Something for me

When my friend Danielle sent me an email asking me to help her get to her goal of earning a trip to Hawaii with Jamberry by hosting a Facebook party, I said “sure.” I used to do direct sales – in a former life I sold both Pampered Chef and Usborne Books, and I’ve dabbled in a few other direct sales companies. I know how important it is to be supported by friends and family when you launch.

I asked if we could make it a fundraiser for my March for Babies Team Charis and Kat, and once she confirmed that, we set to work. Facebook made it super easy to set up a group, invite everyone, and then Danielle did the rest. One week of games, quizzes, challenges, and giveaways. It was actually a LOT of fun with minimal effort on my part. Jamberry – in case you don’t know, is a direct sales company started by three sisters who saw a nail wrap they loved and, when couldn’t find it for sale anywhere, decided to create their own.

My nails for St. Patricks day!

But at absolutely NO point did I even consider signing up as a consultant. I had actually been asked before to join a team, and said no right away. I don’t need one.more.thing on my plate.

But, for some reason this time was different. I guess timing is everything.

When we got to the point of wrapping up our party and I was placing my order, Danielle told me that for the amount I was ordering, I could order the kit and get my four sheets of wraps, a mini heater, and a ton of other stuff that comes in the kit. I told her I didn’t know if this was a good fit for me. I didn’t want to get into direct sales again. Even if I DO LOVE these nail wraps.

But then Danielle said the magic words: No Monthly Sales Minimums.

IE, I could sign up, get my kit, and do what I wanted with it, without worrying about having the pressure of monthly sales. Since I am always fundraising, she reminded me that this could be something to have on hand to raise money for my non profit – Sunshine After the Storm, Inc. OR my March for Babies Team. Those were great ideas, and really, if I was going to spend about the same amount of money either way, I figured I’d give it a shot.

Then something magical happened.

I got bit by the bug. Like hard core.

I watched the video about the company and realized how special Jamberry truly is. It was started by three sisters (I have three sisters and I just imagine how cool it would be to launch a company like this!) who saw a product they wanted but could not find it for sale anywhere. So, they figured out how to make their own nail wraps. They are the American dream. They started in their garage with an idea, and have built it into a huge company.

I love that. But I also love that this is something for ME.

In the last few years I have lost a lot. I lost my daughter, I lost my faith (thankfully found that again) and I have lost a lot of self-value. As I’ve dealt with grieving and the stress of raising three children, and the difficulties that come along with living in chronic pain caused by Hashimotos and Lupus, have caused me to lose a lot of self-esteem. My knuckles have gotten swollen and ugly from the Lupus. My hair is thinner than ever. My skin is messed up. I don’t feel well. And so on.

But, when I put these jams on my fingers – I just can’t stop staring at them. They are so pretty and they give me a bit of a boost. Obviously they are not magical. They don’t transform me into something I’m not. But they make me feel good, and that’s so important.

I began to think about the care packages that I put together for other grieving mothers. These might be a lovely addition. Something shiny and pretty and beautiful to help them in those dark hours. Who knows? I might start adding a sheet in them.

The second benefit – it gives me something that Jelly Bean and I really enjoy doing together. Ever since she was two, she’s had an obsession with painting her nails. She LOVES the jams! We did our nails together yesterday and it was one of the best hours I have spent with her in a long time. (Yes, it takes longer than painting nails, but they last for weeks, and as you can see, we got creative!) By the end, she was even applying her own jams!

Jelly Bean’s nails – each one is different!

And then we played Go Fish! 🙂

I am very, very busy. I didn’t need to add anything else to my plate.

But as I thought about it, almost everything I do is for others. I raise money for the benefit of others. I write to help others, (at least I hope it helps others!) I take care of my children and my husband. And while those are amazing and wonderful things that I never want to give up, THIS opportunity is something for me.

It makes me feel good AND it’s an opportunity for me to put some cash back into the organizations I am already supporting. I have decided to donate 50% of my commissions to my non profit and my care packages to grieving parents.

So, for my friends and family who may have seen my announcement and wondered WHAT THE HECK??? Now you know!

If you feel like it, please like my Bigwarfe Jams Facebook page!

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katbiggie

Freelance writer at Kat Biggie Press

Alexa B, who blogs as "Kat Biggie" is a wife, mother, and writer. She has three children and one in heaven. She recently self published a book entitled "Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother" which is available on Amazon. She blogs about life after the loss of one of her twin daughters to TTTS, motherhood, all things parenting, advocacy, grief support and social good.

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