Time: the best of times, the worst of times

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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!

BostInno 50 on Fire

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Bona Clara’s CEO was nominated for BostInno 50 on Fire for Bostons inventors, disruptors, luminaries and newsmakers across all industries.

Jasmina was one of the finalists so we got to celebrate with her and  Boston’s brightest at the Moakley Courthouse which by the way was the most beautifully built building I have seen in Boston.

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Jasmina didn’t win this year but we had a blast!!

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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.

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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 🙂

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What is your fav West Coast City?

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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.

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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!

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

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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!!

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The Queen of Princess House

I had the opportunity to meet a goddess in the corporate direct sales world today, Miss. Connie Tang, the first woman CEO of th 50+ year old company, Princess House. She has worked at Clinique, Lancome, BeautiControl and JAFRA to expand sales forces and open forign markets.

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“I’m a tried and true believer of the power of direct sales to enable women from all walks of life to become their best selves,” Ms. Tang remarked. “With the rich legacy that Princess House has built in providing superior product and income opportunities to tens of thousands of women and families, I look forward to building on our success and growth as we enter our next 50 years. It’s an exciting time to move Princess House forward by reaching out to women who want more and want to be more.”

She was well versed on so many levels of this industry, from the actual product sizes, to continuity programs to making branding changes, it was no surprise she is one of the most successful woman in direct sales. I love when I get to meet woman like this, its not just inspiring but so surreal!

 

Support Doesnt End with a Bra!

I LOVE that Bona Clara is supporting Breast Cancer this month by donating scar treatment creams to Breast Cancer Support Groups! I <3 this company! BreastCancerjpg_Page1

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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

If I was a gambling (wom)an

Last night we promoted our second director, first senior director and I FINALLY promoted my first brand manager. This was followed up by a day of AMAZING calls with inspirational woman who are so hard working and smart it gives me goosebumps.

The feeling I get from working in the home office of Bona Clara is unlike anything I have ever felt before and I am pretty sure is what makes me so very in love with not only my job but this company and the direct sales industry in general.

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There is something about the woman in this industry that just belive in themselves, in the raw and un altered drive within their soul, they know whatever goal they set, if they want it bad enough they will get it. Surrounding myself with people like this is what makes me so excited to get up and go to work every day. The part of me that not just wants this to work but KNOWS it will work, its the belife in the oh so natural ambition that only certain people posses. I am so blessed to be a part of this company… cheers to the woman of Bona Clara!

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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!!

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