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!

How to Get Your Best Fix, Tips & Tricks

I'm not sure why in all these Fixes it never occurred to me to do a "How to Get Your Best Fix" post. I suppose I didn't feel altogether certain I had it all figured out. Turns out, it's not quite the mystery I thought it would be! In fact, most of these facts about Stitch Fix were shared by the company itself on the Stitch Fix Blog, I've just put together the bits and pieces. Whether you are thinking about trying Stitch Fix for the first time, or a seasoned Fixer, I hope to share a few tips to improve your Stitch Fix experience.

Fill up the box.

No, I'm not talking about the Stitch Fix box, although people do love to photograph their boxes with everything from babies to pumpkins.

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix yet, I'm talking about your style profile, specifically, the little box at the bottom. When you head over to the Stitch Fix website and register for the first time, you'll fill out a questionnaire with everything from your shoe size to your fit preferences. Don't get me wrong, these questions are really important.

Still, that little bitty box for your "Final Thoughts" is your greatest opportunity to tell your stylist what makes you YOU. Stitch Fix is a lot of things to a lot of people (a LOT). What's it to you? The Stitch Fix Blog recommends adding a few notes about your body shape, your style icons, or your favorite stores to shop. I would add to that your lifestyle, favorite colors to wear, and specifics about sizing (such as inseam, or sizes you are between).

You have another opportunity to tell Stitch Fix more about yourself just before your Fix gets styled. You'll receive an email with a link to yet another box where you can tell your stylist what is on your wardrobe wishlist. Or you can click here: Last Minute Requests.

Here a couple of the notes I've written for myself the past:

"I need tops I can throw on with casual jeans, dressy t-shirts, tanks or henleys, something durable/kid friendly. Also need a top to wear with my navy wide leg trousers for a patriotic concert, maybe red/white stripes, or all red. If you send a dress, maybe fit and flare, knee length, ponte has always worked best for me. Was tempted to just say "surprise me" this time!"

"I like navy, gray, and black. I love tunics. I love open cardigans but they have to fit over clothes. I need mostly casual clothes, for layering. My clothes need to be practical, sturdy, wash easy. I'm more likely to keep items under $50."

Share a Picture of Yourself

The easiest way to do that is via profile picture on the Stitch Fix App.

Did I just lose half of you? It's really not a big deal if you don't have the Stitch Fix App. I didn't download it at first, I didn't have room on my phone thanks to "Subway SurferS" and "Dragon City". I just wanted to make sure everyone realized you can share a profile picture there. You can also view what's coming to you after it ships, giving you more time to admire their prettiness, and think about how they'll mix and match with what's in your closet.

There are a few other ways to share a picture, such as uploading a selfie to your Pinterest board, or linking up your LinkedIN profile. You can wear your favorite Stitch Fix pieces, or wear a leotard. You can put a paper bag over your head, or take a picture with your pet alligator. Whatever floats your boat. Whatever you choose, it really makes for a more personalized experience.

I'm thinking of changing mine to this. Does this say, "I like casual, boho styles. Nothing too fancy, because babies are going to spit on me" ???

Tell em What You Think

After you checkout, take a minute or 2 to tell Stitch Fix what you loved and what you didn't love about the pieces you kept and the ones you sent back. Too long? Too furry? Perfect color? Best Fix Ever? When they sent me the Brixon Ivy Pinson Drape Cardigan I wrote "Do this again!" It goes with everything, which I never would have expected from a blush and oatmeal color combination. How do you do it Stitch Fix, how?

Leave a Little Room for Mystery

People often compare receiving Stitch Fix to Christmas morning. I'm not going to lie, I still feel that way 15 Fixes in! I'm always wondering when I'm going to find my next favorite ever piece. And often, it's the one I least expected. I kept my entire 1st Fix, and the Evie Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweatshirt was initially my least favorite. Now I wear it all the time! Here's a flashback to me wearing it when #4 was still tiny.

Don't fret too much about writing the perfect note or finding the best profile picture. Keep an open mind and have fun with it!

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link: Sign Up Here

Stay tuned for my next Reveal! Here's a sneek peek from my iPhone: