As I had mentioned way back in September in my Fly on the Wall post, I started my own business as an independent representative of an all-natural foods company. This is a direct selling gig – something that I thought I wouldn’t ever do! You never know what twists & turns life will take, so the old adage, “never say never” certainly holds true.
According to the Direct Selling Association (of which my company is a member), more than 16 million independent reps in the U.S. alone are part of a $30 billion dollar industry! That’s a lot of home parties and individuals selling to their own networks! Wow!
How I Decided to Sell
I was first introduced to Wildtree through my sister, who invited me to attend a friend’s freezer meal workshop. At first I wasn’t sure what I was in for – it can be intimidating to buy groceries for 10 meals, do the prep, and haul your cooler to a friend’s house. For the cost of the workshop, I had 7 Wildtree products waiting for me at the workshop to measure & add to each individual bag, according to the recipe instructions. I stood next to my sister, had some wine, and chatted away with the other guest while we prepped our meals. It was a lot of fun, not to mention productive.
After enjoying the 10 Wildtree Freezer Meals I had prepped the night of the workshop, I would do another workshop a few weeks later. It was a grilling workshop that included a Hickory Smoke Grapeseed oil and a Rancher Steak Rub seasoning blend. I think it was these two ingredients that made me fall in love with Wildtree! I’ve never had such delicious steaks before!! Each meal felt like restaurant quality foods, making me feel like such a rockstar in the kitchen!
Plus, being the main cook in our house, I was tired of making the same things over and over again and wanted quick, easy dinners after my days at work or fun-filled summer days at home with my kids. The freezer meals were the ideal solution for my family!
When faced with attending another freezer meal workshop, or becoming a rep myself, I ultimately decided to pay for the $49.95 for the starter kit (plus shipping), and go for it back in August!
The IDEAL Job (especially for Busy Moms)
I’m excited to share the freezer meal planning concept and amazing, all-natural Wildtree products with my network on a schedule that I set on my own. The flexibility of my Wildtree business fits in so nicely with my current part-time job, while still giving me time at home with my 3 year old and older daughter who is in 4K half-days. It’s a perfect job where I’m completely in control! I think this is why so many moms are attracted to direct sales. You can determine when you work, booking parties, or in my case tastings or freezer meal workshops when it’s convenient. As with any job, you get out what you put in, so I do need to be disciplined to keep my business going. Ideally, I am targeting to have three to four parties a month to give me enough time to balance our family’s activities. It’s been a lot of fun promoting and selling products I love!
More about Wildtree
Wildtree is an all-natural food company that focuses on quick, easy, healthy dinners. Their all-natural products do not contain preservatives, dyes, fillers, GMO, MSG or high fructose corn syrup. Many products are organic certified too. Most important of all in my book is the amazing taste! For more about the company & its history, click here.
Hosting Parties
In addition to helping my contacts host parties, I have been a recent host for my friend’s new Stella & Dot venture (also a mom looking for a flexible work arrangement). As with any direct sales business, it pays off to be a host because you can earn free products! I also like the added benefit of motivation to clean up my house when people come over. I’m definitely a people person, and I love a reason to bring friends and family together. It IS a lot of fun combining friends from all different areas of your life!
I had never really done a jewelry/accessory party before, but it was a huge hit! I loved being able to try on the items and the chance to catch up with friends over drinks & food. I’m excited to choose my accessories and do some holiday shopping with my host credit!
What are your favorite direct sales or home party-type businesses? Have you heard of Wildtree before?
If you want more info about my Wildtree business, please email me at gomamao AT gmail (dot) com.
go mama o. 