I could think and reflect for hours, weeks and months about what this experience was, how it impacted me, and how it’s truly life-changing in all the best ways. And though i’m sure i’ll be thinking, reflecting, and reminiscing non stop for quite a while, I wanted to share some initial thoughts and takeaways about what this weekend was to me, and how it truly has changed not only what my business can become, but who I can become, already.
When people ask me about Beautycounter, or often times when I bring it up in conversation, the initial reaction is always: “oh is that one of THOSE companies?” 🙄 I think anyone in network marketing can relate when I say that hearing that comment can get so. damn. old. What I want to counter with & ask is, what do you really NOT like about “those types of companies???”
I’m so damn proud of the work I do. I’m so damn proud to represent a brand like Beautycounter. Its mission, its drive, its ultimate purpose to get cleaner, safer products into the hands of all. Because we shouldn’t have to compromise on our health when it comes to what we’re putting on our bodies. And as I sat back this weekend and reflected, I think I’ve somewhat re defined my “why.” I will always do beautycounter because the mission and the purpose of this company is near and dear to my heart, as someone who has dealt with environmental & chemical allergens and numerous health issues. This work will always be meaningful as someone who studied and is deeply passionate about environmental advocacy, access, responsible sourcing, and sustainability. It will always be meaningful to me, as someone who LOVES sharing, educating & inspiring others. However, something changed this weekend. As I listened to people talk about their why’s, I realized there’s truly one underlying reason I do beautycounter. Why I wholeheartedly push & share & educate, even throughout an accelerated masters, working with multiple freelance clients, a full time job, raising a puppy, a health coach training program - all while also trying to be a present and thoughtful daughter, sister, friend, and girlfriend all at the same time.
I do this for my future babies and family. I do this because I don’t ever want my future children to have to worry about the products they’re using, the health issues associated with using the wrong ones, and the worry, fear & anxiety that comes with living in a country that does nothing to protect our bodies; nothing to protect us from harmful chemicals, toxins and hormone disrupters that FILL our retail aisles; that FILL our beauty and personal care products.
Did you know that the average American women leaves the house with over 168 chemicals on her body daily??? Or that the FDA bans only 11 harmful ingredients while the European Union bans over 1300?? (Beautycounter bans over 2,800 and counting.)
This business and this passion of mine is also the very reason I’ll be working on a year long health coach certification training program starting next month. With the ultimate goal of helping others recognize what they’re putting into and onto their bodies. To lead a happier, healthier, safer life.
I attended this years annual Beautycounter LEAD conference in Charlotte NC, with my mentor and amazing friend Gabby. (everyone needs a gabby!!!) I really went in with zero expectations. After all, I do Beautycounter “for fun.” I do it for “extra money.” When people ask me about Beautycounter, these are always my answers. I don’t often share my why. I so often hide behind this invisible wall of fear. Fear that people will think i’m weird or crazy for being in network marketing. Fear that people will wonder what i’m doing having numerous jobs and still being completely unsure of what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. However, one thing will always remain the same: I want to help people. I want to educate, inspire, and serve others. I want to share the knowledge I have to help others live cleaner, safer lives. And I want to keep learning so that I can keep sharing and inspiring & lifting others up. That’s what this weekend was all about.
Founder, Gregg Renfrew!!!
I am leaving Charlotte with not only a toolbox chalk-full of information, resources, and knowledge, but with the confidence, inspiration and motivation to continue sharing, educating & inspiring. And most of all, I’m leaving with the true and genuine understanding that now, I don’t have to be afraid. I don’t have to come up with excuses about why I do beautycounter. I don’t have to feel ashamed, ever, of the work I do. Though I’ve never been one to care a TON about what others think of me; I am only human. I am also what I like to call, a “baby adult.” And I really do not have it all figured out yet. These past couple of years; living through a global pandemic, addressing anxiety, panic & mental health issues I deal with - all of these things have tested me. I struggled, as did most. I still struggle. But one thing has changed - now, I give myself permission to be fully transparent; to share, inspire, and be completely raw and authentic about who I am and what I love. About what I struggle with, how I struggle with it, and how I’ve taken steps to give myself a toolbox that will enable me to move forward in all aspects of my life.
I was able to learn from women this weekend who have made Beautycounter their full time jobs; who work with beautycounter because of their own allergens, health issues, cancer stories, and more. I learned from inspiring leaders like Jay Shetty & Michelle Poler (if you’ve never heard of them, here’s your sign to follow them/learn about who they are! I ordered Michelle’s book during her session, shhh). They talked with us about using fear to propel us forward. How fear might equal obstacle. But how what follows is opportunity - and that’s the best thing that can happen to us. How instead of asking what’s the worst that could happen - to start asking “What’s the BEST that could happen?”
I thought this weekend would be all about growing my Beautycounter business. Did I think that would be awesome? Yes!! What I was missing though, was that this weekend was so much more than that. It was about truly discovering what makes me remarkable. It was about connection, storytelling, and learning. It was about lifting up people, and raising up beauty. It was full of unexpected moments, both individually and shared - and it was beautiful.
I’m so proud of the work I do. I love having multiple jobs, and I honestly love having no idea what I’ll do next. Over the past few years if I’ve learned anything about myself, it’s that my passion, curiosity and drive are three things that truly set me apart. They allow me to explore so many different paths. That started at a very young age with homeschooling, years of self exploratory dual enrollment courses; to two gap years and 2 online degrees, a flexible remote job I love, and a business I adore building - along with so many significant life moments like raising my own dog, meeting the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, and enjoying endless amazing moments with my family and friends. These 3 things (curiosity, drive & passion) have led me to my next step: becoming a certified health coach. I’m not exactly sure if I’ll ever “stick with one thing,” but I am sure of one thing: I will always continue to share what I’m passionate about wholeheartedly. Beautycounter has inspired me to stick with what I love doing, and to do it bravely, without any apologies.
I’ll be writing a series of posts about LEAD, beautycounter, low tox living, a “first look” at my first month in my IIN health coach program, and more over the next few weeks/months, but I want to end this post with a quote that resonated with me most this week:
“What if everything you are and what you’ve become is nothing compared to everything you’re about to be.”
Thanks for coming on this journey with me. Here’s to becoming everything we’re about to be. ✨🩷
xx
A