I am participating in a special 16-week Stampin' Up! program for supervisors and senior supervisors. One of the things participants have been asked to do is share their story as to why they became Stampin' Up! demonstrators. While I do share my story with my guests at stamping parties and workshops, I decided I'd like to share it with all my readers, too. And maybe after reading my story, you too will want to join me in this unique family of stampers and papercrafters and become one of my Inky Images!
MY STORY
I have always been an avid crafter. I have spent many years crocheting, painting, and weaving baskets. I've worked with many mediums and when I was asked by a neighbor to attend a Stampin' Up! stamp camp with her, I wasn't sure I really wanted to go. I had never heard of Stampin' Up! and quite honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to learn a new craft. In fact, she had to ask me several times before I gave in and attended a stamp camp in November 2003.
Well, I was blown away. I had so much fun making some beautiful cards, and all it took was getting the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog in my hands and I was hooked. I waited until January 2004 before I actually took the plunge and signed up as a demonstrator. I knew I would be buying lots of items from the catalog, and being a savvy shopper, I decided it made more sense for me to sign up so that I could 'buy from myself' instead of from someone else.
When I signed up under my 'upline' Susan, I told her that I did not wat to 'sell' Stampin' Up, but just wanted to buy for myself, and I didn't have time for meetings. Susan was great and gave me my space. However, it wasn't long before I began to share my new-found craft with my friends. I soon saw the business opportunity Stampin' Up! offered and decided to change from a hobby demonstrator to a business demonstrator.
The great thing about Stampin' Up! is they allow you to work your business the way it fits your life style. I do not like traveling much (I did my share of that in other direct sales companies) so I decided I would offer workshops and classes in my home. I thought that would be a win/win for myself and my hostesses. 1) They didn't have to get their houses cleaned and ready for guests; 2) they didn't have to displace their families while they had a home party, and 3) they would get a girls' night out with their friends, making some beautiful projects. For me it works because I don't have to pack everything up and if I forget something, all I have to do is go into my stamping room to get it!
Stampin' Up! has been great for me. It has allowed me to have a creative outlet, while making money. It has also brought new people into my life that have become my friends. I can't imagine my life without Stampin' Up!
If you would like to join the Stampin' Up! family of demonstrators, whether to support your papercrafting hobby, or to help support your family, now is a great time to join. From now until March 31st you can join and receive your choice of two different Starter Kits at 15% off, AND receive a FREE stamp set valued up to $47.95. Signing up is easy, just visit My Website and click on 'Start Your Own Business.' Follow the prompts and when asked for the password, just type in Inky Images.
Contact me at stamping@karenhaden.com and ask me about the special gift you will receive from me, just for joining my group!