Goodbye C+I - The End of an Era

On July 1, 2019 executive chairwoman Connie Tang announced the closure of Chloe + Isabel July 31, 2019 to it's community of merchandisers. The news came as a shock to our community. While the company put forth great effort towards growth and development, this nearly 8 year old jewelry empire simply could not achieve the trajectory necessary to withstand these hard economic times.

To say I will miss Chloe + Isabel is an understatement. When I began in May of 2016 I could not have imagined how far this journey would take me. I traveled to Montreal, Paris! But the real joy has been in the everyday conversations, sharing of ideas and inspiration with like minded women, and making of lifelong friends. I will treasure these jewels for a lifetime!

Be sure to shop your C+I wishlist before it's too late! Whether you've had your eye on the most recent Riviera Maya collection or have a mile long list you've created over the years, take advantage of the markdowns.

And please know that every purchase, every word of encouragement, every time you volunteered to host, to help, all of the shared pictures, every gesture big or small means more to me than words can say. This might be goodbye to C+I but I hope you'll follow me to the next adventure! It just wouldn't be the same without you.

When your Creative Outlet Becomes a Source of Income

Raise your hand if you're a bit of a nerd. Most people don't realize I'm a dietitian! I worked in healthcare for over 10 years, but you won't find it on my resume. In fact, you won't find my resume. When baby #4 came along, I left the traditional working world. 

Since, I've done several gigs trying to find the perfect balance between caring for and providing for my family. Initially I panicked and took a position at Stitch Fix working as a stylist from home. Sounds like a dream, right? One step forward, two steps back. I was still letting someone else spend my time.

Now I'm running my own Etsy shop and calling all the shots. Before I left my medical career, I'd created Modern Typography as a creative outlet. I was casually listing items for sale, and really never thought it would become anything. When I quit my job I was able to devote more time to developing it. I'm happy to say it's become a constant stream of income for my family.

This reminds me of something I recently heard at a conference.

"There is no downside to a side hustle. There are only benefits to building more than one source of income. A side hustle is the new job security." Forbes.

The number one objection I hear when I suggest Etsy as a source of income is "I'm not creative". First of all, I believe everyone has creative talent, some haven't developed it, others haven't pursued it. Second, not all work on Etsy is creative! Folks sell supplies, antiques, party supplies (store bought items with slight modifications) and much more. There's unlimited potential on Amazon handmade, as well.

The second objection I hear is "Etsy charges fees". It's 20 cents to list an item folks, 5 for a dollar. If you need a spot, I've got you. Etsy takes 5% IF your item sells and the customer pays shipping. Normally I would say you have to spend money to make money but that's hardly the case here. You can fill an Etsy shop with 100 listings (the same items listed several times) for $20. If you sell a blanket for $30 that cost you $5 to make, you've started to turn a profit.

In addition to running my Etsy business, I also contract myself out to Chloe + Isabel and Discovery Toys. Yes, yes, these are network marketing companies, you caught me! But technology has made it possible for me to use my skills to share links, pictures, promotional materials and incentives online and meet new friends and customers. I use my blog, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook accounts to share the products I love with people who have similar interests. I provide reviews, insight into how to get  the most out of your purchase, customer service, and my customers appreciate me and I them. 

I have to add, I've made more meaningful friendships in just two years doing this than I have in all my years of working anywhere else. It's so much more than a source of income.

Maybe you're reading this and wondering if it's time for a change. I posted this the other day, maybe it will resonate with you. The world needs more women like you. You are uniquely talented and brilliant by God's design and have something wonderful to offer.

Are you giving the best of yourself, your talents, your skills to something or someone that doesn't serve you or your family? Maybe it's time to make a change.

I'll leave you with this. I once went job hunting. Hired myself. Never looked back. 

The $1 Kit is Back!

Can ya'll believe it's June? A new month means a fresh new start. Summer? Yes, please!

For Chloe + Isabel, a new month means new sales and promotions, new opportunities, and new perks! This month we are offering our starter kit for just $1. That's less than the cost of your morning latte.

 

Another great perk for joining this month is a free ticket SOAR! This is our annual convention. This year it's being held in Las Vegas in July. This will be my first one and I'm really excited about it. I had the pleasure of meeting a ton of other C+I merchies in Montreal and Paris on incentives trips and you won't find an opportunity like this anywhere else. Our jewelry is more beautiful than ever, our community is growing, and the future is bright!

Of course, there were a few requirements for both the $1 kit and the free SOAR ticket but I think they are kind of laughable. We seriously have THE most ridiculously easy qualifications for everything. You simply have to earn $250 in sales by June 30th. I mean, that's like selling 3 of these rings!

Let me share a few more quick math facts while we are on the subject of money:

For just $1 you get over $700 worth of free jewelry in your starter kit.  Click here to see it.

On average, merchandisers get 1 sale for every 30 emails sent. We charge $0 for the use of our website. A typical online boutique order is $75. Most merchandisers reach $1000 in sales when they hold their first Pop-Up.

We offer a minimum of 25% commission on sales, bumped up to 30% when you reach $800 PLUS $50 in jewelry credit for every $500 in sales! Did I mention the initial 50% discount? 30% everyday? 

So lets say you join today. You spend $1 (plus shipping). You whip up some deviled eggs on some convenient day for you. You send out email/facebook invites. Next thing you know you've made $350 PLUS a free SOAR ticket PLUS $700 worth of jewelry to play with PLUS additional jewelry credit for whatever you want. All for giving it a shot, $1, and the price of a dozen eggs.

I mean, maybe deviled eggs aren't your thing. Or free stuff, I don't know. But if they are, and you do, why not give it a try?

If you're anything like me, it's going to take a lot more than math and pretty pictures. Need more info? Browse the blog starting with the OG post, or better yet, join this information group I've created on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChloeandIsabelOpportunity/

Disclaimer: This is a brand new group so bear with me if you're stumbling on this blog post before I get to organizing it. I hope to include all the facts you'll need to help you decide if this opportunity is right for you. 

If you've been mulling it over for awhile and waiting for the perfect financial opportunity to join, click here to join today!

I can't wait to get to know you, find out your "why", and share my love for this company and all it's done for me and my family with you. Better yet, I can't wait to meet you in Vegas! I'll probably be wearing this.

Until then, have a splendid day!

The Pinnacle of Network Marketing - Paris in the Spring

About this time 2 years ago I found myself frustrated with the task of looking for the perfect job. Healthcare beat me down and wasn't worth the commute and cost of child care. And my first work from home job with Stitch Fix felt just as demanding as a "real" job, locked in to hours and quotas. I was working hard trying to figure out how to monetize my blog, reading endless articles about ways to improve my Etsy shop. Some days I wondered if going back to work was eminent.

That's when I bought the magic beans. Did ya'll grow up watching Mickey & the Beanstalk? I was obsessed.

It seems the perfect metaphor. Network marketing sounded so ridiculous to me at the time that rather than pursuing it directly, I went about representing Chloe + Isabel as a blog affiliate rather than just buying the Koolaid.

I like Kool-Aid, by the way. I grew up drinking the Kool-Aid, both literally and metaphorically. My mom sold Avon, and I thought those tiny tubes of lipstick were the greatest thing ever. And I still call anything that keeps food in the fridge Tupperware.

But then, with this company? Why am I so giddy about Chloe + Isabel? It could be that I finished my taxes and see that I made 5 figures last year from this crazy thing. Perhaps it's the check I just wrote to a friend, made possible by fundraising. Or it could be that I just got back from a trip to Paris my company paid for. I truly found the perfect "job" as a Chloe + Isabel merchandiser.

Want to see pictures of Paris? It was so magical! Monet's Gardens....

Proof I was there.

The waterlily pond

Endless flowers

Monet's home, Giverny

I did all kinds of other magical things in Paris, I spent a whole week there with my CandI sisters visiting museums, shopping, and eating everything you can imagine. And I woke up every morning, to this!

And, of course, I saw this.

And this.

Obviously this.

I bet you're wondering how you earn something like this. Is it plausible? Could YOU do it? Do you need magic beans? I've never been able to say with more confidence - you can do it!

Did I mention I have 4 kids? Did you catch the part about me running my own Etsy business? If I can do this, so can you!

You really must have 1 million questions, I know I did. I've written several posts on the subject. In short, I don't throw endless home parties or peddle my wares around town; I almost exclusively sell online. I don't pester friends & family. We have minimal quotas, no hidden fees. We enjoy 25-40% commission on sales, a 30% discount (50% when new items launch), get a ridiculous amount of free jewelry and clearly have the best travel incentives in the business.

Regarding our product, it's gorgeous jewelry with a lifetime guarantee. Our designs are exclusive, have unique convertible features and are ahead of the trend while somehow remaining timeless. Our finishes are lead free,  hypoallergenic, and made to last.

We treat our customers like royalty awarding 15% back in rewards and have the most competitive host rewards program around.

If you're thinking about joining at this point, send me a message? You are welcome to click to apply, easy peasy. But talk to me, I want to make sure you're getting the best incentives for joining! Timing is key. If you're reading this May 2018, you really don't have to write. The timing is THE best; if you reach $500 in sales come end of June, receive a full rebate on your kit!

It happens to be pretty rad right now. Come May, we started the earning period for our fall trip to Charleston, South Carolina. The kit is just $175 and includes all this goodness.

Don't hurt your eyes, I did the math. The jewelry in the kit is worth $725! Dude, I wish this was my kit. Silver, gold, rose gold goodness!

There's something though, not quantifiable, about the beauty of this thing. A culture, a community you won't find anywhere else.

If you need to know more, you're longing for adventure, hoping for success, let's talk! Find me on Facebook or click on this link: Magic Beans Let's make some magic today. I can't wait to meet you!

If you need to try before you buy, come shop with me! Discover our latest summer collection, Côte d'Azur. We're taking is to the south of France where the sand meets the sea and it is to die for!

Come hang with me, join a party and enter to win prizes for shopping in my VIP group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChloeandIsabelInsideScoopVIP/

Hope to "sea" you there!

How Chloe + Isabel Took Direct Sales to the Next Level

You may have noticed I can't stop talking about Chloe + Isabel. I know, I was formally obsessed with Etsy, subscription boxes and shopping for clothes and that may be why you are here. But when something comes along that changes your life, you can't help but shout it from the rooftops.

Stick with me to the end here because we have a limited time offer

for joining and you aren't going to want to miss it!

I mean, if you're content to shop Chloe + Isabel, that's okay. It's not that life altering. It is beautiful, and everyone will compliment you. The price tag for the quality with make you do a double take. And I did blog about it when I was in that phase, too, because the jewelry is really unique in that it somehow manages to be trendy but timeless at the same time.

That's the thing though. Do you know how rare that is?

I feel like I found this hidden treasure, a brand I can introduce to shoppers that they'll fall in love with and it's providing unexpected, significant income for my big family.

So we have an incredible product. What else?

Class

I don't mean training, I mean standards. I think for a lot of people the biggest barrier to jumping in to this opportunity is fear of the unknown. This is one reason I write up these reviews, I figure you want all the answers to those lingering questions and you want it in writing. It's easy for me to write this with confidence because I know it to be true. I've been with C+I for almost 2 years and we have nothing to hide.

We don't charge our brand representatives to have their own websites. We don't set unrealistic quotas. You don't have to buy boatloads of product to sell it. If you find yourself stuck on what ifs, read this.

Resources

If you have the drive to make money from home and make time to set yourself up for success, all of the training you will ever need is at your fingertips. We have a huge online academy with tips & tricks for selling online, selling one on one, throwing parties, finding hosts, and partnering with other businesses.

You also have the human resource. Not pushy uplines. Rather, mentors who will encourage you and help you grow.

We have a Facebook community where you can learn and gather ideas from other sellers who are rocking their businesses. My lazy side loves this angle, because sometimes I don't feel like digging for answers. I can post a question there and have a dozen responses in minutes.

You might think you don't have the knowledge or know how to do this thing. We've got you covered, everything you need is provided to you.

The Kit

A picture is worth a thousand words in this case. $700 worth of jewelry + supplies for $175....usually....

It's time. I can't contain it any longer.

Join February 1-14th and Pay Just $14 for the Kit!

The company is SO confident you'll sell $500 worth of jewelry this month that they're practically giving it away. We have a new line coming out for spring on the 6th and it's going to practically sell itself. But, if it doesn't work out they'll charge you the rest of the cost of the kit (which you'd normally pay anyway) and you'll be "stuck" with a rad jewelry collection. I assure you, if you get a personal invitation from me to join, I will see this thing through with you!

Let's Meet!

I thought I'd share a picture of myself here doing this thing. 99% of the time, I'm working my business from home, but I love this picture because it represents me doing what I set out to do! I'm having fun, using my hard earned education and skills and working to support my family! I love that I can do that, and not have to give up time with them. It really is incredible.

Heard enough? Let's connect! The best place to reach me is through my Facebook Business Page here:

https://www.facebook.com/ChloeandIsabelMelanieRhoades/

See you there!

What's in the Kit: The Chloe + Isabel Merchandiser Starter Kit Fall 2017

If you've been following my blog for years, you may know me as an Etsy shop owner and handmade advocate. Let's be honest, few people have the luxury of surviving exclusively on this type of income. I'm also a merchandiser with Chloe + Isabel. If you've stumbled upon this post, you may be considering becoming a Chloe + Isabel Merchandiser. Either way, this post is for you.

I can't wait to spill the beans on the must fun job I've had to date. I'll take you through the most commonly asked questions Chloe + Isabel jewelry lovers have when considering this unique opportunity. You may have come across the first article I wrote on the subject before reading this. This post includes updates and special promotions for September 2017. For the latest kit, click here.

Let's begin with the Q&A:

1. What's in the Kit?

There's an easy one, here you go!

(Newest here: https://moderntypography.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-pinnacle-of-network-marketing-paris.html)

You'll noticed it's changed a little since I joined. They still include a carrying case, catalogs, and order forms to get you started. Also, a variety of metals, mix of classic and modern designs, our signature wrap bracelets and plenty of convertible pieces (a feature that is sure to win over new clients).

The overall value of the kit is phenomenal, $800 worth of jewelry for just $175 (plus materials). But wait....there's more! This month only Chloe + Isabel is offering new merchandisers additional perks for joining, 6 pieces from the fall 2017 collection!

With the bonus kit included, the retail value is ~$1200! I wish my kit came with all this goodness!

2. Does Chloe + Isabel have a sales quota?

We most certainly do but you have 6 months to meet it, and it's $600. You'll accomplish this with your first party, I guarantee it. But I'm sure you'll see in time that this number more than reasonable. (This number was $100 in 6 months previously, this post had an update)

At this point you're probably thinking to yourself, it seems to good to be true. I was skeptical. But I assure you, the risk here is minimal. For me personally, I didn't consider it any risk at all, given I love the jewelry. There are absolutely no hidden fees or expectations.

3. What kind of discount do merchandisers receive?

Perhaps you are a kit napper, as they say. You want the goods! We offer a 30% discount to merchandisers at all times. When new items are released and during the first 30 days after you join, merchandisers receive 50% off!

4. Talk to me about commission.

All of our merchandisers start out at 25% commission. This pretty standard across brands. Merchandisers who reach sales goals can earn as much as 40% commission. Commission is paid monthly, or bi-monthly during special promotions, via direct deposit. Merchandisers are responsible for paying income tax as applicable.

In addition to commission, there are incentives for hitting milestones and goals. These vary from cash to free jewelry. Read on to hear about a special incentive I earned.

5. Is the website provided for sales and training easy to manage?

Absolutely. You'll receive your own website for sales with a unique link at no cost to you. The academy online offers a variety of tools to learn and grow your business. Additionally, you'll be assigned to a team where you'll receive support and encouragement. Our Facebook community is my favorite of all of the resources we have. You have someone at your fingertips 24 hours a day to answer questions, give advice and share ideas with.

6. Why C+I?

Since joining C+I, I've learned a lot about what sets our company apart from the rest. Our product is high quality, made to last. It's hypoallergenic and nickel free. Women can shop your boutique confidently, knowing that each piece is thoughtfully and carefully made. Sometimes the unexpected happens and beloved pieces break or arrive flawed. Our lifetime guarantee protects our customers from buyers remorse in any and all circumstances. Our customer service is top notch. Customers also love having a personal shopper, unique styles, a constantly rotating catalog and styling ideas.

Our merchandiser community is buzzing with the phrase "best kept secret" and I've found this to be true. With just 6 years under our belt, our brand is often a pleasant surprise to new clients. Our product is not sold in retail stores or on other websites. Our customers love to parade their exclusive jewelry around the office, on the town and out and about.

At this point the only question you might be asking is, why not? If you are wondering about the investment of time or energy, just know that our community of merchandisers is women from all walks of life. The beauty of this opportunity is that your experience will be as unique as you are.

Ultimately, I decided the opportunity was just that - an opportunity! An opportunity to learn and grow, provide for my family and do something fun! It has done all of those things, and so much more.

About a year ago, a friend of mine in direct sales posted a picture of a car people had earned working for their brand. I thought, that's outrageous, it's just a bunch of smoke in mirrors. Cut to September 2017, I earned a trip to Montreal. That's right, Chloe + Isabel is paying for me to go on vacation and I couldn't be more excited! If you're following me on Pinterest, you may have recently seen an influx of pins with travel ideas for this magical destination.

I'm not suggesting everyone who joins will achieve this, but it's definitely a real possibility. Chloe + Isabel sent me the beautiful leather passport holder in the picture above, underneath the Sunlit Savannah necklace. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm really going somewhere.

Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to comment publicly or anonymously with questions. Even better, let's talk, online or in person (if you are in Orange County, CA) and answer any questions you might have. You can find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChloeandIsabelInsideScoopVIP/

Last, I'll leave you with this thought. What is life, but one grand adventure? Read on here.

My First Year in Direct Sales

Do you think anyone ever said as a kid, "When I grow up I want to work in direct sales!"? Probably not. In fact, even most adults turn their nose at the idea of network marketing. There's still this stigma out there about merchandising. Truly, before I became a stylist with Chloe + Isabel, I believed there must be a catch. I anticipated fees, quotas, team building, awkward social interactions and didn't anticipate real income. I was a typical "kit napper" as we say in the industry. I bought the Chloe + Isabel starter kit just for the jewelry, but not before asking a ton of questions. Ultimately, I decided I had nothing to lose. I'm so glad I took the leap!

While I didn't really intend for this to become an episode of myth busters, I do want to start out by saying SOME of the rumors are true:

We do work in teams. We sell a product we love, and our personal success is a direct result of the time and effort put into selling a well made product, not the dream. Teams are a place of encouragement, inspiration and celebration. I do benefit from inviting others to join, but I seldom do it. The company encourages us to send invitations to women with similar goals and interests, but doesn't every company?

We have quotas...$600 in sales in 6 months! Let's call that a personal order, not a quota.

We have parties! No quotas there. In one year I've had one in home party and participated in 3 vendor events. I didn't care for either format. I happen to love hosting Facebook parties so this has been the avenue for me. Initially I was shooting for 4+ a month but this became overwhelming. Now I'm hosting approximately 2-3 a month and this allows me time to plan and give each party and co-host the attention they deserve. By hosting online, I can avoid spending money on displays, refreshments and transportation. No house cleaning needed. This picture makes me laugh. What's a mom's night out with kids there?!

We have catalogs! This is not your Mamas Avon catalog. It's a big, juicy, modern lookbook in both print and digital/interactive format. Click here to see for yourself.

However, most of the rumors are just that. I think the biggest misconception/fear is that we will invest more than we make. I can attest, real money is to be made here.

But what kind of money you ask? The kind of money that's paid for food for a family of 6 in Orange County, California for a year. Some months the kind of money that pays for that plus gas, utilities, Christmas presents, band booster donations, soccer fees & uniforms, car parts, date nights, shoes, more shoes (I'm talking about kid's shoes by the way), AWANA store donations, and adoption donations. I've paid off a big portion of debt, too.

Best part? This opportunity has allowed me to be home with my kids.

Friday marks my 1 year Candi Anniversary! Come celebrate with me in my Facebook VIP group! I just might be having a giveaway (winky face). I promise, it's a fun and welcoming group with styling ideas, updates about sales & promotions, and many, many laughs.

Be sure and sign up for blog emails, too. I hope to share more about why I chose C+I, how to avoid overspending and focus on a profit if you're in sales, tips & tricks for online parties, and more about direct sales. I also plan to share more about my Etsy shop.

If you're considering taking a leap all your own, you can click here for more info. Won't you message me first? I'd love to get you set up for success and answer any lingering questions you might have: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeandIsabelMelanieRhoades/

Still have questions? Follow this link to a more recent post about what's in the merchandiser kit.


Just feel like shopping? That's welcome, too! Follow my link to shop anytime, day or night.

This blog contains my affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I don't recommend anything I don't love!