In our next series of Avon interviews, I had the pleasure of interviewing Avon superstar, Denise.  Like Becky, she makes money selling Avon products to friends and family and has tons of fun doing it!  While interviewing Denise it became immediately clear that we share many of the same values around women and money which made this interview easy with many “yes, me too!” moments.

What’s Her Story?

Denise is a mom who has been selling Avon for about 3 years now.  She happened upon Avon due to the pending birth of her son, however she’d recently lost her job. While feeling at a loss for how she would support her family, Denise decided to follow through on a local advertisement she saw for Avon.  Feeling that she was failing her son before he was born due to losing her job, she honed in on her survival instincts because she had a new child to support.

One key selling point that helped her make the decision is that selling Avon means selling something that someone else makes.  This means no time spent creating the product, being an Avon representative means that the product is ready to ship while making a higher margin.

21st Century Avon

A common theme in our interviews is all of the representatives feel that Avon has certainly turned the page and is no longer “your gramma’s Avon”.  Avon is cool, fresh and appeals to a wide audience of women which spans generations.  Some of us grew up with our moms selling Avon for extra cash and for many this played an integral part in supporting their households.

For Denise this was no different.  At the time, she was in a place where she was dependent upon the income from Avon to support herself while giving her the time and flexibility needed with her newborn son.

She describes herself as her own best customer and tells me that “people don’t know how much Avon has to offer.“  From “perfume to panties”, Avon sells everything a woman needs to feel sexy, sophisticated and pretty at the same time.

Flexibility

When asked what she likes best about Avon, Denise replied that the flexibility this offers is top of mind.  This isn’t a job where she would have to sell, sell, sell while under high-pressure deadlines, she is able to sell as little or as much as she wants with no threat of losing her job.  She often remarked about the sense of freedom because no one can fire you and you set your own financial goals.

Advice For New Avon Representatives

Denise tells me that for new Avon reps, the sky is the limit as they have nothing to lose.  They start the business for $10 and there’s no need to buy any inventory as with other businesses.

• Timing is important. Representatives should buy products ahead of time for customers that will use them.
• Think strategically.  You’re your own boss.  Be disciplined about the hours you put into it.  Make decisions that will be profitable.  Buy things that you know will sell.  We both agreed that in order to be successful at any business it is important to treat it like a business, not a hobby.
• Commit.  Dedicate yourself and your time to the venture.  Get on a  schedule and know what you want to get out of it.
• If you aren’t your own best customer then you’re losing money.
• Make it a lifestyle, not a job.  When you truly love what you’re selling it doesn’t feel like a job.

How Does AVON Help Denise Reach Her Financial Goals?

Now that Denise is in a better place financially (recently secured a FT position), everything she makes from AVON is “me money”.  This includes everything from massages, eyebrows, Christmas gifts or just extra spending money that she would not have if Avon weren’t  a part of the picture.  This adds to her feeling of independence as she remembers that only 3 years ago she had lost her job and today, thanks to Avon she is feeling more independent.

What are your thoughts on AVON and the opportunity to set your own schedule and make as much or little as you want?

Disclaimer:  I am a paid brand ambassador for AVON. My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Avon and its affiliates.