clara as they really define their leaders and the woman who will have a hand in shaping the future of the company. The feeling as I mentioned the other day is so hard to describe. The woman “founding leaders” attract are the most ambitious, smart business woman I have ever met. I feel like I am a HUGE part of something thats going to EXPLODE!! We are planning SO much travel for this month I dont even know how I am going to keep up with it all! I am beyond excited (incase I havent said it 10x already). Ill keep you posted on the cities ill be visiting! How on earth did I get so LUCKY!?!?

xo Frankie

Texas

I was in Dallas and Houston for less than 24hrs each for Bona Clara for an Opportunity Event in each city… Current brand reps brought guests, we invited several others and we discussed the background behind Bona Clara and the business opportunity that we offer. There are SO many talented woman that joined the team and have been in sales for so long. Watching Jasmina speak to them made me so proud of all the work we put into this brand.
—> fast forward a month
Texas is the home of our fastest growing team and OUR VERY FIRST DIRECTOR!!!
We celebrated with champagne – I’m so happy and blessed to be a part of all of our firsts!!

Design Salon: You’re always selling

I attended the design salon at twelve chairs this week with my friend molly in an attempt to get molly the kick in the butt she needs to apply to designs school and selfishly to finally meet the gorg Erin Gates of Elements of Style (while also trying to invite people to the Bona Clara launch party).

Erin and her amazing hubby Andrew discussed the sales side of business. He touched on a few key points:

you don’t have to sell to everyone
let the customer lead the convo – everyone loves talking about themselves
be confident in your product (even if thats you)
read marketing books not sales ones

Over all be genuine and caring. Develop a relationship with your potential customer and figure out how you can help them. It was a great discussion but I cant help but mention their chemistry. They are just perfect! Balance each other out perfectly, Erin is a self proclaimed, insecure, pessimistic, worrywart and Andrew its an optimistic, confident, sales man.

I left Monday evening with an extra pep in my step. Knowing I really can do anything I want and I will blog till I get there (and after)… not that I even know what I want really… I cant wait for the next design salon!!

Bona Clara Launch Party

Last night was the official launch party of Bona Clara!!! We had the perfect space – a private room at Eastern Standard,

delicious cocktails,

beautiful displays

a few of boston’s most fab bloggers, the ladies from What Gents Don’t Get

and the amazing woman behind Rue Le Chat not to mention several others –

and amazing friends and friends of friends. It was a perfect night all around + left me with butterflies of excitement as Jasmina announced this is just the beginning of something truly amazing.

(our team doing the “kiki” arms wide or the “frankie” cool dude hands move)

I have to say I belong here and it feels so good…

Age Specific Eye Make Up Remover

Bona Clara launched its newest product today – an age specific eye make up remover. I have had the privilege of testing it for a month now – its AMAZING to say the least – never mind so pretty to look at!!

This isn’t any ordinary ‘ole eye make up remover by the way – it also:

• Strengthens the lashes
• De-puffs and soothes the eyes
• Gentle & nourishing for the skin
• Oil-free & non-greasy

Check out my BFFL Val in the video!! SHE is such a NATURAL in front of the camera!!!!

anyone still wondering why I LOVE my job so much!?!?!

You can pre-order Bona Clara’s age specific eye make up remover for $30

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